Lovely Maria wins Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs (The Associated Press)

The working chemistry between Lovely Maria and jockey Kerwin Clark paid off with the biggest victories of their careers in the $1 million Kentucky Oaks. In the mix throughout the premier race for 3-year-old fillies Friday at Churchill Downs, Lovely Maria burst past Angela Renee in the final furlong for a 2 3/4-length victory. Blessed to have this horse, blessed to have trainer Larry Jones in my life and believing in me and to have (owner Brereton) Jones believe in me and stick with me.” To say nothing of the mutual faith between Lovely Maria and Clark, who has ridden all eight of her starts. Making it doubly sweet for Larry Jones was having his other horse, I’m a Chatterbox, finish third.