Kentucky Derby 2023

Saturday, May 6, 2023 Churchill Downs

Sat, Mar. 25, 2023
Fair Grounds , 1 3/16 miles
Sat, Mar. 25, 2023
Meydan , 1 1/16 miles
Sat, Mar. 25, 2023
Turfway , 1 1/8 miles
Sat, Mar. 11, 2023
Tampa Bay Downs , 1 1/16 miles
Sat, Mar. 4, 2023
Gulfstream , 1 1/16 Miles
Sat, Mar. 4, 2023
Santa Anita , 1 1/16 Miles

Derby Watch

Comments by Brad Free and David Aragona, odds by David Aragona
Keeneland Logo - designates Keeneland sale graduate
Horse/ Best Beyer Trainer
Forte 100 Keeneland Logo Todd Pletcher 3-1
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last Race: Fountain of Youth, 3/4, 1st by 4 1/2, 98 Next Likely Race: Florida Derby, 1 1/8, Gulfstream Park, 4/1 Owner: Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable Sire: Violence
Brad Free: Smashing comeback cements juvenile champion early favorite Florida and Kentucky derbies.
David Aragona: Picked up right where he left off in dominant FOY score; reliable, versatile -- deserving favorite.
Practical Move 100 Keeneland Logo Tim Yakteen 8-1
Trainer: Tim Yakteen
Last Race: San Felipe, 3/4, 1st by 2 1/2, 100 Next Likely Race: SA Derby, 1 1/8m, Santa Anita, 4/8 Owner: Pierre and Leslie Amestoy, Roger Beasley Sire: Practical Joke
Brad Free: Successive stakes wins at 8.5f; Practical Joke colt faces same longer-distance challenge as others.
David Aragona: Yakteen's top Derby hope may have been with him from Day One; San Felipe score convincing.
Tapit Trice 92 Keeneland Logo Todd Pletcher 10-1
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last Race: Tampa Bay Derby, 3/11, 1st by 2, 88 Next Likely Race: Blue Grass, 1 1/8m, Keeneland, 4/8 Owner: Whisper Hill Farm and Gainesway Stable Sire: Tapit
Brad Free: Liked his N1X two back more than last-out graded win; no-speed closer leaves himself lot to do.
David Aragona: Won despite showing all of his bad habits; needs to progress mentally if he's to win the Derby.
Instant Coffee 92 Keeneland Logo Brad Cox 12-1
Trainer: Brad Cox
Last Race: Lecomte, 1/21, 1st by 2 1/2, 92 Next Likely Race: Louisiana Derby, 1 3/16m, Fair Grounds, 3/25 Owner: Gold Square Sire: Bolt d'Oro
Brad Free: Favorable "race shape" winning Lecomte, third-place Confidence Game won Rebel next time out.
David Aragona: Cox's strong finisher ran well back in January; must deliver in La. Derby to maintain ranking.
Geaux Rocket Ride 96 Richard Mandella 15-1
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Last Race: San Felipe, 3/4, 2nd by 2 1/2, 96 Next Likely Race: SA Derby, 1 1/8m, Santa Anita, 4/8 Owner: Pin Oak Stud Sire: Candy Ride
Brad Free: Two-start colt compensates for lack of seasoning with attribute in short supply this list: speed.
David Aragona: Showed new gears in game San Felipe; still has some developing to do, but the talent is there.
Reincarnate 95 Keeneland Logo Tim Yakteen 15-1
Trainer: Tim Yakteen
Last Race: Rebel Stakes, 2/25, 3rd by 2 1/2, 90 Next Likely Race: Arkansas Derby, 1 1/8m, Oaklawn Park, 4/1 Owner: SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, et al
Brad Free: Tough trip finishing better-than-looked third on OP wet track, has more speed than he showed.
David Aragona: Had doubts pre-Rebel, but he dealt with adversity admirably; now the top ex-Baffert runner.
Confidence Game 94 Keeneland Logo Keith Desormeaux 20-1
Trainer: Keith Desormeaux
Last Race: Rebel, 2/25, 1st by 1, 94 Next Likely Race: Undecided Owner: Don’t Tell My Wife Stables Sire: Candy Ride
Brad Free: Took longer than usual to recover from strong win in Rebel, returned to the work tab March 19.
David Aragona: Showed versatility in trouble-free Rebel score; already has enough points to make the Derby.
Hit Show 91 Brad Cox 20-1
Trainer: Brad Cox
Last Race: Withers, 2/11, 1st by 5 1/2, 91 Next Likely Race: Ark. Derby or Wood Mem., OP, 4/1 or Aqu, 4/8 Owner: Gary and Mary West Sire: Candy Ride
Brad Free: Withers handed to him on silver platter, fast pace and rail trip, he was good enough to exploit.
David Aragona: Earned a decent fig in Withers, and distance is no concern; don't think we've yet seen his peak.
Red Route One 92 Steve Asmussen 20-1
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Last Race: Rebel Stakes, 2/25, 2nd by 1, 92 Next Likely Race: Arkansas Derby, 1 1/8m, Oaklawn Park, 4/1 Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds Sire: Gun Runner
Brad Free: Benefited from fast-slow race shape finishing second in Rebel; well-bred closer fires every start.
David Aragona: Lacks any early speed, but his late rally has been reliable; must hope for Derby pace collapse.
Skinner 95 Keeneland Logo John Shirreffs 20-1
Trainer: John Shirreffs
Last Race: San Felipe, 3/4, 3rd by 3 3/4, 94 Next Likely Race: SA Derby, 1 1/8m, Santa Anita, 4/8 Owner: CRK Stables Sire: Curlin
Brad Free: Liked his rallying third last out on SA surface not conducive to closers, same challenge next out.
David Aragona: San Felipe flow didn't favor closers, so deserves credit for rallying; look for progression next time.
Angel of Empire 89 Keeneland Logo Brad Cox 30-1
Trainer: Brad Cox
Last Race: Risen Star, 2/18, 1st by 1, 89 Next Likely Race: Arkansas Derby, 1 1/8m, Oaklawn Park, 4/1 Owner: Albaugh Family Stables Sire: Classic Empire
Brad Free: Each start better than start before; another late-runner on Derby list relatively light on speed.
David Aragona: Progressive type has improved with every start; finishes like one that will stay Derby distance.
National Treasure 97 Tim Yakteen 30-1
Trainer: Tim Yakteen
Last Race: Sham, 1/8, 3rd by 1, 94 Next Likely Race: Undecided Owner: SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, et al Sire: Quality Road
Brad Free: Scratched from San Felipe on March 4 with foot issue, zero Derby points, up against the calendar.
David Aragona: Precocious colt lost Sham as heavy fave; missed 3 weeks of works, has 0 points; clock is ticking.
Raise Cain 90 Keeneland Logo Ben Colebrook 30-1
Trainer: Ben Colebrook
Last Race: Gotham, 3/4, 1st by 7 1/2, 90 Next Likely Race: Blue Grass or Wood, 1 1/8, Kee, 4/8 or Aqu, 4/8 Owner: Andrew and Rania Warren Sire: Violence
Brad Free: Unsure what to make of fast-pace, wet-track Gotham romp, but 54-point total puts him in Derby.
David Aragona: Had shown hints of potential, but Gotham romp was still a surprise; looks to validate it next time.
Rocket Can 91 Bill Mott 30-1
Trainer: Bill Mott
Last Race: Fountain of Youth, 3/4, 2nd by 4 1/2, 91 Next Likely Race: Arkansas Derby, 1 1/8m, Oaklawn Park, 4/1 Owner: Frank Fletcher Sire: Into Mischief
Brad Free: Nine-point Beyer progression FOY, previously second to subsequent Rebel winner, improving sort.
David Aragona: No match for Forte, but did step forward in FOY; 40 pts. almost guarantees spot in Derby gate.
Two Phil's 88 Keeneland Logo Larry Rivelli 30-1
Trainer: Larry Rivelli
Last Race: Risen Star, 2/18, 3rd by 2 3/4, 86 Next Likely Race: Jeff Ruby Steaks, 1 1/8m, Turfway Park, 3/25 Owner: Patrica's Hope LLC and Phillip Sagan Sire: Hard Spun
Brad Free: Moved early, ran well in collapsing-pace Risen Star, among likely favorites on synthetic next out.
David Aragona: Moved early into fast paces twice at FG; will try to secure Derby berth on synth in Jeff Ruby.
Verifying 97 Keeneland Logo Brad Cox 30-1
Trainer: Brad Cox
Last Race: Rebel Stakes, 2/25, 4th by 5 1/4, 85 Next Likely Race: Blue Grass, 1 1/8m, Keeneland, 4/8 Owner: Westerberg, Magnier, Poulin, Tabor, Smith, et al
Brad Free: Beaten favorite in Rebel ran better than looked: chased fast pace, traffic top stretch, tried to finish.
David Aragona: Agree his Rebel trip was far from ideal; next prep critical as he plays catch up in points race.
Kingsbarns 85 Todd Pletcher 50-1
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last Race: Tampa Bay N1X, 2/12, 1st by 7 3/4, 85 Next Likely Race: Louisiana Derby, 1 3/16m, Fair Grounds, 3/25 Owner: Spendthrift Farm Sire: Uncle Mo
Brad Free: Modest speed figures, but tactical speed could play well in Louisiana Derby short on true pace.
David Aragona: Hasn't beaten much, but visual impression and pedigree have attracted him some fan support.
Mage 89 Gustavo Delgado 50-1
Trainer: Gustavo Delgado
Last Race: Fountain of Youth, 3/4, 4th by 6 3/4, 88 Next Likely Race: Undecided Owner: OGMA, Restrepo, Ramior, Sterling, CMNWLTH Sire: Good Magic
Brad Free: Debut maiden sprint winner blew break in better-than-looked FOY; Derby seems like a reach.
David Aragona: Ran a decent race considering poor start in FOY; still have some doubts about him going longer.
Slip Mahoney 87 Keeneland Logo Brad Cox 50-1
Trainer: Brad Cox
Last Race: Gotham, 3/4, 2nd by 7 1/2, 78 Next Likely Race: Wood Memorial, 1 1/8m, Aqueduct, 4/8 Owner: Gold Square LLC Sire: Arrogate
Brad Free: Lost significant ground rallying wide Gotham runner-up, pedigree begs longer trip two turns.
David Aragona: Pace collapsed in Gotham, so don't want to give him too much credit for picking up pieces.
Sun Thunder 89 Kenny McPeek 50-1
Trainer: Kenny McPeek
Last Race: Risen Star, 2/18, 2nd by 1, 89 Next Likely Race: Louisiana Derby, 1 3/16m, Fair Grounds, 3/25 Owner: RT Racing Stable and Cypress Creek Equine Sire: Into Mischief
Brad Free: Improving as distances increase, benefited by rail trip and pace collapse in runner-up Risen Star.
David Aragona: Agree he got a fortunate trip in Risen Star; needs to validate that improvement in La. Derby.

Road to the Derby

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

European Road to the Derby

Date Race / Track / Distance Winner
Sunday, Oct 2, 2022
Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere Longchamp , 7 Furlongs
Winner: Belbek Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Belbek
Belbek
Saturday, Oct 22, 2022
Futurity Trophy Doncaster , 1 mile (T)
Winner: Auguste Rodin Beyer:
Auguste Rodin
Auguste Rodin
Friday, Mar 3, 2023
Patton Dundalk , 1 mile
Winner: Beyer:

Japan Road to the Derby

Date Race / Track / Distance Winner
Saturday, Nov 26, 2022
Cattleya Tokyo Racecourse , ~ 1 Mile
Winner: Continuar Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4): 10-4-3-2-1
Continuar
Continuar

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Harcyn brings classic pedigree into El Camino Real Derby

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

Gun Pilot under consideration for Rebel Stakes

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

2023 Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Tapit Trice

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

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

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

Road to 2023 Kentucky Derby: Holy Bull Stakes analysis

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

Mott will try to ride momentum with Jungfrau in Withers

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

Dubyuhnell, Litigate top list of Sam F. Davis probables

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

Road to the 2023 Kentucky Derby: Robert Lewis Stakes analysis

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

Rocket Can holds off Shadow Dragon for Holy Bull triumph

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

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

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

General Jim runs down Super Chow to win Swale

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

Four-horse Robert B. Lewis is all Baffert

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

Cyclone Mischief looks to rise up ranks in Holy Bull

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

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

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

Falcone equipping Mr Bob with blinkers for Holy Bull

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

Brown starts readying Blazing Sevens for first Kentucky Derby prep

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

Asmussen will test Private Creed for dirt, Kentucky Derby potential

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

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

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

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Forte

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

All four entrants in Robert Lewis Stakes from Baffert barn

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

Road to 2023 Kentucky Derby: Southwest Stakes analysis

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

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

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

Arabian Knight headed to Oaklawn for Southwest Stakes

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

Bench Points may be headed to San Felipe following sprint win

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

Lecomte victory gives Cox options for Instant Coffee

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

Instant Coffee turns it on late to win the Lecomte Stakes

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

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

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

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

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

Lecomte card entries have Cox written all over them

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

Arctic Arrogance breezes for Withers Stakes

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

Southwest, Martha Washington fields begin to take shape

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

Wildatlanticstorm ($32) surges to Springboard Mile triumph

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

Giant Mischief gets two-turn test in Springboard Mile

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

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

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

Practical Move takes inside route to Los Alamitos Futurity triumph

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

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

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

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

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

Remsen runner-up Arctic Arrogance now targeting Jerome

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

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

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

Remsen Stakes: Tuskegee Airmen unbeaten but still learning

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

Arctic Arrogance stepping out of statebred company for Remsen

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

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

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

Romans high on Cyclone Mischief for Kentucky Jockey Club

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blazing Sevens gains BC Juvenile berth with Champagne triumph

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

Curly Jack, Fun and Feisty upset juvenile stakes

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

Kentucky Derby Point Standings

Rank
Horse/Trainer Horse/ Trainer
Horse
Trainer
Points
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings
1
Forte
Todd Pletcher
Forte
Todd Pletcher
90
$1,783,730
2
Practical Move
Tim Yakteen
Practical Move
Tim Yakteen
60
$372,000
3
Confidence Game
Keith Desormeaux
Confidence Game
Keith Desormeaux
57
$610,480
4
Angel of Empire
Brad Cox
Angel of Empire
Brad Cox
54
$287,000
5
Raise Cain
Ben Colebrook
Raise Cain
Ben Colebrook
54
$204,750
6
Tapit Trice
Todd Pletcher
Tapit Trice
Todd Pletcher
50
$210,000
6
Curly Jack
Tom Amoss
Curly Jack
Tom Amoss
17
$348,120
7
Rocket Can
Bill Mott
Rocket Can
Bill Mott
40
$227,150
8
Red Route One
Steve Asmussen
Red Route One
Steve Asmussen
33
$398,375
9
Instant Coffee
Brad Cox
Instant Coffee
Brad Cox
32
$385,065
10
Classic Car Wash
Mark Casse
Classic Car Wash
Mark Casse
26
$100,000
11
Sun Thunder
Kenny McPeek
Sun Thunder
Kenny McPeek
24
$115,250
12
General Banker
James Ferraro
General Banker
James Ferraro
24
$84,000
13
Two Phil’s
Larry Rivelli
Two Phil’s
Larry Rivelli
23
$235,850
14
Congruent
Antonio Sano
Congruent
Antonio Sano
20
$211,585
15
Hit Show
Brad Cox
Hit Show
Brad Cox
20
$137,500
16
Litigate
Todd Pletcher
Litigate
Todd Pletcher
20
$120,000
17
Geaux Rocket Ride
Richard Mandella
Geaux Rocket Ride
Richard Mandella
20
$80,000
18
Slip Mahoney
Brad Cox
Slip Mahoney
Brad Cox
20
$60,000
19
Classic Legacy
Bill Mott
Classic Legacy
Bill Mott
19
$45,000
20
Curly Jack
Tom Amoss
Curly Jack
Tom Amoss
17
$352,120
21
Blazing Sevens
Chad Brown
Blazing Sevens
Chad Brown
16
$415,000
22
Arctic Arrogance
Linda Rice
Arctic Arrogance
Linda Rice
16
$130,000
23
Reincarnate
Tim Yakteen
Reincarnate
Tim Yakteen
15
$149,500
24
Jace’s Road
Brad Cox
Jace’s Road
Brad Cox
15
$100,350
25
Skinner
John Shirreffs
Skinner
John Shirreffs
15
$84,500
26
Cyclone Mischief
Dale Romans
Cyclone Mischief
Dale Romans
15
$44,525
27
Verifying
Brad Cox
Verifying
Brad Cox
14
$184,750
28
Shadow Dragon
Bill Mott
Shadow Dragon
Bill Mott
13
$60,020
29
Victory Formation
Brad Cox
Victory Formation
Brad Cox
10
$156,750
30
Dubyuhnell
Danny Gargan
Dubyuhnell
Danny Gargan
10
$137,500
31
Lugan Knight
Michael McCarthy
Lugan Knight
Michael McCarthy
10
$83,625
32
Hejazi
Tim Yakteen
Hejazi
Tim Yakteen
10
$60,000
33
Mage
Gustavo Delgado
Mage
Gustavo Delgado
10
$19,200
34
Eyeing Clover
Brad Cox
Eyeing Clover
Brad Cox
10
$18,000
35
Prairie Hawk
Saffie Joseph Jr.
Prairie Hawk
Saffie Joseph Jr.
10
$17,500
36
Tapit’s Conquest
Brad Cox
Tapit’s Conquest
Brad Cox
10
$16,000
37
Scoobie Quando
Ben Colebrook
Scoobie Quando
Ben Colebrook
8
$105,200
38
Denington
Kenny McPeek
Denington
Kenny McPeek
8
$43,110
39
Hayes Strike
Kenny McPeek
Hayes Strike
Kenny McPeek
7
$95,750
40
Andiamo a Firenze
Kelly Breen
Andiamo a Firenze
Kelly Breen
7
$72,000
41
Frosted Departure
Kenny McPeek
Frosted Departure
Kenny McPeek
6
$222,112
42
West Coast Cowboy
Saffie Joseph Jr.
West Coast Cowboy
Saffie Joseph Jr.
6
$24,250
43
Fort Bragg
Tim Yakteen
Fort Bragg
Tim Yakteen
5
$32,000
44
Lord Miles
Saffie Joseph Jr.
Lord Miles
Saffie Joseph Jr.
5
$27,100
45
Bourbon Bash
Wayne Lukas
Bourbon Bash
Wayne Lukas
5
$15,000
46
Clear the Air
Will Walden
Clear the Air
Will Walden
5
$12,000
47
Single Ruler
Keith Desormeaux
Single Ruler
Keith Desormeaux
5
$8,000
48
Legacy Isle
Rohan Crichton
Legacy Isle
Rohan Crichton
4
$44,325
49
Moon Landing
Kevin Attard
Moon Landing
Kevin Attard
4
$4,650
50
Gulfport
Steve Asmussen
Gulfport
Steve Asmussen
3
$267,070
51
Determinedly
Mark Casse
Determinedly
Mark Casse
3
$20,500
52
Western Ghent
Wayne Lukas
Western Ghent
Wayne Lukas
2
$37,325
53
Il Miracolo
Antonio Sano
Il Miracolo
Antonio Sano
2
$16,535
54
Tall Boy
Leandro Mora
Tall Boy
Leandro Mora
2
$12,000
55
Neural Network
Chad Brown
Neural Network
Chad Brown
2
$9,000
56
Miranda Rights
Mark Casse
Miranda Rights
Mark Casse
2
$4,290
57
Champions Dream
Danny Gargan
Champions Dream
Danny Gargan
1
$20,000
About the Kentucky Derby

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

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

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

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

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

Kentucky Derby Point Standings
Rank
Horse/Trainer
Horse
Trainer
Points
1
Forte
Todd Pletcher
Forte
Todd Pletcher
90
2
Practical Move
Tim Yakteen
Practical Move
Tim Yakteen
60
3
Confidence Game
Keith Desormeaux
Confidence Game
Keith Desormeaux
57
4
Angel of Empire
Brad Cox
Angel of Empire
Brad Cox
54
5
Raise Cain
Ben Colebrook
Raise Cain
Ben Colebrook
54
6
Tapit Trice
Todd Pletcher
Tapit Trice
Todd Pletcher
50
6
Curly Jack
Tom Amoss
Curly Jack
Tom Amoss
17
7
Rocket Can
Bill Mott
Rocket Can
Bill Mott
40
8
Red Route One
Steve Asmussen
Red Route One
Steve Asmussen
33
9
Instant Coffee
Brad Cox
Instant Coffee
Brad Cox
32
10
Classic Car Wash
Mark Casse
Classic Car Wash
Mark Casse
26
11
Sun Thunder
Kenny McPeek
Sun Thunder
Kenny McPeek
24
12
General Banker
James Ferraro
General Banker
James Ferraro
24
13
Two Phil’s
Larry Rivelli
Two Phil’s
Larry Rivelli
23
14
Congruent
Antonio Sano
Congruent
Antonio Sano
20
15
Hit Show
Brad Cox
Hit Show
Brad Cox
20
16
Litigate
Todd Pletcher
Litigate
Todd Pletcher
20
17
Geaux Rocket Ride
Richard Mandella
Geaux Rocket Ride
Richard Mandella
20
18
Slip Mahoney
Brad Cox
Slip Mahoney
Brad Cox
20
19
Classic Legacy
Bill Mott
Classic Legacy
Bill Mott
19
20
Curly Jack
Tom Amoss
Curly Jack
Tom Amoss
17
21
Blazing Sevens
Chad Brown
Blazing Sevens
Chad Brown
16
22
Arctic Arrogance
Linda Rice
Arctic Arrogance
Linda Rice
16
23
Reincarnate
Tim Yakteen
Reincarnate
Tim Yakteen
15
24
Jace’s Road
Brad Cox
Jace’s Road
Brad Cox
15
25
Skinner
John Shirreffs
Skinner
John Shirreffs
15
26
Cyclone Mischief
Dale Romans
Cyclone Mischief
Dale Romans
15
27
Verifying
Brad Cox
Verifying
Brad Cox
14
28
Shadow Dragon
Bill Mott
Shadow Dragon
Bill Mott
13
29
Victory Formation
Brad Cox
Victory Formation
Brad Cox
10
30
Dubyuhnell
Danny Gargan
Dubyuhnell
Danny Gargan
10
31
Lugan Knight
Michael McCarthy
Lugan Knight
Michael McCarthy
10
32
Hejazi
Tim Yakteen
Hejazi
Tim Yakteen
10
33
Mage
Gustavo Delgado
Mage
Gustavo Delgado
10
34
Eyeing Clover
Brad Cox
Eyeing Clover
Brad Cox
10
35
Prairie Hawk
Saffie Joseph Jr.
Prairie Hawk
Saffie Joseph Jr.
10
36
Tapit’s Conquest
Brad Cox
Tapit’s Conquest
Brad Cox
10
37
Scoobie Quando
Ben Colebrook
Scoobie Quando
Ben Colebrook
8
38
Denington
Kenny McPeek
Denington
Kenny McPeek
8
39
Hayes Strike
Kenny McPeek
Hayes Strike
Kenny McPeek
7
40
Andiamo a Firenze
Kelly Breen
Andiamo a Firenze
Kelly Breen
7
41
Frosted Departure
Kenny McPeek
Frosted Departure
Kenny McPeek
6
42
West Coast Cowboy
Saffie Joseph Jr.
West Coast Cowboy
Saffie Joseph Jr.
6
43
Fort Bragg
Tim Yakteen
Fort Bragg
Tim Yakteen
5
44
Lord Miles
Saffie Joseph Jr.
Lord Miles
Saffie Joseph Jr.
5
45
Bourbon Bash
Wayne Lukas
Bourbon Bash
Wayne Lukas
5
46
Clear the Air
Will Walden
Clear the Air
Will Walden
5
47
Single Ruler
Keith Desormeaux
Single Ruler
Keith Desormeaux
5
48
Legacy Isle
Rohan Crichton
Legacy Isle
Rohan Crichton
4
49
Moon Landing
Kevin Attard
Moon Landing
Kevin Attard
4
50
Gulfport
Steve Asmussen
Gulfport
Steve Asmussen
3
51
Determinedly
Mark Casse
Determinedly
Mark Casse
3
52
Western Ghent
Wayne Lukas
Western Ghent
Wayne Lukas
2
53
Il Miracolo
Antonio Sano
Il Miracolo
Antonio Sano
2
54
Tall Boy
Leandro Mora
Tall Boy
Leandro Mora
2
55
Neural Network
Chad Brown
Neural Network
Chad Brown
2
56
Miranda Rights
Mark Casse
Miranda Rights
Mark Casse
2
57
Champions Dream
Danny Gargan
Champions Dream
Danny Gargan
1

Recent Kentucky Derby Winners

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

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

 

Q: How do horses earn qualifying points?

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

 

Q: How many horses can start in the race?

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