logo
Filly Good Cheer stays unbeaten, rallying in the mud to win 151st Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs

Filly Good Cheer stays unbeaten, rallying in the mud to win 151st Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs

Mint03-05-2025

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Neither a muddy track nor a shaky start to the biggest race of her career deterred Good Cheer from staying perfect.
The unbeaten filly rallied on the outside through the slop to overtake Tenma by the final furlong and win the 151st Kentucky Oaks by 2 1/4 lengths on Friday at Churchill Downs.
Louisville-born trainer Brad Cox watched the heavy 6-5 favorite cover 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.15 on a wet but sealed surface with Luis Saez aboard. Good Cheer paid $4.78, $3.62 and $3.02 for her seventh dominant victory.
The bay daughter of Megdalia d'Oro and Wedding Toast by Street entered the Oaks with a combined victory margin of more than 42 lengths, and on Friday, she added more distance to her resume with a stunning surge.
It's the biggest in a string of graded stakes wins dating back to last fall, and it came with a garland of pink lilies.
'We know she is a very special filly,' said Saez, who rode to his sixth consecutive win aboard Good Cheer. 'Of course, we were a little nervous, but I know she has a lot of talent. I rode her pretty confident because we know ... she's going to make a big move.'
Cox, who grew up blocks from Churchill Downs, earned his third Oaks win in seven years, Saez his second in three. Good Cheer ownership group Godolphin LLC won its second Oaks in three years and seeks its first Kentucky Derby win on Saturday with Sovereignty and East Avenue.
The trainer's Oaks win follows a stakes win by filly Immersive, who won last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies race on the way to clinching the Eclipse Award as the top 2-year-old. Cox took satisfaction in how Good Cheer ran with no room for error as the overwhelming favorite of 13 horses.
'She travels around the turn and then you're like, 'Well, she's coming,'' he said. 'And then all of a sudden, in the blink of an eye, she's three (lengths) in front of them. So she definitely passed the eye test.'
Drexel Hill paid $21.02 and $11.76 for second while Bless the Broken was third and returned $4.78.
A thunderstorm that roared through about two hours before the scheduled post left the track soggy and sent many of the 100,910 fans seeking shelter at the track's urging. The $1.5 million showcase for 3-year-old fillies was delayed by 10 minutes, and the conditions proved to be a minor nuisance for Good Cheer.
She was off the pace after starting from the No. 11 post but well within range of the leaders before charging forward through the final turns. Good Cheer was fourth entering the stretch and closed inside and into the lead, pulling away for her fourth win at Churchill Downs and second in the mud.
'Once you get her out and open, she's going to dig in and run hard as well,' Michael Banahan of Godolphin LLC said. "I was happy enough where she was down the backside and I know there was a little bit of speed in the race as well. Luis had her in a good spot and she looked like she was running comfortably."
First Published: 3 May 2025, 06:10 AM IST

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Chris Broussard predicts Mike Tomlin's first losing season despite Aaron Rodgers joining Steelers
Chris Broussard predicts Mike Tomlin's first losing season despite Aaron Rodgers joining Steelers

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Chris Broussard predicts Mike Tomlin's first losing season despite Aaron Rodgers joining Steelers

Chris Broussard on Mike Tomlin's first losing season (Image via AP) Chris Broussard didn't hold back when assessing the Pittsburgh Steelers' playoff hopes after acquiring veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. On FS1, Broussard gave a sobering projection that this could mark Mike Tomlin's first losing season as head coach — despite optimism surrounding Rodgers' presence. Analyst says Aaron Rodgers' arrival won't be enough as AFC North competition looms large The longtime analyst argued that Aaron Rodgers' arrival has been overhyped, especially given the brutal competitiveness of the AFC North. 'This is going to be the 1st losing season of Mike Tomlin's career,' Broussard said. 'I'm going to give them some benefit of the doubt. Now, I'm not saying they will definitely, but let's say they start 3-0. That's a big if.' Broussard laid out a scenario where the Steelers split their six division games in the AFC North — going 3-3 — and still finish the season at 8-9. 'Even if I say they start 3-0, go .500 in the division, they're still 8-9. I just think it's going to be failure,' he added. Rodgers hasn't made playoffs since 2021 Broussard also questioned Rodgers' recent form and injury history, suggesting the hype around his arrival is misplaced. 'He (Aaron Rodgers) hasn't made the playoffs since 2021. His last three seasons — or really two, since he got hurt with the Jets in his first year — he's 13-21.' Aaron Rodgers gives Steelers best QB play in years, will not make a difference | FIRST THINGS FIRST Given the strength of the AFC North — with Joe Burrow's Bengals, Lamar Jackson's Ravens, and a resurgent Browns defense — Broussard argued that Rodgers may not be enough to push the Steelers into contention. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Stylish New Mobility Scooters Available for Seniors (Take a Look) Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Search Now Undo Not everyone agrees with Broussard. Former NFL player and FS1 analyst James Jones offered a completely different outlook, suggesting Rodgers' arrival instantly elevates the franchise. 'Well they're a playoff team now,' Jones said on The Facility. 'Once you get to the playoffs, anything can happen. Coach Tomlin should have a smile on his face this morning because now your team has a chance to compete,' he continued. 'A couple of days ago, your team did not have a chance to compete, but Aaron Rodgers walking into that building — instantly you're a playoff team. I believe Aaron Rodgers still has a lot of good football left in him. ' Aaron Rodgers signs one-year deal with Steelers, team "now has a chance to compete" | THE FACILITY Also read: Eagles double down on Saquon Barkley – Jalen Hurts takes backseat as Philly commits to run-first era The Steelers last made the playoffs in 2021 and have remained on the fringe since. Tomlin, renowned for never having a losing season since taking over in 2007, now finds himself in the crossfire of conflicting projections — with the 2025 campaign shaping up to be one of the most scrutinized of his career.

WTC Final: 'Kagiso Rabada will be a massive threat' - South Africa players ahead of Australia clash
WTC Final: 'Kagiso Rabada will be a massive threat' - South Africa players ahead of Australia clash

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

WTC Final: 'Kagiso Rabada will be a massive threat' - South Africa players ahead of Australia clash

South Africa's Kagiso Rabada celebrates with his teammates ( AP/PTI) South African cricketers Kyle Verreynne, David Bedingham, Aiden Markram , and Tristan Stubbs have praised their teammate Kagiso Rabada as the world's best bowler ahead of the World Test Championship final against Australia on June 11. Currently ranked second in the ICC Men's Test Bowling Rankings behind Jasprit Bumrah , Rabada 's teammates expressed their confidence in his abilities at Lord's. Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, speaking exclusively to the ICC before the World Test Championship decider, emphasized Rabada's status in world cricket. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! " KG's the best bowler in the world. Without a doubt, he's the best bowler in the world and I think he's one of those guys that always wants to do it on the big stage and you don't get any stages bigger than this, so I think he's going to be massive for us," Verreynne stated. Verreynne, who witnessed Rabada's five-wicket haul at Lord's previously, shared his unique perspective as a wicketkeeper. "Any game that he plays in, any team that he plays for, KG with the Proteas badge, and I think especially in white kit, is a different beast. I know how much Test cricket means to him and I know how much he loves this current team and this space, so putting all of those things into his performance, I think he'll be a massive threat," he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Our one of a kind Patented Cold Water Extraction Process Superior Ginseng Undo Major League Cricket: Liam Plunkett on how cricket can boom in the USA David Bedingham expressed his admiration for Rabada's previous success at Lord's. "I genuinely think he's the best bowler in the world. He's played here (Lord's), he's taken wickets here before, so him going well will go a long way to us winning the whole thing. He's an amazing person... and he makes our jobs a lot easier. He's the leader of our attack," Bedingham said. Opener Aiden Markram highlighted Rabada's leadership qualities and ability to perform in crucial moments. " (Rabada) gets up for the really big moments. He wants to lead from the front and he takes a lot of guys with him on that journey. So, obviously a big player for us, but he's (also) been complemented really well in the bowling department by everyone else and they've, sort of, found a way to work really well together. No doubt he's the leader of the attack, but he pulls guys with him and guys tend to follow," Markram explained. Quiz: Who's that IPL player? Rabada's previous performance at Lord's was noteworthy, taking 5/52 in the first innings and seven wickets in total during South Africa's victory over England in August 2022. Markram recalled the intense atmosphere during that match. "I remember the wicket was quite busy. We were in the slip cordon and we were on edge the whole time, because it felt like every ball you could get a catch. But, (Rabada) bowled really well. He used the (Lord's) slope and various angles really well, broke partnerships when there was a partnership to break and did what he does... so special to have been on the field," Markram said. Batter Tristan Stubbs also expressed his confidence in Rabada's form. "He's an amazing bowler and he's fresh and ready to go, I'm happy he's on my team," Stubbs told ICC Digital.

French Open 2025: How Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner gave us a glimpse of the future
French Open 2025: How Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner gave us a glimpse of the future

Time of India

time5 hours ago

  • Time of India

French Open 2025: How Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner gave us a glimpse of the future

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz (right) and second placed Jannik Sinner of Italy pose with trophies after the final match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Sunday, June 8, 2025 (Image via AP /Thibault Camus) In A Complete Unknown , folk singer Pete Seeger tells an audience: 'A few months back, my friend Woody Guthrie and I met a young man who dropped in out of nowhere and played us a song. In that moment, it felt like we got a glimpse of the future. ' That young man was Bob Dylan , who didn't just change folk music but transcended the traditional barriers of space, time, and language with his craft—to the point that he became the first songwriter to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. On June 8 in Paris, two young men, both born after Y2K, also gave us a glimpse of the future—a post-Federer-Nadal-Djokovic future of tennis. A COMPLETE UNKNOWN | Official Teaser | Searchlight Pictures But let's back up a little to 2003, when Andy Roddick won the US Open after beating Juan Carlos Ferrero (now immaculately ageing like fine wine in Carlos Alcaraz's corner). He thought he was on the verge of a big innings, the new Great American Hope after Messrs Sampras and Agassi. Except, a classy gentleman from Switzerland, a bullish young man from Spain, and a gluten-free cyborg from Serbia had other ideas. In fact, for the next two decades, only 11 other men bothered the record keepers at Wimbledon , Flushing Meadows, Roland Garros and Melbourne Park. But under the Parisian sun, on the burnt orange soil of Roland Garros, we saw a new kind of final play out. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pinga-Pinga e HBP? Tome isso 1x ao dia se tem mais de 40 anos Portal Saúde do Homem Clique aqui Undo One that didn't just hark back to a glorious past but portended a new kind of future. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, two men not old enough to rent cars in some countries, produced a match for the ages: 5 hours and 29 minutes of court sorcery, athletic defiance, and generational transition. The Five-Set Epic Alcaraz and Sinner have been on a collision course for a while. Both had perfect records in Slam finals: Alcaraz 4 out of 4, Sinner 3 out of 3. They had met in quarters and semis before, but never in a Grand Slam final. Neither had come back from two sets down. Neither had survived a match over four hours. Something had to give, and it did in Paris. The 2025 French Open final didn't start like an instant classic. In fact, it was slow, laborious and ponderous—more Breaking Bad pilot than Game of Thrones. Sinner broke Alcaraz early, playing with depth and discipline, pushing the Spaniard behind the baseline. His backhand down the line—his Excalibur—sliced through Alcaraz's defence. Set one, 6-3 Sinner. No nerves, no frills. In the philosopher Mick Jagger's words, every saint is always a sinner and Sinner was a saint for the first thirty minutes. Italy's Jannik Sinner plays a shot against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz during their final match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Set two was tighter. Alcaraz's forehands grew heavier, but Sinner's ice held. At 4-4 in the tiebreak, Alcaraz blinked, Sinner's Iceman destroying Alcaraz's Maverick. 7–6(4) Sinner. Two sets to love. The coronation script was already being copy edited but much like a modern-day Tittivillus, Alcaraz decided to ruin the plot. In the third set, he slowed the tempo, mixed up his spins, and started pulling Sinner into angles that could be studied in geometry classes. He broke late and closed it 6–4. The first crack in Sinner's Iceman act. Set four was the turning point of the match—and maybe the rivalry. Sinner served at 5–4, holding three championship points. That's when Alcaraz became the sinner in chief, the Devil who believed that free will was more important than having a seat at the table of heaven. A disguised drop shot that made the audience gasp. A running forehand that hugged the tramline. A backhand pass that defied gravity and good manners. He saved all three. He broke. He held. And in the tiebreak? 7–6(3) Alcaraz. From two sets down, he'd levelled it. Now the match had teeth. By the fifth, it was pure survival. Both called trainers. Both cramped. Both dragged themselves across clay as if auditioning for a post-apocalyptic drama. The rallies slowed. The tension didn't. They traded breaks, traded roars, traded mythologies. At 6–6, it came down to the super tiebreak. A ten-point sprint to tennis immortality. Alcaraz didn't blink. Sinner did. 10–2. The match: 3–6, 6–7(4), 6–4, 7–6(3), 7–6(10–2). A comeback for the ages. The longest Roland Garros final. The first time Alcaraz had come back from two sets down. A Study in Contrast Italy's Jannik Sinner tosses his racket during the final match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in Paris, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) The match was a masterclass in contrast. Alcaraz plays like a flamethrower in a Picasso studio—wild, dazzling, unpredictable. His forehand isn't just fast—it's early, angled, and deadly. His drop shots? Something even the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic troika never had to deal with. Sinner, by contrast, is all discipline and depth. His forehand holds up admirably, but his backhand—flat, fast, and surgical—is the true menace. He takes Alcaraz's spin and redirects it like a prism redirecting light. Even his drop shots, though fewer, are devastating—more assassin than artist. Where Alcaraz paints murals, Sinner solves equations with a scalpel. One plays to the gallery; the other to the gods of geometry. It is style versus structure. Swagger versus silence. Alas one has to give but there's no reason this is the end. If anything, it's the beginning. A Legacy Continues There's a funny thing in sports called the Barrier Effect—or to name it after its progenitor, the Roger Bannister Effect. When Bannister ran the first sub-four-minute mile in 1954, the world thought it was impossible. And then, it wasn't. Once the barrier broke, others stormed through. Watching Sinner and Alcaraz, it feels like they are – in a similar way – summoning the geniuses of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, the men who had almost redefined the art of playing tennis. The French Open had begun with a touching tribute to Rafael Nadal, where his greatest rivals turned up to pay homage. While one can employ many a Kipling-like phrase to describe Nadal, the most fitting was the epic Nike commercial that condensed his never-say-die insouciant essence into a single McEnroe line: 'Is he going to play every point like that?' Te emocionará: el anuncio de Nike que repasa la carrera de Rafa Nadal desde los 16 años I MARCA That line, that ethos, hovered over Philippe-Chatrier like ancestral smoke, much like Kipling's 'If you can meet Triumph and Disaster and treat both Imposters the same' hovers over Centre Court at Wimbledon. And as the match wore on, you could see it in both men—the unwillingness to concede a single point, the refusal to blink, the sacred duty of competing to the brink. I mean, you gotta remember this guy (Alcaraz) has defence and speed like Novak, if not more. He has feel like Federer, you could argue at times if not more. He has RPMs in pace like Rafa. You could argue maybe even more. Andre Agassi (Career Grand Slam Winner) They had watched the greats. Now they are channelling them. Novak Djokovic once said he saw in Alcaraz a mix of himself, Federer and Nadal. John McEnroe called Sinner 'the most improved player on the planet.' On June 8, both men made the prophecy real. Like Seeger watching Dylan, we got a glimpse of the future. And it is going to be glorious. And even if it isn't like Rick and Ilsa in Casablanca: We will always have Paris.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store