Kentucky Oaks 2022
At 0h33, on May 5, 2022 • By NEWSROOM
There is one guarantee in this year’s wide-open Kentucky Oaks. The post-time favorite will be higher than 5-2, the odds of morning-line choice Nest. Kathleen O., Nest, Echo Zulu and Secret Oath all have put forth efforts that are good enough to compete for the top spot.
Nest (5-2) earned her role as the morning-line favorite with a powerhouse performance in the Central Bank Ashland Stakes at Keeneland, pulling away to win by 8 1/4 lengths on a track labeled “wet fast”. She looks like the most likely winner and trainer Todd Pletcher’s best bet for a record-tying fifth Oaks win.
When it’s said that a horse has done nothing wrong, she’s the poster girl for it. Kathleen O (7-2) started four times and triumphed each time, including a win in the mud in her debut. Can’t do any better than that, can you?
Echo Zulu (4-1) was the 2-year-old champion and is still undefeated, which would normally make her a short-priced favorite here. However, her lone 2022 start was that narrow victory in the Fair Grounds Oaks. She would be that good.
Secret Oath (6-1) was dominant in two efforts against fillies to start the year for legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas and then was a game third despite some trouble when facing the boys in the Arkansas Derby. She’s certainly a major factor here.
