Heavy favorite Blind Luck added her name to a long list of distinguished fillies by prevail¬ing in a photo finish to claim the Kentucky Oaks. But on the undercard, reigning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra suffered a heartbreaking defeat, her second in as many starts this year.

Blind Luck used her trademark closing kick to win the Kentucky Oaks and needed every inch of the Churchill Downs stretch to prevail by the barest of margins.

The cleverly named filly - by the one-eyed stallion Pollard’s Vision and out of the mare Lucky One - was last as the field of 14 made its way down the backside. She began picking up rivals entering the far turn but was forced to go six wide around the field. Up to third by the top of the stretch, she gradually wore down Ashland winner Evening Jewel, who had taken command turning for home, to get up by a nose in the final stride.

The Oaks was the fourth Grade I victory for Blind Luck, who paid $4.60, $3.60 and $2.80 while finishing in 1:50.70. She also won the Oak Leaf, Hollywood Starlet and Las Virgenes in California and the Grade II Fantasy last time out.

About three lengths lengths behind Blind Luck and Evening Jewel came pacesetter Tidal Pool, who held on for third. Beautician, Ailalea, Amen Hallelujah, Crisp, Quiet Temper, It’s Tea Time, Joanie’s Catch, Champagne d’Oro, Age of Humor, Jody Slew and Bella Diarmante rounded out the order of finish.

Some four and a half hours earlier, Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra - who romped home by more than 20 in last year’s Kentucky Oaks - was sent off as the overwhelming favorite in the Grade II La Troienne Stakes. The field of six included Zardana, who had defeated her in her 2010 debut, the New Orleans Ladies Stakes, in March.

Rachel Alexandra was moving easily on the turn and led at the top of the lane under regular rider Calvin Borel. But Unrivaled Belle, winner of the Rampart last time out, took aim and drew even. With Rachel Alexandra battling back gamely the length of the stretch, Unrivaled Belle nevertheless found her measure in the final yards and prevailed by a head.

Majority owner Jess Jackson answered the speculation as to whether or not the filly might be retired after a second straight defeat.

"She’s not going to retire," he said.

In the other stakes on the Oaks undercard, Mechanicville native Chad Brown saddled Silver Timber to a win in the Grade III Churchill Downs Turf Sprint in course record time; Arson Squad beat a solid field of older horses that included Macho Again and Bullsbay in the Grade III Alysheba Stakes; Doubles Partner won the Grade II American Turf for 3-year-olds; and Lou Brissie won the Grade III Kentucky Juvenile Stakes for 2-year-olds.