Serengeti Empress dispelled questions about her health and ability with a signature performance in the biggest race of her career. The filly went wire-to-wire to win the $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks by 1 3/4 lengths over Liora on Friday at Churchill Downs. Bellafina, who began as the Oaks’ 2-1 morning line favorite, finished fifth.
The 145th Kentucky Derby will run Saturday afternoon at Churchill Downs. 19 horses will go to post. Haikal was scratched on Friday due to an abscess on his left front hoof. Game Winner, breaking from the number 16 post, is the 9-2 morning line favorite.