(Jack Christopher is back; just not for this Kentucky Derby / All Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Editor’s Note:

It’s all coming together.

They are all coming together.

The Kentucky Oaks is now just 7 days away. The best fillies in the land — and the world, for that matter — are here in Louisville at Churchill Downs.

The 148th running of the Kentucky Derby is now just 8 days days away. The best 3YO colts in all the racing world are here, or, are their respective ways.

It’s all coming together.

Here’s a few looks from the incredible eye and lens of our own Holly M. Smith:

Jack Christopher, who will miss the KY Derby:

Bonny South, the grand older mare:

KY Oaks Hopeful Beguine:

KY Oaks Hopeful Kathleen O.:

KY Derby Hopeful Barber Road:

KY Derby Hopeful Un Ojo:

KY Derby Hopeful Crown Pride:

KY Derby Hopeful Cyberknife:

KY Oaks Hopeful Kathleen O.:

KY Oaks Hopeful Beguine:

KY Derby Hopeful Barber Road:

KY Oaks Hopefuls Goddess of Fire & Shahama:

KY Derby Hopeful Summer Is Tomorrow:

KY Oaks Hopeful Turnerloose:

KY Derby Hopeful Smile Happy:

KY Oaks Hopeful Hidden Connection:

KY Oaks Hopeful Venti Valentine:

KY Derby Hopeful Charge It:

KY Oaks Hopeful Candy Raid:

KY Oaks Hopeful Kathleen O.:

KY Oaks Hopeful Nest, on the inside:

KY Derby Hopeful Zandon:

KY Derby Hopeful Crown Pride:

KY Oaks Hopeful Cocktail Moments:

KY Oaks Hopeful Goddess of Fire:

KY Derby Hopeful Tiz the Bomb:

Hall of Fame Trainer Bill Mott:

KY Oaks Hopeful Hidden Connection:

KY Oaks Hopeful Venti Valentine:

KY Derby Hopeful Zandon: