Monomoy Girl took charge near the far turn and the filly outduelled Wonder Gadot down the stretch to win the $US1 million Kentucky Oaks by half a length on Friday at Churchill Downs.

The chestnut filly charged from the outside No. 14 post into contention and the lead and held ground in a thrilling side-by-side stretch battle.

Wonder Gadot’s team lodged a protest against Monomoy Girl for a bump down the stretch, but stewards dismissed the claim.

The victory gave Monomoy Girl her sixth win in seventh starts and trainer Brad Cox a signature hometown win in the 144th running of the Oaks.

Ridden by Florent Geroux, Monomoy Girl covered the 1800m in 1:49.13.

Credit: AP