Cathryn Sophia took charge entering the stretch and rolled to victory Friday in the 142nd Kentucky Oaks Friday at Churchill Downs.
After running third last month in the Ashland at Keeneland, she got a good start along with favorite Rachel's Valentina and stayed in the mix in the $1 million showcase for 3-year-old fillies. Cathryn Sophia found her opening at the top of the stretch, overtook the fading Lewis Bay and pulled away in the final furlong to win by 2 3/4 lengths over Land Over Sea.
Cathryn Sophia claimed her first Grade 1 victory and gave trainer John Servis and Javier Castellano their first victories in the Oaks. She ran 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.53 and paid $11.40, $5.40 and $3.80 for her fifth win in six starts.
Land Over Sea returned $6.60 and $5.20, and Lewis Bay paid $4.60 for show.