The Complete 2022 Kentucky Oaks Guide – Tradition, Pageantry and Thrilling Finish
As a racing fan, I‘m sure you appreciate the immense history and tradition surrounding the Kentucky Oaks. This premier race for three-year-old fillies always delivers excitement and drama on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby. Let‘s dive into the details of this year‘s unforgettable 144th running of the Oaks!
The Fabled History of the Kentucky Oaks
My friend, the Kentucky Oaks has been run at Churchill Downs every year since 1875, when the first Oaks champion was won by Vinaigrette. Just as the Derby is the crowning jewel for three-year-old colts, the Oaks holds the same esteem for fillies.
Over the years, this prestigious race has attracted massive crowds. Last year‘s attendance of 51,838 ranked as the 7th highest in Oaks history. The race enjoys an intense betting interest – the 2022 handle of $19.8 million was the 2nd highest ever. And the purse continues to rise, now up to $1.25 million with $700,000 to the winner.
Let‘s take a look at how the Kentucky Oaks has grown over the decades:
- 1875 – Inaugural running, $650 purse
- 1920 – Purse tops $10,000 for the first time
- 1975 – 100th running, $100,000 purse
- 2003 – Purse raised to $500,000
- 2022 – 144th running, $1.25 million purse
The 1 1/8 mile race has always been held on the dirt at Churchill Downs. And the winning filly is draped with a garland of lilies – the traditional flower of the Oaks. This garland symbolizes purity and excellence in thoroughbred racing.
Memorable Past Champions
The Kentucky Oaks has been won by some of the greatest thoroughbred fillies of all time over its long history. Here are a few legendary winners:
- Regret – Won 1915 Oaks, only filly to ever win the Triple Crown
- Ruffian – Won 1975 Oaks, won first 10 races by combined 45 lengths
- Go For Wand – Won 1990 Oaks, also won Breeders‘ Cup Distaff
- Open Mind – Won 1988 Oaks, earned over $1.8 million lifetime
The 2022 Kentucky Oaks Field – Contenders and Odds
This year‘s Kentucky Oaks lineup featured plenty of talented runners. Heading into the race at Churchill Downs, here were the main contenders along with their morning line odds:
- Nest (5-2) – Won Ashland Stakes, Demoiselle Stakes for trainer Todd Pletcher
- Echo Zulu (7-2) – Champion 2-year-old filly of 2021 for Steve Asmussen
- Kathleen O. (7-1) – Won Gulfstream Park Oaks by over 7 lengths
- Cocktail Moments (10-1) – Won Gazelle Stakes, finished 2nd in Ashland
- Nostalgic (15-1) – Won Bourbonette Oaks, 3rd in Gulfstream Oaks
- Desert Dawn (20-1) – Won UAE Oaks, 2nd in UAE Derby overseas
The rest of the 14 horse field included longshots like Turnerloose (30-1), Adare Manor (50-1), and Candy Raid (50-1).
Race Day Scene – Perfect Weather Draws Big Crowd
Race day dawned sunny and mild, with a high near 80 degrees. The pristine weather and excitement for Derby weekend drew an enthusiastic crowd of 100,188 to Churchill Downs, the 7th largest in Oaks history.
Adding to the spectacle were the famous Derby hats, sharp suits, flowing dresses, and the unmistakable buzz in the air that only the Kentucky Derby can generate.
Celebrities like NFL legend Jerry Rice were on hand to take in the races. The assembled crowd was prepared for a memorable day of racing.
How the Race Unfolded
As the 14-horse field dashed from the starting gate, Nest went straight to the early lead while drifting wide into the first turn. Longshot Candy Raid pressed from second, completing the first quarter mile in 22.78 seconds.
Down the backstretch, Nest continued to lead past the half in 46.29 while Echo Zulu tracked from third and Dessert Dawn sat in fourth. Nest still led after six furlongs in 1:11.07, but the taxing pace began taking its toll.
Rounding the far turn, Secret Oath surged up to challenge Nest for the lead. The two dueled into the stretch, with Desert Dawn closing strongly on the outside.
Stretch Run Suspense – Echo Zulu Rallies Late
Here‘s how the exciting stretch run played out:
- Top of stretch – Secret Oath wrests lead from Nest, Desert Dawn right alongside
- 1/8 pole – Echo Zulu tipped out to find clear running room, starts rally
- 1/16 pole – Echo Zulu draws even with Secret Oath, Desert Dawn fights on
- Finish – Echo Zulu surges clear to win by 1 3/4 lengths in hand ride
Jockey Joel Rosario had Echo Zulu perfectly positioned behind the pacesetters. When a seam opened up, he angled his filly out and she exploded past the field impressively. What a thrill to watch!
Order of Finish – Echo Zulu Reigns Supreme
Let‘s take a look at the complete order of finish:
- Echo Zulu – Joel Rosario
- Secret Oath – Luis Saez
- Nest – Irad Ortiz Jr.
- Desert Dawn – Umberto Rispoli
- Yuugiri – Florent Geroux
- Hidden Connection
- Nostalgic
- Goddess of Fire
- Kathleen O.
- Cocktail Moments
- Candy Raid
- Shahama
- Turnerloose
- Adare Manor
Echo Zulu stopped the clock in a swift 1:49.44 for the 1 1/8 miles over the fast track.
jockey, Trainer and Owner Reaction
Joel Rosario was overcome with emotion after steering Echo Zulu to victory, realizing a career-long goal: "It’s something I’ve always wanted to win … it’s very special."
Trainer Steve Asmussen was equally thrilled to win his first Oaks after countless tries: "What a tremendous effort. She just showed a tremendous amount of talent and ability."
Majority owner Ron Winchell was elated with the win. "It‘s a dream come true. She was so impressive and did everything like a champ. What she did today was special."
Derby Implications – Chance at History
Based on her commanding Oaks performance, Echo Zulu immediately became one of the top choices for next week‘s Kentucky Derby. She could have a chance to achieve something never done before – complete the Oaks-Derby double.
Only three fillies have ever won the Kentucky Derby – Regret in 1915, Genuine Risk in 1980, and Winning Colors in 1988. So for Echo Zulu, winning the Derby would rank as an incredible, historic accomplishment.
Final Takeaways from a Memorable Oaks
My friend, I hope you found this guide to the 2022 Kentucky Oaks informative and engaging. Echo Zulu‘s victory capped a wonderful day of racing at Churchill Downs. With the Derby on the horizon, this year‘s Triple Crown season is certainly off to an exciting start!
Let me know if you have any other questions about this year‘s Kentucky Oaks. I‘m always happy to discuss this fabled race‘s rich history, traditions, and greatest champions both past and present. Enjoy the thrill of Derby season!