Like an elite quarterback, trainer Todd Pletcher read the defense and called an audible on Friday, pushing the final workouts for four of his Kentucky Derby hopefuls up one day due to a forecast that called for possible heavy rain here Saturday morning.
More Than Even will meet a notable new rival in Heykittykittykitty on Monday, when she seeks to defend her title in the $55,000 Cherokee Casino Classic Distaff Sprint at Will Rogers Downs.
Institutional amnesia can be a beautiful thing, but before the 2015 Kentucky Derby is upon us with all its hurricane force, it can’t hurt to take a look at the field of 19 that performed for the pleasure of millions in the 2014 race. From back to front, here’s what happened to them
Jockey John Velazquez believes he will only ride for another two or three years and hopes there’s another Kentucky Derby with his name on it before he retires. Velazquez chose Carpe Diem over Materiality, a horse whom he rode to victory in the Grade 1 Florida Derby in March.
When an outstanding specimen brings a high bid at auction, it normally comes with expectations of success on the racetrack. History has shown repeatedly, though, that a seven-figure price tag does not guarantee a spot in the Kentucky Derby, much less a trip to the winner’s circle. In fact, recent results have proven the opposite to be true.
Like most stallions, Ghostzapper has found his true level, despite fluctuations in his stud fee and the wildly gyrating perceptions of breeders. He never is likely to be particularly popular as a sire of sales yearlings, since his offspring tend to be big but visibly immature at that stage of their development.
Success Express, winner of the 1987 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, died at Vinery Stud in Australia at age 30.
The Kentucky Oaks has been very, very good to Larry Jones.
Jeremey Day's analysis of the Sunday 4/26 card at Balmoral Park.
Santa Anita will have eight races Sunday, one fewer than usual after a slow morning of entries Thursday.
