Top Kentucky Derby News
-
Full field expected for Blue Grass Stakes
Marty McGee Jul 6, 2020 -
Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby: Los Alamitos Derby analysis
Jay Privman Jul 5, 2020 -
Uncle Chuck gets to next level in Los Alamitos Derby win
Jay Privman Jul 4, 2020 -
Anneau d’Or scratched from Los Alamitos Derby
Brad Free Jul 4, 2020 -
Tiz the Law back on work tab with half-mile breeze
David Grening Jul 1, 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 Stakes, 1 1/4m - Saratoga, 8/8
Owner:
Sackatoga Stable
Sire:
Constitution
JP: Continued his domination of the East's best with clear-cut Belmont victory while equaling career-best figure.
MM: Onward and upward for a colt who's done absolutely nothing wrong since his KJC puzzler; now a solid favorite.
Trainer:
John Shirreffs
Jockey:
Mike Smith
Last Race - Track:
Santa Anita Derby, Santa Anita, 6/6, 1st by 2 3/4, 102
Next Likely Race - Track:
Shared Belief, 1 1/16m - Del Mar, 8/1
Owner:
C R K Stable
Sire:
Honor Code
JP: Big, long-striding horse got career-best fig in SA Derby and only figures to improve with time and distance.
MM: Relentless run in breakthrough SA Derby triumph has made him a clear-cut 2nd choice to the Belmont winner.
Trainer:
Bob Baffert
Jockey:
Mike Smith
Last Race - Track:
Santa Anita Derby, Santa Anita, 6/6, 2nd by 2 3/4, 98
Next Likely Race - Track:
Haskell Inv., 1 1/8m - Monmouth, 7/18
Owner:
S F Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, et al
Sire:
Into Mischief
JP: Ran well in Santa Anita Derby, second best to very talented runner, question if additional distance will suit.
MM: No real excuses when 2nd in SA Derby for a HOF trainer who has won the Haskell a remarkable eight times.
Trainer:
Todd Pletcher
Jockey:
Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Last Race - Track:
Belmont Stakes, Belmont, 6/20, 2nd by 3 3/4, 95
Next Likely Race - Track:
Haskell or Travers, Mth 7/18 or Sar 8/8
Owner:
St. Elias Stable
Sire:
Quality Road
JP: Has come a long way in a short amount of time, has plenty of upside. Second best in Belmont with room to grow.
MM: Poster child for the late-developing type who never would've made a May 2 Derby; Todd with a good one here.
Trainer:
Bob Baffert
Jockey:
Flavien Prat
Last Race - Track:
N1X allowance, Los Alamitos, 7/2, 1st by 1 3/4, 85
Next Likely Race - Track:
Shared Belief or Travers, Dmr 8/1 or Sar 8/8
Owner:
Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, and St. Elias Stable
Sire:
Curlin
JP: Solid, workmanlike win in second start, moderate fig. Was a means to an end, but must raise his game next time.
MM: Baffert on the alw. win: "He got a lot out of it." Next is a points race to determine whether he makes the field.
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: Scheduled to head to CD soon and train straight up to the Derby, so he'd come into race off four-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:
P. Pan/Haskell/Travers, Sar/Mth/Sar
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:
Bob Baffert
Jockey:
Luis Saez
Last Race - Track:
Los Alamitos Derby, 1st by 4, 94
Next Likely Race - Track:
Shared Belief or Travers, Dmr 8/1 or Sar 8/8
Owner:
Karl Watson, Mike Pegram, and Paul Weitman
Sire:
Uncle Mo
JP: Not too many talented enough to win debut going a mile then jump into 9f stakes and win again, both with mid-90s Beyers.
MM: Fast-tracked colt sure has been visually impressive; next race be an obvious make-or-break toward the Derby.
Trainer:
Tom Drury
Jockey:
Brian Hernandez, Jr.
Last Race - Track:
N2x allowance, 6/13, 1st by 6 1/2, 100
Next Likely Race - Track:
Blue Grass, 1 1/8m, Keeneland, 7/11
Owner:
Bruce Lunsford
Sire:
Bernardini
JP: Ready for 3yo stakes debut following easy trip, high-fig allowance win at Churchill. Late bloomer intrigues.
MM: Finally a hot Derby prospect for Louisville-based owner-trainer team who've paid their racing dues; colt can run.
Trainer:
Noriyuki Hori
Jockey:
Damian Lane
Last Race - Track:
Unicorn S., 6/21, Tokyo, 1st by 5
Next Likely Race - Track:
Japan Dirt Derby, 1 1/4m, Oi, July 8
Owner:
Koichi Nishikawa
Sire:
American Pharoah
JP: Very intriguing. Check video of the Unicorn on the Google machine; he crushes rivals. Has American-style speed.
MM: Colt purchased for $475k in March 2019 in Ocala is now unbeaten in 3 starts in Japan; last was an eye-catcher.
Trainer:
Mark Casse
Jockey:
Joel Rosario
Last Race - Track:
Lousiana Derby, 3/21, 5th by 5 3/4, 83
Next Likely Race - Track:
Blue Grass, 1 1/8m, Keeneland, 7/11
Owner:
John C. Oxley
Sire:
Tapit
JP: Was high on him earlier this year, got freshening after La. Derby. Hoping he can regain best form in Blue Grass.
MM: His Jan. 18 Lecomte win fading further into memory; interesting to see how he fares in the Blue Grass.
Trainer:
Steve Asmussen
Jockey:
Ricardo Santana, Jr.
Last Race - Track:
Belmont Stakes, 6/20, 4th by 7 3/4, 88
Next Likely Race - Track:
undecided
Owner:
Winchell Thoroughbreds
Sire:
Uncle Mo
JP: Wide on turn in Belmont, flattened out in lane. Has talent, but might be just a cut below the best right now.
MM: Solid effort in Winn was followed by OK effort in the Belmont; clearly needs to find more to challenge the best.
Trainer:
Patrick Biancone
Jockey:
Luca Panici
Last Race - Track:
Belmont Stakes, 6/20, 6th by 15 3/4, 76
Next Likely Race - Track:
Hall of Fame Stakes, 1 1/8m (T) - Saratoga, 7/18
Owner:
Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and Andie Biancone
Sire:
Karakontie
JP: Maybe he bounced on short rest, but he was disappointing. Added front wraps, trouble changing leads, dull.
MM: All that terrific winter/spring work by this gelding was soured by the Belmont no-show; stock has plunged.
Trainer:
Steve Asmussen
Jockey:
Ricardo Santana, Jr.
Last Race - Track:
Arkansas Derby (div. 1), Oaklawn, 5/2, 2nd by 6, 87
Next Likely Race - Track:
Blue Grass, 1 1/8m, Keeneland, 7/11
Owner:
Jackpot Farm
Sire:
Liam's Map
JP: Turned in best effort of his 3 starts in '20 when 2nd in his Ark. Derby division after being in unviable chase position.
MM: Seems he's rounding into form with ample racing, just as it seems he's probably a cut below the top echelon.
Trainer:
Shug McGaughey
Jockey:
Jose Ortiz
Last Race - Track:
N1X allowance, Belmont, 7/2, 1st by 1 1/4, 87
Next Likely Race - Track:
SAR alw or Travers, Saratoga TBD or 8/8
Owner:
E.J. Hudson Jr. and Lyn Hudson
Sire:
Honor Code
JP: Making steady progress, conservatively managed. Question is whether to target Derby or take another intermediate step.
MM: Looped and scored in knocking out his first alw. condition over Big Sandy; interesting to see how Shug proceeds.
Trainer:
Patrick Biancone
Jockey:
Florent Geroux
Last Race - Track:
Allowance, Gulfstream, 6/10, 4th by 5 3/4, 86
Next Likely Race - Track:
Haskell Inv., 1 1/8m - Monmouth, 7/18
Owner:
Linda Shanahan, Sanford Bacon, Dream With Me Stable, Horse France America D P
Sire:
Summer Front
JP: Couldn't take heat in GP alw. won by Sole Volante, who was dull in Belmont. Stays on list owing to points.
MM: Was dueled into defeat in his GP comeback, further exposing his vulnerability at a classic type of distance.
Trainer:
Bill Mott
Jockey:
Junior Alvarado
Last Race - Track:
Belmont Stakes, 6/20, 7th by 20 1/2, 70
Next Likely Race - Track:
Peter Pan, 1 1/8m, Sar, July 16
Owner:
Pam and Marty Wygod
Sire:
Uncle Mo
JP: Lost position early, never recovered in poor try. Needs to be into race from start, but probably a cut below.
MM: Belmont effort was hardly encouraging but he's still in Derby picture points-wise; tough to like off last, though.
Trainer:
Bret Calhoun
Jockey:
Gabriel Saez
Last Race - Track:
Oaklawn S. 4/11, 1st by 1/2, 87
Next Likely Race - Track:
Blue Grass, 1 1/8m, Keeneland, 7/11
Owner:
Allie Racing Stable
Sire:
Giant's Causeway
JP: One of several late developers benefitting from Derby being postponed 4 months. Quest for points starts at Kee.
MM: Had been pointing to Indiana Derby but now headed for Keeneland; late-running type suits the Derby distance.
Trainer:
Saffie Joseph, Jr.
Jockey:
Paco Lopez
Last Race - Track:
Matt Winn, Churchill Downs, 5/23, 2nd by 1, 95
Next Likely Race - Track:
Peter Pan or Haskell, Sar 7/16 or Mon 7/18
Owner:
John Fanelli, Cash Is King Racing, Paul Braverman
Sire:
Cross Traffic
JP: Missed brief amount of training time with minor colic episode. Got back on tab Monday, targeting mid-July prep.
MM: His 70 Derby points mean he's pretty much in; hung tough in Winn; next prep yet to be determined.
Trainer:
Ralph Nicks
Jockey:
Emisael Jaramillo
Last Race - Track:
Allowance, Gulfstream, 6/10, 3rd by 1 1/2, 93
Next Likely Race - Track:
Blue Grass, 1 1/8m, Keeneland, 7/11
Owner:
Jacks or Better Farm
Sire:
Awesome of Course
JP: Don't think 1 1/4m will suit but was 2nd in Fla. Derby to current Derby favorite and was game in defeat last out.
MM: Useful and sturdy, but highly skeptical he'll be able to get 10 furlongs vs. top-class company; on to Kee, though.
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
Sunday,
Feb. 17, 2019
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:
Charlatan
Beyer:
96
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Charlatan 96
Charlatan 96
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
Points (1-2-3-4):
20-8-4-2
Saturday,
Jul. 11, 2020
Blue Grass
Keeneland, 1 1/8 miles
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Saturday,
Jul. 18, 2020
Haskell Invitational
Monmouth Park, 1 1/8 miles
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Saturday,
Aug. 1, 2020
Shared Belief
Del Mar, 1 1/16 miles
Points (1-2-3-4):
50-20-10-5
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:
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
40-16-8-4
All Top Kentucky Derby News
Shared Sense has class lines to take Indiana Derby
Marcus Hersh
Jul 6, 2020
If you get the idea Art Collector is a major player in Saturday's Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, you might have a sense Shared Sense fits the Grade 3, $300,000 Indiana Derby on Wednesday at Indiana Grand.
Full field expected for Blue Grass Stakes
Marty McGee
Jul 6, 2020
The names of about a dozen 3-year-olds are expected to be in the entry box at Keeneland on Wednesday, when entries are drawn for the Blue Grass Stakes, including five members of the current Top 20 in Daily Racing Form's weekly Derby Watch.
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.
Anneau d’Or scratched from Los Alamitos Derby
Brad Free
Jul 4, 2020
Just when Anneau d’Or was rounding back into form, an illness has knocked him out of a scheduled start on Saturday in the Grade 3 Los Alamitos Derby.
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.
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.
Maxfield starts making up for lost time with victory in Matt Winn Stakes
Marty McGee
May 23, 2020
Maxfield rewarded the patience of his connections and ran himself squarely into the Kentucky Derby picture with a one-length triumph Saturday in the 23rd running of the Grade 3, $150,000 Matt Winn Stakes at fan-free Churchill Downs.
Tiz the Law, Shivaree work toward Belmont Stakes
Mike Welsch
May 24, 2020
Despite South Florida being inundated by rain Sunday morning, Kentucky Derby candidates Tiz the Law and Shivaree – the first- and second-place finishers, respectively, in this year’s Grade 1 Florida Derby – were able to get in five-furlong works in preparation for a potential rematch four weeks down the road in the Belmont Stakes.
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
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Maxfield
Nicole Russo
May 20, 2020
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Maxfield
Belmont Stakes shortened, will be run June 20; 40-stakes meet begins June 3
David Grening
May 19, 2020
The Belmont Stakes, traditionally the last and longest leg of Thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown, will be run June 20 and at the shortened distance of 1 1/8 miles around one turn, the New York Racing Association announced Tuesday. That means the Belmont – typically run at 1 1/2 miles five weeks after the Kentucky Derby – will be run 11 weeks before the Kentucky Derby (Sept. 5) and 15 weeks before the Preakness (Oct. 3).
Tagg sending Tiz the Law back to New York to train for Belmont Stakes
Mike Welsch
May 18, 2020
Trainer Barclay Tagg said Monday that in light of the recent announcement that racing will begin again at Belmont Park the first week of June, he is tentatively planning to ship Tiz the Law and the rest of his stable back to New York on June 1.
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.
Road to the Derby: Arkansas Derby (Division 1) analysis
Jay Privman
May 4, 2020
Road to the Derby: Arkansas Derby (Division 1) analysis
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
272
$1,437,400
2
Honor A. P.
John Shirreffs
Honor A. P.
John Shirreffs
120
$320,000
—
Wells Bayou
Brad Cox
Wells Bayou
Brad Cox
104
$765,000
3
Authentic
Bob Baffert
Authentic
Bob Baffert
100
$380,000
4
King Guillermo
Juan Carlos Avila
King Guillermo
Juan Carlos Avila
90
$317,050
5
Ete Indien
Patrick Biancone
Ete Indien
Patrick Biancone
74
$357,156
6
Modernist
Bill Mott
Modernist
Bill Mott
70
$365,000
7
Ny Traffic
Saffie Joseph Jr.
Ny Traffic
Saffie Joseph Jr.
70
$272,820
—
Maxfield
Brendan Walsh
Maxfield
Brendan Walsh
60
$388,350
8
Dr Post
Todd Pletcher
Dr Post
Todd Pletcher
60
$231,035
—
Mr. Monomoy
Brad Cox
Mr. Monomoy
Brad Cox
52
$260,000
9
Basin
Steve Asmussen
Basin
Steve Asmussen
50
$392,500
10
Mischevious Alex
John Servis
Mischevious Alex
John Servis
50
$308,410
11
Shivaree
Ralph Nicks
Shivaree
Ralph Nicks
40
284,505
12
Max Player
Linda Rice
Max Player
Linda Rice
40
$237,500
13
Storm the Court
Peter Eurton
Storm the Court
Peter Eurton
36
$1,248,851
—
Gouverneur Morris
Todd Pletcher
Gouverneur Morris
Todd Pletcher
34
$186,000
14
Enforceable
Mark Casse
Enforceable
Mark Casse
33
$284,550
17
Thousand Words
Bob Baffert
Thousand Words
Bob Baffert
33
$237,000
15
Sole Volante
Patrick Biancone
Sole Volante
Patrick Biancone
30
$273,510
16
Major Fed
Greg Foley
Major Fed
Greg Foley
30
$121,500
18
Finnick the Fierce
Rey Hernandez
Finnick the Fierce
Rey Hernandez
25
$120,200
19
Pneumatic
Steve Asmussen
Pneumatic
Steve Asmussen
25
$79,250
20
Anneau d'Or
Blain Wright
Anneau d'Or
Blain Wright
22
$424,000
—
Silver Prospector
Steve Asmussen
Silver Prospector
Steve Asmussen
21
$664,018
—
Dean Martini
Tom Amoss
Dean Martini
Tom Amoss
20
$300,000
—
Field Pass
Mike Maker
Field Pass
Mike Maker
20
$229,960
—
Excession
Steve Asmussen
Excession
Steve Asmussen
20
$206,000
21
Uncle Chuck
Bob Baffert
Uncle Chuck
Bob Baffert
20
$90,000
22
Candy Tycoon
Todd Pletcher
Candy Tycoon
Todd Pletcher
20
$83,500
—
Untitled
Mark Casse
Untitled
Mark Casse
20
$81,999
—
Rushie
Michael McCarthy
Rushie
Michael McCarthy
20
$48,000
—
Shotski
Jeremiah O'Dwyer
Shotski
Jeremiah O'Dwyer
19
$212,466
23
Farmington Road
Todd Pletcher
Farmington Road
Todd Pletcher
15
$101,000
24
Attachment Rate
Dale Romans
Attachment Rate
Dale Romans
15
$43,125
—
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
—
Shoplifted
Steve Asmussen
Shoplifted
Steve Asmussen
13
$424,500
25
Eight Rings
Bob Baffert
Eight Rings
Bob Baffert
10
$203,351
—
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
—
Texas Swing
Todd Pletcher
Texas Swing
Todd Pletcher
10
$35,00
26
Winning Impression
Dallas Stewart
Winning Impression
Dallas Stewart
10
$25,000
27
Three Technique
Jeremiah Englehart
Three Technique
Jeremiah Englehart
9
$80,000
28
South Bend
Stan Hough
South Bend
Stan Hough
8
$226,902
—
Invader
Wesley Ward
Invader
Wesley Ward
8
$107,140
—
Ajaaweed
Kiaran McLaughlin
Ajaaweed
Kiaran McLaughlin
7
$95,000
—
Scabbard
Eddie Kenneally
Scabbard
Eddie Kenneally
6
$186,000
—
Answer In
Brad Cox
Answer In
Brad Cox
6
$155,000
—
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
29
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
—
Royal Act
Peter Eurton
Royal Act
Peter Eurton
4
$31,644
—
Fancy Liquor
Mike Maker
Fancy Liquor
Mike Maker
4
$23,500
—
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
30
Rowdy Yates
Steve Asmussen
Rowdy Yates
Steve Asmussen
2
$203,290
31
Lebda
Claudio Gonzalez
Lebda
Claudio Gonzalez
2
$150,125
—
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
—
Indian Peak
Quinn Howey
Indian Peak
Quinn Howey
2
$16,500
—
Halo Again
Steve Asmussen
Halo Again
Steve Asmussen
2
$11,400
32
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
$51,000
—
Informative
Uriah St. Lewis
Informative
Uriah St. Lewis
1
$38,000
—
Letmeno
Ian Wilkes
Letmeno
Ian Wilkes
1
$29,200
33
Express Train
John Shirreffs
Express Train
John Shirreffs
1
$18,000
—
Celtic Striker
Ray Handal
Celtic Striker
Ray Handal
1
$12,000
—
Tiz Rye Time
Ian Wilkes
Tiz Rye Time
Ian Wilkes
1
$10,000
—
Tizamagician
Richard Mandella
Tizamagician
Richard Mandella
1
$6,000
—
Wine and Whisky
Felix Rondan
Wine and Whisky
Felix Rondan
1
$6,000
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
272
2
Honor A. P.
John Shirreffs
Honor A. P.
John Shirreffs
120
—
Wells Bayou
Brad Cox
Wells Bayou
Brad Cox
104
3
Authentic
Bob Baffert
Authentic
Bob Baffert
100
4
King Guillermo
Juan Carlos Avila
King Guillermo
Juan Carlos Avila
90
5
Ete Indien
Patrick Biancone
Ete Indien
Patrick Biancone
74
6
Modernist
Bill Mott
Modernist
Bill Mott
70
7
Ny Traffic
Saffie Joseph Jr.
Ny Traffic
Saffie Joseph Jr.
70
—
Maxfield
Brendan Walsh
Maxfield
Brendan Walsh
60
8
Dr Post
Todd Pletcher
Dr Post
Todd Pletcher
60
—
Mr. Monomoy
Brad Cox
Mr. Monomoy
Brad Cox
52
9
Basin
Steve Asmussen
Basin
Steve Asmussen
50
10
Mischevious Alex
John Servis
Mischevious Alex
John Servis
50
11
Shivaree
Ralph Nicks
Shivaree
Ralph Nicks
40
12
Max Player
Linda Rice
Max Player
Linda Rice
40
13
Storm the Court
Peter Eurton
Storm the Court
Peter Eurton
36
—
Gouverneur Morris
Todd Pletcher
Gouverneur Morris
Todd Pletcher
34
14
Enforceable
Mark Casse
Enforceable
Mark Casse
33
17
Thousand Words
Bob Baffert
Thousand Words
Bob Baffert
33
15
Sole Volante
Patrick Biancone
Sole Volante
Patrick Biancone
30
16
Major Fed
Greg Foley
Major Fed
Greg Foley
30
18
Finnick the Fierce
Rey Hernandez
Finnick the Fierce
Rey Hernandez
25
19
Pneumatic
Steve Asmussen
Pneumatic
Steve Asmussen
25
20
Anneau d'Or
Blain Wright
Anneau d'Or
Blain Wright
22
—
Silver Prospector
Steve Asmussen
Silver Prospector
Steve Asmussen
21
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)
