The fillies go in the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 6th a prelude to the famous old Kentucky Derby on Sunday. All of the action takes place at the Churchill Down, and the Oaks offers up a nice million dollars for the winner after the purse was doubled this year. Who are we looking at in the 2011 Kentucky Oaks betting? Well, the majority of the 2011 Kentucky Oaks betting is leaning towards Joyful Victory. The trainer, Larry Jones has won the Kentucky Oaks a couple of times before, so knows all about this race. This is the 137th running of the Oak, and Joyful Victory looks to be a pretty sound bet. She is a stunning looking horse, not that that makes any difference for your betting, but the grey filly really will stand out in Louisville for one reason or another. The draw for the Oaks has placed Joyful Victory in stall one though, not the ideal place where she would want to be, but shouldn‘t hamper her chances too much. Still, she looks ready and comes to the race in very good shape and goes with Hall of Fame Jockey Mike Smith in the saddle. Joyful Victory has been improving so much, she is going to take some stopping. The filly has stormed through victories in her last three races, and she may only be favourite now because R Heat Lightning was pulled from the race because of injury, it doesn’t take anything away from what this three year old is capable of.
The biggest threat could well come from the awesomely named Kathmanblu, who come from a strong jockey and trainer partnership for the season. Kathmanblu is no stranger to stakes victories, and is well worth taking a look at for value. Has been a winner at Churchill Downs before as well, where she romped to an eight and a half length victory. The filly is another one who has been improving a lot over the season. Would also take a solid look at Plum Pretty as well, as trainer Bob Baffert has landed an Oaks before, and this is a filly with a heck of a lot of speed in the tank. Plum Pretty and Summer Soiree could be among the early pace setters, but watch for Joyful Victory to sit in behind the leaders and wait for her chance. That is also where Kathmanblu will go from. That is why you will really want to be looking at those two for your 2011 Kentucky Oak betting. The field is pretty deep and there are some strong challengers down the list, but the 1 and 1/8 mile race looks set to be another good pay day for Joyful Victory after her strong victories at the Honeybee and Fantasy. This is a Grade I race though for her now, but all the signs from the Joyful Victory camp looks as if she is ready for this step up. The pace could be quick this year, but as long as she is tracking around mid pack then she will have enough in the tank to take this race. Would stick with Joyful Victory in your 2011 Kentucky Oaks betting, with Kathmanblu looking a very strong each way bet.
Kentucky Oaks Outright Winner Betting Odds
Joyful Victory: 5/2 at Boylesports
Zazu: 9/2 at Paddy Power
Kathmanblu: 11/2 at Bet365
Plum Pretty: 6/1 at Bet365
Summer Soiree: 6/1 at Bet365
Lilacs and Lace: 16/1 at Paddy Power
Her Smile: 16/1 at Paddy Power
Daisy Devine: 20/1 at Bet365
