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Long shot overtakes favorite in Oaks

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A long shot prevailed in a Kentucky Oaks field trumpeted as one of the strongest, with little-known Farda Amiga and her lesser-known trainer winning Friday in the marquee event for 3-year-old fillies.

The Kentucky-bred made a forceful move at the top of the stretch to overtake favored Take Charge Lady, hold off Habibti and spark a wild celebration among her Brazilian trainer and owners.

"This was just amazing," said trainer Paulo Lobo, who won his first Grade I race. "Just amazing. I've always had the dream to try in the United States and now ... I'm here."

Jockey Chris McCarron was concerned the celebration was scaring Farda Amiga, Portuguese for "Friendly Silk".

"I had to politely ask the co-owner (Jose DeCamargo) to quiet down a bit," he said. "At least I hope it was polite."

Farda Amiga, at 20-1, covered 11/8 miles in 1 minute, 50.41 seconds, paying $42, $11.20 and $5.40. Take Charge Lady ($1.60-1) was second and Habibti third.

Habibti jockey Victor Espinoza claimed foul against McCarron, saying he moved in on him around the final turn, but there was no contact, and stewards made the finish official. The race drew 101,923, third-largest for the Oaks.

You, second choice at $2.30-1, was fourth, followed by Take the Cake, Ile de France, Ms Brookski, Imperial Gesture and Art Fair.

"I knew I had a lot of filly under me when I was coming for home," McCarron said. "I knew I had a good head of steam, and at the 1/8 pole I knew I was going to get a good check from that purse."

Lobo, from a family of Brazilian trainers, came to California last year with a six-horse stable that grew to 12 and is likely to double. He had 36 voicemail messages after the race.

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