Good Cheer turns in serious pre-Oaks work
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Undefeated Good Cheer, the early favorite for the Kentucky Oaks, turned in a serious drill toward the May 2 filly classic on Thursday morning at Churchill Downs. She went five furlongs in company in 59.40 seconds, the fastest at the distance Thursday morning.
Good Cheer, outfitted with her usual blinkers and with exercise rider Edvin Vargas aboard, worked after the first morning renovation break at 7:15 a.m. She was partnered with stablemate Saucier, a maiden 3-year-old filly. Good Cheer broke about two lengths behind the other filly through an opening quarter-mile in 23.60 seconds, according to Churchill Downs clockers.
Good Cheer then ranged up on the outside of Saucier, and they kept stride to the wire. After the bullet clocking, Good Cheer edged clear on the gallop-out, getting six furlongs in 1:13.
“The work was executed very well,” Brad Cox, who trains Good Cheer for owner-breeder Godolphin, said. “She was meant to sit a couple lengths off her workmate and ranged up alongside at the quarter pole. She eased away a little bit on the gallop-out. Overall, I thought it was a really good move. She’s doing really well. I was really happy with her and Edvin was very happy with her. She’s just a solid filly.”
Good Cheer is expected to have a final breeze next week.
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