Kentucky-bred Malathaat remained undefeated in five starts with a determined win over Search Results in the $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) on April 30.
Ridden by John Velazquez for Shadwell Stable—owner Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum passed away in March— Malathaat rated in behind runners down the backstretch. She ranged into contention around the far turn and drew alongside Search Results in the lane. The two Kentucky-breds dueled gamely through the last sixteenth of a mile with Malathaat prevailing by a neck at the wire, handing Search Results the first defeat of her career. Fellow Kentucky-bred Will’s Secret rallied late for third. Trained by Todd Pletcher, Malathaat covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.99 over a fast track.
“She got away from there just a bit slow, but Johnny moved her up and got her in a much better position,” said Pletcher. “He had to lose some ground and go wide to do it, but it was the right thing to do. She wants a target to run at and she got one here. Delighted with the outcome.”
The victory is the fourth in the Oaks for Pletcher (Princess of Sylmar in 2013, Rags to Riches in 2007, and Ashado in 2004) and second for Velazquez, who piloted Ashado.
Bred in the Bluegrass by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, Malathaat is by Curlin and produced from the Grade 1-winning A.P. Indy mare Dreaming of Julia. Winner of the 2012 Frizette Stakes (G1), Dreaming of Julia finished fourth in the 2013 Kentucky Oaks. Malathaat was a $1,050,000 graduate of the Keeneland September Sale.
Malathaat’s victory marked the fifth consecutive win by a Kentucky-bred in the Oaks, and follows Shedaresthedevil’s win in last September’s renewal.