Kentucky Oaks attracts 120 nominations

Reigning juvenile filly champion Beholder is joined by unbeaten two-time

stakes winner Unlimited Budget and Grade 1 winner Pure Fun atop a list of 120

nominations to the 139th running of the Grade 1, $1 million Kentucky Oaks at

Churchill Downs on May 3.

The roster of accomplished nominees and rising stars also includes Grade 1

winners Dreaming of Julia, Executiveprivilege, So Many Ways and Spring in the

Air. The total of 120 early nominations to the Kentucky Oaks is an increase of

27.7 percent over 2012, when 94 fillies were made eligible during the early

nomination phase. Three fillies were added to the list during last year's late

nomination period for a final total of 97.

The early nomination process for Kentucky Oaks 139 required owners and

trainers to submit the names of their fillies and a $200 fee for each horse to

Churchill Downs on or before February 23. A late nomination period is underway

and continues through April 10. Nomination of a filly to the Kentucky Oaks

during the ongoing late phase requires payment of a $1,500 fee. After that

deadline, a supplemental nomination process offers a final opportunity for a

filly to become Oaks eligible. Supplemental nominations require payment of a

$30,000 fee at the time of entry to the 2013 Kentucky Oaks on April 30. Original

nominees are preferred if more than 14 fillies are entered in Kentucky Oaks 139.

The Kentucky Oaks is run each year on the eve of the Kentucky Derby and, like

its companion event, has been contested each year without interruption since its

first running in 1875. The race is limited to 14 three-year-old fillies, with up

to four fillies designated as "also eligible" to start. Eligibility to enter the

starting gate for the 2013 Oaks will be determined for the first time by the

"Road to the Kentucky Oaks" point system.

The 139th Kentucky Oaks will be televised live from 5-6 p.m. (EDT) on the NBC

Sports Network.

For a full list of Oaks nominees, click

here.

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