Malathaat stays unbeaten in Kentucky Oaks

Shadwell Stable’s Malathaat overcame a problematic start and a stubborn Search Results to extend her record to 5-for-5 in Friday’s $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks (G1). Sent off as the 5-2 favorite, Malathaat gave trainer Todd Pletcher his fourth victory in the Oaks and jockey John Velazquez his second.

Off a beat slow and bumped out of the gate, the daughter of Hall of Famer Curlin regrouped to secure good early position. Up front, Travel Column set the pace, but could not respond when the stalking Search Results challenged at the top of the Churchill Downs stretch.

Once Search Results struck the front, she was immediately collared by Malathaat. Search Results tried to fight back to preserve her own unbeaten record, but Malathaat would not relinquish the advantage. A neck up on the wire, she completed 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.99 and paid $7, $4.60, and $3.40.

Will’s Secret, a 26-1 longshot, edged Clairiere for third. Travel Column tired to fifth in the 13-filly field.

Malathaat, who was purchased for $1.05 million as a Keeneland September yearling, was bred by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings. Her dam, Grade 1 winner Dreaming of Julia, was also trained by Pletcher. A troubled fourth as the favorite in the 2013 Kentucky Oaks, she finished behind stablemate Princess of Sylmar and future champion Beholder.

A Triple Crown nominee, Malathaat has bankrolled $1,125,150.