Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies: Emphatic on road to Kentucky Oaks

Paul Madden, the longtime assistant to trainer Brendan Walsh, did not need to confirm any long-term plans when discussing Emphatic’s future as a 3-year-old. Coming off a 1 1/2-length victory in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, it is relatively clear what the filly might be capable of down the line.

“I'm not involved in any race planning, but I'm sure they'll take a minute,” Madden said. “She’s had such a special year and I'm sure they'll think about plans down the line. She’s got Kentucky Oaks points now, but in this business, you can't think too far ahead.”

On his 14th attempt, Walsh earned his first Breeders’ Cup victory with Emphatic, who unleashed a torrid bid on the far turn to extend her undefeated streak to four starts. She has now won three stakes around two turns, including Grade 1 victories over fellow Grade 1 winners Summer Starlet and Miss Monica.

With her win in the Juvenile Fillies, Emphatic earned 40 qualifying points on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks, making her the early leader for that race at Churchill Downs on April 30.

More than her reputation around two turns, which has come quickly in her juvenile career, Emphatic’s chances in such a race could be further bolstered by her tactical speed. The filly has been able to make her own luck to this point, and while similarly talented contenders have struggled with poor trips behind her, she has had the run of every race in which she has taken part.

“Just to see her open up [in the Juvenile Fillies] and accelerate around the turn was freaky,” Madden said. “It’s special to watch and she's a cool horse to be around.”

Based in Kentucky her entire career, Emphatic could soon move out of her home state for a time. In late 2023, Walsh brought the juvenile filly Pretty Mischievous to his winter base at Fair Grounds, where she ran three times before returning to Churchill Downs to win the 2024 Kentucky Oaks.

Madden, who has been with Walsh for 10 years, joked that it felt more like 30. The team has had its successes and misfortune in the time since, but this past weekend at Keeneland was bright, as is Emphatic’s path moving forward.

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