Pretty Mischievous edges Gambling Girl to win Kentucky Oaks - ESPN

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — An equipment change helped Pretty Mischievous bounce back from a disappointing tune-up with a statement performance in the Kentucky Oaks.

Wearing blinkers for the first time, the Brendan Walsh-trained filly took charge in the stretch and survived a late push by Gambling Girl to win the $1.25 million Oaks by a neck on Friday at Churchill Downs.

Pretty Mischievous started from the No. 14 outside post at 10-1 odds and stayed within sight of pacesetters Flying Connection and Defining Purpose through the far turn before making her move through the turn for home. Pretty Mischievous broke clear entering the stretch and kept charging even as Gambling Girl rallied from the outside, holding on for her fifth career win in seven starts and giving stable Godolphin its first win in the premier race for 3-year-old fillies.

Most appreciative was owner Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates. He's winless in 12 Kentucky Derby starts since 1999 and doesn't have a colt in Saturday's 149th Run for the Roses, though Essential Quality finished third in 2021 as the race favorite.

As he pursues his ultimate prize, Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin can savor a breakthrough in the Oaks.

«Sheikh Mohammed has developed a beautiful broodmare band here in the U.S.,» said Michael Banahan, bloodstock director for Godolphin. «I think we are reaping the rewards with the horses we've had over the last couple of years.

»But to me, there's only the one classic for fillies in the U.S. and that's today in the Oaks. And so to be able to win that just means everything."

Pretty Mischievous covered 1 1/8 mile in 1:49.77 under jockey Tyler Gaffalione and paid $22.74,