The track at Churchill Downs was listed as sloppy for the first race this morning, but by the time the Kentucky Oaks was run the track was listed as fast. The rain arrived last night and stopped shortly before racing began today. The number of people on hand was 105,719.
The full field of 14 fillies began the race. Soon after leaving the gate, Positive Spirit was squeezed back and ended up clipping heels. She stumbled and completely unseated her jockey, Manny Franco. Manny walked back to the barn area in fine, but disgusted, condition. The outriders were able to catch Positive Spirit, who walked back to the barn area under her own power. She has some scrapes and bruising, but nothing serious, according to the veterinarian on call.
The betting favorite at post time was Bellafina, but Serengeti Empress soon took the lead, and finished the race in front of everyone else, winning by 1 3/4 lengths, in a time of 1:50.17 for the 1 and 1/8 miles. Long-shot Liora, at 38 to 1, had put in a huge drive in the stretch, but couldn't catch the leader, still finishing 5 1/2 lengths in front of Lady Apple in third. Champagne Anyone missed third place by a neck, and was followed by betting favorite Bellafina in fifth. The rest of the field finished in the following order: 6th, Street Band; 7th, Chocolate Kisses; 8th, Motion Emotion; 9th, Jeltrin; 10th, Out for a Spin; 11th, Flor de La Mar; 12th, Restless Rider; 13th, Jaywalk; and Positive Spirit did not finish.
With Serengeti Empress at odds of 13 to 1, and Liora at 38 to 1, the payouts were impressive. Payouts for a $2 bet to win, place or show were: $28 for Serengeti Empress; $32.60 for Liora; and $7 for Lady Apple. A $2 exacta bet paid $878.40; a $2 trifecta bet paid $14,043.60; and a $2 superfecta bet paid $134,174.80.
Luckless Positive Spirit and Manny Franco
Serengeti Empress before the race
Liora
Lady Apple
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