LIVE Kentucky Oaks 2026: Horses, odds, picks, and analysis
Always a Runner wins the 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Horsephotos.com)
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 is here!
The wait is finally over—the Kentucky Oaks 2026 has arrived! As the prestigious "Run for the Lilies" takes center stage at Churchill Downs, we are heading trackside to bring you every heart-pounding moment of one of the most significant days in the racing calendar. To help you navigate the festivities and the betting windows, we’ve compiled everything you need to stay ahead of the pack:
- Kentucky Oaks 2026 Horses: Get to know the elite three-year-old fillies vying for the crown. From seasoned stakes winners to dark-horse contenders.
- Kentucky Oaks Odds: Stay updated with the latest LIVE odds to find the best value on the board.
- Kentucky Oaks Picks: Whether you are looking for a favorite or a longshot special, our Kentucky Oaks expert picks provide the strategic edge you need.
- Kentucky Oaks Schedule: Don’t miss a stakes race. We have the full Kentucky Oaks time and race-day lineup so you can plan your day.
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Welcome to our Kentucky Oaks 2026 LIVE coverage!
Thank you to everyone that came out and joined us for this amazing night of racing. Join us tomorrow for the highlight of the weekend the Kentucky Derby 2026.
Whether you’re a seasoned handicapper or a newcomer looking to make the "most exciting two minutes in sports" even more thrilling, the Official TwinSpires Kentucky Derby 152 Betting Guide is your ultimate trackside companion.
Inside this comprehensive playbook, the industry’s sharpest analysts—including James Scully, Kellie Reilly, Vance Hanson, Keeler Johnson and more—break down the 152nd Run for the Roses. Take a deep dive into the pedigrees, running styles, and workout patterns that separate the legends from the longshots, including expert picks and wagering advice.
The 152nd Kentucky Oaks is less than 10 minutes away! The race looks wide-open on paper, and that's reflected in the odds, with seven of the 13 fillies listed between 9-2 and 9-1.
Here are my top three choices:
#9 Always a Runner (9-2)
#2 Zany (9-2)
#10 Prom Queen (6-1)
The Fantasy S. (G2), first run in 1973 at Oaklawn Park, has served as a key Kentucky Oaks (G1) prep long before the Road to the Oaks was established in 2013.
Today, it is part of the series’ championship races, virtually guaranteeing the winner a place in the Oaks starting gate at Churchill Downs. Here’s a look at how Arkansas has impacted the Kentucky Oaks over the past twenty years.
The Kentucky Oaks 2026 has finally arrived. The time has come to place those final bets. Check out these LIVE odds and entries and have fun at the races.
Join Jason Beem to talk all things Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby as we lead up to the Oaks on tonight. He's been announcing horse races for 20 years and even called the favorite for this year’s Kentucky Oaks, Zany, at Tampa Bay Downs in February. You can also hear him talk racing four days a week on the Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast brought to you by TwinSpires.
The action continues today with Kentucky Oaks Day and the highlight of the weekend, the Kentucky Derby tomorrow.
With the 152nd Kentucky Oaks just hours away, all eyes are on Churchill Downs to see which three-year-old filly will bring home the coveted garland of lilies.
The 2026 field is anchored by heavy hitters like Zany, trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, and the remarkably consistent Meaning and the ascendant Percy’s Bar. In a field that feels like it could be anyone’s race, this year's "Lilies for the Fillies" promises a high-stakes showdown that sets the stage for the Kentucky Derby.
Trainer Brad Cox speaks with Kali Fancois on his Kentucky Oaks contender 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗘𝗡 and the decision on sticking with Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano to pilot the Gary & Mary West Homebred.
Jockey Tyler Gaffalione has a 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗖𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 up his sleeve under the TwinSpires.
Kentucky Oaks Times
| Race | Time |
| Derby City Distaff | 12:38 PM |
| Twin Spires Turf Spirint S. (G2) | 1:12 PM |
| Knicks Go Overnight S. | 1:53 PM |
| Churchill Distaff Turf Mile S. (G2) | 2:38 PM |
| Pat Day Mile S. (G2) | 3:23 PM |
| American Turf S. (G1) | 4:06 PM |
| Churchill Downs S. (G1) | 4:50 PM |
| Old Forester Bourbon Turf Clasic S. (G1) | 5:39 PM |
| Kentucky Derby (G1) | 6:57 PM |
Kentucky Oaks Odds
Join Jason Beem to talk all things Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby as we lead up to the Oaks on Friday night. He's been announcing horse races for 20 years and even called the favorite for this year’s Kentucky Oaks, Zany, at Tampa Bay Downs in February. You can also hear him talk racing four days a week on the Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast brought to you by TwinSpires.
The action kicks off during Derby week with Thurby LIVE coverage and continues on Kentucky Oaks Day and the highlight of the weekend, the Kentucky Derby. Check out our schedule below and join us each day for expert picks, content, and great conversation.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE REDDIT AMA!
Schedule
Kentucky Oaks Day | 3:30 PM ET - 8:30 PM ET
Kentucky Derby Day | 12:30 PM ET - 6:30 PM ET
Kentucky Oaks Results
Who will win the 2026 Kentucky Oaks?
Winner: Always a Runner
Kentucky Oaks Schedule of Special Guests
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM ET | Keeler Johnson
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM ET | Kellie Reilly
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM ET | Dean Keppler
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM ET | Vance Hanson
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM ET | Reddit AMA with Jason Beem and Guests
What is the Kentucky Oaks?
The Kentucky Oaks is a Grade 1 stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred fillies, held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
While it is often overshadowed by the Kentucky Derby, it is one of the most prestigious and lucrative races in the world specifically for fillies and will be televised during prime time for the first time in it's history.
When is the Kentucky Oaks
The 2026 Kentucky Oaks is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026 at 8:40 PM ET at Churchill Downs.
What is the Kentucky Oaks history?
Established in 1875, the Kentucky Oaks is the longest continuously run stakes race in the U.S. for three-year-old fillies. Traditionally held the day before the Kentucky Derby, the race has evolved significantly in distance, settling at its current 1 1/8 miles in 1982.
Key Highlights:
Legendary Winners: The race has featured numerous Hall of Famers, including Rachel Alexandra, who holds the record for the largest winning margin (20 1/4 lengths) and is the only Oaks winner to be named Horse of the Year.
Historic Feats: Rags to Riches (2007) used her Oaks victory as a springboard to become the first filly in over a century to win the Belmont Stakes.
Wagering Facts: Pari-mutuel betting likely began in 1903. The longest-shot winner in race history was Lemons Forever (2006), who paid $96.20 on a $2 win bet.
Who are the Kentucky Oaks contenders?
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