Kentucky Oaks 2013 Results: Analyzing Princess of Sylmar's Upset Win

Princess of Sylmar shocked the 10-horse field at Churchill Downs on Friday, winning the 2013 Kentucky Oaks despite 38-1 pre-race odds. 

Despite being pitted against one of the best Kentucky Oaks fields in recent years, the long-shot filly managed to pull off the unthinkable, shocking several top contenders, including betting favorite Dreaming of Julia to win the top event for fillies at Churchill Downs.

Here's a look at the results from Friday's race.

Place	Horse	Odds
1	Princess of Sylmar	38-1
2	Beholder	9-1
3	Unlimited Budget	4-1
4	Dreaming of Julia	3-2
5	Midnight Lucky	3-1
6	Pure Fun	20-1
7	Close Hatches	7-1
8	Rose to Gold	15-1
9	Seaneen Girl	30-1
10	Silsita	48-1

*Information via Equibase.com.

Princess of Sylmar's upset victory was not only surprising, but remarkable considering she overcame the second-worst odds of any horse in the field to win the 1 1/8-mile dirt track race.

While beating out Dreaming of Julia (Grade 2 Gulfstream Oaks winner) and Unlimited Budget (undefeated in four career races coming in) is impressive, it only adds to the feat that Princess of Sylmar was able to outlast the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Beholder down the stretch.

Sure, the win marks Princess of Sylmar's third victory this year and fifth in seven career races, but before Friday, she hadn't competed against the sort of top-notch talent that was on display at Churchill Downs. Prior to Friday's Kentucky Oaks, Majestic Warrior's daughter's best showing was a second-place finish behind Close Hatches last month at the Grade 2 Gazelle Stakes. 

The field only ran six horses deep that day, though.

This come-from-behind win demonstrated not only Princess of Sylmar's elite top-end speed, but her terrific stamina. 

Friday's victory was also a huge one for jockey Mike Smith, who is best known for riding Giacomo to his first-ever Kentucky Derby win back in 2005. Smith has certainly built some vital momentum heading into the weekend. 

He'll ride the Todd Pletcher-trained Palace Malice from post No. 10 on Saturday evening. 

If there's anything to take away from Friday's result at the Kentucky Oaks, it's that horse racing rivals the NCAA tournament in terms of unpredictability and that fans should buckle up as we head into the biggest race of the year on Saturday.

WLKY-TV's Matt Milosevich begs the question everyone will be wondering heading into Saturday's Kentucky Derby.

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