Bella Ballerina Leads 89 Early KY Oaks Nominations

Godolphin's undefeated Bella Ballerina leads a list of 89 3-year-old fillies nominated to the 152nd running of the $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks (G1), May 1 at Churchill Downs. The 89 fillies were made eligible to compete in the 1 1/8-mile Kentucky Oaks through a $200 early nomination payment that closed Feb. 18. A $1,500 late nomination deadline is available through April 8. Bella Ballerina stamped herself as one of the early favorites for the Kentucky Oaks when she won the Feb. 14 Rachel Alexandra (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. Prior to that start, the Brendan Walsh trainee won the Golden Rod Stakes (G) at Churchill Downs. Other stakes-winning nominees include Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) winner Super Corredora; Oak Leaf Stakes (G2) winner Explora; Forward Gal Stakes (G3) winner On Time Girl; Pocahontas Stakes (G3) winner Taken by the Wind; Las Virgenes winner Meaning, and Suncoast Stakes winner Zany. Like the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1), the Kentucky Oaks has been held annually since 1875. For the first time in 2026, the Kentucky Oaks will be held in primetime on NBC during an 8 p.m. ET broadcast. The race highlights a day-long celebration at Churchill Downs featuring world-class racing, fashion, food, and a focus on women's health and community initiatives. The complete list of nominations is available online.