(The tack at the barn of Hall of Fame Trainer D. Wayne Lukas / All Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Editor’s Note:

Less than a week away now. Get ready to party.

On Sunday, Holly M. Smith — with camera in hand and another on her trusty shoulder — heady to “Heaven on Earth,” which is better known these days as Churchill Downs.

She caught up with some of the best 3YO fillies and colts in the land, and caught them in action as they put in their final preps and steps to the 149th Kentucky Oaks and Derby.

Here’s a few of her best looks on this day:

Flying Connection: 

Olivia Twist:

Just Another Walk Down Memory Lane: 

Time for a Bike & a Break:

Cody’s Wish:

Rocket Can: 

Santin: 

Wadsworth: 

Santin & Lady Rockstar: 

Margie’s Kitchen & Mendelssohn’s March:

New Year’s Eve:

Comance Country:

Isabel Alexandra:

Wolfies Dynaghost:

Turf Workers Line Up for Duty: 

Wadsworth: 

Youalmosthadme: 

Caravel:

The Look of a Winner:

Youalmosthadme:

Instant Coffee:

Bath Time on Sunday: 

A Main Mane: 

Reincarnate: 

Kangaroo Court: 

Practical Move: 

Kangaroo Court II: 

Ready for Action: 

Dorth Vader: 

 

My Destiny: 

D. Wayne Lukas & His Stuff: 

My Destiny: 

Dappled Out: 

More “The Coach:”

Collaborate: 

The Alys Look: 

Dorth Vader: 

Botanical: 

Wet Paint: 

Rocket Can: 

Pretty Mischievous: 

Time For a Little Nap: 

Dappled Out, II: