Kentucky Derby 2023
Saturday, May 6, 2023 − Churchill Downs
Coverage Presented By
.jpg){kind=small}
Top Kentucky Derby News
2023 Kentucky Derby Field
Comments by Brad Free and David Aragona, odds by David Aragona
- 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 | |||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
| 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
|
Brad Cox Tyler Gaffalione | 20-1 | 15-1 | |||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
| 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
|
Larry Rivelli Jareth Loveberry | 15-1 | 12-1 | |||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
| 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
|
Keith Desormeaux James Graham | 20-1 | 20-1 | |||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
| 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
|
Todd Pletcher Luis Saez | 6-1 | 5-1 | |||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
| 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
|
Todd Pletcher Jose Ortiz | 15-1 | 12-1 | |||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
| 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
|
Tim Yakteen John Velazquez | 20-1 | 50-1 | |||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
| 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
|
Gustavo Delgado Javier Castellano | 20-1 | 15-1 | |||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
| 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
|
Steve Asmussen Joel Rosario | 30-1 | 30-1 | |||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
| 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
|
Brad Cox Florent Geroux | 50-1 | 50-1 | |||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
| 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
|
Kenny McPeek Brian Hernandez, Jr. | 30-1 | 50-1 | |||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
| 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
|
Brad Cox Flavien Prat | 8-1 | 8-1 | |||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
| 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
|
Ben Colebrook Gerardo Corrales | 50-1 | 50-1 | |||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
| 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 | |||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
| 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 | |||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
| 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 | |||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
| 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 | |||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
| 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 | |||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
| 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 |
|
Curly Jack 79 | Race Recap View Chart |
Curly Jack
79
|
|||
| Saturday, Oct 1, 2022 |
|
Blazing Sevens 91 | Race Recap View Chart |
Blazing Sevens
91
|
|||
| Saturday, Oct 8, 2022 |
|
Cave Rock 104 | Race Recap View Chart |
Cave Rock
104
|
|||
| Saturday, Oct 8, 2022 |
|
Forte 92 | Race Recap View Chart |
Forte
92
|
|||
| Friday, Nov 4, 2022 |
|
Forte 100 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Forte
100
|
|||
| Saturday, Nov 26, 2022 |
|
Instant Coffee 82 | Race Recap View Chart |
Instant Coffee
82
|
|||
| Saturday, Dec 3, 2022 |
|
Dubyuhnell 90 | Race Recap View Chart |
Dubyuhnell
90
|
|||
| Saturday, Dec 10, 2022 |
|
Practical Move 88 | Race Recap View Chart |
Practical Move
88
|
|||
| Saturday, Dec 17, 2022 |
|
Wildatlanticstorm 94 | Race Recap View Chart |
Wildatlanticstorm
94
|
|||
| Monday, Dec 26, 2022 |
|
Jace's Road 90 | Race Recap View Chart |
Jace's Road
90
|
|||
| Sunday, Jan 1, 2023 |
|
Lugan Knight 85 | Race Recap View Chart |
Lugan Knight
85
|
|||
| Sunday, Jan 1, 2023 |
|
Victory Formation 91 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Victory Formation
91
|
|||
| Sunday, Jan 8, 2023 |
|
Reincarnate 95 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Reincarnate
95
|
|||
| Saturday, Jan 21, 2023 |
|
Instant Coffee 92 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Instant Coffee
92
|
|||
| Saturday, Jan 28, 2023 |
|
Arabian Knight 97 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Arabian Knight
97
|
|||
| Saturday, Feb 4, 2023 |
|
Rocket Can 82 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Rocket Can
82
|
|||
| Saturday, Feb 4, 2023 |
|
Newgate 100 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Newgate
100
|
|||
| Saturday, Feb 11, 2023 |
|
Hit Show 91 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Hit Show
91
|
|||
| Saturday, Feb 11, 2023 |
|
Litigate 77 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Litigate
77
|
|||
| Saturday, Feb 11, 2023 |
|
Chase the Chaos 83 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Chase the Chaos
83
|
|||
| Saturday, Feb 18, 2023 |
|
Angel of Empire 89 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Angel of Empire
89
|
|||
| Saturday, Feb 25, 2023 |
|
Confidence Game 94 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Confidence Game
94
|
|||
| Saturday, Mar 4, 2023 |
|
Raise Cain 90 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Raise Cain
90
|
|||
| Saturday, Mar 4, 2023 |
|
Forte 98 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Forte
98
|
|||
| Saturday, Mar 4, 2023 |
|
Practical Move 100 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Practical Move
100
|
|||
| Saturday, Mar 4, 2023 |
|
Congruent 91 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Congruent
91
|
|||
| Saturday, Mar 11, 2023 |
|
Tapit Trice 88 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Tapit Trice
88
|
|||
| Saturday, Mar 25, 2023 |
|
Kingsbarns 95 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Kingsbarns
95
|
|||
| Saturday, Mar 25, 2023 |
|
Derma Sotogake | Race Recap Analysis |
Derma Sotogake
|
|||
| Saturday, Mar 25, 2023 |
|
Two Phil's 101 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Two Phil's
101
|
|||
| Sunday, Mar 26, 2023 |
|
Wild On Ice 77 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Wild On Ice
77
|
|||
| Saturday, Apr 1, 2023 |
|
Forte 95 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Forte
95
|
|||
| Saturday, Apr 1, 2023 |
|
Angel of Empire 94 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Angel of Empire
94
|
|||
| Saturday, Apr 8, 2023 |
|
Tapit Trice 99 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Tapit Trice
99
|
|||
| Saturday, Apr 8, 2023 |
|
Practical Move 100 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Practical Move
100
|
|||
| Saturday, Apr 8, 2023 |
|
Lord Miles 93 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Lord Miles
93
|
|||
| Saturday, Apr 15, 2023 |
|
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 |
|
Belbek |
Belbek
|
||||||
| Saturday, Oct 22, 2022 |
|
Auguste Rodin |
Auguste Rodin
|
||||||
| Friday, Mar 3, 2023 |
|
Cairo |
Cairo
|
||||||
| Wednesday, Mar 15, 2023 |
|
Alzahir |
Alzahir
|
||||||
| Saturday, Apr 1, 2023 |
|
Bold Act |
Bold Act
|
||||||
Japan Road to the Derby
| Date | Race / Track / Distance | Winner | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Nov 26, 2022 |
|
Continuar |
Continuar
|
||||||
| Wednesday, Dec 14, 2022 |
|
Derma Sotogake |
Derma Sotogake
|
||||||
| Sunday, Feb 19, 2023 |
|
Perriere |
Perriere
|
||||||
| Saturday, Mar 25, 2023 |
|
Mitono O |
Mitono O
|
||||||
All Top Kentucky Derby News
Kentucky Derby 2023: Delgado's methods praised following Mage's victory
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
Kentucky Derby: Scratches change field, but Pletcher still holds strong hand
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
Mage runs down Two Phil's in stretch for Kentucky Derby victory
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
Kentucky Derby: Forte gallops after minor shoe adjustment
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
Kentucky Derby Clocker Report: Derma Sotogake, Sun Thunder put in half-mile breezes
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
2023 Kentucky Derby: Forte favored, will start from post 15
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 $
Kentucky Derby Clocker Report: Disarm impresses in easy half-mile drill
Mike Welsch
May 01,2023
Churchill Downs
Monday, May 1
Weather: Showery
Temperature: 47°
Track: Fast
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Light rain was falling and temperatures were unseasonably cold once again when the racet
Kentucky Derby: Vazquez gets biggest opportunity of career on Practical Move
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
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – After starting a Kentucky Derby horse in 2016, 2017, and 2018, trainer Keith Desormeaux had to wait five years for his next Derby runner, Confidence Game.
Desormeaux, come Derby
Kentucky Derby: Asmussen win would be fitting after 2022's nightmare ending
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
Kentucky Derby: Good Magic and his sire, Curlin, each have two runners
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
Gerardo Corrales has picked up the mount on Raise Cain for Saturday's Kentucky Derby, trainer Ben Colebrook confirmed to Churchill Downs officials on Monday morning.
Raise Cain had been left witho
2023 Kentucky Derby Clocker Report: Hit Show, Verifying have Cox smiling
Mike Welsch
Apr 29,2023
Churchill Downs
Saturday, April 29, 2023
Weather: Cloudy
Temperature: 52
Track: Fast
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Nine of the 20 confirmed starters for the 2023 Kentucky Derby, along with tw
Kentucky Derby: Forte, Tapit Trice complete final drills
David Grening
Apr 29,2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - From the time Forte left the Keeneland winner’s circle following his victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last November, everything has gone according to plan for the horse who
Kentucky Derby: Angel of Empire, Jace's Road work together
Nicole Russo
Apr 29,2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Trainer Brad Cox, who trains one-fifth of the expected Kentucky Derby field, sent that strong hand out Saturday morning for their final breezes toward the race, now one week off, a
Hernandez gets aboard Skinner for first time in six-furlong Derby drill
Brad Free
Apr 29,2023
ARCADIA, Calif. – Skinner runs and trains like a colt who will relish the 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby, and he finished his six-furlong solo workout Saturday at Santa Anita like a colt
2023 Kentucky Derby Clocker Report: Confidence Game makes an appearance
Mike Welsch
Apr 28,2023
Churchill Downs
Friday, April 28
Weather: Cloudy
Temperature: 54
Track: Sealed/Sloppy
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Hopefully, we’ll all be as accurate with our Derby selections as the weathermen were
Yakteen pair of Practical Move, Reincarnate put in fast works for Kentucky Derby
Steve Andersen
Apr 28,2023
Practical Move, the leading 3-year-old in California, and Reincarnate, third in two graded stakes in Arkansas this year, worked quickly Friday at Santa Anita for trainer Tim Yakteen in advance of sche
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
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 |
Shug McGaughey
|
Orb | Shug McGaughey | 104 |
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).