Kentucky Derby News

May 12, 2019

Alex and Joann Lieblong’s Laughing Fox punched his ticket to Saturday’s $1.5 million Preakness Stakes (G1) with a victory in the inaugural Oaklawn Invitational at Oaklawn Park. The May 4 event handed out an automatic bid to the winner for the Pimlico feature…

May 12, 2019

Peter Redekop B C Ltd.’s Anothertwistafate will enter the $1.5 million Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico riding a string of strong performances. The Blaine Wright pupil has been first or second in a trio of stakes races in succession in preparation of his…

May 9, 2019

Although Country House was a 65-1 surprise when awarded the 145th Kentucky Derby (G1) via disqualification of Maximum Security, the late developing colt was no longshot on pedigree. Country House is by two-time Eclipse Award winner Lookin at Lucky, who…

May 9, 2019

A talented field of nine will travel 1 3/8 miles on the Belmont Park inner turf in Saturday’s $700,000 Man o’ War Stakes (G1). The lucrative grass event features a pair of European imports from the mighty Aidan O’Brien stable, and it appears to be a very…

May 8, 2019

An excellent field of nine will line-up in the lucrative $700,000 Man o’ War Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park on Saturday. The 1 3/8-mile inner-turf feature attracted a classy bunch, including two who will be crossing the pond for trainer Aidan O’Brien. One…

May 7, 2019

Three of the 19 starters in last Saturday's Kentucky Derby (G1) are expected to contest the second jewel of the Triple Crown, the $1.5 million Preakness (G1) at Pimlico, on May 18, but the list does not include Derby winner Country House, who was…

May 4, 2019

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 4, 2019) – Derby fans weathered a steady late-afternoon rain as Country House captured the 145th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve over a sloppy track.  Wagering from all-sources was the highest all-time on both the Kentucky…

May 4, 2019

LOUISVILLE, KY (Saturday, May 4, 2019) – Klaravich Stables and William H. Lawrence’s Bricks and Mortar surged past Qurbaan in the final yards to win the 33rd running of the $1 million Old Forester Turf Classic (GI) for 4-year-olds and up.           Trained…

May 4, 2019

LOUISVILLE, KY (Saturday, May 4, 2019) –Flavien Prat, rider of Country House (1st) –“The race was great. He broke well and put me in the right spot. He was cruising the whole way. I was closer than I thought I would be and then when we hit the final turn, he…

May 4, 2019

LOUISVILLE, KY (Saturday, May 4, 2019) – Bill Mott, trainer of Country House (1st) and Tacitus (3rd) – Pre DQ: “If it were a maiden 10 claimer, he would come down. I wish they would have left the track sealed because they get more kickback when they leave…

May 4, 2019

JIM MULVIHILL: Country House is the second?longest prize Kentucky Derby winner ever, paying $132.40. We're thrilled now to be joined by these first?time Kentucky Derby winners, starting, of course, with our hall of fame trainer and Churchill Downs legend Bill…

May 4, 2019

JIM MULVIHILL: Ladies and gentlemen, we're joined now by the three stewards that were in the stand today for the running of the Kentucky Derby. I will introduce them first. In the center is Barbara Borden, chief steward for the state of Kentucky. And then on…

May 4, 2019

Maximum Security led all the way home in Saturday’s 145th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) over a sloppy track at Churchill Downs, but Country House was declared the winner after jockey Flavien Prat lodged an objection. Repeated replays showed Maximum…

May 4, 2019

LOUISVILLE, KY (Saturday, May 4, 2019) – Allied Racing Stable’s Mr. Money split horses on the far turn to surge to the front and then drew off to a 5 ¼-length victory in the 95th running of the $400,000 Pat Day Mile (GIII) Presented by LG&E and KU for 3-year-olds.  …

May 4, 2019

LOUISVILLE, KY (Saturday, May 4, 2019) – Klaravich Stables’ Digital Age (IRE) remained undefeated as he posted a three-quarters of a length victory over A Thread of Blue to win the 28th running of the $400,000 American Turf (GII) Presented by Ram Trucks for…

May 4, 2019

LOUISVILLE, KY (Saturday, May 4, 2019) – William and Corinne Heiligbrodt’s Mitole, benefiting from a perfect trip behind a speed duel, drew off in the final sixteenth of a mile to post a 3 ½-length victory in the 85th running of the $500,000 Churchill Downs…

May 4, 2019

LOUISVILLE, KY (Saturday, May 4, 2019) – Slam Dunk Racing and Medallion Racing’s Beau Recall (IRE) rallied from far off the pace to post a 1 ¾-length victory over Got Stormy to win the 34th running of the $400,000 Longines Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (GII)…

May 4, 2019

LOUISVILLE, KY (Saturday, May 4, 2019) – William and Corinne Heiligbrodt, Heider Family Stables and Madaket Stables Mia Mischief swept past pace-setting Amy’s Challenge in mid-stretch and then held off a late bid from favored Marley’s Freedom to score a 1 ¾-length…

May 4, 2019

LOUISVILLE, KY (Saturday, May 4, 2019) – Serengeti Empress proved in winning the 145th Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on Friday that when she’s on the lead, she’s tough to overtake.        “She just ran them off their feet,” said a tired Tom Amoss, trainer…

May 3, 2019

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 3, 2019) – Wagering on Friday’s 145th running of the $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I) reached record levels at Churchill Downs Racetrack as Serengeti Empress captured the race before a crowd of 105,719 that braved early morning…

May 3, 2019

Derby Advance Odds and Detailed Bets and Double Will Pays

May 3, 2019

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Friday, May 3, 2019): TOM AMOSS, trainer of Serengeti Empress (1st) – “How about that! I've never won a race this big. I've won a lot of races, but not one like this. I've heard it said that when it happens, it's just a different experience.…

May 3, 2019

LOUISVILLE, KY (Friday, May 3, 2019) – Joel Politi’s Serengeti Empress grabbed the advantage out of the gate and repelled a stretch bid from Liora by 1 ¾ lengths to win the 145th running of the $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) for 3-year-old fillies…

May 3, 2019

I am a big believer in playing the trifecta in the Kentucky Derby (G1). It is my major play in most years and I have been fortunate enough to have cashed tickets on a few occasions, too. My approach is, first, finding a key horse that I feel will run…

May 3, 2019

JIM MULVIHILL: All right, everyone. As we await the winning connections, very quickly we're going to bring up Dr. Al Ruggles. He is the AAEP on‑call vet, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the on‑call vet today to give us an update on Positive…

May 3, 2019

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Friday, May 3, 2019):JOSE ORTIZ, rider of Serengeti Empress (1st) – “She’s such a fast filly. She took me to the front and she fought the entire way around there. I’m so thankful to (trainer) Tom (Amoss) for allowing me to ride this filly.…

May 3, 2019

Serengeti Empress took the lead soon after the start of Friday’s 145th running of the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and never looked back en route to scoring under jockey Jose Ortiz. There was a scary moment at the start when Positive Spirit appeared to clip heels…

May 3, 2019

LOUISVILLE, KY (Friday, May 3, 2019) – Michael Dubb, Madaket Stables and Bethlehem Stables’ World of Trouble dominated six overmatched foes by cruising to a 3 ¾-length victory in the 25th running of the $250,000 Twin Spires Turf Sprint (GII) Presented by MassMutual…

May 3, 2019

LOUISVILLE, KY (Friday, May 3, 2019) – Whispering Oaks Farm, Team Hanley, Tim and Anna Cambron, Bradley Thoroughbreds and Madaket Stables’ She’s a Julie eased past Secret Spice in deep stretch to post a half-length victory in the 34th running of the La Troienne…

May 3, 2019

LOUISVILLE, KY (Friday, May 3, 2019) – Mike Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman’s McKinzie lived up to his 3-5 favoritism by cruising to a 4 ¾-length victory in the 16th running of the $400,000 Alysheba (GII) Presented by Sentient Jet for 4-year-olds and up. …

May 3, 2019

LOUISVILLE, KY (Friday, May 3, 2019) – Ashbrook Farm and BBN Racing’s Concrete Rose roared past 1-5 favorite Newspaperofrecord (IRE) nearing the sixteenth pole and drew off to a 3 3/4-length victory in the 35th running of the $250,000 Edgewood (GIII) Presented…

May 3, 2019

LOUISVILLE, KY (Friday, May 3, 2019) – Klein Racing’s Break Even shot to the front out of the gate and never was threatened in romping to a 5 ½-length victory over Bell’s the One in the 64th running of the $250,000 Eight Belles (GII) Presented by Derby City…

May 3, 2019

Tacitus -- Trained by Bill Mott By Tapit, Out of Close Hatches (First Defence)  Winner of the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) and Wood Memorial (G2) Tacitus is the name of an Ancient Roman historian who lived between 56-120 AD. He was famous for writing the…

May 3, 2019

LOUISVILLE, KY (Friday, May 3, 2019) – At 6:35 (all times Eastern) Friday morning, trainer Kiaran McLaughlin confirmed that Shadwell Farm homebred Haikal is scratched from Saturday’s Kentucky Derby (GI). The son of Daaher developed an abscess in his left front…

May 3, 2019

LOUISVILLE, KY (Friday, May 3, 2019) – At 6:35 a.m. on Friday morning, trainer Kiaran McLaughlin confirmed that Shadwell Farm’s homebred Haikal will scratched from Saturday’s Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI). The son of Daaher developed an…

May 2, 2019

In the “time flies” department, it doesn’t feel that long ago that American Pharoah captured the Kentucky Derby (G1), romped in the Preakness (G1), and held sway in the Belmont (G1) to end the 37-year Triple Crown drought. Retired to Coolmore’s…

May 2, 2019

LOUISVILLE, KY (Thursday, May 2, 2019) – Christopher Johnson’s A Little Bit Me, surged by favored Morticia in deep stretch to post a neck victory in the ninth running of the $125,000 Unbridled Sidney for fillies and mares before a record Thurby crowd of 48,212. …

May 2, 2019

The scratch of morning-line favorite Omaha Beach leaves two-year-old champion Game Winner (#16) (9-2) as the inherited favorite for the Kentucky Derby (G1). The Bob Baffert trainee has been a model of excellence to this point, and he would be a fitting winner…

May 2, 2019

LOUISVILLE, KY (Thursday, May 2, 2019) – Trainer Richard Mandella met with reporters Thursday morning a day after declaring Kentucky Derby morning-line favorite Omaha Beach out of Saturday’s race because of an entrapped epiglottis. “The good part is…

May 2, 2019

The contrasting fortunes of two Kentucky Derby (G1) hopefuls bred by Martha Jane Mulholland illustrate the unexpected turns that the trail often takes. Over the winter, Remsen (G2) hero Maximus Mischief appeared well on his way to the first Saturday…

May 2, 2019

KEVIN KERSTEIN: Good morning, everyone. These things are never fun. We were hoping we would see the gentleman in the middle, Dick Mandella, here in a couple of days at the Kentucky Derby. And Omaha Beach unfortunately scratched. Richard, take us through…

May 1, 2019

Our annual “Tales from the Crib” series explores the backgrounds and early lives of the Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders, aiming to help fans connect with the horses as individuals. As their journey nears the starting gate, it’s time to compile their stories…

May 1, 2019

Kentucky Derby favorite Omaha Beach will be scratched from Saturday’s 145th renewal due to an entrapped epiglottis, according to Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella. “After training this morning we noticed him cough a few times,” Mandella said. “It caused…

May 1, 2019

One of the world’s great racing families for more than a century, the Wertheimers will be represented in the Kentucky Derby (G1) for the first time by their homebred Spinoff. Brothers Alain and Gerard, “Wertheimer et Frere,” are heirs to the legacy…

May 1, 2019

One year after full brother Lombo briefly tried the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail, Gray Magician has shown more stamina to earn his spot in the “Run for the Roses.” Gray Magician was bred by Twin Creeks Farm in Kentucky. The nom de course of Ruston, Louisiana,…

May 1, 2019

LOUISVILLE, KY (Wednesday, May 1, 2019) – MASTER FENCER WORKS FIVE FURLONGS UNDER LEPAROUX – Katsumi and Yasuyo Yoshizawa’s Master Fencer (JPN) worked five furlongs in 1:05.20 under jockey Julien Leparoux over a fast track on a warm Wednesday morning at Churchill…

May 1, 2019

In this recent era of Kentucky Derby domination by favorites, finding the best longshot to play may seem like a fool's errand. On the other hand, it isn't necessarily all about cashing a Win, Place, or Show ticket. Those are certainly nice, but finding…

Apr 30, 2019

To sum up William S. Farish’s stature in the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry, the National Museum of Racing will induct him into the Hall of Fame later this summer as a “Pillar of the Turf.” The proprietor of world-renowned Lane’s End has a…

Apr 30, 2019

Fox Hill Farm’s Omaha Beach has been installed as the 4-1 morning-line favorite for Saturday’s 145th running of the $3 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) that drew a field of 20 entries and one also-eligible Tuesday morning.       …

Apr 29, 2019

From the family of 1993 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Sea Hero, Tax sports the kind of mouthwatering pedigree you’d expect from one bred by Claiborne Farm and Adele Dilschneider. By Arch, the sire of champion Blame who denied Zenyatta in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup…

Apr 29, 2019

A full field of 20 three-year-olds will travel 1 1/4 miles over the famed Churchill Downs oval in the $3 million Kentucky Derby (G1) on May 4. The 145th edition of the Run for the Roses looks to be competitive as ever with more than a dozen logical…

Apr 29, 2019

LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 29, 2019 – Churchill Downs Racetrack today announced that Grammy® Award-winning country music superstar Jennifer Nettles will sing the national anthem at the 145th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve on Saturday, May 4, 2019.…

Apr 28, 2019

The contenders for the 2019 Kentucky Derby (G1) have blood ties with famous champions of the past as well as performers of more recent vintage. Let’s start by identifying the sire lines represented in Derby 145. The sire line of 1964 Derby champion…

Apr 28, 2019

The special 7:30-7:45 (all times Eastern) morning training window for Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks horses was put to major use Sunday morning with six Derby hopefuls and three Oaks likely starters turning in works during that time frame.   The Derby…

Apr 28, 2019

Cutting Humor, one of two Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders (along with Tax) arising from the Hancock family’s historic Claiborne Farm, hopes for better luck than his nearest forebears. Sire First Samurai was a multiple Grade 1-winning juvenile who was…

Apr 27, 2019

There are no set rules in the naming of Thoroughbreds, only limitations as enforced by The Jockey Club. Quite often, nomenclatural inspiration is drawn from a figure or event of the distant or not-so-distant past. Sometimes there is no actual link as such,…

Apr 27, 2019

On a clear, mild morning at Churchill Downs, three hopefuls for next Saturday’s 145th running of the $3 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) including probable morning-line favorite Omaha Beach put in their final works for the Run for…

Apr 27, 2019

A homebred descended from one of Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum’s luminaries, Haikal hopes to give his globally prominent Shadwell operation a first Kentucky Derby (G1) trophy. Sheikh Hamdan, Sheikh Mohammed’s brother, has won the original Derby (G1) – the…

Apr 26, 2019

Additional reporting by Kate HunterThirty years after Sunday Silence wore the roses, a great-grandson of his will become the first Japanese-bred to race in the Kentucky Derby (G1) – Master Fencer. Katsumi and Yasuyo Yoshizawa’s runner garnered an invitation…

Apr 26, 2019

Trainer Richard Mandella opted to wait on working likely Kentucky Derby morning-line favorite Omaha Beach this morning, instead sending the Arkansas Derby (GI) winner out for a trip to the starting gate and a 1 ½-mile gallop over a track rated as good.  …

Apr 26, 2019

Includes James Beard Award finalist and Top Chef Winner to Highlight the Flavors of America's Racing Regions LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Friday, April 26, 2019) – The 10th annual Taste of Derby presented by Angry Orchard will kick off the 145th Kentucky Derby weekend…

Apr 25, 2019

As we prepare to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy that turned the tide in World War II, it’s fitting that the potential Kentucky Derby (G1) favorite is named Omaha Beach – in honor of the bloodiest sector on that…

Apr 25, 2019

Willis Horton Racing’s homebred Long Range Toddy has taken the Oaklawn Park road to the Kentucky Derby (G1), reminiscent of Horton’s champion Will Take Charge in 2013. That stands to reason, since Oaklawn is the home track for the 79-year-old native of…

Apr 25, 2019

The 2019 Kentucky Derby (G1) marks the 30th anniversary of the victory by Horse of the Year Sunday Silence in 1989. Following his retirement the son of Halo garnered little interest as a sire in North America and was exported to stud duty in Japan, where he…

Apr 25, 2019

Live Oak Plantation’s Win Win Win arrived at Churchill Downs at 5:15 (all times Eastern) Thursday morning following an overnight van ride from the Fair Hill Training Center in Maryland for the 145th running of the $3 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford…

Apr 25, 2019

Derby Day Raffle Guarantees Minimum $50,000 Pool, Half to Raffle Winner, Half to Thoroughbred Aftercare and other Charitable InitiativesLOUISVILLE, KY., (Thursday, April 25, 2019) – Churchill Downs Incorporated Foundation today announced it has opened three…

Apr 24, 2019

While champion Game Winner was long expected to bring Gary and Mary West back for another swing at the Kentucky Derby (G1), their homebred Maximum Security is the definition of a surprise package. Maximum Security is by the Wests’ Breeders’ Cup Juvenile…

Apr 24, 2019

WinStar Farm, China Horse Club and SF Racing’s undefeated Bulletin, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint here last fall, heads a field of eight 3-year-olds entered Wednesday for the fifth running of the $125,000 William Walker that serves as the…

Apr 24, 2019

William S. Farish’s Code of Honor, winner of the Fountain of Youth (GII) and most recently third in the Florida Derby (GI), arrived at Churchill Downs early Wednesday afternoon from Keeneland where he had been training for the past few weeks to prepare for…

Apr 24, 2019

Kentucky Derby (G1) contender By My Standards is living proof of the old adage, “Take care of the horse, and the horse will take care of you.” At this time last year, the leggy, immature colt looked behind the developmental curve. His new connections…

Apr 23, 2019

The lone Florida-bred in the 2019 Kentucky Derby (G1), Win Win Win is a homebred who grew up at Charlotte Weber’s Live Oak Stud. The 4,500-acre spread near Ocala is home to a commercial cattle operation along with the Thoroughbred farm and training facility.…

Apr 23, 2019

If there are any sentimental rooting interests among the human connections participating in this year's Kentucky Derby (G1), look no further than trainers Bill Mott and Richard Mandella, both of whom are taking arguably their best shots at winning the…

Apr 23, 2019

Trainer Blaine Wright said via text Tuesday morning that Peter Redekop’s Anothertwistafate would be flying back to his home base at Golden Gate in Northern California and train there for the Preakness (GI).   Anothertwistafate finished second…

Apr 22, 2019

In our second annual look at commonalities that link this year's hopefuls with one or more past winners of America's most famous race, here are some nuggets and factoids to chew on involving the Top 20 point qualifiers for the 2019 Kentucky Derby (G1). BY…

Apr 22, 2019

On a Chamber of Commerce morning at Churchill Downs, three contenders for the $3 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) and two hopefuls for the $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) put in their works over a fast track.  …

Apr 21, 2019

While Easter Sunday will be a quiet day for many people across the commonwealth of Kentucky, several owners and trainers will be on edge as numerous Kentucky Derby prospects are scheduled to complete their penultimate workouts for the 1 ¼-mile race on the…

Apr 20, 2019

As the Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders are all gearing up for the first Saturday in May, Maryland-bred Alwaysmining has already stamped himself as the top local hope for the Preakness (G1). The Runnymede Racing colorbearer extended his winning streak to six…

Apr 20, 2019

Roadster seeks to add to the rich Kentucky Derby (G1) history of his breeder, Arthur B. Hancock III’s Stone Farm, as well as pay homage to his parents’ breeder, the late Edward P. “Ned” Evans. Evans’ father, Thomas Mellon Evans, bred and owned 1981 Kentucky…

Apr 19, 2019

Plus Que Parfait is a case in point that a Kentucky Derby (G1) contender can hail from anywhere, even the “world’s smallest breeding operation,” as Clint Joiner jocularly calls his Calloway Stables partnership with Tyler Alexander. Now they’re known the…

Apr 18, 2019

A small field of six will go 1 1/8 miles on the Laurel Park main surface on Saturday in the $125,000 Federico Tesio Stakes. The 38th running of the Tesio is one of seven stakes races on the superb Saturday card, and it serves as a “Win & You’re In” contest…

Apr 18, 2019

A compact field of six will go postward in Saturday’s $125,000 Federico Tesio Stakes at Laurel Park. The feature is one of seven stakes events on the card and it offers a “Win & You’re In” incentive to the Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico on May 18.FREE…

Apr 18, 2019

Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”) (Nasdaq: CHDN) today announced significant initiatives to improve safety protocols and procedures ahead of the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby. These initiatives highlight the company’s strong and ongoing commitment…

Apr 16, 2019

Two of the likely top contenders for the Grade I, $3 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve – Arkansas Derby (GI) winner Omaha Beach and Wood Memorial victor Tacitus – arrived at Churchill Downs on Tuesday to begin their preparation for the…

Apr 16, 2019

Several owners of likely entrants in this year's Kentucky Derby (G1) are hoping Lady Luck will finally come their way this time in America's most famous race. Khalid bin Abdullah's Juddmonte Farms and Rick Porter's Fox Hill Farm, who respectively own…

Apr 15, 2019

Arkansas Derby (Grade I) runner-up Improbable, along with third-place finisher Country House and sixth-place finisher Long Range Toddy, arrived at Churchill Downs on Monday morning following a flight from Oaklawn Park. The colts, who finished behind…

Apr 15, 2019

Vekoma, once a paddock buddy of fellow Kentucky Derby (G1) hopeful Code of Honor at Lane’s End, has shown an indomitable spirit throughout his life. By Candy Ride – the same sire as champion and Derby rival Game Winner as well as 2017 Horse of the Year Gun…

Apr 14, 2019

Road to the Kentucky Derby Ultimate Racing Guide for North American Kentucky Derby Prep Races How will you select which horse will win the 2019 Kentucky Derby? The information below will help by providing information, analysis and past performances on the…

Apr 13, 2019

Fox Hill Farms’ Omaha Beach entered Saturday’s $1 million Arkansas Derby (G1) at a sloppy Oaklawn Park needing to secure a beachhead in the Kentucky Derby (G1), and hit the target under masterful steering by Hall of Famer Mike Smith. The slight 8-5 favorite…

Apr 13, 2019

Owendale began passing rivals on the far turn and accelerated to a clear lead entering the short stretch of Saturday’s $200,000 Lexington (G3) at Keeneland. Anothertwistafate tried to rally into contention along the inside but couldn’t threaten Owendale, who…

Apr 12, 2019

Tight quarters on the rail down the stretch proved no impediment to Lady Apple in Friday’s $500,000 Fantasy S. (G3) at Oaklawn Park, the final qualifier for the Kentucky Oaks (G1). Gamely squeezing through for jockey Ricardo Santana Jr., the Steve Asmussen…

Apr 11, 2019

A strong field of 11 sophomores will contest Saturday’s $1 million Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park. The Road to the Kentucky Derby event offers 100 points to the winner in what is arguably the deepest Derby prep of the season. FREE Arkansas…

Apr 11, 2019

A fantastic field of 11 will travel 1 1/8 miles at Oaklawn Park on Saturday in the $1 million Arkansas Derby (G1). The winner of the Road to the Kentucky Derby event will receive 100 points and have his ticket stamped for the Run for the Roses on May 4…

Apr 11, 2019

The twists and turns of the Road to the Kentucky Derby will come to a close Saturday and, when the dust settles, the Top 20 horses for the Grade I, $3 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve will be decided.   Saturday’s Arkansas Derby will award…

Apr 11, 2019

The European Road to the Kentucky Derby made its final stop in Thursday’s Cardinal Conditions race at Chelmsford City, where King Power Racing’s Bye Bye Hong Kong led home a trifecta of non-Triple Crown nominees. The Aidan O’Brien-trained favorite, U S…

Apr 10, 2019

Bob Baffert already has Game Winner and Roadster set for the Kentucky Derby and Improbable can make it a formidable trio with an impressive showing in Saturday’s $1 million Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park. Listed as the 8-5 favorite in an 11-horse field, Improbable…

Apr 10, 2019

Anothetwistafate and Sueno will enter Saturday’s $200,000 Lexington (G3) outside the Kentucky Derby bubble, ranking 23rd and 25th respectively on the leaderboard, and the 20-point winner’s prize should be enough to guarantee either a spot in the 20-horse…

Apr 9, 2019

Motion Emotion will try to burnish her Kentucky Oaks credentials when she lines up for Friday’s $500,000 Fantasy (G3) at Oaklawn. The 1 1/16-mile race serves as one of the final major prep races in the Road to the Kentucky Oaks series and awards a total…

Apr 9, 2019

The accepted Kentucky Derby (G1) invitation to Master Fencer (#20) via the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby series currently leaves 19 available domestic slots pending the final result of the Europe Road to the Kentucky Derby series this week. In a nutshell,…

Apr 9, 2019

The final scoring race on the European Road to the Kentucky Derby, Thursday’s Cardinal Conditions race at Chelmsford City, will determine who gets the invitation to Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. The one-mile contest on Polytrack offers points…

Apr 7, 2019

Katsumi and Yasuyo Yoshizawa’s Master Fencer is bound for the Kentucky Derby (G1) following his runner-up finish in the Fukuryu Stakes at Nakayama Race Course on March 31. The Koichi Tsunoda trainee is the lone Triple Crown-nominated horse in the top four…