Meaning Draws Post 5, Installed as Second Choice in Kentucky Oaks (G1)
Photo by Nicole Finch
Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ Meaning is set for her biggest test to date after drawing post 5 in a full field for next Friday’s $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs.
Installed as the 5-1 second choice on the morning line, the 3-year-old daughter of Gun Runner will look to build on her impressive West Coast form as she stretches out to 1 1/8 miles against the nation’s top sophomore fillies. Jockey Juan Hernandez, who guided Meaning to victory in the Santa Anita Oaks (G2) in her most recent start, will be aboard once again.
Trained by Michael McCarthy, Meaning arrives in Louisville in peak condition following a smooth transition from her California base. She turned in her final tune-up under the Twin Spires on April 24, breezing five furlongs in 1:00 flat over a fast surface during Churchill Downs’ designated Derby–Oaks training window.
Meaning has steadily developed into one of the leading contenders in this year’s Kentucky Oaks picture for Eclipse and Bridlewood Farm. She’s settled in well at Churchill and appears to be thriving in the lead-up to the Run for the Lilies. With a strong foundation beneath her and a confident team behind her, Meaning will look to carry the baby blue and black into the winner’s circle on Oaks Day.