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Florida Derby: Plenty of nominees but few confirmed starters
Mike Welsch Mar 20,2023
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Yakteen Derby hopefuls running through four time zones
Steve Andersen Mar 19,2023
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Hayes Strike eyes Kentucky Derby prep after Private Terms triumph
Dan Illman Mar 18,2023
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Cox has three for Louisiana Derby
Marcus Hersh Mar 18,2023
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Forte has first work for Florida Derby
Marty McGee Mar 17,2023
Derby Watch

Horse/ Best Beyer | Trainer | |||||||
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Forte
100
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Todd Pletcher | 3-1 | ||||||
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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
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Tim Yakteen | 8-1 | ||||||
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Brad Free: Grew up, filled out over winter, super comeback: took dirt inside, cut corner, burst away, legit. | ||||||||
David Aragona: Yakteen's top Derby hope may have been with him from Day One; San Felipe score convincing. | ||||||||
Tapit Trice
92
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Todd Pletcher | 10-1 | ||||||
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Brad Free: Zero-speed late-runner just getting warmed up 8.5 furlongs at Tampa, should relish 10 furlongs. | ||||||||
David Aragona: Won despite showing all of his bad habits; needs to progress mentally if he's to win the Derby. | ||||||||
Instant Coffee
92
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Brad Cox | 12-1 | ||||||
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Brad Free: Favorable conditons both recent wins, presumptive favorite deep Louisiana Derby next week. | ||||||||
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 | ||||||
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Brad Free: Debut maiden sprint winner showed grit salvaging second initial route, undeniable raw abilty. | ||||||||
David Aragona: Showed new gears in game San Felipe; still has some developing to do, but the talent is there. | ||||||||
Reincarnate
95
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Tim Yakteen | 15-1 | ||||||
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Brad Free: SoCal colt shipped and gained seasoning with troubled third on wet track at OP, plenty upside. | ||||||||
David Aragona: Had doubts pre-Rebel, but he dealt with adversity admirably; now the top ex-Baffert runner. | ||||||||
Confidence Game
94
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Keith Desormeaux | 20-1 | ||||||
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Brad Free: Rebel proved more taxing than expected, skipped first planned post-race work, next start TBD. | ||||||||
David Aragona: Showed versatility in trouble-free Rebel score; already has enough points to make the Derby. | ||||||||
Hit Show 91 | Brad Cox | 20-1 | ||||||
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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 | ||||||
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Brad Free: Benefited from fast-slow race shape in runner-up finish 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
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John Shirreffs | 20-1 | ||||||
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Brad Free: Liked his last-to-third effort in San Felipe, improving at the right time and wants more distance. | ||||||||
David Aragona: San Felipe flow didn't favor closers, so deserves credit for rallying; look for progression next time. | ||||||||
Angel of Empire
89
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Brad Cox | 30-1 | ||||||
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Brad Free: Flattered by pace collapse in Risen Star, late-runner "big and leggy" per Cox, saves best for last. | ||||||||
David Aragona: Progressive type has improved with every start; finishes like one that will stay Derby distance. | ||||||||
National Treasure 97 | Tim Yakteen | 30-1 | ||||||
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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
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Ben Colebrook | 30-1 | ||||||
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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 | ||||||
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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
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Larry Rivelli | 30-1 | ||||||
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Brad Free: Unsure at longer distances, but Risen Star third was creditable considering the pace meltdown. | ||||||||
David Aragona: Moved early into fast paces twice at FG; will try to secure Derby berth on synth in Jeff Ruby. | ||||||||
Verifying
97
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Brad Cox | 30-1 | ||||||
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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 | ||||||
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Brad Free: Two-start colt demolished allowance cream puffs, gets tested for class in deep G2 next week. | ||||||||
David Aragona: Hasn't beaten much, but visual impression and pedigree have attracted him some fan support. | ||||||||
Mage 89 | Gustavo Delgado | 50-1 | ||||||
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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
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Brad Cox | 50-1 | ||||||
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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 | ||||||
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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 | |||||
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Saturday, Sep 17, 2022 |
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Curly Jack 79 | Race Recap View Chart |
Curly Jack
79
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Saturday, Oct 1, 2022 |
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Blazing Sevens 91 | Race Recap View Chart |
Blazing Sevens
91
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Saturday, Oct 8, 2022 |
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Cave Rock 104 | Race Recap View Chart |
Cave Rock
104
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Saturday, Oct 8, 2022 |
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Forte 92 | Race Recap View Chart |
Forte
92
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Friday, Nov 4, 2022 |
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Forte | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Forte
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Saturday, Nov 26, 2022 |
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Instant Coffee | Race Recap View Chart |
Instant Coffee
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Saturday, Dec 3, 2022 |
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Dubyuhnell 90 | Race Recap View Chart |
Dubyuhnell
90
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Saturday, Dec 10, 2022 |
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Practical Move 88 | Race Recap View Chart |
Practical Move
88
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Saturday, Dec 17, 2022 |
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Wildatlanticstorm 94 | Race Recap View Chart |
Wildatlanticstorm
94
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Monday, Dec 26, 2022 |
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Jace's Road 90 | Race Recap View Chart |
Jace's Road
90
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Sunday, Jan 1, 2023 |
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Lugan Knight 85 | Race Recap View Chart |
Lugan Knight
85
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Sunday, Jan 1, 2023 |
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Victory Formation 91 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Victory Formation
91
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Sunday, Jan 8, 2023 |
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Reincarnate 95 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Reincarnate
95
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Saturday, Jan 21, 2023 |
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Instant Coffee 92 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Instant Coffee
92
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Saturday, Jan 28, 2023 |
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Arabian Knight 97 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Arabian Knight
97
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Saturday, Feb 4, 2023 |
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Rocket Can 82 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Rocket Can
82
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Saturday, Feb 4, 2023 |
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Newgate 100 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Newgate
100
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Saturday, Feb 11, 2023 |
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Hit Show 91 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Hit Show
91
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Saturday, Feb 11, 2023 |
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Litigate 77 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Litigate
77
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Saturday, Feb 11, 2023 |
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Chase the Chaos | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Chase the Chaos
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Saturday, Feb 18, 2023 |
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Angel of Empire 89 | Race Recap Analysis Get PPs View Chart |
Angel of Empire
89
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Saturday, Feb 25, 2023 |
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Confidence Game 94 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Confidence Game
94
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Saturday, Mar 4, 2023 |
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Raise Cain 90 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Raise Cain
90
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Saturday, Mar 4, 2023 |
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Forte 98 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Forte
98
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Saturday, Mar 4, 2023 |
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Practical Move 100 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Practical Move
100
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Saturday, Mar 4, 2023 |
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Congruent 91 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Congruent
91
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Saturday, Mar 11, 2023 |
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Tapit Trice 88 | Race Recap Analysis View Chart |
Tapit Trice
88
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Saturday, Mar 25, 2023 |
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Saturday, Mar 25, 2023 |
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Saturday, Mar 25, 2023 |
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Sunday, Mar 26, 2023 |
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Saturday, Apr 1, 2023 |
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Saturday, Apr 1, 2023 |
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Saturday, Apr 8, 2023 |
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Saturday, Apr 8, 2023 |
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Saturday, Apr 8, 2023 |
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Saturday, Apr 15, 2023 |
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European Road to the Derby
Date | Race / Track / Distance | Winner | |||||||
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Sunday, Oct 2, 2022 |
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Belbek |
Belbek
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Saturday, Oct 22, 2022 |
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Auguste Rodin |
Auguste Rodin
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Friday, Mar 3, 2023 |
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Japan Road to the Derby
Date | Race / Track / Distance | Winner | |||||||
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Saturday, Nov 26, 2022 |
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Continuar |
Continuar
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All Top Kentucky Derby News

Florida Derby: Plenty of nominees but few confirmed starters

Yakteen Derby hopefuls running through four time zones

Hayes Strike eyes Kentucky Derby prep after Private Terms triumph

Cox has three for Louisiana Derby

Forte has first work for Florida Derby

Rice likely to give Arctic Arrogance a shot in Wood Memorial

2023 Kentucky Derby: Pletcher controlling the game seven weeks out

Blazing Sevens will try to regain form in Wood Memorial
Japanese 3-year-old Mandarin Hero plots unusual route to Kentucky Derby

I Don't Get It will jump from maiden win into the Kentucky Derby mix
2023 Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for March 15, 2023

Blue Grass next for Tampa Bay Derby winner Tapit Trice

Rocket Can likely to run next in Arkansas Derby

2023 Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Angel of Empire

Field once again favored in Kentucky Derby Future Wager

Road to the 2023 Kentucky Derby: El Camino Real analysis

Road to 2023 Kentucky Derby: Withers analysis

Chase the Chaos possible for Jeff Ruby or Santa Anita Derby

Road to the 2023 Kentucky Derby: Sam F. Davis Stakes analysis

Hit Show, after Withers win, likely for Wood Memorial, Cox says

Litigate has 'all options open' for next start, Pletcher says

Litigate surges to breakthrough Sam F. Davis win

Hit Show rewards Cox's strategy with Withers triumph

Chase the Chaos has first stakes win in El Camino Real

Cox has three contenders vying in Risen Star Stakes

Newgate sidelined with hock issue, off Kentucky Derby trail

Litigate in with a chance to give Pletcher seventh win in Sam F. Davis

Arctic Arrogance adds blinkers for Withers Stakes

Chase the Chaos on the improve for El Camino Real Derby

Kentucky Derby 2023: Trainers Gargan, Spieth look to take step toward Derby fame in Sam F. Davis

Cave Rock yet to emerge on work tab

Instant Coffee will wait for Louisiana Derby

Harcyn brings classic pedigree into El Camino Real Derby

Gun Pilot under consideration for Rebel Stakes

2023 Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Tapit Trice

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

Road to 2023 Kentucky Derby: Holy Bull Stakes analysis

Mott will try to ride momentum with Jungfrau in Withers

Dubyuhnell, Litigate top list of Sam F. Davis probables

Road to the 2023 Kentucky Derby: Robert Lewis Stakes analysis

Rocket Can holds off Shadow Dragon for Holy Bull triumph

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

General Jim runs down Super Chow to win Swale

Four-horse Robert B. Lewis is all Baffert

Cyclone Mischief looks to rise up ranks in Holy Bull

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

Falcone equipping Mr Bob with blinkers for Holy Bull

Brown starts readying Blazing Sevens for first Kentucky Derby prep

Asmussen will test Private Creed for dirt, Kentucky Derby potential

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

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Forte

All four entrants in Robert Lewis Stakes from Baffert barn

Road to 2023 Kentucky Derby: Southwest Stakes analysis

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

Arabian Knight headed to Oaklawn for Southwest Stakes

Bench Points may be headed to San Felipe following sprint win

Lecomte victory gives Cox options for Instant Coffee

Instant Coffee turns it on late to win the Lecomte Stakes

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

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

Lecomte card entries have Cox written all over them

Arctic Arrogance breezes for Withers Stakes

Southwest, Martha Washington fields begin to take shape

Wildatlanticstorm ($32) surges to Springboard Mile triumph

Giant Mischief gets two-turn test in Springboard Mile

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

Practical Move takes inside route to Los Alamitos Futurity triumph

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

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

Remsen runner-up Arctic Arrogance now targeting Jerome

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

Remsen Stakes: Tuskegee Airmen unbeaten but still learning

Arctic Arrogance stepping out of statebred company for Remsen

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

Romans high on Cyclone Mischief for Kentucky Jockey Club

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

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

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

Blazing Sevens gains BC Juvenile berth with Champagne triumph

Curly Jack, Fun and Feisty upset juvenile stakes
Kentucky Derby Point Standings
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.
Recent Kentucky Derby Winners
Year | Horse/Trainer | Horse | Trainer | Beyer |
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2022 |
Eric Reed
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Rich Strike | Eric Reed | 101 |
2021 |
Brad Cox
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Mandaloun | Brad Cox | 101 |
2020 |
Bob Baffert
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Authentic | Bob Baffert | 105 |
2019 |
Bill Mott
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Country House | Bill Mott | 99 |
2018 |
Bob Baffert
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Justify | Bob Baffert | 103 |
2017 |
Todd Pletcher
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Always Dreaming | Todd Pletcher | 102 |
2016 |
Doug O'Neill
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Nyquist | Doug O'Neill | 103 |
2015 |
Bob Baffert
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American Pharoah | Bob Baffert | 105 |
2014 |
Art Sherman
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California Chrome | Art Sherman | 97 |
2013 |
Shug McGaughey
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Orb | Shug McGaughey | 104 |
Q: Who is eligible to run?
The Kentucky Derby is open only to 3-year-olds that are nominated to the Triple Crown series, and have earned enough qualifying points.
Q: How do horses earn qualifying points?
Horses earn qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby through a series of prep races run September – April at multiple tracks across the country. Points available for the races range from 1-100, depending on the quality of the race and where the horse finishes. View the full list of “Road to the Kentucky Derby” qualifying races at left.
Q: How many horses can start in the race?
Currently a maximum of 20 horses can run in the Kentucky Derby. The largest field was 23 horses (1974) for the 100th running of the Kentucky Derby. The smallest field was just 3 horses (1892 and 1905).