Zany Favored in Wide-Open Kentucky Oaks

The 2026 Kentucky Oaks is set to make history by moving to a primetime post time of 8:40 p.m. ET, a strategic shift by Churchill Downs to potentially increase television viewership and betting handle. This year's race features a field of 14 three-year-old fillies, determined by a qualifying points system. Several defections have allowed Nycon to secure a spot despite finishing 26th in qualifying, while Resist remains on the also-eligible list.

Zany has been established as the morning line favorite, one of the few contenders to have previously raced and won at the Oaks' nine-furlong distance. The race boasts a strong contingent of four fillies sired by Gun Runner, the 2017 Eclipse Horse of the Year. However, the lack of a heavy favorite suggests a potentially exciting betting race with attractive payouts.

Notable contenders include Explora, with over $1 million in earnings and a record of four wins and three seconds in seven starts, and the Pletcher-trained filly, who won the Demoiselle Stakes and finished second behind Percy's Bar in the Ashland Stakes. Counting Stars, after a challenging start to her season, has shown strong form, including a win in the Grade 2 Fantasy Stakes.

Other fillies to watch include McCarthy's trainee, a winner of three of four races including the Santa Anita Oaks, and Bella Ballerina, who follows a similar path to victory as the 2023 champion Pretty Mischievous. Always a Runner and Meaning are also considered strong contenders, with Meaning having recently finished second to Explora in the Santa Anita Oaks.