(Good Cheer / Photos by Holly M. Smith)

11th: 11-10-5/6-7-9/13-14/2-8/3-1…G1 Kentucky Oaks…The 151st version of this huge race for the best 3YO fillies in all the land. I go with the undefeated champ — Good Cheer (11). This is another one for Godolphin and she is a perfect 6-for-6 going into the 11/8-mile mega race. Has never truly been challenged. Has never won by less than 21/2 lengths. In 3 tries here? Has 3 wins. Will stalk the speed here and pounce. Likely to run off like Monomoy Girl did for trainer Brad Cox several years ago. This gal can run. Take Charge Milady (10) ran very well in the G1 Ashland. I think her run was truly the most impressive against a speedster on a speed-favoring track. This gale has the final kick to be successful against most other 3YO fillies. Just so happens, though, that Good Cheer is not any other 3YO filly. Quickick (5) is 30-1 in the ML and is coming off three straight showings that has rendered just one 3rd. But? This gal is talented and the best closer in the race. Tom Amoss has won this race before. May be able to score a big longshot price here. Ballerina d’Oro (6) is a beautiful grey and is coming in off a win. Will need some help to get up in the end. But may pick up the pieces late. La Cara (7) is one of the speedsters who is surely to ensure a fast pace. Won the G1 Ashland with a gate-to-wire win job. But? Can the speed really hold in this one. I don’t think so. I bet the 11-5 across the board and then box the top 3 numbers in the exactas. I will key the top 3 numbers over/under the 6-7-9 in two smaller units. I will also key the 11 over/under the “all button,” as well.