Road to the Derby: El Camino Real Derby analysis
Road to the Derby: El Camino Real Derby analysis
Jay PrivmanFeb 18, 2020
Road to the Derby: El Camino Real Derby analysis
Horses trained by Brad Cox locked up the second- and third-place spots in the Grade 3, $750,000 Southwest Stakes on Monday at Oaklawn, with Wells Bayou earning 4 Kentucky Derby points for his runner-up finish and Answer In earning 2.
Road to the Derby: Southwest Stakes analysis
Invader has made himself right at home since shifting to Turfway Park, winning his second consecutive race at the northern Kentucky track as he rolled to victory in the $100,000 John Battaglia Memorial on Friday night. Invader's victory in the stepping-stone kicked off a double for trainer Wesley Ward in Turfway's 3-year-old stakes on Friday night, as later in the evening, the filly Karak posted a flashy victory in the $75,000 Cincinnati Trophy.
With 11 weeks to the May 2 Kentucky Derby, Patrick Biancone is the trainer of a couple of live contenders, Sole Volante and Ete Indien, both of whom have been ridden in most of their races by Luca Panici.
One-tenth of the 2020 Kentucky Derby field could be set when the dust settles Saturday evening at Fair Grounds. The Grade 2, $400,000 Risen Star Stakes awards 85 Derby qualifying points. The 50 that go to the Risen Star winner essentially assure a spot in the 20-horse Derby – and this year there are two Risen Stars.
There are always surprises along the Kentucky Derby trail – and this year's Derby Watch coverage kicks off fresh with one of those – Sole Volante
Five-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert leads all trainers with three runners on the inaugural Derby Watch top 20 list.
Red roses are top of mind this weekend. Valentine's Day is Friday, and on Saturday, the most important races to date in 2020 will be held for aspirants to the Run for the Roses.
It's not every Friday that a top Kentucky Derby prospect breaks from the starting gate at Tampa Bay Downs. But that will be the case this Friday when Gouverneur Morris makes his 3-year-old debut among a field of five in a $27,500 first-level allowance.