Why is the Overall Performance Index (OPI) critical for the Kentucky Oaks?

Name: 2026 Kentucky Oaks Leaderboard & FPPS Ratings
Creator: The Free PPs

The OPI is vital for the Kentucky Oaks because fillies often have volatile form cycles. Relying on OPI allows handicappers to identify which contenders have the true genetic stamina to handle the 1 1/8 mile distance, regardless of their last race result.

2026 Kentucky Oaks Contenders & Free PPs

Kentucky Oaks 2026

152nd Kentucky Oaks – Friday, May 1, 2026

Purse: $1.5 million
Grade: 1
Distance: 1 1/8 Miles (DIRT)
Age: 3 Year-Olds

The New Leaders: Bella Ballerina, Luv Your Neighbor, and Explora

Oaks Watch: Top 3 Filly Contenders

Updated: Feb 15, 2026 | By FPPS Research

Bella Ballerina (Brendan Walsh): After a gutsy win in the Rachel Alexandra, she has claimed the #1 spot. With an 87 Recent Speed Figure and a 9.2 OPI Pedigree Index, her OPI Score of 93.1 makes her a “Competitive Grade A+” talent following the exact path of previous champions.
Luv Your Neighbor (Michael Stidham): Pushed the favorite to the limit yesterday, earning an 87 Recent Speed Figure. Her 40 points and OPI Score of 87.2 make her a major threat to win a 100-point prep, especially with her tracking style.
Explora (Bob Baffert): The dominant force out West, Explora remains the divisional leader in raw efficiency. With a 91 Recent Speed Figure and a Competitive Grade A profile, her OPI Score of 92.8 keeps her in a statistical dead heat for the top spot.

Kentucky Oaks 2026 Contenders – Top 25

Rank	Horse	Points	OPI Pedigree	Comp. Grade	Recent Speed Fig	OPI Score
1	Bella Ballerina	60	9.2	A+	90	93.1
2	Explora	45	8.9	A	91	92.8
3	Luv Your Neighbor	40	8.4	B+	88	87.2
4	Super Corredora	34	9.5	A-	88	91.2
5	Taken by the Wind	30	8.4	B+	79	81.9
6	Zany	30	8.7	B	82	83.6
7	Meaning	26	9.1	B+	86	88.2
8	Dazzling Dame	22	8.3	B	85	84.1
9	Life of Joy	22	8.5	B-	81	80.8
10	On Time Girl	20	8.8	B	84	85.3
11	Search Party	20	8.2	B-	81	79.9
12	Just Singing	18	8.1	B	83	82.4
13	Percy’s Bar	14	8.1	C+	78	76.4
14	Tommy Jo	13	9.0	B-	79	81.3
15	Hit Parade	12	8.6	B	78	81.5
16	Atropa	11	8.7	B-	80	82.2
17	Powered by Family	10	8.3	B-	77	78.2
18	Iron Orchard	10	8.3	B	81	81.5
19	Consequent	10	8.2	B	80	80.4
20	La Wally	10	8.5	B-	79	80.1
21	Two Bits	10	8.0	C+	77	76.9
22	Newtown Pike	10	8.4	C	75	75.2
23	The Grumpy Rabbit	8	8.0	C	76	74.8
24	Believable	7	8.6	B-	78	79.2
25	Classic Guide	5	8.2	C	75	73.5

The Free PPs Ranking Methodology

Note on Standings: Variations between our rankings and official industry standings may occur due to tiebreaking procedures. Official Road to the Kentucky Oaks leaderboards typically sort tied fillies by lifetime earnings.

At The Free PPs, we break ties using our OPI analysis. By weighing speed normalization and pedigree suitability for the 1 1/8-mile distance, we provide a predictive outlook on the division. This ensures that the most talented fillies remain at the top of the board, regardless of their total purse money.

Pro-Handicapper Tip: The Fillies Factor

While the Overall Performance Index (OPI) is vital for the Derby, it is arguably even more critical for the Kentucky Oaks. Fillies often experience more volatile form cycles than colts in the spring. Relying on the OPI allows you to look past a single bad race and focus on a filly’s true Genetic Potential and Distance Aptitude before the public catches on.