LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Long shot Shedaresthedevil won the Kentucky Oaks in record time, overtaking favorite Gamine at the top of the stretch and holding off Swiss Skydiver for a 1 1/2-length victory Friday in the 146th Kentucky Oaks for fillies at Churchill Downs.
Shedaresthedevil was fresh off a Grade 3 stakes win in Indiana among consecutive victories but covered 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.28 to break Bird Town's record of 1:48.64 set in 2003. The bay filly contended from the start from the No. 7 post, staying within reach of the heavily favored Gamine before coming on near the final turn and gaining the lead entering the stretch.
Once ahead, she turned it up more with Florent Geroux aboard, pulling away from Swiss Skydiver and rolling to victory in the US$1.25 million marquee event.
Swiss Skydiver, who started along the rail, returned $3.80 and $2.60. Gamine paid $2.40.
Postponed from May along with the Kentucky Derby because of coronavirus concerns, the Oaks went off on a hot, sunny day without spectators.
