LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 30 (UPI) -- Heavy favorite Blind Luck rallied in the stretch Friday and edged Evening Jewel to win the Kentucky Oaks, a race run annually on the eve of the Kentucky Derby.
Blind Luck, ridden by Rafael Bejarano, fell as many as 15 lengths behind the leaders after leaving the gate at Churchill Downs as a 6-5 favorite.
Tidal Pool set the pace along the backstretch and into the far turn and as the horses turned for home Blind Luck had to go five wide. Tidal Pool tired in the stretch and Evening Jewel appeared to have the race won before Blind Luck closed over the final strides to win by a nose. It was the third Kentucky Oaks victory for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.
"You never get tired of adding the Kentucky Oaks to your resume," Hollendorfer said.
Tidal Pool held on for third, followed by Beautician, Ailalea, Amen Hallelujah, Crisp, Quiet Temper, It's Tea Time, Joanie's Catch, Champagne d'Oro, Age of Humor, Jody Slew and Bella Diamante.
Blind Luck covered the 1 1/8-mile race in 1:50.70 on a fast track and returned $4.60, $3.60 and $2.80. Evening Jewel paid $9.40 and $7.20. Tidal Pool returned $5.00 to show.
