Keeler Johnson's top five contenders to watch for the Kentucky Oaks

Although most handicappers are focused on analyzing the Kentucky Derby (G1), Friday’s $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs is a great race in its own right, with a full field of sophomore fillies expected to take part in the 1 1/8-mile event.

In advance of Monday’s post-position draw, let's run through my top five contenders for the Kentucky Oaks.

1. Malathaat

Four starts, four victories.

Malathaat has been unstoppable for three-time Kentucky Oaks-winning trainer Todd Pletcher, and I would argue her last two triumphs were even better than they appear at first glance.

In the Demoiselle (G2) last fall, Malathaat seemed to struggle inside, over a sloppy track, but after she shifted to the outside, she unleashed a huge rally to win comfortably.

Then, in the April 3 Ashland (G1) at Keeneland, Malathaat produced a powerful finish from behind a slow pace and sprinted the final five-sixteenths in :29.54 to win by a head.

If Malathaat receives anything resembling a fair setup in the Kentucky Oaks, the daughter of Curlin will be tough to deny.

2. Travel Column

Trainer Brad Cox has won two of the last three editions of the Kentucky Oaks, and he’ll have every chance to pick up another victory with Travel Column.

A stretch-running winner of the Golden Rod (G2) at Churchill Downs last fall, Travel Column recently employed pace-pressing tactics to dominate the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) by 2 3/4 lengths.

Her versatility in running style is appealing, and her Brisnet Speed ratings compare favorably to Malathaat.

3. Clairiere

A beautifully bred daughter of Curlin, out of multiple Grade 1 winner Cavorting, Clairiere finished second, behind Travel Column, in the Golden Rod and Fair Grounds Oaks. But in between, she managed to turn the tables by a neck in the Rachel Alexandra (G2).

A deep closer, Clairiere lacks the tactical speed of fillies like Malathaat and Travel Column, so a fast pace would enhance her chances in the Kentucky Oaks.

4. Crazy Beautiful

Crazy Beautiful had no business winning the Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) after she dropped back to last place, behind slow fractions. But once Crazy Beaitiful got going, she was unstoppable, as she flied past rivals on the far outside to score by 2 1/4 lengths.

A troubled runner-up in the Pocahontas (G3) at Churchill Downs last year, Crazy Beautiful has progressed this season and may still have untapped potential.

5. Search Results

Undefeated in three starts, Search Results enters the Kentucky Oaks off back-to-back stakes wins at Aqueduct, including a 2 3/4-length score in the Gazelle (G3).

The daughter of Flatter is proven over 1 1/8 miles and has retained the services of three-time champion jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., but it’s unclear whether she has beaten the toughest competition.

The transition from the slow track at Aqueduct to the faster surface at Churchill Downs is another question mark.

Good luck!