Top Kentucky Derby News
-
Art Collector emerges from authoritative Ellis Derby win in good shape
Marty McGee Aug 10, 2020 -
Max Player transferred to Asmussen barn
David Grening Aug 11, 2020 -
Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby: Ellis Park Derby analysis
Jay Privman Aug 11, 2020 -
Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby: Travers Stakes analysis
Jay Privman Aug 9, 2020 -
Tiz the Law will train up to Kentucky Derby at Saratoga
David Grening Aug 9, 2020
Derby Watch
Comments by Jay Privman and Marty McGee
- designates Keeneland sale graduate
Horse/
Best Beyer
Trainer/
Jockey
McGee
Odds
Trainer:
Barclay Tagg
Jockey:
Manny Franco
Last Race - Track:
Belmont Stakes, Belmont, 6/20, 1st by 3 3/4, 100
Next Likely Race - Track:
Travers, 1 1/4m - Saratoga, 8/8
Owner:
Sackatoga Stable
Sire:
Constitution
JP: Was clear-cut winner of Belmont, and based on video of his recent works from Saratoga he's still thriving.
MM: Onward/upward for a colt who's done everything right since his KJC puzzler; can solidify his favoritism Saturday.
Trainer:
Tom Drury
Jockey:
Brian Hernandez, Jr.
Last Race - Track:
Blue Grass, Keeneland, 7/11, 1st by 3 1/4, 103
Next Likely Race - Track:
Ellis Park Derby, Ellis, 1 1/8m, 8/9
Owner:
Bruce Lunsford
Sire:
Bernardini
JP: Late developer continues to impress. Unbeaten this year, strong figs last pair, rider always in the right spot.
MM: Sensational win streak has landed him among the Derby favorites; gets a final tightener Sunday at Ellis Park.
Trainer:
John Shirreffs
Jockey:
Mike Smith
Last Race - Track:
Shared Belief, Del Mar, 8/1, 2nd by 3/4, 102
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, 9/5
Owner:
C R K Stable
Sire:
Honor Code
JP: Seemed to go through the motions, yet still got up for 2nd at distance short of ideal. Still think he's a major player.
MM: Seemed to be spinning his wheels in the Shared Belief, yet the race still graded out well; all set for Louisville.
Trainer:
Bob Baffert
Jockey:
Mike Smith
Last Race - Track:
Haskell Invitational, Monmouth, 7/18, 1st by nose, 100
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, 9/5
Owner:
Spendthrift Farm, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, and MyRaceHorse Stable
Sire:
Into Mischief
JP: Just did last, earned career-best fig. Mixed signals; going to trust my eyes that he won't be as effective at 1 1/4m.
MM: Easy gait carried him a long way in the Haskell, but then, uh-oh; Derby tempo likely to be far more testing.
Trainer:
Bob Baffert
Jockey:
Luis Saez
Last Race - Track:
Los Alamitos Derby, Los Alamitos, 7/4, 1st by 4, 94
Next Likely Race - Track:
Travers, 1 1/4m, Saratoga 8/8
Owner:
Karl Watson, Mike Pegram, and Paul Weitman
Sire:
Uncle Mo
JP: Has trained like a superstar since last win. Being asked to come a long way in a short time, but he's very talented.
MM: Fast-tracked colt has been visually impressive; Travers will be an obvious make-or-break race toward the Derby.
Trainer:
Bob Baffert
Jockey:
Abel Cedillo
Last Race - Track:
Shared Belief, Del Mar, 8/1, 1st by 3/4, 104
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, 9/5
Owner:
Albaugh Family Stables and Spendthrift Farm
Sire:
Pioneerof the Nile
JP: Went off form this spring, but looked like old, tenacious self in beating Honor A. P. with fig faster than expected.
MM: Fla-bred colt was a toss approaching a May 2 Derby; months later, however, he's rejuvenated and a real threat.
Trainer:
Todd Pletcher
Jockey:
Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Last Race - Track:
Haskell Invitational, Monmouth, 7/18, 3rd 4 1/4, 94
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, 9/5
Owner:
St. Elias Stable
Sire:
Quality Road
JP: Third best in race where top two never came back. Think he's better than that race, still think he's a threat.
MM: Ran on pretty well in Haskell, just as he did in the Belmont; a Derby sleeper given a more favorable set-up.
Trainer:
Juan Carlos Avila
Jockey:
Samy Camacho
Last Race - Track:
Arkansas Derby (div. 2), Oaklawn, 5/2, 2nd by 3, 93
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, 9/5
Owner:
Victoria's Ranch
Sire:
Uncle Mo
JP: After series of GP works, he has arrived at CD to complete final weeks of training; into Derby off 4-month layoff.
MM: Ark. Derby effort showed his 49-1 stunner at Tampa was no fluke; great backstory makes him an easy root-for.
Trainer:
Linda Rice
Jockey:
Joel Rosario
Last Race - Track:
Belmont Stakes, Belmont, 6/20, 3rd by 5 1/4, 92
Next Likely Race - Track:
Travers, 1 1/4m - Saratoga, 8/8
Owner:
George E. Hall
Sire:
Honor Code
JP: Ran best race of his career in Belmont when returning from an extended layoff. Improved from earlier in year.
MM: Outran his 14-1 odds in from-the-back Belmont effort; terrific training job by Rice; stock seems on the rise.
Trainer:
Chad Brown
Jockey:
Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Last Race - Track:
Peter Pan, Saratoga, 7/16, 1st by neck, 95
Next Likely Race - Track:
Travers, 1 1/4m - Saratoga, 8/8
Owner:
Paul Pompa, Jr.
Sire:
Tonalist
JP: Had early-season plans interrupted when Wood abandoned. Finally now able to string races and works together.
MM: Tripped out perfectly when earning his ticket into the Derby field; Chad found the back door to Louisville.
Trainer:
Saffie Joseph, Jr.
Jockey:
Paco Lopez
Last Race - Track:
Haskell Invitational, Monmouth, 7/18, 2nd by nose, 100
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, 9/5
Owner:
John Fanelli, Cash Is King Racing, Paul Braverman
Sire:
Cross Traffic
JP: Yet to knock off a big one but not for lack of trying. Admire that he shows up every time; gave Authentic a scare.
MM: Gray colt now has run 5 solid races in as many starts since coming under the Saffie fold; honest and versatile.
Trainer:
Patrick Biancone
Jockey:
Luca Panici
Last Race - Track:
Belmont Stakes, 6/20, 6th by 15 3/4, 76
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, 9/5
Owner:
Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and Andie Biancone
Sire:
Karakontie
JP: After disappointing race in Belmont, and being considered for Ellis Park Derby, plan now is straight to Ky. Derby.
MM: All that terrific winter/spring work by this gelding was soured by the Belmont no-show; stock has plunged.
Trainer:
Gustavao Delgado
Jockey:
Javier Castellano
Last Race - Track:
Peter Pan, Saratoga, 7/16, 2nd by neck, 95
Next Likely Race - Track:
Travers, 1 1/4m - Saratoga, 8/8
Owner:
Global Thoroughbred and Top Racing LLC
Sire:
Uncle Mo
JP: Ran remarkable race considering hadn't competed in six months, was going two turns for first time, stakes debut.
MM: All the rage after his Jan. MSW win at GP, he's already a great comeback story with that huge Peter Pan effort.
Trainer:
Thomas Amoss
Jockey:
James Graham
Last Race - Track:
Ohio Derby, 6/27, Thistledown, 1st by 3/4, 95
Next Likely Race - Track:
Ellis Park Derby, Ellis, 1 1/8m, 8/9
Owner:
Raise the BAR Racing, LLC
Sire:
Cairo Prince
JP: Has turned out to be a terrific claim. Would have to supplement to Derby, but cost in '20 is $45k vs. $200k in past.
MM: Big form jump in 14-1 Ohio Derby win. Amoss: "He'll really have to run well at Ellis to consider supplementing."
Trainer:
Mark Casse
Jockey:
Joel Rosario
Last Race - Track:
Blue Grass, Keeneland, 7/11, 4rd by 8 1/2, 91
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, 9/5
Owner:
John C. Oxley
Sire:
Tapit
JP: Fanned widest of all into lane in Blue Grass, likely needed race after freshening; needs to raise his game Sept. 5.
MM: Casse: "I liked his effort in the Blue Grass, all things considered. Hopefully the 43 points are enough to get in."
Trainer:
Greg Foley
Jockey:
James Graham
Last Race - Track:
Indiana Derby, Indiana Grand, 7/8, 2nd by 3, 87
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, 9/5
Owner:
Lloyd Madison Farms IV Inc.
Sire:
Ghostzapper
JP: Unfortunate trips in last couple of starts. Think he's at his best when grabbed early, held up, makes one run.
MM: Art Collector isn't the only Top 20 member with strong local ties; bypassed ElP Derby, will train into Ky. Derby.
Trainer:
Michael McCarthy
Jockey:
Javier Castellano
Last Race - Track:
Blue Grass, Keeneland, 7/11, 3rd by 8 1/4, 94
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, 9/5
Owner:
Donna and Jim Daniell
Sire:
Liam's Map
JP: Took the overland route in Blue Grass, finished decently after changing leads; wonder if more distance will suit.
MM: Back home to Calif. following respectable Blue Grass effort for McCarthy, the former longtime Pletcher asst.
Trainer:
Brad Cox
Jockey:
Florent Geroux
Last Race - Track:
Indiana Derby, Indiana Grand, 7/8, 1st by 3, 92
Next Likely Race - Track:
Ellis Park Derby, Ellis, 1 1/8m, 8/9
Owner:
Godolphin, LLC.
Sire:
Street Sense
JP: Probably a cut below the division's best right now, but continues to make progress and won't mind 10 furlongs.
MM: Barn that already lost Wells Bayou and Mr. Monomoy as Derby possibles has reloaded with this late bloomer.
Trainer:
Ralph Nicks
Jockey:
Junior Alvarado
Last Race - Track:
Blue Grass, Keeneland, 7/11, 11th by 18, 76
Next Likely Race - Track:
Travers, 1 1/4m, Saratoga 8/8
Owner:
Jacks or Better Farm
Sire:
Awesome of Course
JP: Back on the list owing to attrition and fact he's running this weekend, but don't think he wants any part of 10f.
MM: Yet to validate the runner-up finish at 80-1 in the Fla. Derby; at least he'll make for a legit pace in the Travers.
Trainer:
Bill Mott
Jockey:
Jose Ortiz
Last Race - Track:
Ohio Derby, 6/27, Thistledown, 2nd by 3/4, 94
Next Likely Race - Track:
Travers, 1 1/4m, Saratoga 8/8
Owner:
Gary Barber, Adam Wachtel, Peter Deutsch, and Pantofel Stable
Sire:
Algorithms
JP: Recent private purchase is a grinding type who won't be hindered by extra distance. Not sure he's this good.
MM: Was getting to the winner in the Ohio Derby, but yeah, he's winless in his last 8 starts and a cut below the elite.
Road to the Derby
Date
Race / Track / Distance
Winner / Beyer
Wednesday,
Feb. 19, 2020
Iroquois
Churchill Downs, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Dennis' Moment
Beyer:
87
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Dennis' Moment 87
Dennis' Moment 87
Friday,
Sep. 27, 2019
American Pharoah
Santa Anita, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Eight Rings
Beyer:
87
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Eight Rings 87
Eight Rings 87
Saturday,
Oct. 5, 2019
Champagne
Belmont, 1 mile
Winner:
Tiz the Law
Beyer:
89
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Tiz the Law 89
Tiz the Law 89
Saturday,
Oct. 5, 2019
Breeders' Futurity
Keeneland, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Maxfield
Beyer:
86
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Maxfield 86
Maxfield 86
Friday,
Nov. 1, 2019
Breeders' Cup Juvenile
Santa Anita, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Storm the Court
Beyer:
87
Points (1-2-3-4):
20-8-4-2
Storm the Court 87
Storm the Court 87
Saturday,
Nov. 30, 2019
Kentucky Jockey Club
Churchill Downs, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Silver Prospector
Beyer:
81
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Silver Prospector 81
Silver Prospector 81
Saturday,
Dec. 7, 2019
Remsen
Aqueduct, 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Shotski
Beyer:
86
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Shotski 86
Shotski 86
Saturday,
Dec. 7, 2019
Los Alamitos Futurity
Los Alamitos, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Thousand Words
Beyer:
91
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Thousand Words 91
Thousand Words 91
Sunday,
Dec. 15, 2019
Springboard Mile
Remington, 1 mile
Winner:
Shoplifted
Beyer:
87
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Shoplifted 87
Shoplifted 87
Wednesday,
Jan. 1, 2020
Jerome
Aqueduct, 1 mile
Winner:
Independence Hall
Beyer:
83
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-3-3-1
Independence Hall 83
Independence Hall 83
Saturday,
Jan. 4, 2020
Sham
Santa Anita, 1 mile
Winner:
Authentic
Beyer:
90
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Authentic 90
Authentic 90
Saturday,
Jan. 18, 2020
Lecomte
Fair Grounds, 1 mile 70 yards
Winner:
Enforceable
Beyer:
89
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Enforceable 89
Enforceable 89
Friday,
Jan. 24, 2020
Smarty Jones
Oaklawn, 1 mile
Winner:
Gold Street
Beyer:
95
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Gold Street 95
Gold Street 95
Saturday,
Feb. 1, 2020
Robert B. Lewis
Santa Anita, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Thousand Words
Beyer:
92
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Thousand Words 92
Thousand Words 92
Saturday,
Feb. 1, 2020
Withers
Aqueduct, 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Max Player
Beyer:
86
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Max Player 86
Max Player 86
Saturday,
Feb. 1, 2020
Holy Bull
Gulfstream, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Tiz the Law
Beyer:
100
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Tiz the Law 100
Tiz the Law 100
Saturday,
Feb. 8, 2020
Sam F. Davis
Tampa Bay, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Sole Volante
Beyer:
96
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Sole Volante 96
Sole Volante 96
Saturday,
Feb. 15, 2020
El Camino Real Derby
Golden Gate, 1 1/8 miles (AW)
Winner:
Azul Coast
Beyer:
74
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Azul Coast 74
Azul Coast 74
Saturday,
Feb. 15, 2020
Risen Star (1st division)
Fair Grounds, 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Mr. Monomoy
Beyer:
92
Points (1-2-3-4):
50-20-10-5
Mr. Monomoy 92
Mr. Monomoy 92
Saturday,
Feb. 15, 2020
Risen Star (2nd division)
Fair Grounds, 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Modernist
Beyer:
84
Points (1-2-3-4):
50-20-10-5
Modernist 84
Modernist 84
Monday,
Feb. 17, 2020
Southwest
Oaklawn, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Silver Prospector
Beyer:
97
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Silver Prospector 97
Silver Prospector 97
Saturday,
Feb. 29, 2020
Fountain of Youth
Gulfstream, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Ete Indien
Beyer:
97
Points (1-2-3-4):
50-20-10-5
Ete Indien 97
Ete Indien 97
Saturday,
Mar. 7, 2020
Gotham
Aqueduct, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Mischevious Alex
Beyer:
90
Points (1-2-3-4):
50-20-10-5
Mischevious Alex 90
Mischevious Alex 90
Saturday,
Mar. 7, 2020
San Felipe
Santa Anita, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Authentic
Beyer:
98
Points (1-2-3-4):
50-20-10-5
Authentic 98
Authentic 98
Saturday,
Mar. 7, 2020
Tampa Bay Derby
Tampa Bay Downs, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
King Guillermo
Beyer:
99
Points (1-2-3-4):
50-20-10-5
King Guillermo 99
King Guillermo 99
Saturday,
Mar. 14, 2020
Jeff Ruby Steaks
Turfway Park, 1 1/8 miles (AW)
Winner:
Field Pass
Beyer:
90
Points (1-2-3-4):
20-8-4-2
Field Pass 90
Field Pass 90
Saturday,
Mar. 14, 2020
Rebel
Oaklawn, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Nadal
Beyer:
96
Points (1-2-3-4):
50-20-10-5
Nadal 96
Nadal 96
Saturday,
Mar. 21, 2020
Louisiana Derby
Fair Grounds, 1 3/16 miles
Winner:
Wells Bayou
Beyer:
91
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Wells Bayou 91
Wells Bayou 91
Saturday,
Mar. 28, 2020
Florida Derby
Gulfstream, 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Tiz the Law
Beyer:
96
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Tiz the Law 96
Tiz the Law 96
Saturday,
May. 2, 2020
Arkansas Derby (1st Division)
Oaklawn, 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Basin (via DQ)
Beyer:
87
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Basin (via DQ) 87
Basin (via DQ) 87
Saturday,
May. 2, 2020
Arkansas Derby (2nd Division)
Oaklawn, 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Nadal
Beyer:
98
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Nadal 98
Nadal 98
Saturday,
May. 23, 2020
Matt Winn
Churchill Downs, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Maxfield
Beyer:
95
Points (1-2-3-4):
50-20-10-5
Maxfield 95
Maxfield 95
Saturday,
Jun. 6, 2020
Santa Anita Derby
Santa Anita, 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Honor A. P.
Beyer:
102
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Honor A. P. 102
Honor A. P. 102
Saturday,
Jun. 20, 2020
Belmont Stakes
Belmont, 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Tiz the Law
Beyer:
100
Points (1-2-3-4):
150-60-30-15
Tiz the Law 100
Tiz the Law 100
Saturday,
Jun. 27, 2020
Ohio Derby
Thistledown, 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Dean Martini
Beyer:
95
Points (1-2-3-4):
20-8-4-2
Dean Martini 95
Dean Martini 95
Saturday,
Jul. 4, 2020
Los Alamitos Derby
Los Alamitos, 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Uncle Chuck
Beyer:
94
Points (1-2-3-4):
20-8-4-2
Uncle Chuck 94
Uncle Chuck 94
Wednesday,
Jul. 8, 2020
Indiana Derby
Indiana Grand, 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Shared Sense
Beyer:
92
Points (1-2-3-4):
20-8-4-2
Shared Sense 92
Shared Sense 92
Saturday,
Jul. 11, 2020
Blue Grass
Keeneland, 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Art Collector
Beyer:
103
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Art Collector 103
Art Collector 103
Thursday,
Jul. 16, 2020
Peter Pan
Saratoga, 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Country Grammer
Beyer:
95
Points (1-2-3-4):
50-20-10-5
Country Grammer 95
Country Grammer 95
Saturday,
Jul. 18, 2020
Haskell Invitational
Monmouth Park, 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Authentic
Beyer:
100
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Authentic 100
Authentic 100
Saturday,
Aug. 1, 2020
Shared Belief
Del Mar, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Thousand Words
Beyer:
104
Points (1-2-3-4):
50-20-10-5
Thousand Words 104
Thousand Words 104
Saturday,
Aug. 8, 2020
Travers
Saratoga, 1 1/4 miles
Winner:
Tiz the Law
Beyer:
109
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Tiz the Law 109
Tiz the Law 109
Sunday,
Aug. 9, 2020
Ellis Park Derby
Ellis Park, 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Art Collector
Points (1-2-3-4):
50-20-10-5
Art Collector
Art Collector
Saturday,
Aug. 15, 2020
Pegasus
Monmouth Park, 1 1/16 miles
Points (1-2-3-4):
20-8-4-2
European Road to the Derby
Date
Race / Track / Distance
Winner
Saturday,
Sep. 28, 2019
Royal Lodge Newmarket, 1 mile (T)
Winner:
Royal Domoch
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Royal Domoch
Royal Domoch
Sunday,
Sep. 29, 2019
Beresford Naas, 1 mile (T)
Winner:
Innisfree
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Innisfree
Innisfree
Sunday,
Oct. 6, 2019
Prix du Jean Luc Legardare Longchamp, 1 mile (T)
Winner:
Victor Ludorum
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Victor Ludorum
Victor Ludorum
Friday,
Nov. 1, 2019
Vertum Futurity Trophy Newcastle, 1 mile (S)
Winner:
Kameko
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Kameko
Kameko
Friday,
Feb. 28, 2020
Patton Dundalk, 1 mile (S)
Winner:
Crossfirehurricane
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
20-8-4-2
Crossfirehurricane
Crossfirehurricane
Wednesday,
Mar. 4, 2020
Road to the Derby Condition Kempton, 1 mile (S)
Winner:
Chares
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
20-8-4-2
Chares
Chares
Japan Road to the Derby
Date
Race / Track / Distance
Winner
Saturday,
Nov. 23, 2019
Cattleya Sho 1 mile, Tokyo
Winner:
Dieu du Vin
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Dieu du Vin
Dieu du Vin
Wednesday,
Dec. 18, 2019
Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun 1 mile, Kawasaki
Winner:
Vacation
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Vacation
Vacation
Sunday,
Feb. 23, 2020
Hyacinth 1 mile, Tokyo
Winner:
Cafe Pharoah
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Cafe Pharoah
Cafe Pharoah
Saturday,
Mar. 28, 2020
Fukuryu Stakes 1 1/8 miles, Nakayama
Winner:
Herrschaft
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Herrschaft
Herrschaft
Sunday,
Jun. 21, 2020
Unicorn Stakes 1 mile, Tokyo
Winner:
Cafe Pharoah
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
40-16-8-4
Cafe Pharoah
Cafe Pharoah
Wednesday,
Jul. 8, 2020
Japan Dirt Derby 1/14 miles, Ohi
Winner:
Danon Pharoah
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
40-16-8-4
Danon Pharoah
Danon Pharoah
All Top Kentucky Derby News
Max Player transferred to Asmussen barn
David Grening
Aug 11, 2020
Max Player, the third-place finisher behind Tiz the Law in both the Belmont Stakes and Runhappy Travers Stakes, has been transferred from trainer Linda Rice to Steve Asmussen and will be pointed to the Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5, according to majority owner George Hall.
Prospective Kentucky Derby field dwindles after dominating performances
Jay Privman
Aug 10, 2020
The dominating victories last weekend by Tiz the Law and Art Collector further strengthened their position at the top of the list of candidates for the Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5 at Churchill Downs, and several of those left in their wake are now seeking other options. They've seen enough. Combined with the attrition rate for this Derby owing to its postponement by four months, there is the very real possibility fewer than the maximum 20 horses could enter the Derby, which has not happened since 2003.
Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby: Ellis Park Derby analysis
Jay Privman
Aug 11, 2020
Tiz the Law is the acknowledged favorite for the Kentucky Derby, but there’s plenty to like about Art Collector, who like Tiz the Law is now 4 for 4 this year following this final race prior to the Derby. He has now won three straight races at three different tracks while recording a Beyer Speed Figure of 100 or better in those races.
Art Collector emerges from authoritative Ellis Derby win in good shape
Marty McGee
Aug 10, 2020
Art Collector emerged from his fourth straight victory in good order as trainer Tommy Drury starts making plans to get the colt ready for the Sept. 5 Kentucky Derby.
Tiz the Law closes as 11-10 favorite in Pool 7 of Kentucky Derby Future Wager
Marty McGee
Aug 9, 2020
Following his Saturday romp in the Runhappy Travers, Tiz the Law is by far the heaviest individually listed favorite in the 21-year history of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager.
Art Collector leads gate to wire in Ellis Park Derby
Marty McGee
Aug 9, 2020
Tommy Drury said he was so uptight as the Ellis Park Derby was being run Sunday that “I thought my legs were going to give out.” Wait until the next one.
Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby: Travers Stakes analysis
Jay Privman
Aug 9, 2020
The beat goes on for Tiz the Law, who in his last two starts has made good horses look ordinary with dominating performances. He followed up his terrific Belmont Stakes score with an even better race here, earning a career-best Beyer Speed Figure, a strong one at that, while crushing the previously unbeaten Uncle Chuck and leaving everyone well in his wake.
Tiz the Law will train up to Kentucky Derby at Saratoga
David Grening
Aug 9, 2020
Seventeen years after winning the Kentucky Derby with the New York-bred gelding Funny Cide, who pulled off a 12-1 upset, trainer Barclay Tagg and Sackatoga Stable will be heading back to Churchill Downs with another New York-bred who will be a much shorter price in the world’s most famous horse race.
Tiz the Law scores overwhelming Travers victory; goes to Kentucky Derby as favorite
David Grening
Aug 8, 2020
Approaching the three-furlong pole of Saturday’s Grade 1 Runhappy Travers Stakes, Tiz the Law, the clear leader of the 3-year-old division, sidled up alongside the pacesetting Uncle Chuck, an apparent top-ranked contender, and the stage was set for a stirring stretch battle before an empty Saratoga grandstand. The fight didn’t last long.
Shades of Arrogate as Uncle Chuck takes on Tiz the Law in Travers
David Grening
Aug 6, 2020
Four years ago, trainer Bob Baffert shipped in a lightly raced 3-year-old to take on a dozen horses, including the winners of two Triple Crown races, in the Travers Stakes at Saratoga. Arrogate won by 13 1/2 lengths. On Saturday, Baffert will again be represented by a lightly raced 3-year-old, Uncle Chuck, who will take on Tiz the Law, the leading 3-year-old in the country.
Art Collector looks to confirm Kentucky Derby destiny in Ellis Park Derby
Marty McGee
Aug 7, 2020
When 2020 began, it would have been impossible to conjure the Ellis Park Derby as a stepping-stone to the Kentucky Derby – just as Tommy Drury was oblivious to having a top Kentucky Derby hopeful in his barn. But when Art Collector goes postward as a heavy favorite Sunday in the $200,000 Runhappy Ellis Park Derby, the reality of this bizarre year will start sinking in even further for Drury.
Ny Traffic starts working his way toward Kentucky Derby
David Grening
Aug 6, 2020
Ny Traffic, beaten a nose by Authentic in the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park on July 18, returned to the work tab Thursday at Saratoga, breezing a half-mile in 49.90 seconds over the main track.
Late Kentucky Derby arrivals right on time, courtesy of the pandemic
Jay Privman
Aug 5, 2020
If not for the coronavirus pandemic, which delayed the Kentucky Derby until Sept. 5, Art Collector and Uncle Chuck would have missed the Derby. Instead, both are very much in play.
Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for Aug. 5, 2020
Jay Privman
Aug 5, 2020
Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for Aug. 5, 2020
Tiz the Law favored in final Kentucky Derby Future Wager pool
Marty McGee
Aug 5, 2020
Six new names are among the 23 separately listed interests in the seventh and final pool in the 2020 Kentucky Derby Future Wager, which opens Friday at noon Eastern for the customary three-day run.
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Uncle Chuck
Nicole Russo
Aug 5, 2020
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Uncle Chuck
Major Fed going straight to Kentucky Derby
Marty McGee
Aug 5, 2020
The connections of Major Fed considered running the Ghostzapper colt in the Runhappy Ellis Park Derby on Sunday before deciding instead to train him straight into the Kentucky Derby.
Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby: Shared Belief Stakes analysis
Jay Privman
Aug 2, 2020
As with the Haskell two weeks ago, here’s another final Derby prep in which the figure seems in contrast to how the race looked visually.
Thousand Words, Honor A. P. headed to Kentucky Derby
Jay Privman
Aug 2, 2020
Thousand Words and Honor A. P. are both headed to the Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5 at Churchill Downs after emerging in good order from the Shared Belief Stakes on Saturday at Del Mar, their trainers said Sunday morning.
Thousand Words gets back on track in Shared Belief Stakes
Jay Privman
Aug 1, 2020
Thousand Words, whose early promise at 2 had largely failed to translate at 3, continued his second act with a victory on Saturday in the $98,000 Shared Belief Stakes at Del Mar, which came at the expense of the West Coast’s top-ranked Derby prospect, Honor A. P.
Tiz the Law hits his mark on day of six Travers workers
David Grening
Aug 1, 2020
Led by Belmont Stakes winner Tiz the Law, six of the nine prospective candidates for next Saturday’s Grade 1, $1 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga put in their final workouts Saturday morning.
Sole Volante breezes on turf at Palm Meadows, will train up to Kentucky Derby
Mike Welsch
Jul 31, 2020
Sole Volante breezed five furlongs over the turf in 1:02 on Friday morning at Palm Meadows, his first work since a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Belmont Stakes.
Kentucky Derby: Honor A. P. puts owner Lee Searing in the spotlight
Jay Privman
Jul 29, 2020
Lee Searing might be the most prominent owner in the sport you don't know much about. It's not because he's averse to press, just that he's not one to seek the spotlight. But it has certainly found him this spring, as Honor A. P. has progressed into one of the elite contenders for the Kentucky Derby.
Anneau d'Or joins cast for Ellis Park Derby; King Guillermo settles in at Churchill
Marty McGee
Jul 29, 2020
Anneau d'Or, a disappointment since finishing a close second last fall in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, has joined the prospective lineup for the $200,000 Runhappy Ellis Park Derby on Aug. 9.
Honor A. P. leads parade of high-profile Saturday workers
Jay Privman
Jul 25, 2020
Led by Santa Anita Derby winner Honor A. P., a trio of prospects for next Saturday’s Shared Belief Stakes all worked Saturday at Del Mar during a busy morning that saw 195 horses record drills, including important preps by the older horse Improbable, the terrific 3-year-old sprinter Collusion Illusion, and the older mare Ollie’s Candy.
With Travers two weeks off, Tiz the Law works five furlongs
David Grening
Jul 25, 2020
It was another picture-perfect morning in Saratoga on Saturday both in the weather department and for leading 3-year-old Tiz the Law, who put in another solid workout over the main track in preparation for the Grade 1, $1 million Runhappy Travers on Aug. 8.
Uncle Chuck gears up for Travers with smart Del Mar work
Jay Privman
Jul 20, 2020
Authentic is in in the Kentucky Derby. Uncle Chuck is trying to get there. Two days after his colt Authentic won the Haskell to earn the right to move on to the Derby, trainer Bob Baffert on Monday morning here at Del Mar sent out Uncle Chuck for an eye-catching workout as the exciting, late-developing colt continues to progress toward the Travers on Aug. 8 at Saratoga.
Travers in the mix for Caracaro
Mike Welsch
Jul 20, 2020
Caracaro, narrowly defeated by Country Grammer following a stirring stretch duel in the Peter Pan here on Thursday, could be a candidate for the Grade 1 Travers, according to Gustavo Delgado Jr., whose father, Gustavo Delgado, trains the 3-year-old son of Uncle Mo.
Tiz the Law closes at 5-2 favorite in Pool 6 of Derby Future Wager
Marty McGee
Jul 20, 2020
Tiz the Law closed as a clear-cut favorite when Pool 6 in the 2020 Kentucky Derby Future Wager closed Sunday following the customary three days of betting.
Haskell 1-2-3 finishers headed to Kentucky Derby
Jay Privman
Jul 19, 2020
The top three finishers in the Haskell Stakes on Saturday at Monmouth all emerged from the race in good order, and all will make their next start in the Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5 at Churchill Downs, meaning they will come into the Derby following a seven-week layoff.
Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby: Haskell Stakes analysis
Jay Privman
Jul 19, 2020
Here’s one of the more confounding races to analyze in quite a while. On one hand, Authentic just lasted to win going 1 1/8 miles, continuing to give the indication that extra distance looks like it will be a challenge. On the other hand, Authentic earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure in this race, equaling the fig earned by Tiz the Law in the Belmont Stakes, for instance.
Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby: Peter Pan Stakes analysis
Jay Privman
Jul 19, 2020
Country Grammer was significantly impacted by the postponement of racing in New York earlier this year. It looks like he’s now able to get into a routine of racing and training. That, and the forward move he made he made in the Peter Pan, bodes well for him in coming months.
Authentic gets the job done in Haskell, but just barely
Jay Privman
Jul 18, 2020
Authentic accomplished what he needed to accomplish on Saturday, earning his first Grade 1 victory in the $1 million Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park, and succeeding at 1 1/8 miles.
Tiz the Law makes it look easy in five-furlong drill
David Grening
Jul 18, 2020
Heather Smullen had not sat on the back of Tiz the Law for about three months. It took less than a minute for her to realize how much the 3-year-old colt has changed in a short period of time.
Country Grammer rallies on rail to win Peter Pan Stakes
Mike Welsch
Jul 16, 2020
Country Grammer rallied along the rail to defeat Caracaro by a neck to capture the $100,000 Peter Pan in front of a silent, empty grandstand on what winning trainer Chad Brown called a “bittersweet day” Thursday at Saratoga.
Pool 6 of Kentucky Derby Future Wager opens Friday; Oaks wagering also offered
Marty McGee
Jul 15, 2020
Seven new names are among the 22 separately listed interests in Pool 6 of the 2020 Kentucky Derby Future Wager, which opens Friday at noon Eastern.
Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for July 15, 2020
Jay Privman
Jul 15, 2020
Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for July 15, 2020
If Art Collector runs before Kentucky Derby, it will be at Ellis Park
Marty McGee
Jul 13, 2020
Art Collector is back in the quiet environs of the Skylight training center just east of Louisville, Ky., as his hometown connections ponder what will come next for a colt whose emphatic triumph Saturday in the Blue Grass Stakes has made him a major contender for the 146th Kentucky Derby.
Cafe Pharoah will not travel from Japan for Kentucky Derby
Jay Privman
Jul 12, 2020
It appears unlikely that a horse representing Japan will be in this year’s Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5.
Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby: Blue Grass Stakes analysis
Jay Privman
Jul 12, 2020
Art Collector is one of several horses who have become major players in this year’s Kentucky Derby owing to the race’s postponement for four months. This was obviously his most significant win this year, as it was against the best field he has faced. He responded by earning a career-best Beyer Speed Figure.
Art Collector Kentucky Derby-bound after impressive Blue Grass score
Marty McGee
Jul 11, 2020
Art Collector, a fast-improving colt who figures as one of the favorites for the 2020 Kentucky Derby, posted an emphatic triumph Saturday in the Grade 2, $600,000 Blue Grass Stakes at spectator-free Keeneland.
Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby: Indiana Derby analysis
Jay Privman
Jul 12, 2020
With four Derby preps scheduled to be run within a 10-day period, and with this offering the fewest points of those four toward the Kentucky Derby, it stood to reason that this would come up with a field of horses not yet at the top level. Shared Sense made the most of the opportunity, winning his graded stakes debut against eight rivals, who, like him, had never won a graded stakes race.
Shared Sense pulls away in stretch to claim Indiana Derby
Marcus Hersh
Jul 8, 2020
Bulling his way to the outside at the quarter pole, Shared Sense got up a full head of steam into the homestretch and drew clear to win the Grade 3, $300,000 Indiana Derby by three lengths.
Danon Pharaoh scores huge upset over Cafe Pharoah in Japan Dirt Derby
Steve Andersen
Jul 8, 2020
Danon Pharaoh, a Japanese-bred colt by American Pharoah, had an ideal trip to win Wednesday’s $711,694 Japan Dirt Derby at Oi Racecourse in Tokyo, the final race in the Kentucky Derby qualifying series in that country. Danon Pharaoh easily beat the strongly favored Cafe Pharoah, the previously unbeaten Kentucky-bred colt who faded from contention in the final three furlongs and finished seventh.
Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for July 8, 2020
Jay Privman
Jul 8, 2020
Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for July 8, 2020
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Swiss Skydiver
Nicole Russo
Jul 8, 2020
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Swiss Skydiver
Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby: Los Alamitos Derby analysis
Jay Privman
Jul 5, 2020
It takes a pretty special horse to win going two turns in his debut with a Beyer Speed Figure of 95, then follow that up with a second-start victory in a graded stakes race going 1 1/8 miles with a Beyer Figure of similar value. Uncle Chuck is special.
Uncle Chuck gets to next level in Los Alamitos Derby win
Jay Privman
Jul 4, 2020
Uncle Chuck, making only the second start of his career after beating maidens last month at Santa Anita, turned back his more experienced stablemate Thousand Words in upper stretch and then drew away in the final furlong to score a four-length victory in the Grade 3, $150,000 Los Alamitos Derby going 1 1/8 miles.
Tiz the Law back on work tab with half-mile breeze
David Grening
Jul 1, 2020
Though Wednesday was a dark day on this circuit, Manny Franco was at Belmont Park bright and early on a beautiful summer morning. Franco was on-site to climb aboard his 3-year-old Tiz the Law for the first time since he won the abbreviated Belmont Stakes here June 20.
Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby: Ohio Derby analysis
Jay Privman
Jun 29, 2020
Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby: Ohio Derby analysis
Amoss won't push Dean Martini into Kentucky Derby
Marty McGee
Jun 29, 2020
Tom Amoss had a lot on his plate last weekend. Staying put in Louisville, the veteran trainer won the Ohio Derby at Thistledown with Dean Martini; sent Lone Sailor into retirement; started thinking about one-turn races again with Serengeti Empress after the filly faded to fourth in the Fleur de Lis; and was encouraged by a runner-up comeback effort by Risky Mandate.
Tiz the Law closes as 2-1 favorite in Pool 5 of Kentucky Derby Future Wager
Marty McGee
Jun 28, 2020
Tiz the Law, winner of the Belmont Stakes, closed as a solid favorite when Pool 5 of the 2020 Kentucky Derby Future Wager closed Sunday.
Dean Martini gives connections a pocketful of drinking money by winning the Ohio Derby
Marcus Hersh
Jun 27, 2020
Drinks Saturday night are on the connections of Dean Martini. Trainer Tom Amoss and Raise the Bar Racing claimed the gelding for $50,000 May 17 at Churchill Downs, and Saturday at Thistledown he won the $500,000 Ohio Derby.
Cafe Pharoah would give Japan its best shot ever to win the Kentucky Derby
Jay Privman
Jun 24, 2020
In the aftermath of the runaway victory by Cafe Pharoah in the Unicorn Stakes last Sunday at Tokyo Racecourse, Churchill Downs officials this week said they had received encouraging feedback from the colt's connections regarding a potential start in this year's Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5, adding international intrigue to an already unprecedented Derby.
Spectators will be allowed at Kentucky Derby and Oaks, with restrictions
Matt Hegarty
Jun 25, 2020
Spectators will be allowed at this year’s rescheduled Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville on Sept. 5 “under strict guidelines,” the parent company of the track announced on Thursday morning.
Kentucky Derby Future Wager contenders get major overhaul for Pool 5
Marty McGee
Jun 24, 2020
It's no surprise, but a major overhaul of the roster of separately listed interests has occurred in the 12 weeks that have elapsed since Churchill Downs last offered a Future Wager pool toward the 2020 Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for June 24, 2020
Jay Privman
Jun 24, 2020
The current Kentucky Derby line of Marty McGee of Daily Racing Form, who has Tiz the Law down to 7-5 following his clear-cut victory last Saturday in the Belmont Stakes.
Churchill Downs waiting on state approval of plan for Kentucky Derby spectators
Matt Hegarty
Jun 23, 2020
Churchill Downs has submitted operational plans to Kentucky state officials that envision allowing spectators for the Sept. 5 Kentucky Derby and the race cards that will precede it, a Churchill Downs official confirmed Tuesday.
Japan: Cafe Pharoah gets second win Kentucky Derby qualifier
Steve Andersen
Jun 21, 2020
Cafe Pharoah strengthened his status as the leading Japanese contender for the Kentucky Derby with a decisive five-length win in Sunday’s Grade 3 Unicorn Stakes at a mile at Tokyo Racecourse.
Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby: Belmont Stakes analysis
Jay Privman
Jun 21, 2020
In this most-unusual year, where the Belmont Stakes was run at a different distance than recent tradition and ended up leading off the Triple Crown while offering significant points toward the Kentucky Derby, this race had logic, normalcy, and reason.
Tiz the Law points to Travers after Belmont win
David Grening
Jun 21, 2020
Nothing got in Tiz the Law’s way Saturday as he sat a perfect three-wide stalking trip, took control turning for home, and cruised to a decisive victory over Dr Post in the Belmont. Tiz the Law covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:46.53 and earned a 100 Beyer Speed Figure. On Sunday morning, Tiz the Law was described as perfect by trainer Barclay Tagg and his assistant Robin Smullen.
Tiz the Law finishes the job in Belmont for Tagg, Sackatoga Stables
David Grening
Jun 20, 2020
On a Saturday that trainer Barclay Tagg said was unlike “any other Saturday at the track that I’ve ever known,” he completed his own personal Triple Crown by winning the 152nd Belmont Stakes with Tiz the Law, who as the 4-5 favorite dominated the race by 3 3/4 lengths.
Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for June 17, 2020
Jay Privman
Jun 17, 2020
Late developers Uncle Chuck, who got a Beyer Speed Figure of 95 when debuting going two turns against maidens at Santa Anita, and Art Collector, who got an even bigger figure of 100 when beating allowance runners at Churchill Downs, are the two newest members of the Derby Watch top 20 following wins last week.
Cezanne a late arrival to the Kentucky Derby festivities
Jay Privman
Jun 10, 2020
Cezanne enters the Derby Watch top 20 as the fourth choice on the line of Daily Racing Form's Marty McGee. He earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 90 when beating maidens at Santa Anita last Saturday, the day the Belmont Stakes was originally scheduled.
Maxfield declared out of Kentucky Derby after condylar fracture
Marty McGee
Jun 10, 2020
Maxfield, one of the top contenders for the 146th Kentucky Derby, has been declared out of the Sept. 5 race after exiting a Wednesday breeze at Keeneland with a condylar fracture of his right front cannon bone.
Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for June 10, 2020
Jay Privman
Jun 10, 2020
Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for June 10, 2020
Honor A. P., Authentic plotting paths to Kentucky Derby
Jay Privman
Jun 7, 2020
The top two finishers from the Santa Anita Derby – Honor A. P. and Authentic – both came out of the race in good order, and both remain on the trail to the Kentucky Derby, but how both get there is uncertain owing to the new path all 3-year-olds must navigate toward the delayed Sept. 5 Derby this year.
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Cezanne
Nicole Russo
Jun 10, 2020
The pricey Cezanne, who won his highly anticipated career debut last weekend at Santa Anita, sports the definition of a classic pedigree.
Baffert: No Belmont Stakes or Kentucky Derby for Charlatan
David Grening
Jun 6, 2020
Charlatan, who has crossed the finish line first in all three of his starts including a division of the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby, will not make the Belmont Stakes on June 20 or the Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5 due to an ankle injury, trainer Bob Baffert said Saturday.
Road the 2020 Kentucky Derby: Santa Anita Derby analysis
Jay Privman
Jun 7, 2020
Honor A.P. has all the tools – top trainer, Hall of Fame jockey, pedigree, looks – to be a major contender three months hence in the Derby, and he only figures to improve in that time.
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Honor A. P. gets the best of Authentic in Santa Anita Derby
Jay Privman
Jun 6, 2020
Time – and distance – were on the side of Honor A. P. on Saturday in the Santa Anita Derby in his rivalry with Authentic.
22 3-year-olds nominated to Triple Crown at second deadline
Jay Privman
Jun 4, 2020
Led by Tampa Bay Derby winner King Guillermo, such highly regarded runners as Pneumatic and Shooters Shoot, as well as the filly Swiss Skydiver and the high-priced auction buy Cezanne, a total of 22 3-year-olds were made eligible to the Triple Crown at the second deadline, which closed Wednesday after being postponed from March.
Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for May 20, 2020
Jay Privman
May 20, 2020
Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for May 20, 2020
Following a two-month delay, Authentic, Honor A. P. rematched in Santa Anita Derby
Jay Privman
Jun 4, 2020
On the day that the Triple Crown would have been concluding in New York, a race will be run in California that serves as a prep for a Kentucky Derby that is three months away instead of the usual gap of one month. So just add that to the lengthy list of “what else is new?” for 2020, as the Santa Anita Derby finally is held two months after its intended date.
Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for June 3, 2020
Jay Privman
Jun 3, 2020
Tiz the Law has moved back into the role of favorite for the Sept. 5 Kentucky Derby following last week's injury to Nadal. Tiz the Law is now 3-1 on the line set by Marty McGee of Daily Racing Form after being 4-1 last week.
Spendthrift acquires majority interest in Authentic
Nicole Russo
Jun 4, 2020
Spendthrift Farm has acquired a majority interest in unbeaten Kentucky Derby hopeful Authentic, continuing to invest in its leading sire line.
Pneumatic nominated to Triple Crown
Jay Privman
Jun 2, 2020
With the Belmont Stakes on June 20 an option for his next start, Pneumatic – third most recently in the Matt Winn Stakes – has been nominated to the Triple Crown, trainer Steve Asmussen said.
Top Kentucky Derby contender Nadal fractures leg, retires
David Grening
May 28, 2020
Nadal, the undefeated 3-year-old and leading contender for the Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5, suffered a condylar fracture to his left foreleg after completing a workout Thursday morning at Santa Anita and has been retired from racing, according to co-owner George Bolton.
With the status of his Arkansas Derby win pending, Charlatan breezes at Santa Anita
Jay Privman
May 27, 2020
Though the fate of his victory in a division of the Arkansas Derby on May 2 is to be determined, Charlatan continues to train for potential tasks ahead, and on Wednesday at Santa Anita he breezed an easy half-mile in 50 seconds for trainer Bob Baffert in his first work since the race. Of the 94 works on Wednesday at Santa Anita, his was the only one designated as breezing.
Charlatan's initial test comes back positive after Arkansas Derby
Jay Privman
May 26, 2020
Charlatan, winner of the first division of the Arkansas Derby in his stakes debut May 2, had an initial test sample come back positive for an undisclosed medication, multiple sources told Daily Racing Form. If confirmed by a second test, it could result in his disqualification.
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Maxfield
Nicole Russo
May 20, 2020
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Maxfield
Churchill announces partial schedule for Kentucky Derby qualifying races
Marty McGee
May 12, 2020
Churchill Downs officials announced Tuesday a partially updated list of qualifying races for the Kentucky Derby and Oaks while also making contingencies for the Preakness and/or Belmont Stakes in case either precedes the Derby.
Kentucky Derby 2020 Point Standings
Rank
Horse/Trainer
Horse/
Trainer
Horse
Trainer
Points
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings
1
Tiz the Law
Barclay Tagg
Tiz the Law
Barclay Tagg
372
$1,972,400
2
Authentic
Bob Baffert
Authentic
Bob Baffert
200
$980,000
3
Art Collector
Tommy Drury Jr.
Art Collector
Tommy Drury Jr.
150
$476,461
4
Honor A. P.
John Shirreffs
Honor A. P.
John Shirreffs
140
$340,000
—
Basin
Steve Asmussen
Basin
Steve Asmussen
110
$592,500
5
Ny Traffic
Saffie Joseph Jr.
Ny Traffic
Saffie Joseph Jr.
110
$472,820
—
Wells Bayou
Brad Cox
Wells Bayou
Brad Cox
104
$765,000
6
King Guillermo
Juan Carlos Avila
King Guillermo
Juan Carlos Avila
90
$317,050
7
Thousand Words
Bob Baffert
Thousand Words
Bob Baffert
83
$297,000
8
Dr Post
Todd Pletcher
Dr Post
Todd Pletcher
80
$331,035
—
Ete Indien
Patrick Biancone
Ete Indien
Patrick Biancone
74
$357,156
—
Modernist
Bill Mott
Modernist
Bill Mott
70
$369,000
—
Maxfield
Brendan Walsh
Maxfield
Brendan Walsh
60
$388,350
9
Max Player
Linda Rice
Max Player
Linda Rice
60
$337,500
10
Caracaro
Gustavo Delgado
Caracaro
Gustavo Delgado
60
$205,000
—
Gouverneur Morris
Todd Pletcher
Gouverneur Morris
Todd Pletcher
54
$236,000
—
Mr. Monomoy
Brad Cox
Mr. Monomoy
Brad Cox
52
$260,000
—
Mischevious Alex
John Servis
Mischevious Alex
John Servis
50
$324,910
11
Country Grammer
Chad Brown
Country Grammer
Chad Brown
50
$106,400
12
Enforceable
Mark Casse
Enforceable
Mark Casse
43
$314,550
13
Swiss Skydiver
Kenny McPeek
Swiss Skydiver
Kenny McPeek
40
$626,820
14
Shivaree
Ralph Nicks
Shivaree
Ralph Nicks
40
286,505
—
Rushie
Michael McCarthy
Rushie
Michael McCarthy
40
$108,000
16
Major Fed
Greg Foley
Major Fed
Greg Foley
38
$179,100
17
Storm the Court
Peter Eurton
Storm the Court
Peter Eurton
36
$1,248,851
18
Attachment Rate
Dale Romans
Attachment Rate
Dale Romans
35
$93,675
19
Anneau d'Or
Blaine Wright
Anneau d'Or
Blaine Wright
32
$434,000
20
Sole Volante
Patrick Biancone
Sole Volante
Patrick Biancone
30
$273,510
21
Finnick the Fierce
Rey Hernandez
Finnick the Fierce
Rey Hernandez
25
$121,700
22
Pneumatic
Steve Asmussen
Pneumatic
Steve Asmussen
25
$79,250
—
Silver Prospector
Steve Asmussen
Silver Prospector
Steve Asmussen
21
$664,018
23
Dean Martini
Tom Amoss
Dean Martini
Tom Amoss
20
$301,882
—
Field Pass
Mike Maker
Field Pass
Mike Maker
20
$289,960
—
Excession
Steve Asmussen
Excession
Steve Asmussen
20
$206,000
24
Shared Sense
Brad Cox
Shared Sense
Brad Cox
20
$180,183
25
Uncle Chuck
Bob Baffert
Uncle Chuck
Bob Baffert
20
$120,000
—
Candy Tycoon
Todd Pletcher
Candy Tycoon
Todd Pletcher
20
$84,250
—
Untitled
Mark Casse
Untitled
Mark Casse
20
$81,999
26
Winning Impression
Dallas Stewart
Winning Impression
Dallas Stewart
20
$53,00
—
Shotski
Jeremiah O'Dwyer
Shotski
Jeremiah O'Dwyer
19
$212,466
27
South Bend
Stan Hough
South Bend
Stan Hough
18
$291,902
—
Farmington Road
Todd Pletcher
Farmington Road
Todd Pletcher
15
$101,000
—
Independence Hall
Mike Trombetta
Independence Hall
Mike Trombetta
14
$226,600
—
Silver State
Steve Asmussen
Silver State
Steve Asmussen
14
$90,000
—
Azul Coast
Bob Baffert
Azul Coast
Bob Baffert
14
$80,500
28
Necker Island
Chris Hartmann
Necker Island
Chris Hartmann
14
$74,808
—
Shoplifted
Steve Asmussen
Shoplifted
Steve Asmussen
13
$424,500
—
Eight Rings
Bob Baffert
Eight Rings
Bob Baffert
10
$204,851
—
Dennis' Moment
Dale Romans
Dennis' Moment
Dale Romans
10
$141,800
—
Gold Street
Steve Asmussen
Gold Street
Steve Asmussen
10
$141,500
—
As Seen On Tv
Kelly Breen
As Seen On Tv
Kelly Breen
10
$80,100
29
Jesus' Team
Jose D'Angelo
Jesus' Team
Jose D'Angelo
10
$50,000
—
Texas Swing
Todd Pletcher
Texas Swing
Todd Pletcher
10
$35,00
—
Mystic Guide
Mike Stidham
Mystic Guide
Mike Stidham
10
$12,000
30
Kiss Today Goodbye
Eric Kruljac
Kiss Today Goodbye
Eric Kruljac
10
$59,402
—
Three Technique
Jeremiah Englehart
Three Technique
Jeremiah Englehart
9
$81,500
—
Invader
Wesley Ward
Invader
Wesley Ward
8
$107,140
—
Ajaaweed
Kiaran McLaughlin
Ajaaweed
Kiaran McLaughlin
7
$95,000
31
Rowdy Yates
Steve Asmussen
Rowdy Yates
Steve Asmussen
7
$211,428
—
Scabbard
Eddie Kenneally
Scabbard
Eddie Kenneally
6
$186,000
—
Answer In
Brad Cox
Answer In
Brad Cox
6
$155,000
—
Celtic Striker
Ray Handal
Celtic Striker
Ray Handal
6
$62,000
—
Relentless Dancer
Mike Maker
Relentless Dancer
Mike Maker
6
'$29,750
—
Wrecking Crew
Peter Miller
Wrecking Crew
Peter Miller
5
$301,000
—
Montauk Traffic
Linda Rice
Montauk Traffic
Linda Rice
5
$73,000
—
Mailman Money
Bret Calhoun
Mailman Money
Bret Calhoun
5
$16,000
—
Cezanne
Bob Baffert
Cezanne
Bob Baffert
5
$6,000
—
Green Light Go
Jimmy Jerkens
Green Light Go
Jimmy Jerkens
4
$239,400
—
High Velocity
Bob Baffert
High Velocity
Bob Baffert
4
$97,000
—
American Theorem
George Papaprodromou
American Theorem
George Papaprodromou
4
$66,667
—
Fancy Liquor
Mike Maker
Fancy Liquor
Mike Maker
4
$33,500
—
Royal Act
Peter Eurton
Royal Act
Peter Eurton
4
$31,644
—
American Farmer
Steve Sherman
American Farmer
Steve Sherman
4
$20,000
—
Cosmo
Neil Drysdale
Cosmo
Neil Drysdale
4
$18,750
—
Prince of Pharoahs
Linda Rice
Prince of Pharoahs
Linda Rice
3
$27,750
—
Bourbon Bay
Mark Hennig
Bourbon Bay
Mark Hennig
3
$24,000
—
Lebda
Claudio Gonzalez
Lebda
Claudio Gonzalez
2
$160,125
—
Big City Bob
Jorge Duarte Jr.
Big City Bob
Jorge Duarte Jr.
2
'$123,000
—
Embolden
Mike Stidham
Embolden
Mike Stidham
2
$82,000
—
Chase Tracker
Todd Pletcher
Chase Tracker
Todd Pletcher
2
$51,750
—
Portos
Todd Pletcher
Portos
Todd Pletcher
2
$30,000
—
Zimba Warrior
Keith Desormeaux
Zimba Warrior
Keith Desormeaux
2
$24,950
—
Toledo
Chad Brown
Toledo
Chad Brown
2
$24,500
—
Earner
Steve Asmussen
Earner
Steve Asmussen
2
$17,280
—
Indian Peak
Quinn Howey
Indian Peak
Quinn Howey
2
$16,500
—
Halo Again
Steve Asmussen
Halo Again
Steve Asmussen
2
$11,400
—
Great Power
Simon Callaghan
Great Power
Simon Callaghan
2
$9,750
—
Jungle Runner
Steve Asmussen
Jungle Runner
Steve Asmussen
1
$89,250
—
Monday Morning QB
"Butch" Reid Jr.
Monday Morning QB
"Butch" Reid Jr.
1
$75,000
—
Gozilla
Steve Asmussen
Gozilla
Steve Asmussen
1
$72,000
—
Taishan
Richard Baltas
Taishan
Richard Baltas
1
$54,000
—
Letmeno
Ian Wilkes
Letmeno
Ian Wilkes
1
$49,600
—
Informative
Uriah St. Lewis
Informative
Uriah St. Lewis
1
$38,000
—
Express Train
John Shirreffs
Express Train
John Shirreffs
1
$18,000
—
Tiz Rye Time
Ian Wilkes
Tiz Rye Time
Ian Wilkes
1
$10,000
—
Tizamagician
Richard Mandella
Tizamagician
Richard Mandella
1
$6,500
—
Wine and Whisky
Felix Rondan
Wine and Whisky
Felix Rondan
1
$6,000
32
Shirl's Speight
Roger Attfield
Shirl's Speight
Roger Attfield
$55,896
33
Happy Saver
Todd Pletcher
Happy Saver
Todd Pletcher
$75,900
34
Money Moves
Todd Pletcher
Money Moves
Todd Pletcher
$67,400
Note: *In light of the Kentucky Derby being postponed from May 2 to Sept. 5, Churchill Downs has announced that additional points-scoring races will be added.
Rank
Horse/Trainer
Horse
Trainer
Points
1
Tiz the Law
Barclay Tagg
Tiz the Law
Barclay Tagg
372
2
Authentic
Bob Baffert
Authentic
Bob Baffert
200
3
Art Collector
Tommy Drury Jr.
Art Collector
Tommy Drury Jr.
150
4
Honor A. P.
John Shirreffs
Honor A. P.
John Shirreffs
140
—
Basin
Steve Asmussen
Basin
Steve Asmussen
110
5
Ny Traffic
Saffie Joseph Jr.
Ny Traffic
Saffie Joseph Jr.
110
—
Wells Bayou
Brad Cox
Wells Bayou
Brad Cox
104
6
King Guillermo
Juan Carlos Avila
King Guillermo
Juan Carlos Avila
90
7
Thousand Words
Bob Baffert
Thousand Words
Bob Baffert
83
8
Dr Post
Todd Pletcher
Dr Post
Todd Pletcher
80
—
Ete Indien
Patrick Biancone
Ete Indien
Patrick Biancone
74
—
Modernist
Bill Mott
Modernist
Bill Mott
70
—
Maxfield
Brendan Walsh
Maxfield
Brendan Walsh
60
9
Max Player
Linda Rice
Max Player
Linda Rice
60
10
Caracaro
Gustavo Delgado
Caracaro
Gustavo Delgado
60
—
Gouverneur Morris
Todd Pletcher
Gouverneur Morris
Todd Pletcher
54
—
Mr. Monomoy
Brad Cox
Mr. Monomoy
Brad Cox
52
—
Mischevious Alex
John Servis
Mischevious Alex
John Servis
50
11
Country Grammer
Chad Brown
Country Grammer
Chad Brown
50
12
Enforceable
Mark Casse
Enforceable
Mark Casse
43
13
Swiss Skydiver
Kenny McPeek
Swiss Skydiver
Kenny McPeek
40
14
Shivaree
Ralph Nicks
Shivaree
Ralph Nicks
40
—
Rushie
Michael McCarthy
Rushie
Michael McCarthy
40
16
Major Fed
Greg Foley
Major Fed
Greg Foley
38
17
Storm the Court
Peter Eurton
Storm the Court
Peter Eurton
36
Recent Kentucky Derby Winners
Year
Horse/Trainer
Horse
Trainer
Beyer
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.
Kentucky Derby - FAQs
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).
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)
