Kentucky Oaks champ feeling good

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Louisville, KY (Sports Network) - Kentucky Oaks winner Princess of Sylmar is doing well the day after her upset victory in the companion race to the Kentucky Derby. The 3-year-old filly, trained by Todd Pletcher, won the 1 1/8-mile stakes at 38-1.

"When she was able to drop back and make a run," Pletcher said, "she was able to fire her best shot. We thought she might have a chance if they gave her some pace and they did."

Owned by King of Prussia Stable, Princess of Sylmar gave Pletcher his third Oaks victory with the half-length win over Beholder, but jockey Mike Smith his first in the race.

"We got banged around pretty good but she settled right into stride," Smith noted about the start. "After that, I just rode her like Todd had told me to, to be honest with you. They thought they had moved a little early last time out and to really be patient. And when you think it's time to move, maybe even be a little more patient. It really worked out great."

Pletcher had three other horses in the race: Dreaming of Julia, the 3-2 race favorite, who finished fourth; Unlimited Budget, the third-place finisher and Silsita, who was last.