Perfection! Good Cheer Stays Undefeated with Dominant Kentucky Oaks Victory

Godolphin’s brilliant homebred Good Cheer faced a sloppy track and a field of top challengers in the 151st running of the $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) on May 2, 2025, and emerged with her perfect record intact, scoring a commanding 2 1/4-length victory at Churchill Downs.

The win marked her seventh triumph in as many career starts.

Under jockey Luis Saez, the 6-5 favorite settled comfortably in mid-pack as La Cara and Tenma contested the early lead.

Racing several paths wide around the far turn, Good Cheer began her relentless advance.

Saez guided her to the outside entering the stretch, and the daughter of Medaglia d’Oro unleashed a powerful closing kick, surging to the lead inside the final furlong and drawing clear under confident handling.

She completed the 1 1/8 miles over the rain-soaked track in 1:50.15.

Drexel Hill rallied well to secure second place, while Bless the Broken also rallied to finish third.

Tenma could not keep pace but held on for fourth. Anna’s Promise stalked the pace but also was outkicked in the stretch and finished fifth.

Second-choice Quietside looked in position to mount a rally while fourth at the top of the stretch, but faded to finish sixth. Quickick, Early On, La Cara, Ballerina d’Oro, Fondly, Take Charge Milady, and Simply Joking completed the order of finish.

The victory was a significant milestone for her connections.

It marked the third Kentucky Oaks win for trainer Brad Cox and the second for jockey Luis Saez, who was effusive in his praise, calling Good Cheer the best 3-year-old filly he has ever ridden.

It was also the second Oaks win for powerhouse owner/breeder Godolphin and the third for remarkable sire Medaglia d’Oro.

“She just really cruises out there,” Saez commented on her performance. Cox added that her ability to accelerate away from rivals was impressive.

Having conquered every challenge put before her, including five previous stakes wins, Good Cheer solidified her position atop the 3-year-old filly division with this authoritative Kentucky Oaks performance, leaving fans eager to see what challenges she conquers next.

Fractional Times: 22.58, 46.78, 1:11.36, 1:36.97
Final Time: 1:50.15

Winning Connections

Winner: Good Cheer
Jockey: Luis Saez
Trainer: Brad Cox
Owner: Godolphin, LLC (His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum)
Breeder: Godolphin, LLC
Bloodline: Bay Filly, by Medaglia d’Oro out of Wedding Toast, by Street Sense. Foaled Apr 07, 2022 in Kentucky
Medaglia d’Oro stands at Darley, Lexington, Ky ($75,000 stands & nurses)

Payouts

Exotics

• $1 EXACTA (11-4) Paid: $52.91
• $0.50 TRIFECTA (11-4-13) Paid: $360.17
• $2 SUPERFECTA (11-4-13-9) Paid: $9652.70
• $1 SUPERFECTA BOX (Box) Paid: $4826.35

Watch the Race