Distance
1 1/8 miles
Surface
Dirt
Eligibility
3yo only
Grade
G1
About the race
The premier 3-year-old fillies race, run the day before the Derby at Churchill Downs. The fillies' equivalent of the Derby in stature.
Race history
First run in 1875, the same year as the Derby — both were named after British counterparts (Epsom Oaks, Epsom Derby). The Oaks has its own week-long following at Churchill, including the 'Lily for the Fillies' purple-and-white ceremony. Field is typically 14, smaller than the Derby; betting handle has grown sharply as the race has built its national profile.
Betting trends
What sharps watch for
- 01
Fields are typically 14 horses — large but more manageable than the Derby, so trip trouble is less catastrophic.
- 02
Favorites have hit at a higher clip than at the Derby; the fillies prep ladder produces clearer separation.
- 03
The Fair Grounds Oaks + Ashland (Keeneland) + Santa Anita Oaks are the most predictive preps.
- 04
Speed bias is similar to the Derby — Churchill's main track tends to favor pressers over deep closers.
Recent winners
Last 5 editions
| Year | Winner | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Thorpedo Anna | — |
| 2023 | Pretty Mischievous | — |
| 2022 | Secret Oath | — |
| 2021 | Malathaat | — |
| 2020 | Shedaresthedevil | — |
Where to bet the The Oaks
US pari-mutuel wagering happens through licensed operators. TVG (FanDuel-owned) and TwinSpires (Churchill Downs) are the two largest dedicated US racing platforms; both ship win/place/show plus the full exotic ladder (exacta, trifecta, superfecta, daily double, Pick 3/4/6) at the Churchill Downs meeting.
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