Fri, 04/25/2025 - 13:10

Kentucky Derby 2025: Repole, Pletcher feeling less pressure but still confident in Grande

Barbara D. Livingston

After having the morning-line favorite in the Kentucky Derby the last two years, Mike Repole and Todd Pletcher will send out underdog Grande in this year's Derby.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Owner Mike Repole is fond of saying that pressure is a privilege. For the last two years, Repole and trainer Todd Pletcher have had the privilege of having the favorite for the Kentucky Derby.

In 2023, Forte, the morning-line favorite, was scratched the morning of the race due to a foot issue. Last year, Fierceness finished 15th in the Derby.

This year, Repole and Pletcher are back in the Derby with Grande, the Grade 2 Wood Memorial runner-up who will likely be a mid-range price in the 20-horse Derby field on May 3.

Fri, 04/25/2025 - 11:43

Kentucky Derby 2025: On 10th anniversary, American Pharoah could become classic sire

By Nicole Russo

Barbara D. Livingston

American Pharoah has two sons, Luxor Cafe and Publisher, in this year's Kentucky Derby.

It took 53 seconds for the tickets to American Pharoah’s birthday party in February to sell out – less than half the amount of time it took him to win the Kentucky Derby.

Fri, 04/25/2025 - 11:26

Dollase recalls an earlier edition of Journalism

By Steve Andersen

Benoit Photo

Journalism, the 1990s vintage, wins the Khaled Stakes at Hollywood Park in 1995.

In the late winter of 1993, California trainer Wally Dollase walked to Don Warren’s barn at Santa Anita to inspect a 5-year-old gelding who had amassed six wins.

A private deal was reached for $50,000, the same value as the gelding’s latest claiming race. With that, Journalism wound up with owner Rick Stephen and Dollase.

This winter, another horse named Journalism has developed into the nation’s leading 3-year-old, winning three consecutive graded stakes since mid-December at Los Alamitos and Santa Anita in the buildup to the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 3.

Thu, 04/24/2025 - 13:13

2025 Kentucky Derby Clocker: Owen Almighty, Built work as stamina test nears

By Mike Welsch

Barbara D. Livingston

Built worked five-eighths in 59.33 Thursday. He has a spot in the Derby field, but his connections may opt for the Pat Day Mile.

CHURCHILL DOWNS
Thursday, April 24
Weather: Cloudy
Temperature: 60
Track: Fast

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A horse whose connections originally planned on bypassing the Kentucky Derby and a second whose status remains up in the air took center stage during training hours Thursday at Churchill Downs.

Thu, 04/24/2025 - 11:59

Kentucky Derby 2025: Lynch wants Owen Almighty to rate

By David Grening

Barbara D. Livingston

Brian Lynch doesn't expect Owen Almighty to vie for the early lead in the Derby.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – It is expected there will be plenty of pace in this year’s Kentucky Derby. Brian Lynch doesn’t want his horse, Owen Almighty, to be a part of it.

Despite Owen Almighty’s biggest win to date, the Tampa Bay Derby, having been accomplished in gate-to-wire fashion, Lynch expects Owen Almighty to be off the pace in his attempt to navigate the 1 1/4 miles of the Kentucky Derby on May 3 at Churchill Downs.

Thu, 04/24/2025 - 10:04

Churchill Downs pauses $1 billion renovation, citing tariff-related costs

By Matt Hegarty

Barbara D. Livingston

Churchill cited “increasing uncertainty surrounding construction costs related to tariffs and trade disputes" in pausing the renovations.

Churchill Downs Inc. has put nearly $1 billion in renovations to its flagship Louisville track on hold, the company announced on Wednesday night, citing “increasing uncertainty surrounding construction costs related to tariffs and trade disputes, as well as current macro-economic conditions.”

Tue, 04/22/2025 - 13:41

Kentucky Derby 2025: Coal Battle, Admire Daytona work at Churchill

By David Grening

Barbara D. Livingston

Exercise rider Bethany Taylor was aboard Coal Battle for his Tuesday work at Churchill.

Coal Battle, the four-time stakes winner, had his third workout over Churchill Downs's main track since arriving in Louisville from Arkansas, going a half-mile in 47.97 seconds Tuesday morning in preparation for the Kentucky Derby on May 3.

Daily Racing Form clocker Mike Welsch had Coal Battle going his first quarter in 24.38 and galloping out five furlongs in 1:01.16. Exercise rider Bethany Taylor was aboard.

Tue, 04/22/2025 - 10:05

Beckman won't let stress muddy his Derby waters

By Nicole Russo

Barbara D. Livingston

Beckman with Derby hopeful Flying Mohawk, who's been working with Honor Marie.

Louisville native Whit Beckman is approaching his second Kentucky Derby this year. What did he learn from saddling that first Derby starter last year?

“Don’t stress out about it,” Beckman said.

Those are brave words less than two weeks out from America’s most famous race. But Beckman has exuded relaxation outside his shed row at Churchill Downs, which currently houses not only 2025 Kentucky Derby candidate Flying Mohawk, but also Kentucky Oaks candidates Drexel Hill and Simply Joking.

Sun, 04/20/2025 - 14:32

Smith says Rodriguez ready for Kentucky Derby's 1 1/4 miles

By Steve Andersen

Barbara D. Livingston

Kentucky Derby contender Rodriguez won the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 5.

ARCADIA, Calif. - When Rodriguez won the Grade 2 Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct on April 5, Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith found the colt eager to continue after the finish.

“I love that when I pulled him up the outrider had to get me,” Smith recalled on Sunday morning. “It was easy for him, the first time going a mile and an eighth.”

Something similar happened at Santa Anita on Sunday in an early morning workout. Rodriguez worked five furlongs in 1:00 and showed ample energy while galloping out around the first turn.

Sat, 04/19/2025 - 15:52

2025 Kentucky Derby Clocker: Sovereignty impresses in first local drill

By Mike Welsch

Barbara D. Livingston

In his first work since shipping in, Sovereignty worked five furlongs in 1:00.93 Saturday morning at Churchill Downs.

CHURCHILL DOWNS
Saturday, April 19
Weather: Clear
Temperature: 73 degrees
Track: Fast

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