The Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) name game is something fun that I've done on this blog for the last few years leading up to the Run for the Lilies. I research as many Oaks contenders as I can to find out their name meanings, and I usually get some pretty interesting stories! Following are some of the explanations I received on this year's stellar field of contenders. Which one is your favorite? Beholder...

Anna Ford, racing manager for E. Paul Robsham Stables, had some last minute shopping to do May 3. “We just decided on Sunday (April 29) that we’re going to the (Kentucky) Oaks (gr. I) and I still need to find a dress,” said Ford while standing outside trainer Todd Pletcher’s barn 34 at Churchill Downs, where Broadway’s Alibi was being walked around the shedrow. The daughter of Vindication, who is the...

Tucked away in Bret Calhoun's barn 22, a considerable distance from the Kentucky Derby backside bustle, is Kentucky Oaks-bound filly Summer Applause, who was casually eating a hearty hay breakfast the morning of May 2....

Here is a look at some of the interesting meanings behind the names of this year's Kentucky Oaks fillies. ...

This year’s Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby week was definitely memorable to me—from the heartbreaking phone call I made to John Greathouse about his ill-fated filly Devil May Care, to the quiet beauty of the descending twilight on Oaks night, to the thrilling Derby finish of Animal Kingdom and the realization I had scored the biggest triumph of my betting career (which isn’t saying much, but I was...

People have been asking me for days who my picks are for the Kentucky Oaks. It’s hard this year, because there are so many great stories behind these fillies and their connections, and for sentimental reasons alone, I would be happy if almost any of them won. That’s definitely not always the case with a race like this. Aside from the sentimental stuff, this is a powerful and talented group of horses...

Her Smile is a filly that came into the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) game a little late and lacks the buzz factor that has surrounded some of the other contenders in the Run for the Lilies. But after talking with her owner, celebrity chef Bobby Flay, on Churchill's busy backstretch May 5, it appears she has just as good of a shot as any of the 12 other horses in this deep and talented Oaks field. Flay, who...

Beyond the Blinkers captured Kentucky Oaks favorite Joyful Victory as she entered the track May 4. ...

As I previously warned you, from here through early May, it’s going to be all Kentucky Oaks (gr. I), all the time on my blog. Throughout the next few weeks, I hope to provide you with some insight into the Oaks contenders and their connections, as well as some behind-the-scenes views of the spectacle leading up to the first Friday in May. One of the many fillies currently reaching for the lilies is...

Beyond the Blinkers will be changing its focus to the Kentucky Oaks April 1-May 6. Also, please send your ideas for future blogs!...

Looking back over last week, I wish I would have written down more of these moments as they occurred so I could have more detail of the great memories that came out of this year's Kentucky Oaks and Derby. I will list some of my favorites below (with one thrown in from our editorial intern and guest blogger Kelsey Riley whose last day is today!). I will also include some red carpet footage shot by Alex...

Now that the Kentucky Oaks is in the history books and the mighty filly Blind Luck has emerged the winner by a nose over the hard trying Evening Jewel, everybody is probably wondering what’s next for the daughter of Pollard’s Vision. But before I update you on that, I have to say that this race was one of the most heart pounding stretch runs I’ve seen in awhile—especially since you all know how much...

Oaks-bound Evening Jewel, Crisp, and Quiet Temper all have sentimental stories to tell. ...

Ailalea, stablemate to Devil May Care, is looking to score her first major win in the Oaks. Does she has what it takes to face this field?...

As I’m sure you already read on our Web site a few days ago , there is a chance that Devil May Care could run in the Derby instead of the Oaks, depending on how her workout at Churchill goes April 24. What do you guys think about that? She has the earnings, but is this filly, who has never raced against males, ready to face a huge field full in the most prestigious race in America? I’m not so sure...

It's time to start evaluating the possible Kentucky Oaks starters, examing their name meanings, as well as where they rank on the graded earnings list....

Behind-the-scenes look at Esther's first day at Keeneland for the spring meet, and her thoughts leading up to, and after the Ashland Stakes....