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Kentucky Derby 2023

Saturday, May 6, 2023 − Churchill Downs

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Sat, Feb. 4, 2023
Robert B. Lewis
Santa Anita , 1 1/16 miles
Preview
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Sat, Feb. 4, 2023
Holy Bull
Gulfstream Park , 1 1/16 miles
Preview
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Sat, Jan. 28, 2023
Southwest
Oaklawn , 1 1/16 miles
Recap Analysis
Chart
Sat, Jan. 21, 2023
Lecomte
Fair Grounds , 1 1/16 miles
Recap Analysis
Chart
Sun, Jan. 8, 2023
Sham
Santa Anita , 1 mile
Recap Analysis
Chart
View all
Top Kentucky Derby News
  • Four-horse Robert B. Lewis is all Baffert
    Brad Free Feb 2, 2023
  • Cyclone Mischief looks to rise up ranks in Holy Bull
    Mike Welsch Feb 2, 2023
  • Derby Watch: Despite Kentucky Derby ban, Baffert's influence is undeniable
    David Grening Feb 1, 2023
  • Falcone equipping Mr Bob with blinkers for Holy Bull
    Marty McGee Feb 1, 2023
  • Cave Rock yet to get started on work tab, Rebel in doubt
    Brad Free Feb 1, 2023
  • Derby Watch
  • Road to the Derby
  • Kentucky Derby Points Standings
  • All Top Kentucky Derby News

Derby Watch

Comments by Brad Free and David Aragona, odds by David Aragona
Keeneland Logo - designates Keeneland sale graduate
Horse/ Best Beyer Trainer/ Jockey
Arabian Knight 97 Bob Baffert 6-1
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: Southwest, 1/28, 1st by 5 1/2, 96 Next Likely Race: Undecided Owner: Zedan Racing Stables Inc. Sire: by Uncle Mo
BF: Exciting colt handled plenty in second start: shipped, stretched out, ran in mud, crushed, unlimited potential. DA: It's very early and he still has much left to prove, but do get the sense this is a runner with exceptional ability.
Forte 100 Keeneland Logo Todd Pletcher 8-1
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last Race: Breeders' Cup Juvenile, 11/4, 1st by 1 1/2, 100 Next Likely Race: Fountain of Youth, 1 1/16m, GulfstreamPark, 3/4 Owner: Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable Sire: by Violence
BF: Champ juvenile male in 2022 would be only third to win BC and Derby following Street Sense ('06), Nyquist ('15). DA: Each of his G1 victories was better than the last; encouraging that he's back on the work tab for March return.
Cave Rock 104 Keeneland Logo Bob Baffert 12-1
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: Breeders' Cup Juvenile, 11/4, 2nd by 1 1/4, 99 Next Likely Race: Undecided Owner: Michael Pegram, Karl Watson, Paul Weitman Sire: by Arrogate
BF: Same as Arabian Knight, front-running elephant in room via CD Baffert ban, trainer change required for Derby. DA: Was as brilliant a 2yo as we saw anywhere last year, but hasn't worked since BC; status seems mildly uncertain.
Blazing Sevens 93 Keeneland Logo Chad Brown 15-1
Trainer: Chad Brown
Last Race: Breeders' Cup Juvenile, 11/4, 4th by 5 1/4, 93 Next Likely Race: Risen Star or Fountain of Youth, 1 1/16m, Fair Grounds, 2/18, or Gulfstream, 3/4 Owner: Rodeo Creek Racing Sire: by Good Magic
BF: Champagne winner back working for expected two-start Derby prep campaign: TBA comeback and Blue Grass. DA: Not as good as Forte last year, but improved with distance and wouldn't be surprised if the best is yet to come.
Instant Coffee 92 Brad Cox 15-1
Trainer: Brad Cox
Last Race: Lecomte, 1/21, 1st by 2 1/2, 92 Next Likely Race: Risen Star or Louisiana Derby, Fair Grounds, 2/18 or 3/25 Owner: Gold Square Sire: by Bold d'Oro
BF: Favorable circumstances both stakes wins: fast pace FG, suspect foes CD; improved since crushed by Forte at KEE. DA: One-paced closer makes awfully hard work of his races; would love to see him show a bit more tactical speed.
National Treasure 97 Bob Baffert 15-1
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: Sham, 1/8, 3rd by 1, 94 Next Likely Race: Undecided Owner: SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, et al Sire: by Quality Road
BF: BC Juvenile third warrants inclusion on early list; uncertain if good as record; slender colt uneasy trip in Sham. DA: Never seemed to find a comfortable rhythm in Sham loss; do have concerns about added distance for him.
Giant Mischief 95 Keeneland Logo Brad Cox 20-1
Trainer: Brad Cox
Last Race: Springboard Mile, 12/17, 2nd by 1 1/4, 91 Next Likely Race: Rebel, 1 1/16m, Oaklawn Park, 2/25 Owner: Spendthrift Farm, Stonestreet Stables, Steve Landers Racing, et al Sire: by Into Mischief
BF: Proved can route via impressive runner-up RP stakes after blowing the break and losing ground throughout. DA: Still have the strong feeling this is a sprinter, even after tough trip performance in the Springboard Mile.
Reincarnate 95 Keeneland Logo Bob Baffert 20-1
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: Sham, 1/8, 1st by neck, 95 Next Likely Race: Undecided Owner: SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, et al Sire: by Good Magic
BF: Big, strapping colt put it all together in fast-paced upset vs. accomplished stablemates, will relish more distance. DA: Both victories were earned in gate-to-wire fashion; though it does feel like he's finally figuring things out.
Verifying 97 Keeneland Logo Brad Cox 20-1
Trainer: Brad Cox
Last Race: Oaklawn Park N1X, 1/4, 1st by 5 1/4, 97 Next Likely Race: Risen Star or Rebel Stakes, FG, 2/18 or Oaklawn, 2/25 Owner: Westerberg, Magnier, Poulin, Tabor, Smith, et al Sire: by Justify
BF: G1-placed sibling to Midnight Bisou rebounded from BC Juvenile sixth with Lasix-on N1X romp in 2023 debut. DA: Have some doubts about the quality of that allowance score; need to see him reproduce that fig against tougher.
Victory Formation 91 Keeneland Logo Brad Cox 20-1
Trainer: Brad Cox
Last Race: Smarty Jones, 1/1, 1st by 3, 91 Next Likely Race: Risen Star or Rebel Stakes, FG, 2/18 or Oaklawn, 2/25 Owner: Spendthrift and Frank Fletcher Sire: by Tapwrit
BF: Undefeated after three starts, passed initial two-turn test via loose-on-the-lead trip vs. suspect foes at OP. DA: Still has a lot to prove but has passed every test so far, albeit with perfect trips; is bred to go farther.
Curly Jack 86 Keeneland Logo Tom Amoss 30-1
Trainer: Tom Amoss
Last Race: Kentucky Jockey Club, 11/26, 2nd by 1 1/4, 80 Next Likely Race: Risen Star, 1 1/8, Fair Grounds, 2/18 Owner: Michael McLoughlin Sire: by Good Magic
BF: Notch below 2022 elite, fifth in BC Juvenile and second in G2 behind next-out Lecomte winner Instant Coffee. DA: He's got plenty of experience under his belt, but is awfully light on speed figures compared to others.
Cyclone Mischief 90 Keeneland Logo Dale Romans 30-1
Trainer: Dale Romans
Last Race: Gulfstream Park N1X, 1/8, 1st by 5 3/4, 90 Next Likely Race: Holy Bull, 1 1/16m, Gulfstream, 2/4 Owner: Albaugh Family Stables and Castleton Lyons Sire: by Into Mischief
BF: Impressive one-turn allowance romp adding Lasix, now tries two-turn graded stakes and off Lasix at GP. DA: Handsome colt was convincing in GP alw score, but didn't have a major excuse in Ky. Jockey Club last year.
Dubyuhnell 90 Keeneland Logo Danny Gargan 30-1
Trainer: Danny Gargan
Last Race: Remsen, 12/3, 1st by 1/2, 90 Next Likely Race: Sam F. Davis, 1 1/16, Tampa Bay Downs, 2/11 Owner: West Paces Racing and Stonestreet Sire: by Good Magic
BF: Benefited by speed-friendy race flow, sloppy-track Remsen win, runner-up Arctic Arrogance lost next odds-on. DA: Grinded out that Remsen but has things to prove over a fast track; should learn more about him at Tampa.
Faustin 91 Keeneland Logo Bob Baffert 30-1
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: San Vicente, 1/29, 2nd by 1 1/2, 91 Next Likely Race: Undecided Owner: Michael Lund Petersen Sire: by Curlin
BF: Curlin colt ready to stretch out after MSW sprint win and G2 runner-up, yet another from bottomless stable. DA: Was playing the winner's game in San Vicente; all the evidence points to him getting better at two turns.
Hejazi 100 Bob Baffert 30-1
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: Santa Anita MSW, 1/15, 1st by 1 1/4, 97 Next Likely Race: Undecided Owner: Zedan Racing Stables Inc. Sire: by Bernardini
BF: Expensive ($3.55M) juvenile faced top foes in three starts 2yo, earned another big fig MSW win 3yo debut. DA: His speed figs put him right up there with the main players, but he's another who gives me sprinter vibes.
Practical Move 89 Keeneland Logo Tim Yakteen 30-1
Trainer: Tim Yakteen
Last Race: Los Alamitos Futurity, 12/17, 1st by 3 1/4, 88 Next Likely Race: Rebel or San Felipe, 1 1/16m, Oaklawn, 2/25 or Santa Anita, 3/4 Owner: Pierre and Leslie Amestoy, Roger Beasley Sire: by Practical Joke
BF: Improved late 2yo season, Los Al Fty win needs asterisk due to misfire odds-on Arabian Lion, back working. DA: Not sure what to make of perfect-trip Los Al score; most Practical Joke progeny don't get better with distance.
Arabian Lion 93 Bob Baffert 50-1
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: Los Alamitos Futurity, 12/17, 5th by 12, 70 Next Likely Race: Robert B. Lewis, 1 1/16m. Santa Anita, 2/4 Owner: Zedan Racing Stables Inc. Sire: by Justify
BF: Seeks redemption in make-or-break G3 Lewis on Sat. following no-visible-alibi debacle as choice in LosAl Fut'y. DA: Showed real promise in those first couple of sprint starts, but Los Al flop raises distance concerns.
Arctic Arrogance 89 Linda Rice 50-1
Trainer: Linda Rice
Last Race: Jerome, 1/7, 2nd by 1/2, 84 Next Likely Race: Withers, 1 1/8m, Aqueduct, 2/4 Owner: Mary Broman, Chester Broman Sr. Sire: by Frosted
BF: Assisted by pro-speed race shape finishing second in successive wet-track stakes, blinkers on for Withers. DA: Still hard to gauge his quality after five starts, but he can stay two turns and tries hard every time.
Red Route One 87 Steve Asmussen 50-1
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Last Race: Southwest, 1/28, 2nd 5 1/2 lengths, 87 Next Likely Race: Rebel, 1 1/16m, Oaklawn Park, 2/25 Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds Sire: by Gun Runner
BF: Improving Gun Runner late-runner from outstanding female family, prominent trainer overdue for Derby win. DA: Was unlucky to lose Ky. Jockey Club; finished powerfully in the Southwest, and should continue to progress.
Tapit Trice 87 Keeneland Logo Todd Pletcher 50-1
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last Race: Aqueduct MSW, 12/17, 1st by neck, 87 Next Likely Race: Gulfstream Park N1X, 1m, Gulfstream Park, 2/4 Owner: Whisper Hill Farm and Gainesway Stable Sire: by Tapit
BF: Relatively fast MSW win validated when runner-up Slip Mahoney reproduced high fig in next-out MSW win. DA: Have become a fan of this guy; long-striding colt has overcome adversity in both starts; bred to run all day.

Road to the Derby

Date
Race / Track / Distance
Winner / Beyer
Saturday, Sep. 17, 2022
IroquoisChurchill Downs , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Curly Jack
Beyer: 79
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Curly Jack 79
Race RecapView Chart
Curly Jack 79
Race Recap
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Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022
ChampagneAqueduct , 1 Mile
Winner: Blazing Sevens
Beyer: 91
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Blazing Sevens 91
Race RecapView Chart
Blazing Sevens 91
Race Recap
View Chart
Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022
Breeders’ FuturityKeeneland , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Forte
Beyer: 92
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Forte 92
Race RecapView Chart
Forte 92
Race Recap
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Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022
American PharoahSanta Anita , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Cave Rock
Beyer: 104
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Cave Rock 104
Race RecapView Chart
Cave Rock 104
Race Recap
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Friday, Nov. 4, 2022
Breeders’ Cup JuvenileKeeneland , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Forte
Beyer: 100
Points (1-2-3-4): 30-12-9-6-3
Forte 100
Race RecapAnalysisView Chart
Forte 100
Race RecapAnalysis
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Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022
Kentucky Jockey ClubChurchill Downs , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Instant Coffee
Beyer: 82
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Instant Coffee 82
Race RecapView Chart
Instant Coffee 82
Race Recap
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Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022
RemsenAqueduct , 1 1/8 Miles
Winner: Dubyuhnell
Beyer: 90
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Dubyuhnell 90
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Dubyuhnell 90
Race Recap
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Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022
Los Alamitos FuturityLos Alamitos, 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Practical Move
Beyer: 88
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Practical Move 88
Race RecapView Chart
Practical Move 88
Race Recap
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Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022
Springboard MileRemington Park, 1 Mile
Winner: Wildatlanticstorm
Beyer: 94
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Wildatlanticstorm 94
Race RecapView Chart
Wildatlanticstorm 94
Race Recap
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Monday, Dec. 26, 2022
Gun RunnerFair 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
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Jace's Road 90
Race Recap
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Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023
JeromeAqueduct , 1 Mile
Winner: Lugan Knight
Beyer: 85
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Lugan Knight 85
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Lugan Knight 85
Race Recap
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Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023
Smarty JonesOaklawn Park, 1 Mile
Winner: Victory Formation
Beyer: 91
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Victory Formation 91
Race RecapAnalysisView Chart
Victory Formation 91
Race RecapAnalysis
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Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023
ShamSanta Anita , 1 Mile
Winner: Reincarnate
Beyer: 95
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Reincarnate 95
Race RecapAnalysisView Chart
Reincarnate 95
Race RecapAnalysis
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Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023
LecomteFair Grounds, 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Instant Coffee
Beyer: 92
Points (1-2-3-4): 20-8-6-4-2
Instant Coffee 92
Race RecapAnalysisView Chart
Instant Coffee 92
Race RecapAnalysis
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Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023
SouthwestOaklawn Park, 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Arabian Knight
Beyer: 97
Points (1-2-3-4): 20-8-6-4-2
Arabian Knight 97
Race RecapAnalysisView Chart
Arabian Knight 97
Race RecapAnalysis
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Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023
Holy BullGulfstream Park, 1 1/16 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4): 20-8-6-4-2
PreviewGet PPs
Preview
Get PPs
Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023
Robert B. LewisSanta Anita , 1 1/16 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4): 20-8-6-4-2
PreviewGet PPs
Preview
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Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023
WithersAqueduct , 1 1/8 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4): 20-8-6-4-2
Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023
Sam F. DavisTampa Bay Downs, 1 1/16 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4): 20-8-6-4-2
Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023
El Camino Real DerbyGolden Gate , 1 1/8 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023
Risen StarFair Grounds, 1 1/8 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4): 50-20-15-10-5
Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023
RebelOaklawn Park, 1 1/16 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4): 50-20-15-10-5
Saturday, Mar. 4, 2023
John Battaglia MemorialTurfway Park , 1 1/16 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4): 20-8-6-4-2
Saturday, Mar. 4, 2023
GothamAqueduct , 1 Mile
Points (1-2-3-4): 50-20-15-10-5
Saturday, Mar. 4, 2023
San FelipeSanta Anita , 1 1/16 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4): 50-20-15-10-5
Saturday, Mar. 4, 2023
Fountain of YouthGulfstream Park, 1 1/16 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4): 50-20-15-10-5
Saturday, Mar. 11, 2023
Tampa Bay DerbyTampa Bay Downs, 1 1/16 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4): 50-20-15-10-5
Saturday, Mar. 25, 2023
UAE DerbyMeydan Racecourse, 1 1/16 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4): 100-40-30-20-10
Saturday, Mar. 25, 2023
Jeff Ruby SteaksTurfway Park , 1 1/8 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4): 100-40-30-20-10
Saturday, Mar. 25, 2023
Louisiana DerbyFair Grounds, 1 3/16 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4): 100-40-30-20-10
Sunday, Mar. 26, 2023
Sunland DerbySunland Derby, 1 1/8 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4): 50-20-15-10-5
Saturday, Apr. 1, 2023
Florida DerbyGulfstream Park, 1 1/8 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4): 100-40-30-20-10
Saturday, Apr. 1, 2023
Arkansas DerbyOaklawn Park, 1 1/8 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4): 100-40-30-20-10
Saturday, Apr. 8, 2023
Wood MemorialAqueduct , 1 1/8 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4): 100-40-30-20-10
Saturday, Apr. 8, 2023
Blue GrassKeeneland , 1 1/8 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4): 100-40-30-20-10
Saturday, Apr. 8, 2023
Santa Anita DerbySanta Anita , 1 1/8 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4): 100-40-30-20-10
Saturday, Apr. 15, 2023
LexingtonKeeneland , 1 1/16 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4): 20-8-6-4-2

Kentucky Derby Points Standings

Rank
Horse/Trainer Horse/ Trainer
Horse
Trainer
Points
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings
1
Forte
Todd Pletcher
Forte
Todd Pletcher
40
$1,545,650
2
Instant Coffee
Brad Cox
Instant Coffee
Brad Cox
32
$385,065
3
Curly Jack
Tom Amoss
Curly Jack
Tom Amoss
17
$348,120
4
Blazing Sevens
Chad Brown
Blazing Sevens
Chad Brown
16
$411,000
5
Jace's Road
Brad Cox
Jace's Road
Brad Cox
15
$100,350
6
Red Route One
Steve Asmussen
Red Route One
Steve Asmussen
13
$219,375
7
Victory Formation
Brad Cox
Victory Formation
Brad Cox
10
$152,750
8
Dubyuhnell
Danny Gargan
Dubyuhnell
Danny Gargan
10
$137,500
9
Practical Move
Chad Brown
Practical Move
Chad Brown
10
$132,000
10
Lugan Knight
Mike McCarthy
Lugan Knight
Mike McCarthy
10
$82,500
11
Two Phil's
Larry Rivelli
Two Phil's
Larry Rivelli
8
$195,850
12
Arctic Arrogance
Linda Rice
Arctic Arrogance
Linda Rice
8
$80,000
13
Denington
Kenny McPeek
Denington
Kenny McPeek
8
$43,110
14
Hayes Strike
Kenny McPeek
Hayes Strike
Kenny McPeek
7
$95,750
15
Confidence Game
Keith Desormeaux
Confidence Game
Keith Desormeaux
7
$28,730
16
Frosted Departure
Kenny McPeek
Frosted Departure
Kenny McPeek
6
$207,112
17
Loggins
Brad Cox
Loggins
Brad Cox
4
$106,500
18
Verifying
Brad Cox
Verifying
Brad Cox
4
$100,000
19
Honed
Kenny McPeek
Honed
Kenny McPeek
4
$58,200
20
Angel of Empire
Brad Cox
Angel of Empire
Brad Cox
4
$47,000
21
Raise Cain
Ben Colebrook
Raise Cain
Ben Colebrook
4
$39,750
22
Sun Thunder
Kenny McPeek
Sun Thunder
Kenny McPeek
4
$35,250
23
Gulfport
Steve Asmussen
Gulfport
Steve Asmussen
3
$267,070
24
Tuskegee Airmen
John Servis
Tuskegee Airmen
John Servis
3
$90,000
25
Andiamo a Firenze
Kelly Breen
Andiamo a Firenze
Kelly Breen
3
$57,000
26
Echo Again
Echo Again
3
$46,625
27
Determinedly
Mark Casse
Determinedly
Mark Casse
3
$20,500
28
General Banker
James Ferraro
General Banker
James Ferraro
3
$18,000
29
Packs a Wahlop
Jeff Mullins
Packs a Wahlop
Jeff Mullins
2
$19,6000
30
Western Ghent
D. Wayne Lukas
Western Ghent
D. Wayne Lukas
2
$26,075
31
Gunflash
Karl Broberg
Gunflash
Karl Broberg
2
$24,000
32
Quick to Accuse
Horacio DePaz
Quick to Accuse
Horacio DePaz
2
$15,000
33
Tall Boy
Leandro Mora
Tall Boy
Leandro Mora
2
$12,000
34
Neural Network
Chad Brown
Neural Network
Chad Brown
2
$9,000
35
Bromley
Paulo Lobo
Bromley
Paulo Lobo
2
$4,000
36
Andthewinneris
Wayne Catalano
Andthewinneris
Wayne Catalano
1
$248,363
37
Campfire Creed
Danny Pish
Campfire Creed
Danny Pish
1
$77,000
38
How Did He Do That
Steve Asmussen
How Did He Do That
Steve Asmussen
1
$50,400
39
Midnight Trouble
Peter Walder
Midnight Trouble
Peter Walder
1
$35,000
40
Man Child
Ryan Hanson
Man Child
Ryan Hanson
1
$30,000
41
Champions Dream
Danny Gargan
Champions Dream
Danny Gargan
1
$20,000

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About the Kentucky Derby
About 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.

Rank
Horse/Trainer
Horse
Trainer
Points
1
Forte
Todd Pletcher
Forte
Todd Pletcher
40
2
Instant Coffee
Brad Cox
Instant Coffee
Brad Cox
32
3
Curly Jack
Tom Amoss
Curly Jack
Tom Amoss
17
4
Blazing Sevens
Chad Brown
Blazing Sevens
Chad Brown
16
5
Jace's Road
Brad Cox
Jace's Road
Brad Cox
15
6
Red Route One
Steve Asmussen
Red Route One
Steve Asmussen
13
7
Victory Formation
Brad Cox
Victory Formation
Brad Cox
10
8
Dubyuhnell
Danny Gargan
Dubyuhnell
Danny Gargan
10
9
Practical Move
Chad Brown
Practical Move
Chad Brown
10
10
Lugan Knight
Mike McCarthy
Lugan Knight
Mike McCarthy
10
11
Two Phil's
Larry Rivelli
Two Phil's
Larry Rivelli
8
12
Arctic Arrogance
Linda Rice
Arctic Arrogance
Linda Rice
8
13
Denington
Kenny McPeek
Denington
Kenny McPeek
8
14
Hayes Strike
Kenny McPeek
Hayes Strike
Kenny McPeek
7
15
Confidence Game
Keith Desormeaux
Confidence Game
Keith Desormeaux
7
16
Frosted Departure
Kenny McPeek
Frosted Departure
Kenny McPeek
6
17
Loggins
Brad Cox
Loggins
Brad Cox
4
18
Verifying
Brad Cox
Verifying
Brad Cox
4
19
Honed
Kenny McPeek
Honed
Kenny McPeek
4
20
Angel of Empire
Brad Cox
Angel of Empire
Brad Cox
4
21
Raise Cain
Ben Colebrook
Raise Cain
Ben Colebrook
4
22
Sun Thunder
Kenny McPeek
Sun Thunder
Kenny McPeek
4
23
Gulfport
Steve Asmussen
Gulfport
Steve Asmussen
3
24
Tuskegee Airmen
John Servis
Tuskegee Airmen
John Servis
3
25
Andiamo a Firenze
Kelly Breen
Andiamo a Firenze
Kelly Breen
3
See Details

Recent Kentucky Derby Winners

Year
Horse/Trainer
Horse
Trainer
Beyer
2022
Rich Strike
Eric Reed
Rich Strike
Eric Reed
101
2021
Mandaloun
Brad Cox
Mandaloun
Brad Cox
101
2020
Authentic
Bob Baffert
Authentic
Bob Baffert
105
2019
Country House
Bill Mott
Country House
Bill Mott
99
2018
Justify
Bob Baffert
Justify
Bob Baffert
103
2017
Always Dreaming
Todd Pletcher
Always Dreaming
Todd Pletcher
102
2016
Nyquist
Doug O'Neill
Nyquist
Doug O'Neill
103
2015
American Pharoah
Bob Baffert
American Pharoah
Bob Baffert
105
2014
California Chrome
Art Sherman
California Chrome
Art Sherman
97
2013
Orb
Shug McGaughey
Orb
Shug McGaughey
104
2012
I'll Have Another
Doug O'Neill
I'll Have Another
Doug O'Neill
101
2011
Animal Kingdom
Graham Motion
Animal Kingdom
Graham Motion
103
2010
Super Saver
Todd Pletcher
Super Saver
Todd Pletcher
104
About the Kentucky Derby
About 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.

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).

 

Q: Have any fillies won the Kentucky Derby?

Yes, three fillies have won the Kentucky Derby:  Regret (1915), Genuine Risk (1980) and Winning Colors (1988)

 

Q: Who has won the most?

Trainer: 6, Ben Jones (1938, 1941, 1944, 1948, 1949, 1952).  6, Bob Baffert (1997, 1998, 2002, 2015, 2018, 2020)

Jockey:  5 each, Eddie Arcaro (1938, 1941, 1945, 1948, 1952) and Bill Hartack (1957, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1969)

Owner: 8, Calumet Farm (1941, 1944, 1948, 1949, 1952, 1957, 1958, 1968).

 



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