LOUISVILLE, Ky. – They just ran the Kentucky Derby, what, a few months ago? Now it’s that time again, with Churchill Downs once again a hub of activity to suggest that this pandemic might actually be on its way out.

Derby 147 is all set for May 1, less than eight months after 146 was run last September, marking the shortest span between renewals of America’s greatest race. That’s a dubious record everyone would just as soon forget – so it’s onward and upward as things get underway Saturday evening with a 10-race card.

Churchill Downs

Weather: SunnyTrack: SloppyTemp: 36

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Of all the four-letter words regularly uttered around the racetrack during the course of the year, one not heard very often in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby was on everybody’s lips when the racetrack opened for training Wednesday morning at Churchill Downs. Snow!

Dream Shake, third in the Santa Anita Derby on April 3, and Get Her Number, fourth in the Arkansas Derby on April 10 at Oaklawn Park, remain in consideration for the Kentucky Derby on May 1 at Churchill Downs, their California-based trainers said Wednesday.

WHO’S HOT

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – His two victories in Triple Crown events have come in unconventional ways, so why can’t Ken McPeek make it a full set?

After winning the 2002 Belmont Stakes with Sarava, a 70-1 shot, McPeek won the 2020 Preakness with the filly Swiss Skydiver. As the 2021 Kentucky Derby draws near, McPeek is hoping to complete a personal Triple Crown with King Fury, who looks like he’ll have to make the May 1 race off the also-eligibles list. The Derby is limited to 20 starters, with an AE list of as many of four horses being maintained.

Bourbonic

Bernardini - Dancing Afleet, by Afleet Alex

Bred in Kentucky by Calumet Farm

The biggest upset during this Kentucky Derby prep season was recorded by Bourbonic, who triggered a $146.50 return when he rallied to win the Wood Memorial. Approaching the Derby, he is likely to again be double-digit odds. However, what wouldn’t be an upset is continued success for the A.P. Indy sireline in classic events.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Things remained relatively quiet on the Derby/Oaks front again Monday morning at Churchill Downs. Midnight Bourbon was the only potential Derby starter to work under the cool, sunny skies, and there were no Oaks candidates on the clocker’s daily tab.

Tampa Bay Derby winner Helium, from a sireline with proven classic success, is among the 3-year-olds looking to give their first-crop sires a major boost in this Kentucky Derby.

Churchill Downs
Weather: Sunny 
Track: Fast 
Temp.: 42

ARCADIA, Calif. - Joel Rosario has been booked to ride Santa Anita Derby winner Rock Your World in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 1, trainer John Sadler confirmed in a text message late Saturday afternoon.

Rosario rode Rock Your World in his debut in a maiden special weight race at six furlongs on turf on Jan. 1.  Umberto Rispoli rode Rock Your World in two subsequent stakes wins – the Pasadena Stakes at a mile on turf on Feb. 27 and the colt’s main-track debut in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby at 1 1/8 miles on April 3.