Wet Paint Headlines Kentucky Oaks Betting Preview
Cox Filly Tops Oaks Betting Markets

It’s a wide-open field for the 2023 Kentucky Oaks and our Kentucky Oaks betting preview looks at the best runners to bet on.
Horse racing odds are available for every runner, including current favorite Wet Paint, who brings in winning form.
However, as the horse racing standings suggest, there are many good wagers at Churchill Downs on Friday.
Wet Paint is a Pretty Picture
Wet Paint, a 3-year-old filly sired by Blame, has triumphed in four out of her six starts, with the most recent three being in stakes company.
The winning streak commenced with the Martha Washington Stakes at Oaklawn Park, followed by victories in the Honeybee and Fantasy Stakes.
While there is some concern that all three recent wins occurred at Oaklawn Park, it is worth noting that many runners may lack experience at Churchill Downs, so the issue may not be significant.
Additionally, champion trainer Brad Cox is satisfied with Wet Paint’s favorable draw in post seven, which is why she’s at the top of our Kentucky Oaks betting preview.
“It’s a good draw. I think there’s going to be some speed in there which should benefit her,” Cox said. “We’ll see but ultimately it comes down to the trip for her. She’s one that doesn’t have much speed and has to close into what we hope will be a hot pace and hopefully she can get there.”
Kentucky Oaks
Day/Time: Track: Churchill Downs
Location: Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Stablemate Well-Favored
In the upcoming Kentucky Oaks, Cox is set to field another talented filly named Botanical.
The filly has won her last four starts at Turfway Park, including the Cincinnati Trophy and Bourbonette Stakes, which bodes well for her chances.
Despite the fact that form from Turfway Park may not be the strongest, Botanical has attracted considerable support from bettors, with current odds of 4-1 indicating that she is a strong contender.
While Cox’s other filly is slightly favored, anything can happen on the day of the race. A quick start from Botanical could see her land in a positive spot and she’ll be tough to beat from there.
It is crucial for jockey Chris Landeros provide her with clear running room out of the gates, but at the odds, she’s also included in our Kentucky Oaks betting preview.
Southlawn Heading North
Southlawn had a slow start to her racing career, winning just once in her first five starts. However, the Mark Casse-trained filly has recently shown a significant improvement, securing two impressive victories.
After running seventh in the 2022 Pocahontas, it seemed as though her Kentucky Oaks campaign was over. Nevertheless, she found her stride at Fair Grounds, winning at the allowance level before clinching the Fair Grounds Oaks at the Grade II level, confirming her potential.
“We’ve been very fortunate. She just seems to be doing really well at the right time,” Casse said. “I feel like she’s doing better now than she was going into the Fair Grounds Oaks. It’s one of those things where everything just seems to be clicking at the right time.”
Although her three runs at Churchill Downs have not been successful, the fact that she has previous experience at the track should be viewed as a positive. With the recent form on her side and her experience at Churchill Downs, Southlawn could surprise and potentially produce a strong upset result in the upcoming Kentucky Oaks.
Worth the Gamble
For those looking to add an outsider to their Kentucky Oaks betting preview, Gambling Girl is worth considering.
Although the Todd Pletcher-trained filly has only won two of her nine starts, she has shown potential in tough races, including a second-place finish in the Gazelle Stakes behind Promiseher America.
Additionally, she has placed third in the Grade II Demoiselle Stakes at Aqueduct, which is typically a solid form guide for the Oaks.
At 15-1 odds, Gambling Girl could fly under the radar and provide an opportunity for higher payouts. Keep an eye on this filly as a potential surprise in the Kentucky Oaks.
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