Longines Kentucky Oaks Winner Good Cheer Back on Track at Churchill Downs

May 09, 2025 Kevin Kerstein

Godolphin’s Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I) winner Good Cheer returned to training Tuesday at Churchill Downs and trainer Brad Cox said the $500,000 Acorn (GI) on Belmont Stakes weekend at Saratoga could be her next target.

“I thought she came out of the race incredibly well,” Cox said. “If all goes to plan the next couple of weeks, we’re looking at the Acorn for her.”

Run at 1 1/8 miles, the Acorn will be run on Friday, June 6.

Good Cheer, now undefeated in seven starts, earned a career-best 95 Brisnet Speed Rating for her Oaks victory.

Cox had a strong Kentucky Derby weekend, saddling Liberal Arts to victory in the $200,000 Knicks Go and 3-year-old Patch Adams to an allowance win on Derby Day. Liberal Arts earned a 102 Brisnet Speed Rating, while Patch Adams received a 104 – both career bests.

“(Patch Adams) really enjoyed the cutback,” Cox said on “At the Races with Steve Byk.” “I think he really likes Churchill. When he broke his maiden in the fall we saw some brilliance from him. With him, his next starts could either be the Woody Stephens or Maxfield. One of those two.”

The $250,000 Maxfield Stakes (Listed) is scheduled for Sunday, June 29, at Churchill Downs. The $500,000 Woody Stephens (GI) will be run Saturday, June 7, on the Belmont Stakes undercard at Saratoga.

Through seven days of the 43-day spring meet, Cox leads the trainer standings with four wins and five runner-up finishes from 19 starts. His runners have earned more than $1.6 million.

REGISTRATION FOR STEPHEN FOSTER BETTING CHALLENGE NOW OPENED – Horseplayers can now register for the $3,000 Stephen Foster Betting Challenge, which will be held Saturday, June 28 on TwinSpires.com

The live-money tournament awards seats to the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge, the 2026 Kentucky Derby Betting Challenge and the 2026 National Horseplayers Championship.

Players can qualify for the tournament through a series of five feeder contests: May 18, May 24, June 14, June 21 and June 27.

Register now!

DOWN THE STRETCH – The Derby City 6 Jackpot has a carryover of $39,405 for Friday’s card, spanning Races 4-9. No winning bettor correctly selected six winners on Thursday leading to a full carryover. Friday’s card also includes two Pick 5s starting in Races 1 and 5. The Super Hi 5 had a $3,736 carryover for Race 2. TwinSpires.com players can receive a 15% across the board boost during Friday’s card at Churchill Downs for any winning Win, Place or Show wagers or a combination of all three. Saturday, players can receive a 25% odds boost for any winning Win wagers at Churchill Downs. For more information, visit www.twinspires.com. Trainer Greg Foley is six wins shy of 500 victories at Churchill Downs. Downs After Dark returns Preakness Night on Saturday, May 17. Step back in time and join us for a night of 90’s nostalgia. The 11-race program will feature the 88th running of the $250,000 Louisville Stakes (GIII). Tickets are available now. “Inside Churchill Downs” returns Friday at 6 p.m. on ESPN Louisville featuring special guest handicapper Kaitlin Free. Listen live!