Kentucky Derby News

Apr 28, 2018

The ever-professional Flameaway strives to become the third Canadian-bred winner of the Kentucky Derby (G1), emulating his direct male-line ancestor Northern Dancer (1964) and Sunny’s Halo (1983). Descended from Northern Dancer via the Storm Cat branch, Flameaway…

Apr 28, 2018

E Five Racing Thoroughbreds and Stonestreet Stables’ 2-year-old champion Good Magic headed a group of six hopefuls for next Saturday’s $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) putting in works at Churchill Downs on a Chamber of Commerce Saturday…

Apr 28, 2018

My Boy Jack’s bargain yearling price belies his pedigree as well as his birthplace. He was bred by former Kentucky Governor Brereton Jones and raised at his Airdrie Stud, whose roots go back to the most illustrious Bluegrass farm of the 19th century. Airdrie…

Apr 27, 2018

One year after Thunder Snow’s bucking bronco exhibition, Godolphin resumes its quest for the Kentucky Derby (G1) with another homebred. But unlike Irish-bred Thunder Snow, who came to Churchill Downs via Europe and Dubai, Enticed hails from the American…

Apr 27, 2018

Firenze Fire, the first foal of a mare claimed – against advice – for $16,000, has been a hard-trying overachiever for owner/breeder Ron Lombardi’s Mr. Amore Stable. Lombardi knows all about training of the human variety as the president and CEO of SportsCare…

Apr 27, 2018

Two-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Todd Pletcher put his 2018 Run for the Roses arsenal on full display Friday morning at Churchill Downs under a cloudless sky with four workers. Three Pletcher workers were on the track during the special 7:30-7:45…

Apr 26, 2018

What tidbits can we learn from decades outside of the 'golden' eras?

Apr 26, 2018

Kenny Troutt’s WinStar Farm is already in an enviable position as the co-owner of two premier Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders in Justify and Audible, both auction purchases. But the Versailles, Kentucky, establishment has two additional rooting interests…

Apr 26, 2018

Even with a small bank roll, you can have fun and find nice returns for your $10 bets!

Apr 26, 2018

Keeneland, William S. Farish’s Lane’s End and Churchill Downs Racetrack have teamed to sponsor the Bluegrass Breakfast, an enhanced breakfast experience for horsemen in the Churchill Downs stable area during Kentucky Derby Week. The Bluegrass Breakfast will…

Apr 26, 2018

Godolphin Racing’s Enticed worked five furlongs in 1:00.20 at Palm Meadows Thursday morning for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin as the pace of final works for the 144th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) as well as for the 144th Longines Kentucky…

Apr 26, 2018

Born in an historic New York neighborhood, Audible hopes to become only the second horse bred in the Empire State to win the Kentucky Derby (G1) after Funny Cide (2003). But there’s also a lot of Kentucky in this colt who was raised in the Bluegrass. Audible…

Apr 25, 2018

Each year, the Kentucky Derby (G1) has a field of 20 horses going a distance of ground that none have ever attempted. Please don't call it a crapshoot since rolling a pair of dice only has 11 possible outcomes. With 20 horses, it results in 380 possible…

Apr 25, 2018

Newtown Anner Stud’s Beckford (GB) heads a field of 10 3-year-olds entered Wednesday for the fourth running of the $100,000 William Walker going five furlongs on the turf, the highlight of Opening Night presented by Budweiser.          Saturday’s 10-race…

Apr 25, 2018

Pour over the history books enough and you can find some commonalities that link this year's Kentucky Derby (G1) hopefuls with one or more past winners of America's most famous race. Some are well known, others less so. Stump your friends with some…

Apr 25, 2018

Juddmonte Farms’ Hofburg, runner-up in the Florida Derby (Grade I) in his most recent start, made his first visit to the track at Churchill Downs Wednesday morning as he began his preparations for the 144th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (GI).  Hofburg,…

Apr 24, 2018

One day after Justify was born at John D. Gunther’s Glennwood Farm, the Versailles, Kentucky nursery welcomed another bundle of joy – Vino Rosso. Who would have dreamed that three years later, the Gunther-bred colts who grew up together would face each other in…

Apr 24, 2018

Trainer Todd Pletcher’s four Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) hopefuls arrived at Churchill Downs at 2:30 Monday afternoon with the trainer following a few hours later. On Tuesday morning, it was back to work.At 7:30, during the special…

Apr 24, 2018

What exactly is the "Apollo Curse" and how does it pertain to this year's Kentucky Derby? The Apollo Curse is simply a long-standing trend bettors believe justifies not backing any horse in the Kentucky Derby that was unraced as a two-year-old. It…

Apr 23, 2018

If Monday morning brought news that Gronkowski’s Kentucky Derby (G1) hopes could be dashed, confirmation came later in the day when connections officially withdrew the European Road invitee, citing “a slight infection.” That allowed Instilled Regard, the…

Apr 23, 2018

Trainer Todd Pletcher’s horses for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) contingent are expected to arrive at Louisville International Airport at 1:30 (all times Eastern) this afternoon after leaving its winter base at Palm Beach Downs in…

Apr 22, 2018

Undefeated Kentucky Derby (G1) contender Magnum Moon is the latest headliner with deep ties to historic Claiborne Farm. Not only was he born and raised at the Paris, Kentucky, nursery, but his pedigree features past Claiborne patriarchs, and his breeder,…

Apr 22, 2018

Craig Upham’s Ashland Stakes (Grade I) third-place finisher Patrona Margarita recorded a half-mile breeze in :48.80 on Sunday morning at Churchill Downs in preparation for a start in the $1 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) on Friday, May 4.         …

Apr 21, 2018

John Oxley’s Flameaway, Albaugh Family Stables’ Free Drop Billy and Robert Baron’s Promises Fulfilled kicked off the exclusive training period for Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve contenders from 7:30-7:45 a.m. (all times Eastern) Saturday with…

Apr 20, 2018

News about Rob Gronkowski buying into his namesake Kentucky Derby (G1) contender rightly grabbed all the headlines, but there are a couple of strictly racing-related updates for Gronkowski the horse. Since our last article summing up the European Road…

Apr 20, 2018

Churchill Downs Racetrack, in conjunction with TwinSpires.com, will provide live online streaming of Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks contenders’ workouts when the exclusive 7:30-7:45 a.m. (all times Eastern) training window begins in earnest Saturday.The…

Apr 20, 2018

Calumet Farm’s Risen Star (Grade II) winner Bravazo breezed six furlongs in 1:15.40 Friday morning at Churchill Downs in preparation for the $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (GI), which will be staged for the 144th consecutive year…

Apr 19, 2018

If you knew nothing about Hofburg as a Kentucky Derby (G1) contender, his name alone would be a substantial clue. Only a colt of the most exquisite bloodlines, physique, and comportment could bear such a name worthily, evoking the stateliness of Imperial…

Apr 19, 2018

How many fillies have run in the Kentucky Derby (G1)? How many fillies have won the Derby? How many fillies have run in both the Derby and the Kentucky Oaks (G1)?So many questions, so little time before the 144th Run for the Roses takes place on May 5 at…

Apr 19, 2018

G M B Racing’s TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (Grade II) runner-up Lone Sailor fired a bullet five-furlong move in :57.60 Thursday morning at Churchill Downs in preparation for the $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) on Saturday,…

Apr 19, 2018

Track encourages guests to visit KentuckyDerbyParking.com for parking, arrival & entry information LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Churchill Downs Racetrack (“Churchill Downs”), home of the world-famous Kentucky Derby, announced today new entry procedures that will…

Apr 19, 2018

G M B Racing’s TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (Grade II) runner-up Lone Sailor fired a bullet five-furlong move in :57.60 Thursday morning at Churchill Downs in preparation for the $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) on Saturday,…

Apr 19, 2018

DERBY DAY RAFFLE GUARANTEES MINIMUM $50,000 POOL, HALF TO RAFFLE WINNER, HALF TO THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE AND OTHER CHARITABLE INITIATIVES LOUISVILLE, KY., (Thursday, April 19, 2018) –Churchill Downs Incorporated Foundation today announced the opening…

Apr 18, 2018

Rob Gronkowski, the New England Patriots star tight end, has acquired "a substantial stake" in his namesake Thoroughbred, Gronkowski, in advance of the May 5 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs."We are very excited to have this talented racehorse running…

Apr 18, 2018

1. Two stallions will have the opportunity to sire a second Kentucky Derby winner in the race's 2018 renewal on May 5. Malibu Moon, the sire of Arkansas Derby (G1) and Rebel (G2) winner Magnum Moon, previously sired 2013 Kentucky Derby winner Orb. Distorted…

Apr 17, 2018

The Road to the Kentucky Derby series is completed and, barring any hiccups, the field of 20 for Kentucky Derby 144 is now known. At the weekend, Magnum Moon (#1, 150 points) delivered a powerful effort to take the Arkansas Derby (G1). The additional…

Apr 14, 2018

Magnum Moon went gate-to-wire, and to the top of the Kentucky Derby (G1) Leaderboard, in winning the $1 million Arkansas Derby (G1) on Saturday at Oaklawn Park. The win – worth 100 of the Arkansas Derby’s 170 points – gives Magnum Moon 150 points for…

Apr 14, 2018

Saddled with post 10, facing a short stretch as a deep closer, and needing a win to ensure a spot in the Kentucky Derby (G1) field in three weeks, My Boy Jack had not much margin for error in Saturday's $200,000 Lexington (G3) at Keeneland. Under…

Apr 14, 2018

Roddy Valente, RAP Racing and West Point Thoroughbreds’ Gulfstream Park Oaks (Grade II) winnerCoach Rocks worked a half-mile in :48.60 Saturday morningat Churchill Downs in preparation for the $1 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) on Friday, May 4.         …

Apr 14, 2018

Fountain of Youth (Grade II) front-running hero Promises Fulfilled published his first breeze back at Churchill Downs since his winter in Florida with a maintenance half-mile move in :49 in preparation for the $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford…

Apr 13, 2018

Medallion Racing and Jerry McClanahan’s Sassy Sienna entered Friday’s $400,000 Fantasy Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park on the outside of the 144th Kentucky Oaks (G1) field looking in. One nose victory later and the dark bay lass secured her spot in the starting…

Apr 13, 2018

A new way of qualifying for the famed Kentucky Derby (G1) kicked off during the 2012-13 season, and both owners and trainers embraced the points-based system. But Churchill Downs officials weren’t done. Taking note of the excitement which erupted when Japanese-based…

Apr 13, 2018

Road to the Kentucky Derby Horse Profile: JustifyBob Baffert was joking about needing to get starts into some of his unraced two-year-olds before the end of the year. It turns out, he wasn’t joking. Knowing that every Kentucky Derby (G1) winner since…

Apr 13, 2018

Road to the Kentucky Derby Horse Profile: Good MagicChad Brown has trained a ton of turf superstars but that has typecast him as a “turf” trainer. In the past few years, his clients have been buying more horses with dirt pedigrees and Brown is showing that…

Apr 13, 2018

Road to the Kentucky Derby Horse Profile: Vino RossoVINO ROSSO won a maiden at Aqueduct and an allowance race at Tampa Bay Downs last year and gave the impression that he would get better as his career progressed. He was favored both times, so internal expectations…

Apr 13, 2018

Risen Star (Grade II) winner Bravazo began his serious preparations for the Grade I, $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve on Friday morning when he breezed five furlongs in 1:01.20 at Churchill Downs.         Bravazo stepped on the…

Apr 12, 2018

Some horses just have “it,” that indefinable air of supremacy, from day one. Given what unbeaten Justify has accomplished on the track in the span of about seven weeks – going from unraced three-year-old to Kentucky Derby (G1) favorite – you won’t be surprised…

Apr 12, 2018

A field of eight has been entered in Friday’s $400,000 Fantasy Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park. The 1 1/16-mile event wraps up the 2017-18 Road to the Kentucky Oaks series of races. As part of the Championship portion of that series, the contest will award…

Apr 12, 2018

Note: Please open the attached pdf document or paste the following in your browser for additional information: https://bit.ly/2IPholR The Road to the Kentucky Derby will conclude Saturday as the final two races in the 35-race series – the $1 million Arkansas…

Apr 12, 2018

LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 12, 2018 – Churchill Downs Racetrack today announced that multi-platinum, Grammy® Award-winning A Cappella group Pentatonix will sing the national anthem at the 144th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve on Saturday, May 5,…

Apr 11, 2018

Magnum Moon stepped into the Kentucky Derby spotlight with a convincing victory in the Rebel Stakes (G2), remaining unbeaten with a three-length decision, and the Todd Pletcher-trained colt has returned to Oaklawn Park as the horse to beat in Saturday’s…

Apr 11, 2018

A dozen sophomores have been entered in the $200,000 Lexington Stakes (G3) at Keeneland on Saturday, and the finish will determine whether My Boy Jack makes the starting gate at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. Having thus far earned 32 total…

Apr 11, 2018

TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (Grade II) runner-up Lone Sailor returned to the work tab Wednesday morning at Churchill Downs with a half-mile breeze in :47.60, his first major tune-up in preparation for the $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford…

Apr 10, 2018

1. Held annually at Oaklawn Park since 1936 (except in the war year of 1945), the Arkansas Derby is one of the most highly-attended races in the country as the city of Hot Springs swells to nearly three times its size. Estimated crowds exceeding 60,000…

Apr 10, 2018

The field for the 2018 Kentucky Derby (G1) is nearly set following major preps last weekend in New York, Kentucky, and California. With victories in the Wood Memorial (G2) and Santa Anita Derby (G1), respectively, Vino Rosso (#4, 107 points) and Justify…

Apr 10, 2018

Track launches KentuckyDerbyParking.com to help visitors plan their arrival  LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Churchill Downs Racetrack (“Churchill Downs”), home of the world-famous Kentucky Derby, announced today its new parking and traffic plan for Derby Week and…

Apr 8, 2018

Four weeks in advance of the $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I), lightly-raced and unbeaten Santa Anita Derby winner Justify closed as a resounding 3-1 favorite in Pool 4 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW).

Apr 8, 2018

Riley Racing Stables LLC, Jason and Megan J. Tackitt, and Mike Hensen’s Gas Station Sushi improved her record to a perfect two-for-two on Sunday when taking the $150,000 Beaumont Stakes (G2) at Keeneland by 1 1/2 lengths. The race is the penultimate contest…

Apr 7, 2018

In his one and only shot at securing a berth in the Kentucky Derby (G1), not only did Justify ace the test but possibly made himself the favorite for next month's Run for the Roses with a sterling, wire-to-wire victory in Saturday's $1 million Santa…

Apr 7, 2018

A little more than an hour after steering unbeaten Kentucky Derby (G1) favorite Justify in Saturday’s Santa Anita Derby (G1), Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith completed a double aboard another odds-on choice, Midnight Bisou, in the Santa Anita Oaks (G1). By…

Apr 7, 2018

Monomoy Girl will bring a two-race win streak into the May 4 Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs after dominating her rivals by 5 1/2 lengths in Saturday’s $500,000 Ashland Stakes (G1) at Keeneland. Jockey Florent Geroux guided the chestnut daughter…

Apr 7, 2018

Vino Rosso rallied wide into contention on the far turn and after battling with Enticed to midstretch, the 3-year-old colt drew away to a three-length victory in Saturday’s $750,000 Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct. He rebounded nicely from a disappointing…

Apr 7, 2018

A bit of a disappointment in his season debut last month, juvenile champion Good Magic rebounded nicely in Saturday's $1 million Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland, confirming his status as a major player in the Kentucky Derby (G1) in four weeks. Under Jose…

Apr 7, 2018

A stretch-out to two turns proved helpful to My Miss Lilly, who punched her ticket to the Kentucky Oaks (G1) with a hard-fought victory in the $300,000 Gazelle (G2) at Aqueduct on Saturday. Under Joe Bravo, the gray daughter of Tapit made a four-wide…

Apr 6, 2018

Although Mendelssohn aims to become the first European shipper to plunder the Kentucky Derby (G1), and the first to use the UAE Derby (G2) as a path to glory at Churchill Downs, he’s no exotic foreigner. On the contrary, he’s a Kentucky-bred half-brother…

Apr 6, 2018

On June 14, 2012, during an annual shareholder meeting, Churchill Downs Inc. Chairman and CEO Bob Evans announced that entry into the famed Kentucky Derby (G1) would be determined by a new points ranking system. The old graded earnings classification…

Apr 5, 2018

Only five races are left in the Road to the Kentucky Oaks series of points contests, and four take place this weekend. Three are on Saturday – each of which is worth 100-40-20-10 points to the respective top four finishers – beginning with the $300,000…

Apr 5, 2018

Trainer Bob Baffert boasts the record for the most Santa Anita Derby wins (seven) and will try to extend that to eight when saddling Justify on Saturday; two of Baffert’s four Kentucky Derby winners (Silver Charm [1997] and Real Quiet [1998]) both finished second…

Apr 5, 2018

Churchill Downs has announced that betting will be suspended on trainer Mark Casse’s promising Mississippi (#16) in the fourth and final pool of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (“KDFW”), which opens its three-day run at noon (all times EDT) on Friday and…

Apr 5, 2018

What: It’s just another “sign” that Kentucky Derby 144 is right around the corner! Churchill Downs laborers will change the signage on the historic grandstand (from 143rd Derby 2017 to 144th Derby 2018) and the Kentucky Derby Winner’s Stand/Pagoda (from…

Apr 5, 2018

Three crucial steppingstones to the $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) – the Wood Memorial (GII), Blue Grass (GII) and Santa Anita Derby – will be staged Saturday within a 35-minute span as 3-year-old Thoroughbreds continue…

Apr 5, 2018

Tickets on Sale June 7  LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 5, 2018) - The Breeders' Cup today announced ticket prices and availability for the 35th Breeders’ Cup World Championships to be held on Friday, November 2 and Saturday, November 3 at historic Churchill Downs.…

Apr 5, 2018

The marquee match-up between Bolt d’Oro and Justify in Saturday’s $1 million Santa Anita Derby (G1) appears destined to determine Kentucky Derby favoritism. Justify has observers speculating upon possible greatness following a pair of scintillating wins…

Apr 4, 2018

Enticed and Old Time Revival ran one-two, respectively, in the March 10 Gotham Stakes (G3) and on Saturday the duo will face off yet again in the $750,000 Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct. The 1 1/8-mile contest is part of the Road to the Kentucky…

Apr 4, 2018

First Featured Milliner In Iconic Event’s HistoryLOUISVILLE, Ky., April 4, 2018 – Churchill Downs Racetrack today announced that Christine Moore is the featured milliner of the 144th Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve. This is the first time in…

Apr 3, 2018

Good Magic came up short when opening 2018 in the March 3 Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park, checking in an even third as the 3-5 favorite, but the champion 2-year-old male will look to make amends and reestablish himself as a major Kentucky Derby contender…

Apr 3, 2018

A tightly-grouped foursome headed by Ruis Racing LLC’s San Felipe (GII) winner Bolt d’Oro (#2, 5-1) sits atop the morning line odds for the 24 wagering interests set for this weekend’s fourth and final pool of Churchill Downs’ Kentucky Derby Future Wager…

Apr 2, 2018

When Churchill Downs officials announced last August the creation of a “European Road to the Kentucky Derby,” the opening of another avenue was simultaneously adventurous and uncertain. What kind of horse might ultimately score the most points in the seven-race…

Mar 31, 2018

With an impressive three-length victory, Audible looked the part of a serious Kentucky Derby contender in the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park. The Todd Pletcher-trained colt extended his win streak to four and John Velazquez was up for owners…

Mar 31, 2018

In one of the most lopsided performances in a Kentucky Derby (G1) prep in years, Mendelssohn punched his ticket to the May 5 Run for the Roses with an emphatic 18-length demolition of his rivals in the U.A.E. Derby (G2) Saturday night at Meydan. The…

Mar 31, 2018

Coach Rocks earned the majority of the 100-40-20-10 points up for grabs when rallying to catch Take Charge Paula in Saturday’s $250,000 Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2). The Oxbow filly raced in midpack as near 5-2 favorite Take Charge Paula took over from…

Mar 30, 2018

The equine Gronkowski concluded his successful "playoff" run toward the Kentucky Derby (G1) on Friday, capturing the Burradon Stakes at Newcastle, England, and securing an invitation to the Run for the Roses as the leading point earner in the European…

Mar 30, 2018

When Promises Fulfilled upset the Fountain of Youth (G2) at odds of 18-1, it wasn’t the first time he was cast in the role of underdog – or rewarded those who believed in him. A sick newborn and a bargain yearling, he’s come a long way to emerge as a Kentucky…

Mar 29, 2018

Mubtaahij established the current time record for the race when going about 1 3/16 miles in 1:58.35 on March 28, 2015; it is, however, not the fastest running of the race, just the quickest since Meydan switched to dirt that same year. The fastest UAE Derby…

Mar 29, 2018

Forward Gal Stakes (G3) winner Take Charge Paula lines up in Saturday’s $300,000 Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) against 12 rivals in search of enough points to solidify her spot in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) starting gate on May 4 at Churchill Downs. The Gulfstream…

Mar 29, 2018

Saturday’s 67th running of the $1 million Florida Derby (GI) at Gulfstream Park and the 19th running of the $2 million UAE Derby (GII) in Dubai highlight this week’s Road to the Kentucky Derby Championship Series as 3-year-old Thoroughbreds continue their quest…

Mar 28, 2018

Audible drew rave reviews for a convincing Holy Bull (G2) victory earlier in the Gulfstream Park meet but has been perhaps a bit of a forgotten horse as 12 qualifiers in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series have been offered in the eight-week interim since his…

Mar 28, 2018

A dozen three-year-olds went to post in Saturday’s Sunland Derby (G3), but it was one horse who was all the rage following the $800,000 feature.

Mar 28, 2018

Gronkowski seeks to firm up a spot in the Kentucky Derby (G1) field on Friday in the Burradon Stakes, at Newcastle, England, the final prep in the European Road to the Kentucky Derby series. Currently second on that series leaderboard behind Mendelssohn,…

Mar 28, 2018

Inspired by the Rich, Smooth Flavor of Woodford Reserve® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 28, 2018 – Churchill Downs Racetrack today announced the official menu of the 144 th Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve. Curated…

Mar 27, 2018

1. First run at Gulfstream Park in 1952, the Florida Derby (G1) has been won 15 times by the eventual Kentucky Derby (G1) winner. It has been an especially fruitful prep the last five years, with three colts pulling off the Florida/Kentucky Derby…

Mar 26, 2018

Saturday’s $2 million UAE Derby (G2) promises to be one for the ages. Aidan O’Brien’s Mendelssohn, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) winner, puts his Kentucky Derby (G1) ambitions on the line in this first dirt test. Godolphin’s Gold Town, invincible…

Mar 26, 2018

Several colts punched their tickets to the Kentucky Derby (G1) this past weekend, including TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Noble Indy (#1, 110 points) and Sunland Derby (G3) hero Runaway Ghost (#7, 50), a recent Late Triple Crown nominee. Third…

Mar 25, 2018

Shippers came in droves from California, Florida, and Arkansas in hopes of plundering Sunday’s $800,000 Sunland Derby (G3), but it was the lone locally based runner, Runaway Ghost, who scored one for the home team – and netted a Kentucky Derby (G1) spot…

Mar 25, 2018

Not one filly in Sunday’s $200,000 Sunland Park Oaks, which is part of the Road to the Kentucky Oaks series of points contests, was nominated to the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs.That didn’t stop Cleber J. Massey’s Blamed for making her case to be a…

Mar 24, 2018

One week after teaming up to win the Rebel (G2) with Magnum Moon, trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez qualified another colt for the Kentucky Derby (G1), Noble Indy, in Saturday's $1 million TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds. Owned…

Mar 24, 2018

Double Doors Racing LLC’s Chocolate Martini made her stakes debut on Saturday in the $392,000 Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) under jockey Mitchell Murrill and pulled off the 13-1 upset of the Road to the Kentucky Oaks series points contest. The Fair Grounds Oaks…

Mar 24, 2018

Noble Indy began his racing career in December, but he has already left his mark on this Kentucky Derby prep season. WinStar Farm homebred comes off his biggest triumph to date when bagging the Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds in just his fourth lifetime start.

Mar 23, 2018

The Road to the Kentucky Oaks continues on Saturday and Sunday with a pair of contests offering points toward a starting berth in the May 4 Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs. First up on Saturday is the $400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks, which is the first…

Mar 23, 2018

It gets serious for Kentucky Derby prospects over the next four weekends as the final round of major prep races begins Saturday with the $1 million TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds. Worth a combined 170 points (100-40-20-10 scale) toward…