The $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks May 1 at Churchill Downs is the most important dirt race of the year restricted to 3-year-old fillies and frequently plays a major role in determining the Eclipse Award in the division.

Of all the visitors to Churchill Downs on May 2 for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, the one who could have the biggest impact on the day is Mother Nature.

Rain and a wet track can be a godsend to some starters and a curse to others, and these days it is becoming harder to compile evidence on who are the mudders in the field of 20.