Kentucky Oaks Roundup: Probables Prepare for first Friday in May

The 2026 Kentucky Oaks (G1), which will be broadcast in primetime for the first time, is one week away. Here’s a look at the three fillies heading to the starting gate who earned the most points on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks.  

Meaning

Key preps: First in the Santa Anita Oaks (G2) and Las Virgenes S. Fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1). These performances propelled her to the top of the leaderboard. 

Trainer: Michael McCarthy is based on the West Coast. He will also saddle Brooklyn Blonde, who finished second to Meaning in the Santa Anita Oaks. McCarthy’s barn includes Journalism, who was second in last year’s Kentucky Derby (G1) and went on to win the Preakness (G1). He won the 2021 Preakness with Rombauer. 

Jockey: Meaning has had a different jockey for each of her four starts, and leading California rider Juan Hernandez was in the irons for her most recent start.  

Owners: Bridlewood Farm, a top-tier Florida breeding facility, and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, a major syndicate. 

TwinSpires Horse Profile: Meaning

Percy's Bar

Key preps: A 2 1/4 length victory in Keeneland’s Ashland (G1), third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, and two seconds in other Grade 1 races

Trainer: Ben Colebrook has saddled one Kentucky Derby starter, Raise Cain, who ran eighth in 2023. Percy’s Bar will be his first Oaks entry.

Jockey: Luan Machado, who got his start in his native Brazil, competes on the Kentucky circuit and has been the leading rider at Turfway Park several times. His 19-year-old brother Dylan joined him in the jockey colony in November, and their brother Muriel serves as their valet. Their father was a jockey in Brazil. 

Owners: Hat Creek Racing is a partnership managed by Gatewood Bell, a third-generation horseman who worked with trainer Kiaran McLaughlin and was a jockey agent. Percy’s Bar is their first Grade 1 winner. 

TwinSpires Horse Profile: Percy's Bar

Bella Ballerina

Key preps: Runner-up in the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2). Winner of the Rachel Alexandra (G2) at Fair Grounds and the Golden Rod (G2) at Churchill Downs. She is a half-sister to 2023 Kentucky Oaks winner Pretty Mischievous, and they share the connections of trainer Brendan Walsh, owner Godolphin, and jockey Tyler Gaffalione.

Trainer: Walsh is from Ireland and is one of Godolphin’s regular trainers.

Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione has won multiple riding titles at Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Gulfstream, and Kentucky Downs. 

Owners: Godolphin also won the 2025 Kentucky Oaks with Good Cheer.