Kentucky Derby 2023

Saturday, May 6, 2023 Churchill Downs

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2023 Kentucky Derby Field

Comments by Brad Free and David Aragona, odds by David Aragona
Keeneland Logo - designates Keeneland sale graduate
Post Horse/ Best Beyer Trainer/ Jockey Aragona Odds M/L Odds
1 Hit Show 93 Brad Cox Manny Franco 30-1 30-1
Trainer: Brad Cox Jockey: Manny Franco
Last Race: Wood Memorial, 4/8, 2nd by nose, 93 Owner: Gary and Mary West Sire: Candy Ride
Brad Free: Runner-up last out with modest figure in recently unproductive prep; favored every career start, not this time.
David Aragona: Overcame difficult post in narrow Wood loss, but still have questions about company he's kept.
2 Verifying 99 Keeneland Logo Brad Cox Tyler Gaffalione 20-1 15-1
Trainer: Brad Cox Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Last Race: Blue Grass, 4/8, 2nd by neck, 99 Owner: Westerberg, Magnier, Poulin, Tabor, Smith, et al Sire: Justify
Brad Free: Validated tough-trip fourth with highly rated second in final prep; pace-presser top contender if runs two alike.
David Aragona: Couldn't fend off Tapit Trice despite perfect trip in Blue Grass; may have to get aggressive from inside post.
3 Two Phil's 101 Keeneland Logo Larry Rivelli Jareth Loveberry 15-1 12-1
Trainer: Larry Rivelli Jockey: Jareth Loveberry
Last Race: Jeff Ruby Steaks, 3/25, 1st by 5 1/4, 101 Owner: Patricia's Hope LLC and Phillip Sagan Sire: Hard Spun
Brad Free: High-fig entrant off 101 Beyer on all-weather; appears to have put it all together, live longshot returning to dirt.
David Aragona: Was arguably against the flow in prior dirt races, so Ruby romp may have been no fluke; loved his last workout.
4 Confidence Game 94 Keeneland Logo Keith Desormeaux James Graham 20-1 20-1
Trainer: Keith Desormeaux Jockey: James Graham
Last Race: Rebel, 2/25, 1st by 1, 94 Owner: Don’t Tell My Wife Stables Sire: Candy Ride
Brad Free: Wet-track stakes winner's most recent start was February; layoff and fast-track uncertainty are significant hurdles.
David Aragona: Training great but there are still obvious concerns; won't be surprised if they revert to more aggressive tactics.
5 Tapit Trice 99 Keeneland Logo Todd Pletcher Luis Saez 6-1 5-1
Trainer: Todd Pletcher Jockey: Luis Saez
Last Race: Blue Grass, 4/8, 1st by neck, 99 Owner: Whisper Hill Farm and Gainesway Stable Sire: Tapit
Brad Free: Blue Grass victory his fourth straight and best yet; improving form, upward figs; finishes like he wants Derby trip.
David Aragona: Showed mental progression in gritty Blue Grass; added distance suits him, but he can't give it away at the start.
6 Kingsbarns 95 Keeneland Logo Todd Pletcher Jose Ortiz 15-1 12-1
Trainer: Todd Pletcher Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Last Race: Louisiana Derby, 3/25, 1st by 3 1/2, 95 Owner: Spenthrift Farm Sire: Uncle Mo
Brad Free: Now 3 for 3 after wiring modest G2; light on seasoning but beneficial running style in race light on true speed.
David Aragona: Worked out perfect trip against suspect rivals in Louisiana; promising colt has more to prove.
7 Reincarnate 95 Keeneland Logo Tim Yakteen John Velazquez 20-1 50-1
Trainer: Tim Yakteen Jockey: John Velazquez
Last Race: Arkansas Derby, 4/1, 3rd by 4 3/4, 86 Owner: SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, et al Sire: Good Magic
Brad Free: Expected to produce speed in race that lacks definite pacesetter, front-running threat off G3 victory three back.
David Aragona: Hasn't shown much progression this year, but Johnny V. knows how to win this race; great draw for his style.
8 Mage 94 Keeneland Logo Gustavo Delgado Javier Castellano 20-1 15-1
Trainer: Gustavo Delgado Jockey: Javier Castellano
Last Race: Florida Derby, 4/1, 2nd by 1, 94 Owner: Owner: OGMA, Restrepo, Ramio, Sterling, CMNWLTH Sire: Good Magic
Brad Free: Another light on experience and broke slowly both recent; ran almost as well as Forte, zoomed past, got collared.
David Aragona: Arguably got the toughest trip in Florida Derby, but he caused his own problems at the start; must break better.
9 Disarm 90 Keeneland Logo Steve Asmussen Joel Rosario 30-1 30-1
Trainer: Steve Asmussen Jockey: Joel Rosario
Last Race: Lexington, 4/15, 3rd by 4 3/4, 90 Owner: Winchell Throughbreds Sire: Gun Runner
Brad Free: So-so third in final prep; promising colt playing catch-up in terms of development, seems a start behind others.
David Aragona: He's training well, but would have to produce an effort that we've never seen from him to be competitive here.
10 Jace's Road 90 Keeneland Logo Brad Cox Florent Geroux 50-1 50-1
Trainer: Brad Cox Jockey: Florent Geroux
Last Race: Louisiana Derby, 3/25, 3rd by 6 1/4, 85 Owner: West Point Throughbreds and Albaugh Family Stables Sire: Quality Road
Brad Free: Forwardly placed style benefical in Derby with murky pace scenario; will be in hunt partway, got drilled last out.
David Aragona: Disappointed despite soft pace setup in La. Derby; will be looking to lead early, but not sure he's quick enough.
11 Sun Thunder 89 Keeneland Logo Kenny McPeek Brian Hernandez, Jr. 30-1 50-1
Trainer: Kenny McPeek Jockey: Brian Hernandez, Jr.
Last Race: Blue Grass, 4/8, 4th by 6 1/2, 89 Owner: R.T. Racing Stable and Cypress Creek Equine Sire: Into Mischief
Brad Free: His runner-up to Angel of Empire three back makes him a factor, but unplaced twice since; closer adds blinkers.
David Aragona: Plodder got shuffled back on far turn of the Blue Grass; can get keen early, so not sure if blinkers will help.
12 Angel of Empire 94 Keeneland Logo Brad Cox Flavien Prat 8-1 8-1
Trainer: Brad Cox Jockey: Flavien Prat
Last Race: Arkansas Derby, 4/1, 1st by 4 1/4, 94 Owner: Albaugh Family Stables Sire: Classic Empire
Brad Free: Crushed Arkansas Derby by many, improved every dirt race; would benefit by contested pace, that is no certainty.
David Aragona: Love this colt's progression; ability to sustain half-mile run will be a major asset, and distance is of no concern.
13 Raise Cain 90 Keeneland Logo Ben Colebrook Gerardo Corrales 50-1 50-1
Trainer: Ben Colebrook Jockey: Gerardo Corrales
Last Race: Blue Grass, 4/8, 5th by 6 3/4, 89 Owner: Andrew and Rania Warren Sire: Violence
Brad Free: Career-best performance was one-turn race in mud, now two turns on likely fast track, seems to be up against it.
David Aragona: Blue Grass effort was lackluster, had little to offer late; impressed in Gotham and may prefer one-turn races.
14 Derma Sotogake Hidetaka Otonashi Christophe Lemaire 8-1 10-1
Trainer: Hidetaka Otonashi Jockey: Christophe Lemaire
Last Race: UAE Derby, 3/25, 1st by 5 1/2, N/A Owner: Hiroyuki Asanuma Sire: Mind Your Biscuits
Brad Free: Japan colt crushed in UAE, faces Dubai-to-Derby challenge: 18 attempts, none hit board; this colt perhaps best to try.
David Aragona: UAE Derby came up a fast race; quirky colt is obviously talented; also more versatile than the last win suggests.
15 Rocket Can 91 Bill Mott Junior Alvarado 30-1 30-1
Trainer: Bill Mott Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Last Race: Arkansas Derby, 4/1, 4th by 4 3/4, 86 Owner: Frank Fletcher Sire: Into Mischief
Brad Free: Has yet to run particuarly "fast"; blinkers-on recent workouts and blinkers-on Derby; should be forwardly placed.
David Aragona: Haven't been overly impressed with any of his efforts, and appears to have hit a plateau in his development.
16 Cyclone Mischief 91 Irad Ortiz, Jr. Corey Lanerie 50-1 30-1
Trainer: Irad Ortiz, Jr. Jockey: Corey Lanerie
Owner: Albaugh Family Stables and Castleton Lyons Sire: Into Mischief
Brad Free: Also-eligible respectable third with wide trip last out in Florida Derby; will target Preakness if he does not draw in.
David Aragona: Has run a little better than results suggest, but still have doubts about him getting 10f, even if he gets in.
17 Mandarin Hero 100 Teruonobu Fujita Kazushi Kimura 20-1 20-1
Trainer: Teruonobu Fujita Jockey: Kazushi Kimura
Owner: Hiroaki Aria Sire: Shanghai Bobby
Brad Free: Also-eligible Japanese colt nearly upset Practical Move in Santa Anita Derby in U.S. debut; Preakness awaits.
David Aragona: The points system didn't work for him, but his SA Derby would make him a player if he somehow drew in.
18 King Russell 87 Ron Moquett Rafael Bejarano 50-1 50-1
Trainer: Ron Moquett Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
Owner: Brereton Jones and Naber Racing Sire: Creative Cause
Brad Free: Also-eligible longshot closer outran high odds as runner-up to Angel of Empire in Arkansas Derby; would rally.
David Aragona: Picked up the pieces in Arkansas Derby, but would need to do much better than that to have a say here.

Road to the Derby

Date Race / Track / Distance Winner / Beyer    
Saturday, Sep 17, 2022
Iroquois Churchill Downs , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Curly Jack
Beyer: 79
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Curly Jack 79 Race Recap View Chart
Curly Jack 79
Saturday, Oct 1, 2022
Champagne Belmont at the Big A , 1 Mile
Winner: Blazing Sevens
Beyer: 91
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Blazing Sevens 91 Race Recap View Chart
Blazing Sevens 91
Saturday, Oct 8, 2022
American Pharoah Santa Anita , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Cave Rock
Beyer: 104
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Cave Rock 104 Race Recap View Chart
Cave Rock 104
Saturday, Oct 8, 2022
Breeders' Futurity Keeneland
Winner: Forte
Beyer: 92
Points (1-2-3-4): 10–4–3–2–1
Forte 92 Race Recap View Chart
Forte 92
Friday, Nov 4, 2022
Breeders' Cup Juvenile Keeneland
Winner: Forte
Beyer: 100
Points (1-2-3-4): 30–12–9–6–3
Forte 100 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Forte 100
Saturday, Nov 26, 2022
Kentucky Jockey Club Churchill Downs
Winner: Instant Coffee
Beyer: 82
Points (1-2-3-4): 10–4–3–2–1
Instant Coffee 82 Race Recap View Chart
Instant Coffee 82
Saturday, Dec 3, 2022
Remsen Aqueduct , 1 1/8 Miles
Winner: Dubyuhnell
Beyer: 90
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Dubyuhnell 90 Race Recap View Chart
Dubyuhnell 90
Saturday, Dec 10, 2022
Los Alamitos Futurity Los Alamitos , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Practical Move
Beyer: 88
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Practical Move 88 Race Recap View Chart
Practical Move 88
Saturday, Dec 17, 2022
Springboard Mile Remington Park , 1 Mile
Winner: Wildatlanticstorm
Beyer: 94
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Wildatlanticstorm 94 Race Recap View Chart
Wildatlanticstorm 94
Monday, Dec 26, 2022
Gun Runner Fair Grounds , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Jace's Road
Beyer: 90
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Jace's Road 90 Race Recap View Chart
Jace's Road 90
Sunday, Jan 1, 2023
Jerome Aqueduct , 1 Mile
Winner: Lugan Knight
Beyer: 85
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Lugan Knight 85 Race Recap View Chart
Lugan Knight 85
Sunday, Jan 1, 2023
Smarty Jones Oaklawn Park , 1 Mile
Winner: Victory Formation
Beyer: 91
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Victory Formation 91 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Victory Formation 91
Sunday, Jan 8, 2023
Sham Santa Anita , 1 Mile
Winner: Reincarnate
Beyer: 95
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Reincarnate 95 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Reincarnate 95
Saturday, Jan 21, 2023
Lecomte Fair Grounds , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Instant Coffee
Beyer: 92
Points (1-2-3-4): 20-8-6-4-2
Instant Coffee 92 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Instant Coffee 92
Saturday, Jan 28, 2023
Southwest Oaklawn Park , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Arabian Knight
Beyer: 97
Points (1-2-3-4): 20-8-6-4-2
Arabian Knight 97 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Arabian Knight 97
Saturday, Feb 4, 2023
Holy Bull Gulfstream Park , 1 1/16 miles
Winner: Rocket Can
Beyer: 82
Points (1-2-3-4): 20-8-6-4-2
Rocket Can 82 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Rocket Can 82
Saturday, Feb 4, 2023
Robert B. Lewis Santa Anita , 1 1/16 miles
Winner: Newgate
Beyer: 100
Points (1-2-3-4): 20-8-6-4-2
Newgate 100 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Newgate 100
Saturday, Feb 11, 2023
Withers Aqueduct , 1 1/8 miles
Winner: Hit Show
Beyer: 91
Points (1-2-3-4): 20-8-6-4-2
Hit Show 91 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Hit Show 91
Saturday, Feb 11, 2023
Sam F. Davis Tampa Bay Downs , 1 1/16 miles
Winner: Litigate
Beyer: 77
Points (1-2-3-4): 20-8-6-4-2
Litigate 77 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Litigate 77
Saturday, Feb 11, 2023
El Camino Real Golden Gate Fields , 1 1/8 miles
Winner: Chase the Chaos
Beyer: 83
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Chase the Chaos 83 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Chase the Chaos 83
Saturday, Feb 18, 2023
Risen Star Fair Grounds , 1 1/8 miles
Winner: Angel of Empire
Beyer: 89
Points (1-2-3-4): 50-20-15-10-5
Angel of Empire 89 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Angel of Empire 89
Saturday, Feb 25, 2023
Rebel Oaklawn , 1 1/16 miles
Winner: Confidence Game
Beyer: 94
Points (1-2-3-4): 50-20-15-10-5
Confidence Game 94 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Confidence Game 94
Saturday, Mar 4, 2023
Gotham Aqueduct , 1 mile
Winner: Raise Cain
Beyer: 90
Points (1-2-3-4): 50-20-15-10-5
Raise Cain 90 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Raise Cain 90
Saturday, Mar 4, 2023
Fountain of Youth Gulfstream Park , 1 1/16 miles
Winner: Forte
Beyer: 98
Points (1-2-3-4): 50-20-15-10-5
Forte 98 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Forte 98
Saturday, Mar 4, 2023
San Felipe Santa Anita , 1 1/16 miles
Winner: Practical Move
Beyer: 100
Points (1-2-3-4): 50-20-15-10-5
Practical Move 100 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Practical Move 100
Saturday, Mar 4, 2023
John Battaglia Memorial Turfway , 1 1/16 miles
Winner: Congruent
Beyer: 91
Points (1-2-3-4): 20-8-6-4-2
Congruent 91 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Congruent 91
Saturday, Mar 11, 2023
Tampa Bay Derby Tampa Bay Downs , 1 1/16 miles
Winner: Tapit Trice
Beyer: 88
Points (1-2-3-4): 50-20-15-10-5
Tapit Trice 88 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Tapit Trice 88
Saturday, Mar 25, 2023
Louisiana Derby Fair Grounds , 1 3/16 miles
Winner: Kingsbarns
Beyer: 95
Points (1-2-3-4): 100-40-30-20-10
Kingsbarns 95 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Kingsbarns 95
Saturday, Mar 25, 2023
UAE Derby Meydan , 1 1/16 miles
Winner: Derma Sotogake
Points (1-2-3-4): 100-40-30-20-10
Derma Sotogake Race Recap Analysis
Derma Sotogake
Saturday, Mar 25, 2023
Jeff Ruby Steaks Turfway , 1 1/8 miles
Winner: Two Phil's
Beyer: 101
Points (1-2-3-4): 100-40-30-20-10
Two Phil's 101 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Two Phil's 101
Sunday, Mar 26, 2023
Sunland Derby Sunland , 1 1/8 miles
Winner: Wild On Ice
Beyer: 77
Points (1-2-3-4): 50-20-15-10-5
Wild On Ice 77 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Wild On Ice 77
Saturday, Apr 1, 2023
Florida Derby Gulfstream , 1 1/8 miles
Winner: Forte
Beyer: 95
Points (1-2-3-4): 100-40-30-20-10
Forte 95 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Forte 95
Saturday, Apr 1, 2023
Arkansas Derby Oaklawn , 1 1/8 miles
Winner: Angel of Empire
Beyer: 94
Points (1-2-3-4): 100-40-30-20-10
Angel of Empire 94 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Angel of Empire 94
Saturday, Apr 8, 2023
Blue Grass Stakes Keeneland , 1 1/8 miles
Winner: Tapit Trice
Beyer: 99
Points (1-2-3-4): 100-40-30-20-10
Tapit Trice 99 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Tapit Trice 99
Saturday, Apr 8, 2023
Santa Anita Derby Santa Anita , 1 1/8 miles
Winner: Practical Move
Beyer: 100
Points (1-2-3-4): 100-40-30-20-10
Practical Move 100 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Practical Move 100
Saturday, Apr 8, 2023
Wood Memorial Aqueduct , 1 1/8 miles
Winner: Lord Miles
Beyer: 93
Points (1-2-3-4): 100-40-30-20-10
Lord Miles 93 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
Lord Miles 93
Saturday, Apr 15, 2023
Lexington Keeneland , 1 1/16 miles
Winner: First Mission
Beyer: 98
Points (1-2-3-4): 20-8-6-4-2
First Mission 98 Race Recap Analysis View Chart
First Mission 98

European Road to the Derby

Date Race / Track / Distance Winner
Sunday, Oct 2, 2022
Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere Longchamp , 7 Furlongs
Winner: Belbek Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Belbek
Belbek
Saturday, Oct 22, 2022
Futurity Trophy Doncaster , 1 mile (T)
Winner: Auguste Rodin Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4): 10–4–3–2–1
Auguste Rodin
Auguste Rodin
Friday, Mar 3, 2023
Patton Dundalk , 1 mile
Winner: Cairo Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4): 20–8–6–4–2
Cairo
Cairo
Wednesday, Mar 15, 2023
Condition Stakes Kempton Park
Winner: Alzahir Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4): 20–8–6–4–2
Alzahir
Alzahir
Saturday, Apr 1, 2023
Cardinal Condition Stakes Chelmsford city
Winner: Bold Act Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4): 30–12–9–6–3
Bold Act
Bold Act

Japan Road to the Derby

Date Race / Track / Distance Winner
Saturday, Nov 26, 2022
Cattleya Tokyo Racecourse , ~ 1 Mile
Winner: Continuar Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Continuar
Continuar
Wednesday, Dec 14, 2022
Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun Kawasaki
Winner: Derma Sotogake Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4): 20–8–6–4–2
Derma Sotogake
Derma Sotogake
Sunday, Feb 19, 2023
Hyacinth Tokyo Racecourse
Winner: Perriere Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4): 30–12–9–6–3
Perriere
Perriere
Saturday, Mar 25, 2023
Fukuryu Nakayama
Winner: Mitono O Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4): 40–16–12–8–4
Mitono O
Mitono O

All Top Kentucky Derby News

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David Grening May 07,2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Heavy rain, thunder and lightning populated the Churchill Downs backstretch Sunday morning, but it was all sunshine and rainbows at Barn 42, where Kentucky Derby winner Mage was ambi

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David Grening May 05,2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – After a seemingly quiet fortnight, the Kentucky Derby field underwent significant changes over the 48 hours leading up to the race. Four of the original 23 horses entered have b

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Marcus Hersh May 06,2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Mage, who only made his first start on Jan. 28, won the Kentucky Derby in his fourth. Surging powerfully from behind a strong pace, Mage ran down Two Phil’s, who got a sweet r

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David Grening May 05,2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - When Forte had his final gallop Friday morning for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, he was wearing a three-quarter shoe on his right front foot. A piece of the shoe was cut off at the up

Kentucky Derby: Skinner scratched due to temperature

David Grening May 05,2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Skinner, the third-place finisher in the Santa Anita Derby, has been scratched from the Kentucky Derby due to an elevated temperature, according to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commis

Kentucky Derby: Continuar third scratch in one day

David Grening May 04,2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. _ Continuar will be scratched from Saturday’s Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, it was announced Thursday night by his connections. In a statement put out by Churchill Downs, Yos

Churchill bans Saffie Joseph after stewards order Lord Miles scratch from Kentucky Derby

Matt Hegarty May 04,2023
Churchill Downs has banned the trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. for an “indefinite period,” citing the sudden deaths of two of his horses over the past five days at the track. The announcement of the

Kentucky Derby: Practical Move scratches; Cyclone Mischief gets into field

David Grening May 04,2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Practical Move, winner of the Santa Anita Derby and a major player in the Kentucky Derby, will have to scratch out of the race due to a temperature, trainer Tim Yakteen said Thursd

2023 Kentucky Derby Clocker Report: Skinner gallops powerfully, boosting his stock

Mike Welsch May 04,2023
Churchill Downs Thursday, May 4 Weather: Sunny Temperature: 43 Track: Fast LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A busy and very eventful morning on the Kentucky Derby/Oaks watch Thursday at Churchill Downs with

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Mike Welsch May 02,2023
CHURCHILL DOWNS Weather: Clear Temperature: 50 Track: Fast  LOUISVILLE, Ky. - ­The post positions have been drawn but the prep work is not quite over for the 14 fillies set to contes

Kentucky Derby: Derma Sotogake works solo this time

David Grening May 02,2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Derma Sotogake, the UAE Derby winner, and Sun Thunder, the Risen Star Stakes runner-up, put in workouts Tuesday morning as major preparations for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby at Churc

Kentucky Derby: Forte brings Repole full circle

David Grening May 02,2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – On the eve of the 2011 Kentucky Derby, a downcast Mike Repole joined trainer Todd Pletcher on a podium in the press room at Churchill Downs to announce the scratch of Uncle Mo, the

Kentucky Derby: Beyer Figures say Two Phil's shouldn't be overlooked

Brad Free May 02,2023
Kentucky Derby bettors have waited two decades for another horse like War Emblem, the 2002 Derby winner whose odds were out of whack compared to his last-start speed figure. War Emblem earned a gau

Kentucky Derby: First-time participants have world of experience

Nicole Russo May 02,2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The four first-time trainers with a horse expected to start in this year's Kentucky Derby have sent out well over 20,000 starters combined in races around the globe, according to Equ

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David Grening May 01,2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The suspense ended early for Forte and his trainer Todd Pletcher. Forte was the first name called in Monday’s post-position draw, and he was assigned stall 15 for Saturday’s $

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Mike Welsch May 01,2023
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Steve Andersen May 01,2023
Ramon Vazquez has ridden Practical Move in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs many times in his mind. “I can be in the middle of the pack,” he said over the weekend, envisioning the

Kentucky Derby: Desormeaux unwavering in belief he's doing right by Confidence Game

Marcus Hersh May 01,2023
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David Grening May 01,2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Trainer Steve Asmussen sometimes watches the replay of the 2022 Kentucky Derby, just not from start to finish. “I don’t think I’ve sat through the opening of the gates all

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Nicole Russo May 01,2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Champion Good Magic, who came up just shy in his appearance in the Kentucky Derby, is making a magical Derby debut as a sire. Good Magic, who stands at Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm in

Raise Cain to be ridden by Gerardo Corrales in Kentucky Derby

Nicole Russo May 01,2023
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Mike Welsch Apr 29,2023
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David Grening Apr 29,2023
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Nicole Russo Apr 29,2023
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Brad Free Apr 29,2023
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Mike Welsch Apr 28,2023
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Steve Andersen Apr 28,2023
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Kentucky Derby: Kingsbarns, Mage try to join exclusive company in their fourth start

David Grening Apr 28,2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Since the filly Regret did it in 1915, only two horses have won the Kentucky Derby having made just three previous starts. In 2018, Justify did it on his way to becoming the first

Kentucky Derby Clocker Report: Oaks fillies dominate Thursday training session

Mike Welsch Apr 27,2023
Churchill Downs Thursday, April 27 Weather: Clear Temp: 53° Track: Fast LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Ten potential Kentucky Oaks fillies worked within about a 12-minute window following the fir

Kentucky Derby: Raise Cain gets final work; jockey still to be determined

Nicole Russo Apr 27,2023
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Raise Cain turned in his final work for the Kentucky Derby on Thursday morning at Keeneland as trainer Ben Colebrook continues to weigh his jockey options for the colt. Raise Cai

Skinner gains Kentucky Derby berth; Juan Hernandez gets mount

Steve Andersen Apr 27,2023
Skinner, third in the Santa Anita Derby on April 8, gained a berth in the Kentucky Derby on May 6 after Wild On Ice sustained a fatal injury during training early Thursday at Churchill Downs. Skinn

Kentucky Derby: Wild On Ice euthanized after training injury

Marty McGee Apr 27,2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Kentucky Derby hopeful Wild On Ice was euthanized Thursday morning after suffering a catastrophic injury to his left hind leg at Churchill Downs in a pre-dawn workout intended to p

Kentucky Derby: Two Phil’s cruises through five-furlong drill at Hawthorne

Marcus Hersh Apr 27,2023
STICKNEY, Ill. – Two Phil’s completed his major preparation for the May 6 Kentucky Derby working a smooth five furlongs at 7 a.m. Thursday at Hawthorne Racecourse. With race rider Jareth Lovebe

2023 Kentucky Derby Clocker Report: Derma Sotogake clearly outworks Continuar

Mike Welsch Apr 26,2023
Churchill Downs Wednesday, April 26 Weather: Clear Temperature: 46 Track: Fast LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A serious drill by the two Japanese contenders in this year’s Kentucky Derby, Derma Sotogake

2023 Kentucky Derby: Ortiz has excellent chance in race that has eluded him

David Grening Apr 26,2023
He has won four of the last five Eclipse Awards as North America’s outstanding jockey and has averaged 320 wins annually the last eight years. At age 30, Irad Ortiz Jr. has risen to the top of his p

Kentucky Derby: Flame of hope still flickers for bubble horses

Marty McGee Apr 26,2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The skeptics who believed bubble horses only add clutter to the Kentucky Derby had their bubble busted last year when Rich Strike pulled his 80-1 stunner as a last-minute runner.

Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for April 26, 2023

Brad Free Apr 26,2023
WHO’S HOT Jace’s Road might seem curious as a “Who’s Hot.” After all, he is a 50-1 outsider by Derby Watch linemaker David Aragona and finished a fading third in the Louisiana Derby despi

2023 Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Continuar

Nicole Russo Apr 26,2023
Continuar Drefong – Pan de Ring, by King Kamehameha Bred in Japan by Lake Villa Farm ($635,432 JRHA yearling purchase by Toshihiko Tabata)   Japanese-based Thoroughbreds have in rec

2023 Kentucky Derby Clocker Report: Confidence Game, Mage make appearances on quiet morning

Mike Welsch Apr 25,2023
Churchill Downs Tuesday, April 25 Weather: Clear Temperature: 39 degrees Track: Fast LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The closest thing to a timed workout relevant to the Kentucky Derby on Tuesday morning a

Kentucky Derby: Castellano takes off Raise Cain to ride Mage

Mike Welsch Apr 25,2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The connections of Florida Derby runner-up Mage have tabbed Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano to ride their horse in this year’s Kentucky Derby, a turn of events that now leave

2023 Kentucky Derby Clocker Report: Disarm drills serious five furlongs

Mike Welsch Apr 24,2023
Churchill Downs Monday, April 24 Weather: Clear Temperature: 35 Track: Fast LOUISVILLE, Ky. – An impressive work just nine days removed from his last start by Disarm and a very strong open ga

2023 Kentucky Derby Clocker Report: Rocket Can works in blinkers

Mike Welsch Apr 23,2023
CHURCHILL DOWNS Sunday, April 23, 2023 Weather: Sunny Track: Fast  Temperature:  38 LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Nobody had any problem keeping their cool Sunday morning at Churchill Downs, wher

No Derby for Blazing Sevens, no Oaks for Shidabhuti, Brown says

David Grening Apr 23,2023
Trainer Chad Brown will sit out this year’s Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. Brown confirmed Sunday that Blazing Sevens, who sits 17th on the Kentucky Derby points list, will bypass the Run for

Espinoza, Skinner in waiting game for Kentucky Derby berth

Steve Andersen Apr 23,2023
Hall of Fame jockey Victor Espinoza is one of two riders to win the Kentucky Derby twice in the last decade. A chance for a third win for Espinoza at Churchill Downs on May 6 hinges on a measure of lu

2023 Kentucky Derby Clocker Report: A day after breezing, Forte turns in a spirited gallop

Mike Welsch Apr 22,2023
CHURCHILL DOWNS Saturday, April 22 Weather: Cloudy Temperature: 46 Track: Sloppy LOUISVILLE, Ky. - With trainers Todd Pletcher and Brad Cox working their plethora of potential Derby starters he

Kentucky Derby: Pletcher, Cox runners put in penultimate drills

Marty McGee Apr 21,2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – It was the fastest few minutes in sports, at least for the day. A flurry of important workouts from the top contenders for the May 6 Kentucky Derby all took place within a matter o

Kentucky Derby: Kingsbarns, Major Dude work 'textbook' five furlongs

Nicole Russo Apr 20,2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – As the trainers of Kentucky Derby and Oaks hopefuls continued to monitor the coming April showers, Kingsbarns was the first of Todd Pletcher’s major prep winners to turn in his p

Kentucky Derby: Forte nears first Churchill workout

Marty McGee Apr 19,2023
Forte, the clear-cut favorite for the May 6 Kentucky Derby, has settled into a daily routine at Churchill Downs after arriving before dawn Monday following the long overnight van ride from trainer Tod

Kentucky Derby: Shirreffs training Skinner like he is in the field

Brad Free Apr 19,2023
ARCADIA, Calif. – Skinner bounced out of his Santa Anita Derby third-place finish in such good shape he has already returned to work. Just nine days after missing by a half-length in the Santa Anita

Some Kentucky Derby hopefuls now setting their sights on Preakness

Nicole Russo Apr 19,2023
There is life after the Kentucky Derby. Whoever wears the roses in less than three weeks at Churchill Downs will have new foes awaiting them in Baltimore, as the field for the May 20 Preakness Stakes

2023 Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for April 19, 2023

Brad Free Apr 19,2023
WHO’S HOT Disarm finished third with a 90 Beyer in the Lexington Stakes on Saturday at Keeneland. The performance was not remarkable, but it was good enough. The Louisiana Derby runner-up needed

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Kingsbarns

Nicole Russo Apr 19,2023
Kingsbarns Uncle Mo – Lady Tapit, by Tapit Bred in Kentucky by Parks Investment Group ($250,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling purchase by Tom McCrocklin; $800,000 Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream 2-ye

Mage works five furlongs in Kentucky Derby prep

Mike Welsch Apr 16,2023
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Mage has already come a long way in a short time, having progressed from a debut maiden victory on Jan. 28 to a second-place finish in the $1 million Florida Derby just nine w

Two Phil's goes five furlongs in Kentucky Derby drill at Hawthorne

Marcus Hersh Apr 16,2023
Two Phil’s, impressive winner of the Jeff Ruby Steaks over the Tapeta surface at Turfway Park, had a major dirt tune-up for the Kentucky Derby on Sunday morning at Hawthorne Racecourse.   Wo

Pope's big purchase of Tapit Trice in 2021 paying dividends now

Nicole Russo Apr 16,2023
Mandy Pope, who breeds and races as Whisper Hill Farm, is known for being a major player at Thoroughbred auctions in North America. She was ready to play at a high level again when a yearling Tapit co

First Mission has stakes-debut victory in Lexington

Nicole Russo Apr 15,2023
LEXINGTON, Ky. - Trainer Brad Cox began the morning in darkness, working Kentucky Derby hopefuls including Arkansas Derby winner Angel of Empire at Churchill Downs. He ended the day picking up a Preak

Lexington gives Disarm a final chance to make it to Kentucky Derby

Marty McGee Apr 13,2023
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Next stop, Louisville. Another long series of Kentucky Derby preps will make its traditional final stop Saturday when the Grade 3, $400,000 Lexington Stakes is run for the 41st time

Angel of Empire works half-mile for Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs

Nicole Russo Apr 15,2023
Arkansas Derby winner Angel of Empire was among trainer Brad Cox’s workers as he turned in the first of three likely Kentucky Derby works on Saturday morning at Churchill Downs. The colt was credite

Kentucky Derby: Pletcher works Forte, Kingsbarns, and Major Dude

Mike Welsch Apr 14,2023
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer Todd Pletcher has used the word “perfect” many times in describing how things have progressed over the last several months for his reigning juvenile champion For

Confidence Game gets tag-teamed in stiff one-mile work

Marty McGee Apr 14,2023
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Confidence Game, who skipped the Lexington Stakes on Saturday at Keeneland to train straight into the Kentucky Derby on May 6, was sent through a serious one-mile workout Friday at

Kentucky Derby: Mage to work this weekend

Mike Welsch Apr 13,2023
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Mage, runner-up despite a slow start and wide trip in the Grade 1 Florida Derby, will have the first of his three scheduled pre-Kentucky Derby workouts at Gulfstream Park th

With points cut-off at historical high, hope is fading for Kentucky Derby bubble horses

Marcus Hersh Apr 12,2023
Every single horse in North America and Japan with the qualifying points to make the 20-horse Kentucky Derby field on May 6 is as of Wednesday still on track to race in the Kentucky Derby. Of the t

2023 Kentucky Derby: McPeek not in a hurry to decide about Sun Thunder

Marty McGee Apr 12,2023
Kenny McPeek can keep everybody else jammed up if he wants. There’s no looming timetable as to when the veteran trainer must decide whether Sun Thunder will be entered in the May 6 Kentucky Derby, a

Kentucky Derby: Blazing Sevens decision will take time

David Grening Apr 12,2023
The status of Blue Grass third-place finisher Blazing Sevens will be monitored quite closely by those on the outside of the Kentucky Derby picture looking in, but don’t expect a decision on that col

Lexington might end up Preakness stepping-stone for Arabian Lion

Marty McGee Apr 12,2023
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Lexington Stakes on Saturday often serves as a prep for the Preakness, not the Kentucky Derby. And that would most definitely apply in the case of Arabian Lion, one of 11 3-year

Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for April 12, 2023

Brad Free Apr 12,2023
WHO’S HOT Tapit Trice produced a career-best performance Saturday at Keeneland, where he won the Blue Grass Stakes by a neck. The win lifts Tapit Trice from borderline participant in the Kentucky

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Lord Miles

Nicole Russo Apr 12,2023
Lord Miles Curlin – Lady Esme, by Majestic Warrior Bred in Kentucky by Vegso Racing Stable   With all the major Kentucky Derby prep races in the books, the biggest newcomer on this

Pletcher planning to send Kentucky Derby brigade to Churchill on April 16

Marty McGee Apr 09,2023
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Tapit Trice will spend another week at Keeneland before heading over next Sunday (April 16) to Churchill Downs in Louisville, where the Blue Grass Stakes winner will embark on final

Practical Move pairs 100 Beyers; Skinner, Mandarin Hero need defections for Derby berths

Brad Free Apr 09,2023
ARCADIA, Calif. – Practical Move will head to the Kentucky Derby with the top figures in the field, while the two-three finishers he narrowly defeated Saturday in the Grade 1 Runhappy Santa Anita De

Lord Miles, Hit Show headed home to prep for Kentucky Derby

David Grening Apr 09,2023
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Lord Miles was on his way back to South Florida on Sunday morning and Hit Show was to depart New York for Kentucky on Monday as the one-two finishers from Saturday’s Grade 2 Woo

Road to the 2023 Kentucky Derby: Santa Anita Derby analysis

Marcus Hersh Apr 09,2023
Grade 1, $751,500 Santa Anita Derby, April 8, 2023 (100 qualifying points for first, 40 for second, 30 for third, 20 for fourth, and 10 for fifth) Winner: Practical Move, by Practical Joke Traine

Practical Move noses Mandarin Hero in Santa Anita Derby

Brad Free Apr 08,2023
ARCADIA, Calif. – After winning two graded stakes by open lengths, Practical Move had to gut it out Saturday in the Grade 1 Runhappy Santa Anita Derby. The result was the same. Practical Move ($4

Tapit Trice outruns Verifying in Blue Grass Stakes

Marty McGee Apr 08,2023
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Tapit Trice joined his Todd Pletcher stablemates as major contenders for the 149th Kentucky Derby by getting the best of Verifying in an exciting stretch duel Saturday in the Keenel

Lord Miles ($120.50) survives bumpy Wood Memorial, clinches Kentucky Derby berth

David Grening Apr 08,2023
OZONE PARK, N.Y. - On a day full of surprises at Aqueduct, Lord Miles - at 59-1 the third-longest price in the field of 12 - pulled off the biggest and arguably most important one, outlasting Hit Show

Blue Grass Stakes: Tapit Trice favored to take down a second Derby prep

Marty McGee Apr 06,2023
LEXINGTON, Ky. – He already has Forte as the Kentucky Derby favorite, with Kingsbarns as a backup. Next up for Todd Pletcher is putting the finishing touches on another hot prospect, Tapit Trice, in

Practical Move puts reputation on the line in Santa Anita Derby

Brad Free Apr 06,2023
ARCADIA, Calif. – Spring finally arrived at Santa Anita, where the disruptions during a wet winter were matched by instability among Santa Anita Derby and Kentucky Derby aspirants. More than 34 i

Cox and Pletcher look to add to their Kentucky Derby teams in Wood Memorial

David Grening Apr 06,2023
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Brad Cox and Todd Pletcher already have horses securely in this year’s Kentucky Derby. It is the size of their contingent that remains to be determined. Saturday’s Grade 2,

Geaux Rocket Ride scratched from Santa Anita Derby with temperature

Brad Free Apr 08,2023
ARCADIA, Calif. – The exciting two-start colt Geaux Rocket Ride is off the Kentucky Derby trail after he spiked a temperature Saturday that necessitated his scratch from the Grade 1 Runhappy Santa A

Pletcher sends out Kingsbarns, Major Dude in team work for Kentucky Derby

Mike Welsch Apr 07,2023
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Louisiana Derby winner Kingsbarns on Friday took his first step on the final road to the Kentucky Derby, breezing four furlongs in 49.74 seconds in company with stablemate M

Kentucky Derby: Yakteen comes in with his own headliner

David Grening Apr 05,2023
Trainer Tim Yakteen is back on the Kentucky Derby trail, and this year it’s not all about Bob. A year ago at this time, with trainer Bob Baffert on suspension owing to the medication positive inc

Kentucky Derby: Reincarnate remains on track for Louisville

David Grening Apr 05,2023
Reincarnate, third in last Saturday’s Grade 1, $1.25 million Arkansas Derby, remains pointed to the Kentucky Derby, Tom Ryan, managing partner of SF Racing, part-owner of the colt, said this week.

Kentucky Derby: McPeek has trio for Blue Grass Stakes

Nicole Russo Apr 05,2023
Trainer Kenny McPeek comes into Saturday’s Blue Grass Stakes under the radar despite being expected to enter three in the Grade 1, $1 million race. Hayes Strike, last-out winner of the Private Terms

Kentucky Derby: Bernhards lift off with Geaux Rocket Ride

Brad Free Apr 05,2023
Best birthday gift ever? The 2021 yearling that Jim Bernhard purchased for Dana Bernhard ranks near the top. “My wife always gives me great birthday presents . . . the first Thoroughbred I decided t

Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for April 5, 2023

Brad Free Apr 05,2023
WHO’S HOT Angel of Empire uncorked an impressive late move Saturday at Oaklawn Park – and the biggest move this week on Derby Watch. After his decisive victory in the Arkansas Derby, Angel of E

2023 Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Mage

Nicole Russo Apr 05,2023
Mage Good Magic – Puca, by Big Brown Bred in Kentucky by Grandview Equine ($235,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase by New Team; $290,000 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic juvenile purchase by OGMA

Vazquez finds himself with top Santa Anita Derby, Oaks contenders

Brad Free Apr 05,2023
On the one-year anniversary of relocating to California, jockey Ramon Vazquez finds himself in an enviable position Saturday – riding favorite Practical Move in the Grade 1 Runhappy Santa Anita Derb

Road to the 2023 Kentucky Derby: Florida Derby analysis

Marcus Hersh Apr 03,2023
$1 million Florida Derby, Gulfstream Park, April 1, 2023 [100 qualifying points for first, 40 for second, 30 for third, 20 for fourth, and 10 for fifth] Winner: Forte, by Violence Trainer: Todd P

Forte has learning experience with Florida Derby win, Pletcher says

Mike Welsch Apr 02,2023
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - The countdown until Kentucky Derby day officially began in trainer Todd Pletcher’s barn on Sunday, the morning after Forte solidified his position as this year’s Derby fav

Rice, Broman decide to run Arctic Arrogance in Wood rather than Bay Shore

David Grening Apr 03,2023
After some consideration about cutting Arctic Arrogance back in distance, trainer Linda Rice and owner Chester Broman have decided to keep the New York-bred 3-year-old routing and will run him in Satu

Angel of Empire had great Kentucky Derby prep in Arkansas Derby, Cox says

Mary Rampellini Apr 02,2023
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Angel of Empire will head to Churchill Downs on Tuesday to begin preparations for the Kentucky Derby, trainer Brad Cox said Sunday, a day after the horse won his second straight

National Treasure, One in Vermillion likely to join Santa Anita Derby field

Steve Andersen Apr 02,2023
ARCADIA, Calif. - The Grade 1 Runhappy Santa Anita Derby next Saturday added two starters on Sunday with the inclusion of a well-regarded contender in National Treasure and the longshot One in Vermill

Road to the 2023 Kentucky Derby: Arkansas Derby analysis

Marcus Hersh Apr 02,2023
$1.25 million Arkansas Derby, April 1, 2023 [100 qualifying points for first, 40 for second, 30 for third, 20 for fourth, and 10 for fifth] Winner: Angel of Empire, by Classic Empire Trainer: Br

Florida Derby: Forte overcomes adversity to stamp himself as Kentucky Derby favorite

Mike Welsch Apr 01,2023
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – He only won by a length, but owner Vinnie Viola may have summed up Forte’s eye-catching victory over Mage in Saturday’s $1 million Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park best

Angel of Empire pulls away to Arkansas Derby victory

Mary Rampellini Apr 01,2023
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Angel of Empire’s dominant win in the Grade 1, $1.25 million Arkansas Derby put an exclamation point on a perfect afternoon of stakes racing for trainer Brad Cox on Saturday at

England: Bold Act gains 30 Kentucky Derby points with Cardinal Condition victory

Steve Andersen Apr 01,2023
Bold Act won his fourth consecutive race and first start of 2023 in the $123,800 Cardinal Condition Stakes at Chelmsford City Racecourse near London, the final race in the European qualifying series f

Forte closes as 5-2 favorite in final pool of Kentucky Derby Future Wager

Marty McGee Apr 01,2023
The sixth and final pool in the 2023 Kentucky Derby Future Wager closed Saturday evening with Forte as a 5-2 favorite – and that was before the champion colt closed with a flourish to win the Florid

Florida Derby: Despite post, Forte expectations through the roof

Mike Welsch Mar 30,2023
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Todd Pletcher has won the Grade 1 Florida Derby a record six times, including five of the last nine renewals. But none of those promising youngsters, even eventual Kentucky

Arkansas Derby: Competitive group squares off for big purse, points

Mary Rampellini Mar 30,2023
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – A final push for Kentucky Derby qualifying points has brought horses from California, Florida, and Louisiana to Oaklawn Park on Saturday for the Grade 1, $1.25 million Arkansas D

Brave Emperor following less-traveled road to Kentucky Derby

Steve Andersen Mar 29,2023
There may be a runner in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 6 who has never raced beyond a mile or appeared in a group or graded stakes. Brave Emperor, a winner of 5 of 7 starts in Britai

Kentucky Derby: Arkansas Derby hopeful Two Eagles River comes from small world

Mary Rampellini Mar 29,2023
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Kavod took co-owner Michael Robinson on a Grade 1 ride last April when he ran in the Arkansas Derby. The horse, who finished fifth, was one of the first runners owned by the 4

Kentucky Derby: Derma Sotogake's UAE Derby time compares favorably

Brad Free Mar 29,2023
How fast did Derma Sotogake run Saturday when he dazzled in the UAE Derby? The colt’s time was the second-fastest UAE Derby since the race moved to Meydan and lengthened to 1 3/16 miles in 2010.

Rocket Can aims to make Fletcher's Arkansas Derby dreams come true

Mary Rampellini Mar 29,2023
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The first Saturday in April is Frank Fletcher’s first Saturday in May. The owner of Rocket Can is seeking to win the Arkansas Derby on Saturday at Oaklawn Park. It’s the d

Kentucky Derby 2023: Points bar set high this year

David Grening Mar 29,2023
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – The phrase “one shining moment” will be heard frequently this weekend, especially here in South Florida, where two schools qualified for the Final Four of the NCAA men

Kentucky Derby: Pletcher pointing three to Wood Memorial

David Grening Mar 29,2023
When Mo Donegal won last year’s Grade 2, $750,000 Wood Memorial, it was trainer Todd Pletcher’s seventh victory in the race, equaling the record of Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons. On April 8, Pletcher i

Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for March 29, 2023

Brad Free Mar 29,2023
WHO’S HOT Kingsbarns, Derma Sotogake, and Two Phil’s rocket up the Derby Watch chart following decisive graded stakes victories last week in which each earned 100 qualifying points. Kingsbarns

2023 Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Red Route One

Nicole Russo Mar 29,2023
Red Route One Gun Runner – Red House, by Tapit Bred in Kentucky by Winchell Thoroughbreds   The colors of the Winchell Thoroughbreds operation have been carried by two of the most promi

Road to the 2023 Kentucky Derby: Louisiana Derby analysis

Marcus Hersh Mar 28,2023
$1 million Louisiana Derby, March. 25, 2023 [100 qualifying points for first, 40 for second, 30 for third, 20 for fourth, and 10 for fifth] Winner: Kingsbarns, by Uncle Mo Trainer: Todd Pletcher

2023 Kentucky Derby: Sunland Derby winner Wild On Ice made eligible to Triple Crown

Mary Rampellini Mar 27,2023
Sunland Park Derby winner Wild On Ice has been made eligible for the Triple Crown, but his status for the Kentucky Derby is to be determined, trainer Joel Marr said Monday. Wild On Ice won the Grad

Wild On Ice ($72.80) upsets Sunland Park Derby, considers Kentucky Derby

Mary Rampellini Mar 26,2023
Wild On Ice upset the Grade 3, $600,000 Sunland Park Derby at 35-1 on Sunday and, while he picked up 50 Kentucky Derby points, his status for the race is to be determined, according to trainer Joel Ma

Rocket Can, Reincarnate lead field of 11 into Saturday's Arkansas Derby

Mary Rampellini Mar 26,2023
HOT SPRINGS, Ark.– Rocket Can and Reincarnate, who have won graded stakes on opposite coasts, will be part of a field of 11 for the Grade 1, $1.25 million Arkansas Derby on Saturday at Oaklawn Park.

Two Phil's will train at Hawthorne before heading to Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby

Nicole Russo Mar 26,2023
The consistent Two Phil’s, who punched his ticket to the Kentucky Derby with a breakout win in the Grade 3, $700,000 Jeff Ruby on Saturday at Turfway, is bound for trainer Larry Rivelli's Hawthorne

Kingsbarns shows he knows way to Kentucky Derby

David Grening Mar 26,2023
When the principals of Spendthrift Farm sent Kingsbarns to Todd Pletcher last October, they weren’t necessarily thinking he was going to have time to develop into a Kentucky Derby horse. Kingsbar

Skinner works on stamina for Santa Anita Derby

Steve Andersen Mar 26,2023
ARCADIA, Calif. - There were aspects of Skinner’s third-place finish in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita on March 4 that left trainer John Shirreffs concerned. Skinner finished 3 3/4

Forte will have to overcome post 11 in Florida Derby

Mike Welsch Mar 25,2023
HALLANDALE  BEACH, Fla. - The road to the Kentucky Derby got a little trickier for the undisputed division leader Forte early Saturday afternoon after the reigning 2-year-old champion drew post p

Kingsbarns uses Louisiana Derby to gain Kentucky Derby spot

David Grening Mar 25,2023
Trainer Todd Pletcher has started three or more horses in the Kentucky Derby 10 times since 2000 and it looks like he’ll have at least another trio of starters for this year’s running after Kingsb

Derma Sotogake punches ticket to Kentucky Derby with UAE Derby win

Marcus Hersh Mar 25,2023
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Dirt racing is a second-class citizen in Japan, where turf is king, but Japanese dirt horses are doing just fine in Dubai. A year after Japan-based Crown Pride won the

Louisiana Derby deeper than might appear at first glance

Marcus Hersh Mar 23,2023
You could bet on Instant Coffee to win the Louisiana Derby. He won his career debut at Saratoga, finished a decent fourth facing strong competition in the Breeders’ Futurity, overcame a slow pace to

UAE Derby distance the question for Cairo

Marcus Hersh Mar 23,2023
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The first 200-point Kentucky Derby qualifying race of 2023 comes on Saturday at Meydan in Dubai, some 7,000 miles from Churchill Downs. The Grade 2, $1 million UAE Derb

Major Dude, Two Phil's switch to Tapeta for Jeff Ruby Steaks

Nicole Russo Mar 22,2023
Major Dude and Two Phil’s, the top two choices on the morning line for Saturday’s Grade 3, $700,000 Jeff Ruby at Turfway Park, make a surface switch to Tapeta as they collide with local prep winne

Fort Bragg, Mage join Florida Derby lineup

Mike Welsch Mar 24,2023
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – The complexion of the starting lineup for next Saturday’s $1 million Florida Derby took a turn for the better Friday with confirmation that Fort Bragg and Mage are no

2023 Kentucky Derby: Riders face difficult decisions as final preps near

David Grening Mar 22,2023
Jockey Luis Saez knew what it felt like to win the Kentucky Derby for about 22 minutes. Then, he didn’t. The disqualification of Maximum Security from the 2019 Kentucky Derby for interference –

Kentucky Derby: Henry Q brings strong race over track into Sunland Derby

Mary Rampellini Mar 22,2023
Henry Q will face Southern California shippers Fort Bragg and Hard to Figure on Sunday in the Grade 3, $600,000 Sunland Park Derby. The 1 1/8-mile race offers Kentucky Derby points to its first fiv

Colebrook, Warrens will have a break between next Kentucky Derby preps

Nicole Russo Mar 22,2023
Trainer Ben Colebrook and owners Andrew and Rania Warren will have a little more breathing room between races when their colts Scoobie Quando and Raise Cain run in a pair of major Kentucky Derby point

2023 Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Instant Coffee

Nicole Russo Mar 22,2023
Instant Coffee Bolt d’Oro – Follow No One, by Uncle Mo Bred in Kentucky by Sagamore Farm ($200,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase by Joe Hardoon, agent)   Instant Coffee is the

Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for March 22, 2023

Brad Free Mar 22,2023
WHO’S HOT The only changes to Derby Watch this week are updated comments and next starts. It is the calm before the storm. There were no major Derby preps last week; there are four this week, inclu

Geaux Rocket Ride will turn on afterburners in Santa Anita Derby

Brad Free Mar 22,2023
Geaux Rocket Ride will be among the least experienced entrants in the Grade 1 Runhappy Santa Anita Derby on April 8, but the two-start colt could inherit the most important role – he is the likely p

Santa Anita Derby contender Mandarin Hero likes the chase

Brad Free Mar 22,2023
Japan-based Mandarin Hero is the only known shipper for the Santa Anita Derby. His trainer, Terunobu Fujita, provided insight into the colt’s late-running style in a recent visit to California. Fuji

Major Dude solid favorite in 12-horse Jeff Ruby Stakes

Nicole Russo Mar 21,2023
Morning-line favorite Major Dude drew the rail in a field of 12 on Tuesday for Saturday's Grade 3, $700,000 Jeff Ruby Stakes at Turfway Park. The Ruby, at 1 1/8 miles on Tapeta, awards Kentucky Der

Florida Derby: Plenty of nominees but few confirmed starters

Mike Welsch Mar 20,2023
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – A total of 23 3-year-olds were nominated for the Grade 1 Florida Derby here on April 1 although the imposing presence of Forte is almost certain to keep the field to a minim

Yakteen Derby hopefuls running through four time zones

Steve Andersen Mar 19,2023
ARCADIA, Calif. - California trainer Tim Yakteen may have runners in Kentucky Derby prep races in four time zones in coming weeks. Yakteen said on Sunday that he plans to start Fort Bragg in the Gr

Hayes Strike eyes Kentucky Derby prep after Private Terms triumph

Dan Illman Mar 18,2023
Hayes Strike may head to a major Kentucky Derby prep at Keeneland after registering a gritty 1 3/4-length victory over favored Coffeewithchris in Saturday's $100,000 Private Terms for 3-year-olds at 1

Cox has three for Louisiana Derby

Marcus Hersh Mar 18,2023
Trainer Brad Cox has won the first three Fair Grounds stakes races leading to the Louisiana Derby and will have three chances to win the Louisiana Derby itself.  Cox won the Gun Runner in Dece

Forte has first work for Florida Derby

Marty McGee Mar 17,2023
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Forte, the early favorite for the May 6 Kentucky Derby, had his first breeze since winning the Fountain of Youth Stakes when he went an easy half-mile Friday in 50.72 s

Rice likely to give Arctic Arrogance a shot in Wood Memorial

David Grening Mar 17,2023
OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Artic Arrogance, runner-up in three consecutive Kentucky Derby points-scoring races, will most likely make his next start in the Grade 2, $750,000 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April

2023 Kentucky Derby: Pletcher controlling the game seven weeks out

Marcus Hersh Mar 15,2023
There have been many years Todd Pletcher spent March and April moving 3-year-olds all over the chessboard. This year, Pletcher has fewer pawns in the game. But he has the reigning king stabled at his

Blazing Sevens will try to regain form in Wood Memorial

David Grening Mar 15,2023
Blazing Sevens, who finished eighth in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park on March 4, will look to rebound and potentially earn a spot in the Kentucky Derby by running in the Grade 2, $7

Japanese 3-year-old Mandarin Hero plots unusual route to Kentucky Derby

Nicole Russo Mar 15,2023
Although Japan offers a series of Kentucky Derby points races, Japanese-bred Triple Crown nominee Mandarin Hero is eyeing the spring classic from a different route, and is coming from Japan for next m

I Don't Get It will jump from maiden win into the Kentucky Derby mix

Steve Andersen Mar 15,2023
By the time I’ll Have Another and Nyquist reached mid-March of their 3-year-old seasons, they were already stakes winners on their way to wins in the Kentucky Derby for owners Paul and Zillah Reddam

2023 Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for March 15, 2023

David Aragona Mar 15,2023
WHO’S HOT Depending on who you ask, Tampa Bay Derby winner Tapit Trice either cemented his status as a top Derby contender or exposed himself as lacking the mental fortitude for a 20-horse Derby

Blue Grass next for Tampa Bay Derby winner Tapit Trice

Marty McGee Mar 13,2023
The April 8 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland is next for Tapit Trice, whose last-to-first triumph here Saturday in the annual meet showcase, the Tampa Bay Derby, made him the 8-1 second choice in Pool 5

Rocket Can likely to run next in Arkansas Derby

Mike Welsch Mar 13,2023
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – The imposing presence of reigning juvenile champion Forte in the lineup for the $1 million Florida Derby on April 1 could result in several other top 3-year-old prospect

2023 Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Angel of Empire

Nicole Russo Mar 15,2023
Angel of Empire Classic Empire – Armony’s Angel, by To Honor and Serve Bred in Pennsylvania by Forgotten Land Investment and Black Diamond Equine ($70,000 Keeneland September yearling purcha

Field once again favored in Kentucky Derby Future Wager

Marty McGee Feb 13,2023
Pool 4 in the 2023 Kentucky Derby Future Wager closed Sunday evening following the customary three-day run with the mutuel field once again a clear-cut favorite among 40 wagering options. The field

Road to the 2023 Kentucky Derby: El Camino Real analysis

Marcus Hersh Feb 12,2023
$101,350 El Camino Real, Feb. 11, 2023 [10 qualifying points for first, 4 for second, 3 for third, 2 for fourth, and 1 for fifth] Winner: Chase the Chaos, by Astern Trainer: Ed Moger Jr. Jockey:

Road to 2023 Kentucky Derby: Withers analysis

Marcus Hersh Feb 12,2023
$250,000 Withers Stakes, Feb. 11, 2023 [20 qualifying points for first, 8 for second, 6 for third, 4 for fourth, and 2 for fifth] Winner: Hit Show, by Candy Ride Trainer: Brad Cox Jockey: Manny

Chase the Chaos possible for Jeff Ruby or Santa Anita Derby

Steve Andersen Feb 12,2023
Chase the Chaos made trainer Ed Moger Jr. look like a sharp prognosticator when the gelding won his 3-year-old debut in Saturday’s $101,350 El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields.

Road to the 2023 Kentucky Derby: Sam F. Davis Stakes analysis

Marcus Hersh Feb 12,2023
$200,000 Sam Davis Stakes, Feb. 11, 2023 [20 qualifying points for first, 8 for second, 6 for third, 4 for fourth, and 2 for fifth] Winner: Litigate, by Blame Trainer: Todd Pletcher J

Hit Show, after Withers win, likely for Wood Memorial, Cox says

David Grening Feb 12,2023
OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Hit Show made a successful off-Broadway debut winning Saturday’s Grade 3 Withers Stakes at Aqueduct and it likely earned him a return engagement to New York for the Grade 2, $

Litigate has 'all options open' for next start, Pletcher says

Marty McGee Feb 12,2023
OLDSMAR, Fla. – Litigate came out of his breakthrough victory in the Sam F. Davis in good order, trainer Todd Pletcher reported early Sunday, with a next start for the Blame colt still to be det

Litigate surges to breakthrough Sam F. Davis win

Marty McGee Feb 11,2023
OLDSMAR, Fla. – Todd Pletcher had eight horses nominated to the Sam F. Davis Stakes. He needed only one. Pletcher, watching from his Atlantic Coast base, won the anchor event on an eventful F

Hit Show rewards Cox's strategy with Withers triumph

David Grening Feb 11,2023
OZONE PARK, N.Y. _ Redirecting Hit Show from the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park two weeks ago to Saturday’s rescheduled Withers Stakes at Aqueduct proved an award-winning move by trainer Brad

Chase the Chaos has first stakes win in El Camino Real

Steve Andersen Feb 11,2023
Chase the Chaos continued his orderly improvement in recent months with a smart win in Saturday’s $101,350 El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields, the leading race for 3-year-olds in Norther

Cox has three contenders vying in Risen Star Stakes

Marcus Hersh Feb 11,2023
Trainer Brad Cox won one of the last 40-point Kentucky Derby qualifying races when Hit Show captured the Withers Stakes on Saturday at Aqueduct, and Cox now has three chances to land the first 100-poi

Newgate sidelined with hock issue, off Kentucky Derby trail

Brad Free Feb 10,2023
ARCADIA, Calif. – An untimely setback to the improving 3-year-old colt Newgate has knocked the Bob Baffert trainee off the Kentucky Derby trail. Days after Newgate won the highly rated Grade

Litigate in with a chance to give Pletcher seventh win in Sam F. Davis

Marty McGee Feb 09,2023
OLDSMAR, Fla. – You won’t find it anywhere on his Hall of Fame plaque, but Todd Pletcher has won the Sam F. Davis Stakes a record six times. It’s typical of the immense swath Pletche

Arctic Arrogance adds blinkers for Withers Stakes

David Grening Feb 09,2023
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Having watched Arctic Arrogance fall just short in his last two stakes starts, trainer Linda Rice hopes the addition of blinkers helps the New York-bred colt finish second to

Chase the Chaos on the improve for El Camino Real Derby

Steve Andersen Feb 09,2023
In three starts since arriving at Golden Gate Fields last fall, Chase the Chaos has finished third, second, and first. The steady improvement has led to higher expectations and a start in Saturday&rsq

Kentucky Derby 2023: Trainers Gargan, Spieth look to take step toward Derby fame in Sam F. Davis

Marty McGee Feb 08,2023
OLDSMAR, Fla. – Folks get tired of the same-old-same-old, which is one reason the Kentucky Derby result last year was so refreshing. The connections of 80-1 winner Rich Strike were unknowns in r

Cave Rock yet to emerge on work tab

Brad Free Feb 08,2023
Though he was a fast, elite 2-year-old last season, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile runner-up Cave Rock is taking his own sweet time at age 3. Cave Rock is the only horse on the Derby Watch list without

Instant Coffee will wait for Louisiana Derby

Marcus Hersh Feb 08,2023
Confirming what seemed all but certain when the colt didn’t post a timed workout last weekend, trainer Brad Cox said Tuesday that Instant Coffee won’t run in the Risen Star Stakes on Feb.

Harcyn brings classic pedigree into El Camino Real Derby

Steve Andersen Feb 08,2023
None of the projected runners in Saturday’s $100,000 El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields have a Triple Crown pedigree quite like the unbeaten colt Harcyn. Owned by Jerry Moss, Harcyn i

Gun Pilot under consideration for Rebel Stakes

Mary Rampellini Feb 08,2023
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Gun Pilot is being considered for a Kentucky Derby points race following his Feb. 4 allowance win at Oaklawn Park.   Trainer Steve Asmussen said Wednesday that the ho

2023 Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Tapit Trice

Nicole Russo Feb 08,2023
Tapit Trice Tapit - Danzatrice, by Dunkirk   Bred in Kentucky by Gainesway ($1.3 million Keeneland September yearling purchase by Whisper Hill Farm) Tapit Trice is a major mover on th

369 nominated to Triple Crown; horses from Cox, Pletcher, and Baffert comprise 28 percent

David Grening Feb 07,2023
Horses from the barns of Brad Cox, Todd Pletcher, and Bob Baffert make up 28 percent of the 369 horses made early nominees to this year’s Triple Crown. The 369 nominees, which includes a record

Road to 2023 Kentucky Derby: Holy Bull Stakes analysis

Marcus Hersh Feb 06,2023
$250,000 Holy Bull Stakes, Feb. 4, 2023 (20 qualifying points for first, 8 for second, 6 for third, 4 for fourth, 2 for fifth) Winner: Rocket Can, by Into Mischief Trainer: Bill Mott Jockey: Junior

Mott will try to ride momentum with Jungfrau in Withers

David Grening Feb 06,2023
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Coming off major graded stakes victories on successive weekends in South Florida, Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott will try to expand his reach when he runs Jungfrau in Saturday

Dubyuhnell, Litigate top list of Sam F. Davis probables

Marty McGee Feb 06,2023
A handful of Atlantic Coast shippers led by Dubyuhnell and Litigate are expected this Saturday for the Sam F. Davis Stakes, the first of two Kentucky Derby points qualifiers to be run this winter at T

Road to the 2023 Kentucky Derby: Robert Lewis Stakes analysis

Marcus Hersh Feb 05,2023
$196,000 Robert Lewis Stakes, Feb. 4, 2023 (all horses ineligible for qualifying points) Winner: Newgate, by Into Mischief Trainer: Bob Baffert Jockey: Frankie Dettori Owner: SF Racing, Starli

Rocket Can holds off Shadow Dragon for Holy Bull triumph

Mike Welsch Feb 04,2023
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Rocket Can overcame a difficult post and subsequent wide trip to register a hard-fought, three-quarter-length victory over his Bill Mott-trained stablemate Shadow Dragon to ca

Newgate rides newfound style to victory in Robert B. Lewis Stakes

Brad Free Feb 04,2023
ARCADIA, Calif. – A 3-year-old colt suspected to have distance limitations is putting those doubts to rest this season at Santa Anita. Newgate, runner-up in a Grade 3 mile last out, won his f

General Jim runs down Super Chow to win Swale

Mike Welsch Feb 04,2023
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Trainer Shug McGaughey resisted the temptation to run his 3-year-old prospect General Jim in Saturday’s main event at Gulfstream Park, the $250,000 Holy Bull, opting ins

Four-horse Robert B. Lewis is all Baffert

Brad Free Feb 02,2023
ARCADIA, Calif. – A single trainer rarely controls a division as thoroughly as Bob Baffert controls California 3-year-olds. The situation reaches an extreme on Saturday at Santa Anita. The Gr

Cyclone Mischief looks to rise up ranks in Holy Bull

Mike Welsch Feb 02,2023
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Cyclone Mischief was rated No. 12 in Daily Racing Form’s inaugural Derby Watch for the 2023 road to the Kentucky Derby. He would improve significantly on that posi

Derby Watch: Despite Kentucky Derby ban, Baffert's influence is undeniable

David Grening Feb 01,2023
The aftermath of the 2021 Kentucky Derby still hangs over the sport of Thoroughbred racing and its most famous horse race nearly two years later and three months before the 149th Run for the Roses is

Falcone equipping Mr Bob with blinkers for Holy Bull

Marty McGee Feb 01,2023
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer Robert Falcone Jr. said he’s “cautiously optimistic” that he can proceed down the Kentucky Derby trail with Mr Bob after the colt runs Saturday

Brown starts readying Blazing Sevens for first Kentucky Derby prep

David Grening Feb 01,2023
Blazing Sevens, who appears to be trainer Chad Brown’s lone Kentucky Derby hope at this point, will make his 3-year-old debut in either the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds on Feb. 18 or the Fo

Asmussen will test Private Creed for dirt, Kentucky Derby potential

Mary Rampellini Feb 01,2023
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Private Creed, who was a closing third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint in November, could get a shot at a Kentucky Derby points race. Trainer Steve Asmussen s

Cave Rock yet to get started on work tab, Rebel in doubt

Brad Free Feb 01,2023
Time may have run out for Cave Rock to make his targeted comeback race, initially planned to be the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes on Feb. 25 at Oaklawn Park. “It’s getting tight,” trainer

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Forte

Nicole Russo Feb 01,2023
Forte Violence – Queen Caroline, by Blame Bred in Kentucky by South Gate Farm ($80,000 Keeneland November weanling purchase by Silver Hill Farm; $110,000 Keeneland September yearling purch

All four entrants in Robert Lewis Stakes from Baffert barn

Steve Andersen Jan 29,2023
ARCADIA, Calif. - The field for the Grade 3 Robert Lewis Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita on Saturday will consist of four entrants trained by Bob Baffert. The $200,000 race at 1 1/16 miles dr

Road to 2023 Kentucky Derby: Southwest Stakes analysis

Marcus Hersh Jan 30,2023
$750,000 Southwest Stakes, Jan. 28, 2023 [20 qualifying points for first (not awarded), 8 for second, 4 for third, 3 for fourth, and 2 for fifth] Winner: Arabian Knight, by Uncle Mo Trainer: Bob B

Kentucky Derby: Baffert runners must be transferred by Feb. 28 to earn qualifying points

David Grening Jan 22,2023
As trainer Bob Baffert’s suspension from the New York Racing Association is set to expire this week, new details have emerged about what has to happen for horses currently trained by him to be e

Arabian Knight headed to Oaklawn for Southwest Stakes

Brad Free Jan 22,2023
ARCADIA, Calif. – Arabian Knight, romping debut winner last fall at Keeneland and among the most highly regarded 3-year-old colts in California, will ship to Oaklawn Park for his 2023 debut in t

Bench Points may be headed to San Felipe following sprint win

Steve Andersen Feb 12,2011
ARCADIA, Calif. – Perfect after four starts in sprints, including a sharp win in an optional claimer on Friday, Bench Points is through with one-turn races for the rest of the winter. Bench Poi

Lecomte victory gives Cox options for Instant Coffee

Marcus Hersh Jan 22,2023
Push a 3-year-old too early in the year, and you won’t have a horse left for the Kentucky Derby. Don’t push enough, and your horse might not have sufficient qualifying points to make the 2

Instant Coffee turns it on late to win the Lecomte Stakes

Marcus Hersh Jan 21,2023
Instant Coffee might strike some as a prototypical speedless grinding type, but with a boiling pace in front of him, the 3-year-old colt roasted five foes winning the Grade 3, $200,000 Lecomte Stakes

Instant Coffee could give Cox another notch on his belt in Lecomte

Marcus Hersh Jan 19,2023
Seems like the Brad Cox barn does nothing but win these days at Fair Grounds. Since Dec. 26, Cox-trained horses have won the Pago Hop, Sugar Bowl, Letellier, and Gun Runner Stakes. Since Dec. 17, all

Two Phil's tries to show he's worthy of Kentucky Derby dreams in Lecomte Stakes

Marcus Hersh Jan 18,2023
The last time a real Kentucky Derby horse came out of Chicago was 2002, when War Emblem won the Illinois Derby at defunct Sportsman’s Park for trainer Bobby Springer, subsequently was purchased

Lecomte card entries have Cox written all over them

Marcus Hersh Jan 15,2023
Brad Cox is starting to seem like the Bob Baffert of the Midwest. Baffert for years, and in 2022-23 especially, has a barn brimming with young stakes-class dirt horses, and right now, Cox’s stri

Arctic Arrogance breezes for Withers Stakes

David Grening Jan 15,2023
OZONE PARK, N.Y. -- Just eight days after finishing second in the Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct, Arctic Arrogance returned to the work tab Sunday morning at Belmont Park, breezing a half-mile in 50.47 sec

Southwest, Martha Washington fields begin to take shape

Mary Rampellini Jan 15,2023
The field for the Grade 3, $750,000 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park is beginning to take shape two weeks out from the main event, with one leading contender putting in a notable work on Saturday at F

Wildatlanticstorm ($32) surges to Springboard Mile triumph

Mary Rampellini Dec 18,2022
Wildatlanticstorm emerged as the top 2-year-old male of the Remington Park meet Saturday night when he barreled to a 1 1/4-length win over 4-5 favorite Giant Mischief in the $400,000 Springboard

Giant Mischief gets two-turn test in Springboard Mile

Mary Rampellini Dec 15,2022
The undefeated Giant Mischief will take on a diverse cast of 2-year-olds Saturday night in the $400,000 Springboard Mile, a Kentucky Derby points race that closes the meet at Remington Park. A fiel

Practical Move will be rested before return in spring, Yakteen says

Steve Andersen Dec 18,2022
Last spring, Tim Yakteen received the sort of phone call every trainer enjoys from a client. Owners Pierre and Leslie Amestoy had bought a pair of 2-year-olds in Florida that were bound for Yakteen&rs

Practical Move takes inside route to Los Alamitos Futurity triumph

Steve Andersen Dec 17,2022
CYPRESS, Calif. - The practical move aboard the colt Practical Move in Saturday’s Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity at Los Alamitos was an inside path through the final three furlongs. Jockey Ram

Practical Move gets second two-turn try in Los Alamitos Futurity

Steve Andersen Dec 12,2022
With an asterisk, Practical Move is a winner around two turns this year. On Oct. 10 at Santa Anita, Practical Move finished second by 1 1/2 lengths in a maiden special weight race at a mile to Fort

Remsen winner Dubyuhnell might return in Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs

David Grening Jan 06,2023
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Dubyuhnell, winner of the Grade 2 Remsen at Aqueduct on Dec. 3, returned to the work tab Tuesday, breezing a half-mile in 50.50 seconds at the Palm Meadows training center in

Remsen runner-up Arctic Arrogance now targeting Jerome

David Grening Dec 09,2022
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – After initially planning to wait until the Withers Stakes on Feb. 4 to run Arctic Arrogance again, trainer Linda Rice said this week she is now strongly considering running th

Dubyuhnell's victory in Remsen Stakes puts him on Derby road

David Grening Dec 03,2022
OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Dubyuhnell and Arctic Arrogance turned Saturday’s Grade 2, $250,000 Remsen Stakes into their own private match race, with Dubyuhnell prevailing by a half-length to put hi

Remsen Stakes: Tuskegee Airmen unbeaten but still learning

David Grening Dec 01,2022
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Tuskegee Airmen has won both of his starts, and to listen to his trainer, John Servis, the horse has yet to figure out what he’s doing. “He’s super talent

Arctic Arrogance stepping out of statebred company for Remsen

David Grening Nov 10,2022
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Arctic Arrogance, the 4 1/2-length winner of the Sleepy Hollow Stakes for New York-breds on Oct. 30, will make his next start in the Grade 2, $250,000 Remsen Stakes at Aqueduc

Instant Coffee too strong for KJC field as Saez notches six wins on card

Marty McGee Nov 26,2022
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Instant Coffee was clearly best in the Grade 2, $399,625 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs when giving jockey Luis Saez his sixth winner of the Stars of Tomorrow c

Romans high on Cyclone Mischief for Kentucky Jockey Club

Marty McGee Nov 24,2022
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Dale Romans has had some stars of yesterday, but he’d like one for today and tomorrow. The highly decorated trainer believes he just might have one in Cyclone Mischief, p

Breeders' Cup Juvenile: Forte's late move too much for Cave Rock

David Grening Nov 04,2022
LEXINGTON, Ky. - The first unbeatable horse in this year’s Breeders’ Cup was beaten. Cave Rock, a 2-5 favorite in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile off dynamic wins in his fir

Forte shows he can handle two turns with game victory in Breeders' Futurity

Marty McGee Oct 08,2022
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Forte validated his victory in the Hopeful Stakes and prevailed in his first attempt around two turns Saturday when outgaming Loggins in a thrilling 109th running of the Grade 1

Cave Rock romps in American Pharoah Stakes, will head to Breeders’ Cup Juvenile as favorite

Brad Free Oct 08,2022
ARCADIA, Calif. – A 2-year-old colt named for a hole in a mountain ran a hole in the wind Saturday at Santa Anita to solidify his role as early favorite for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

Blazing Sevens gains BC Juvenile berth with Champagne triumph

David Grening Oct 01,2022
OZONE PARK, N.Y. - A flop in the slop in the Grade 1 Hopeful at Saratoga four weeks ago, Blazing Sevens made amends in a major way Saturday at Aqueduct, rallying down the center of the sloppy Aqu

Curly Jack, Fun and Feisty upset juvenile stakes

Marty McGee Sep 17,2022
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A couple of mild surprises were in store when the parallel roads to the 2023 Kentucky Derby and Oaks opened Saturday at Churchill Downs with a pair of longstanding fixtures for

Road to the 2023 Kentucky Derby: Jeff Ruby Steaks analysis

Marcus Hersh Mar 28,2023
Grade 3, $700,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks, March. 25, 2023  [100 qualifying points for first, 40 for second, 30 for third, 20 for fourth, and 10 for fifth] Winner: Two Phil’s, by Hard Spun Traine

Wild On Ice will target Kentucky Derby

Mary Rampellini Apr 11,2023
Wild On Ice emerged from his first work since his Sunland Park Derby victory in good order and is now being pointed for the Kentucky Derby, trainer Joel Marr said Tuesday. Wild On Ice arrived at Churc

Road to the 2023 Kentucky Derby: Wood Memorial analysis

Marcus Hersh Apr 11,2023
$750,000 Wood, April 8, 2023 [100 qualifying points for first, 40 for second, 30 for third, 20 for fourth, and 10 for fifth]  Winner: Lord Miles, by Curlin Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr. Jockey:

Kentucky Derby Point Standings

Rank
Horse/Trainer Horse/ Trainer
Horse
Trainer
Points
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings
1
Forte
Todd Pletcher
Forte
Todd Pletcher
190
$2,359,730
2
Practical Move
Tim Yakteen
Practical Move
Tim Yakteen
160
$822,000
3
Angel of Empire
Brad Cox
Angel of Empire
Brad Cox
154
$1,026,375
4
Tapit Trice
Todd Pletcher
Tapit Trice
Todd Pletcher
150
$783,500
5
Two Phil’s
Larry Rivelli
Two Phil’s
Larry Rivelli
123
$643,850
6
Lord Miles
Saffie Joseph Jr.
Lord Miles
Saffie Joseph Jr.
105
$427,100
7
Derma Sotogake
Hidetaka Otonashi
Derma Sotogake
Hidetaka Otonashi
100
$1,112,319
8
Kingsbarns
Todd Pletcher
Kingsbarns
Todd Pletcher
100
$600,000
9
Raise Cain
Ben Colebrook
Raise Cain
Ben Colebrook
64
$232,500
10
Rocket Can
Bill Mott
Rocket Can
Bill Mott
60
$284,025
11
Hit Show
Brad Cox
Hit Show
Brad Cox
60
$277,500
12
Confidence Game
Keith Desormeaux
Confidence Game
Keith Desormeaux
57
$610,480
13
Verifying
Brad Cox
Verifying
Brad Cox
54
$369,750
14
Sun Thunder
Kenny McPeek
Sun Thunder
Kenny McPeek
54
$181,500
15
Mage
Gustavo Delgado
Mage
Gustavo Delgado
50
$205,200
16
Disarm
Steve Asmussen
Disarm
Steve Asmussen
46
$237,500
17
Reincarnate
Tim Yakteen
Reincarnate
Tim Yakteen
45
$263,250
18
Jace’s Road
Brad Cox
Jace’s Road
Brad Cox
45
$200,350
19
Continuar
Yoshito Yahagi
Continuar
Yoshito Yahagi
Invite
$289,954
20
Skinner
John Shirreffs
Skinner
John Shirreffs
45
$174,500
21
Cyclone Mischief
Dale Romans
Cyclone Mischief
Dale Romans
45
$137,525
22
Major Dude
Todd Pletcher
Major Dude
Todd Pletcher
40
$401,595
23
Mandarin Hero
Terunobu Fujita
Mandarin Hero
Terunobu Fujita
40
$339,041
24
King Russell
Ron Moquett
King Russell
Ron Moquett
40
$227,500
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About the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the American Triple Crown series for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds. Held each year at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on the first Saturday in May, the track has presented the race continuously since 1875. The Derby is run at the distance of 1 1/4 miles and is arguably the most famous horse race in the world.

Horses compete in the Kentucky Derby after qualifying through a series of preparatory races known as the Road to the Kentucky Derby. These stakes races are held at racetracks across the country and award Derby qualifying points to the top four finishers. The Derby starters are comprised of the horses with the most qualifying points, with two of the 20 spots reserved for the top qualifiers from the European and Japanese Road to the Derby qualifying events.  

The Kentucky Derby has many traditions, including drinking mint juleps, wearing festive hats, and singing "My Old Kentucky Home" as the horses enter the track. Its sister race, the Kentucky Oaks, exclusively for 3-year-old fillies, takes place the day before the Kentucky Derby, on the first Friday in May. Both Oaks Day and Derby Day are treated as local holidays in Louisville.  

The horse who wins the Kentucky Derby receives a blanket of red roses, the official flower of the Kentucky Derby. The race is commonly referred to as the “Run for the Roses.”

The winning horse becomes the only horse eligible to complete that year's Triple Crown, by running in and winning the two other legs of the series. The middle "jewel" is the Preakness Stakes two weeks later at Pimilco Race Course in Baltimore, and the final leg is the Belmont Stakes three weeks after the Preakness at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y.

Kentucky Derby Point Standings
Rank
Horse/Trainer
Horse
Trainer
Points
1
Forte
Todd Pletcher
Forte
Todd Pletcher
190
2
Practical Move
Tim Yakteen
Practical Move
Tim Yakteen
160
3
Angel of Empire
Brad Cox
Angel of Empire
Brad Cox
154
4
Tapit Trice
Todd Pletcher
Tapit Trice
Todd Pletcher
150
5
Two Phil’s
Larry Rivelli
Two Phil’s
Larry Rivelli
123
6
Lord Miles
Saffie Joseph Jr.
Lord Miles
Saffie Joseph Jr.
105
7
Derma Sotogake
Hidetaka Otonashi
Derma Sotogake
Hidetaka Otonashi
100
8
Kingsbarns
Todd Pletcher
Kingsbarns
Todd Pletcher
100
9
Raise Cain
Ben Colebrook
Raise Cain
Ben Colebrook
64
10
Rocket Can
Bill Mott
Rocket Can
Bill Mott
60
11
Hit Show
Brad Cox
Hit Show
Brad Cox
60
12
Confidence Game
Keith Desormeaux
Confidence Game
Keith Desormeaux
57
13
Verifying
Brad Cox
Verifying
Brad Cox
54
14
Sun Thunder
Kenny McPeek
Sun Thunder
Kenny McPeek
54
15
Mage
Gustavo Delgado
Mage
Gustavo Delgado
50
16
Disarm
Steve Asmussen
Disarm
Steve Asmussen
46
17
Reincarnate
Tim Yakteen
Reincarnate
Tim Yakteen
45
18
Jace’s Road
Brad Cox
Jace’s Road
Brad Cox
45
19
Continuar
Yoshito Yahagi
Continuar
Yoshito Yahagi
Invite
20
Skinner
John Shirreffs
Skinner
John Shirreffs
45
21
Cyclone Mischief
Dale Romans
Cyclone Mischief
Dale Romans
45
22
Major Dude
Todd Pletcher
Major Dude
Todd Pletcher
40
23
Mandarin Hero
Terunobu Fujita
Mandarin Hero
Terunobu Fujita
40
24
King Russell
Ron Moquett
King Russell
Ron Moquett
40

Recent Kentucky Derby Winners

Year Horse/Trainer Horse Trainer Beyer
2023
Gustavo Delgado
Mage Gustavo Delgado 105
2022
Eric Reed
Rich Strike Eric Reed 101
2021
Brad Cox
Mandaloun Brad Cox 101
2020
Bob Baffert
Authentic Bob Baffert 105
2019
Bill Mott
Country House Bill Mott 99
2018
Bob Baffert
Justify Bob Baffert 103
2017
Todd Pletcher
Always Dreaming Todd Pletcher 102
2016
Doug O'Neill
Nyquist Doug O'Neill 103
2015
Bob Baffert
American Pharoah Bob Baffert 105
2014
Art Sherman
California Chrome Art Sherman 97
2013
Orb
Shug McGaughey
Orb Shug McGaughey 104
About the Kentucky Derby
Q: Who is eligible to run?

The Kentucky Derby is open only to 3-year-olds that are nominated to the Triple Crown series, and have earned enough qualifying points.

 

Q: How do horses earn qualifying points?

Horses earn qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby through a series of prep races run September – April at multiple tracks across the country.  Points available for the races range from 1-100, depending on the quality of the race and where the horse finishes.  View the full list of “Road to the Kentucky Derby” qualifying races at left.

 

Q: How many horses can start in the race?

Currently a maximum of 20 horses can run in the Kentucky Derby.   The largest field was 23 horses (1974) for the 100th running of the Kentucky Derby.  The smallest field was just 3 horses (1892 and 1905).