Derby Experiences' Top 10 Derby Contenders
Derby Experiences will be posting our Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Insider's Top 10 Contenders leading up to the races in May. In Kentucky, Thoroughbred racing is a way of life and Loren Hebel-Osborne has made her life-long passion a career. Loren has updated her Top 10 Contenders following this weekend's Kentucky Derby Championship Series Races and explains why she thinks these horses will be in the running at Churchill Downs®.
Kentucky Derby Top 10
Itsmyluckyday
I’m not getting off him yet – still obsessed with him and can’t wait for this weekend’s big test in the Florida Derby.
Shanghai Bobby
He’s battled tested and he keeps my respect. Florida Derby is next and we will see how he fairs against the best!
Orb
Florida Derby is next and I expect him to be right in the mix with my other top two.
Revolutionary
Louisiana Derby is next and we will see if he maintains his gutty will to win.
Flashback
Despite his defeat in the San Felipe, I will keep this horse in a top spot – he finished gamely. If Baffert can get him to relax and conserve energy he might be able to stay the distance.
Oxbow
I absolutely LOVE this horse. I don’t know if he is a top, top horse yet but his heart is bigger than his body – he is a warrior and loves it!
Frac Daddy
Has the pedigree and I’m sticking with a local angle here - loves Churchill, has a win at Churchill. Kenny McPeek is a horseman with a great eye for talent..
Uncaptured
While he didn’t win, his return to run in the Spiral was impressive. Probably needed that race to get fit perfection.
Goldencents
Not ready to toss him out of my top ten but he was soundly beaten in San Felipe - I’m hoping it was a bad day. Looked a little too hot in the post parade and too fresh.
Verrazano moves off my top 10 – I just don’t think he’s tough enough. Super Ninety Nine moves off my top 10 – off track carried him for the distance and I don’t think he wants to go any further than 1 mile
For more information on Loren, you can visit our Derby Experts page. If you would like to attend the 139th Kentucky Derby, visit our website. Be there to experience "the most exciting two minutes in sports," live!
Derby Experiences will be posting our Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Insider's Top 10 Contenders leading up to the races in May. In Kentucky, Thoroughbred racing is a way of life and Loren Hebel-Osborne has made her life-long passion a career. Loren has updated her Top 10 Contenders following this weekend's Kentucky Derby Championship Series Races and explains why she thinks these horses will be in the running at Churchill Downs®.
Kentucky Derby Top 10
Itsmyluckyday
I’m obsessed with this horse! I have watched replays and studied photos of him and he looks to be a tremendous talent that absolutely loves this game. A very happy horse! Ears are forward as soon as he passes rivals but very focused in post parade.
Shanghai Bobby
He stays at the top of my list because I really can’t see that he’s done anything wrong. He had a layoff excuse for his loss to Itsmyluckyday. He’s fast and he’s experienced.
Verrazano
Very fast horse but not tested – he could move up or down after we see him run against Stakes company.
Super Ninety Nine
The horse wastes zero energy in the way he moves. He has a very low center of gravity, low head carriage to make him aerodynamic and super fast. Very impressive win in the Southwest.
Revolutionary
He gets my respect because he finds a way to win – overcame a horrible trip in the Withers, wins and gallops out with his ears forward.
Goldencents
Experience gets this horse a top vote – very gritty in the last 1/8th in every start.
Flashback
Another fast horse but I would like to see him more relaxed when he’s out in front. Looks a bit like he’s speeding from the cops and may pull over if the sirens come on.
Frac Daddy
Has the pedigree and I’m sticking with a local angle here - loves Churchill, has a win at Churchill and Kenny McPeek cut his teeth at Churchill – a horseman with a great eye for talent.
Oxbow
Not a great performance in the Risen Star but he stays on my list for one major reason – D Wayne Lukas – no one knows how to coach like him for the Derby – never count him out.
Orb
Very impressive win at Gulfstream in the Fountain of Youth. Trainer is very old school and typically doesn’t even enter prep races unless he thinks he’s competitive. Sug likes him – I like him!
Kentucky Oaks Top 10
Unlimited Budget
She’s like auto pilot set at a very high cruising speed. A very efficient mover who just clicks off the fractions. Blew away the field at the Fairgrounds in the Rachel Alexandra Stake.
Executivepriviledge
Reminds me of another Bob Baffert star SilverbulletDay.
Kauai Katie
A beautiful filly with a lot of expression. Not sure she wants to go two turns but I want to see more.
Dreaming of Julia
She’s moves out of my number one spot but not too far. She probably needed the race and I’m giving her another chance – so much class and she shows up every time.
Pure Fun
If all the speed falls apart, this filly will mow them down. Kenny has figured her out and she keeps getting better.
Blonde Fog
This is another filly who needs to learn to relax up front if she is to be able to carry that speed all the way to the wire. She doesn’t have a lot of experience. Blinkers are not very severe, he may even cut back to smaller cups to get her to relax.
Fiftyshadesofhay
This filly’s has a high head carriage and a real presence – looks like a colt. She was able to relax on the lead but he ears we frantic. I wouldn’t be surprise if Bob adds blinkers or a shadow roll.
Beholder
I loved her for the Breeders’ Cup juvenile and I’m sticking with her.
Sister Ginger
Very consistent filly who has shown she can run on anything.
Broken Spell
Again, this filly gets a top ten vote because of her trainer. She has shown that she can beat some of the best on her best day. If Wayne gets her in sync to peak on Oaks Day – watch out.
For more information on Loren, you can visit our Derby Experts page.
If you would like to attend the 139th Kentucky Derby, visit our website.
Be there to experience "the most exciting two minutes in sports," live!
With only two races left, the Kentucky Derby Prep Season is winding down. February 23rd we will have our first races in the Kentucky Derby Championship Series. The Championship Series consists of seventeen races for 3-year-olds including two Wild Card races:
- Each race is run at distances of a mile or more.
- Tracks are dirt or synthetic surfaces only.
- First Leg of Series race finishers earn:
- 1st 50 points
- 2nd 20 points
- 3rd 10 points
- 4th 5 points
- Second Leg of Series race finishers earn:
- 1st 100 points
- 2nd 40 points
- 3rd 20 points
- 4th 10 points
- Wild Card race finishers earn:
- 1st 20 points
- 2nd 8 points
- 3rd 4 points
- 4th 2 points
The Championship Series is where the contenders separate themselves from the pretenders. If you have been keeping up with our standings updates, you will notice some interesting storylines. Topping the list is world renowned trainer Todd Pletcher and his five horses in the Top 20 of the Road to the Kentucky Derby standings His top horse, Shanghai Bobby, is currently tied for the points lead with Goldcents at 24.If we were under last year’s format, Shanghai Bobby would have a commanding lead with nearly $1 million more in graded stakes earnings.
Last month we broke down the top five contenders for the Kentucky Derby. This post will update the latest top five contenders, how they have performed, and when they are set to make their next race.
The Contenders
Shanghai Bobby
As many experts predicted,Shanghai Bobby is leading the way into the Kentucky Derby
Championship Series. After an unbeaten 2-year-old championship season, his first loss came last month at Holy Bull to Itsmyluckyday. Despite the loss, Shanghai Bobby is still the top contender for the 2013 Kentucky Derby. Shanghai Bobby’s next start will be the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park on March 30th.
Goldencents
Tied with Shanghai Bobby atop the Road to the Derby Standings is trainer Doug O'Neill’s Goldencents. O’Neill knows what it takes to win at Churchill Downs having trained last year’s Derby and Preakness winner, I'll Have Another. That will be tough to ignore going into the first weekend in May. Goldencents’ next start will be the San Felipe in Santa Anita on March 9th.
Oxbow
Currently in a distant third from the two front-runners, Oxbow has 11 points in the standings. Being 13 points back of the leaders may make Oxbow a little bit of an after thought, but his trainer, D. Wayne Lukas, is not. Lukas is looking at potentially winning his fifth Kentucky Derby. Oxbow has a dominating win under his belt, winning at LeComte on January 19th by 11 1/2 lengths. That is never easy! Oxbow’s next start is the Risen Star at the Fair Grounds on February 23rd.
Violence
Another Todd Pletcher trained thoroughbred, Violence, has proved his worth going three for three as a 2-year-old. A win at December’s CashCall Futurity at Hollywood Park should springboard Violence into a great 2013 season. Violence may go under the radar this year due to Shanghai Bobby’s dominance, but he is currently fourth in the standings and could be worth a look when you’re making your bets this May. Violence’s next start will be the Fountain of Youth, at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 23rd.
Itsmyluckyday
Finally, Itsmyluckyday rounds out my list of the top contenders of this year’s Kentucky Derby.
He gained instant recognition by defeating Shanghai Bobby in Holy Bull in track record time and with the win, Itsmyluckyday is two for two this year. This horse may be may be in fifth in the standings and the last horse on this list, but do not be surprised to see Itsmyluckyday get more attention as Derby Day gets closer and closer. Itsmyluckyday’s next start will be the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park on March 30th in a head to head rematch with Shanghai Bobby.
Are you a horse racing enthusiast? Have you ever wanted to walk the grounds of Churchill Downs? Want to feel the ground shake as the horses stretch to reach the finish and win the 139th Kentucky Derby? QuintEvents’ Derby Experiences is the Official Experience Package Provider to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby® and the Kentucky Oaks®, and has been in partnership with Churchill Downs since 2007. Experience the excitement LIVE and make a memory that will last a lifetime.
We also have our Kentucky Derby Insider, Loren Hebel-Osborne, top-10 contenders for both the Kentucky Derby® and the Kentucky Oaks®. For more on Loren, visit our insiders page.
New Year, New Road, Same Dream
Ringing in the New Year is usually celebrated as a chance to start a new, with hopes of keeping your resolution for a whole year.
But for two-year-old thoroughbreds, a New Year means the chance to contend for horse racing’s most prestigious crown: Kentucky Derby Champion.
The excitement for the 2013 Kentucky Derby is heating up as the best thoroughbreds from around the world attempt to qualify.
The excitement for this year’s Derby is further amplified by a change in the qualifying process. The path to the 2013 “Run for the Roses” looks a little different with a new points system established by Churchill Downs, Inc.
The new point system, officially branded as the "Road to the Kentucky Derby,” will feature 36 stakes races overall and include 17 marquee events for three-year-old Thoroughbreds that comprise a compact, 10-week run up to the first Saturday in May to be known as the "Kentucky Derby Championship Series."
As we approach month five of Derby qualifying, it’s time to predict which thoroughbreds will realize the dream of racing in this year’s race. Below are my top five early contender picks for the 2013 Kentucky Derby.
Top 5 Early Kentucky Derby Contenders
Shanghai Bobby
Shanghai Bobby is at the top of many early experts’ contender lists. With a 5-0 race record and wins at the Grey Goose Juvenile and Foxwoods Champagne, Bobby has the most impressive start to this year’s Road to the Derby. His trainer, Todd Pletcher, won the 2010 Kentucky Derby with Super Saver, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see a strong showing from him at this year’s Derby.
Violence
Another Todd Pletcher trained thoroughbred, Violence has proved his worth with a 3-0 career race record. A win at December’s CashCall Futurity at Hollywood Park got this duo off to a great start for 2013. Violence may go under the radar this year due to Shanghai Bobby’s dominance, but he could be worth a look when you’re making your bets this May.
Goldencents
Points leader in 2013, Goldencents has positioned himself well for a run at this year’s Derby. He is trained by Doug O’Neill and has two wins and a place in three qualifying races. If Goldencents can continue this momentum, O’Neill could go win back-to-back Kentucky Derby’s after last year’s improbable showing by I’ll Have Another.
Bern Identity
This thoroughbred is not a sexy pick, but if you like hard work and effort, Bern Identity is your horse. A win at the Sanford Stakes and place at the Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes put him on many experts’ lists. Trainer Kelly Breen has given this horse many opportunities to race against top competition, gaining valuable experience that could suite him well in Derby qualifying races.
He’s Had Enough
I’ll Have Another part two? It’s possible! He’s Had Enough may by Doug O’Neill’s sequel horse to last year’s Derby champ, I’ll Have Another. He’s Had Enough finished a close second to Shanghai Bobby at November’s exciting Grey Goose Juvenile. If the Juvenile was a foreshadowing of this year’s Derby, we will all be in for a treat!
Attend the 2013 Kentucky Derby
There has never been a better time to book your Kentucky Derby ticket packages with Derby Experiences. Our Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Ticket Packages are designed to provide you with an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. For information on how you can attend the 2013 Kentucky Derby visit www.DerbyExperiences.com.
2013 Kentucky Derby
The 2013 Kentucky Derby® kicks off the first Saturday in May, and the anticipation for next year's event is already heating up.
The 2013 Kentucky Derby will mark the 139th running of this great event and the first under a new qualifying point system. The new point system, officially branded as the "Road to the Kentucky Derby," will feature 36 stakes races overall and include 17 marquee events for three-year-old Thoroughbreds that comprise a compact, 10-week run up to the first Saturday in May to be known as the "Kentucky Derby Championship Series."
Save the date, Saturday, May 4, 2013, and make sure you're in attendance for the momentous occasion. Be sure to follow Derby Experiences for the latest in Derby news and events. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter as we count down the days until the 2013 Kentucky Derby.
Get Your Kentucky Derby Ticket Packages
Whether your looking to attend the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks®, or just enjoying the ambiance of the Derby atmosphere, you can score Official Kentucky Derby Ticket Packages!
Derby Experiences is proud to be the Official Experience Package Provider to Churchill Downs® for the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks. Our official Kentucky Derby Ticket Packages offer you exclusive access to the entire Derby experience, which can include a suite of Kentucky Derby and/or Kentucky Oaks day tickets, exclusive in-track-hospitality venues, world class accommodations, transportation, and much more!
Kentucky Derby Ticket Packages are tailored to match your needs and budget, getting you the access to the best hospitality and activities in the Louisville area. Make Your Kentucky Derby Plans Today
Derby Experiences also offers a variety of concierge services while you're at the track or waiting for the races to start. These services include access to Kentucky Derby parties, backstretch and private horse farm tours, parking, and dining reservations at some of Louisville's best restaurants.
The Kentucky Derby
Held every year on the first Saturday in May, the Kentucky Derby is the longest continuously running event in the U.S. and is the first leg of thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown.
"The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" derives its name from the approximate duration of the race to the 1 1/4 mile finish line! The Kentucky Derby is also referred to as "The Run for the Roses", aptly named for the blanket of roses draped over the winner.
The Kentucky Derby is one the most storied sporting events in the world and should be on every sport fan's bucket list!
The Kentucky Oaks
The Kentucky Oaks is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred fillies staged annually at Churchill Downs® on the day preceding the Kentucky Derby.
The race currently covers 1 1/8 miles and the winner of the Kentucky Oaks is presented with a Garland of Lilies draped around the filly's withers.
Plan Ahead, Act Now!
There has never been a better time to book your Kentucky Derby ticket packages with Derby Experiences! We are now offering new convenient payment terms with our Official Derby Experiences Ticket Packages. Our Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Ticket Packages are designed to provide you with an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. For information on how you can attend the 2013 Kentucky Derby visit www.DerbyExperiences.com.
Untitled DocumentUntitled Document
The Road to the Kentucky Derby
Churchill Downs® has revamped the qualifying system for the 139-year-old Kentucky Derby®. The change will abandon the graded stakes earnings system it has used since 1986 to determine which 20 horses qualify for the Derby. Under the new format, points will be used to determine who will qualify for the “Run for the Roses.”
Branded the “Road to the Kentucky Derby,” the new system was announced June 14 at an annual meeting of shareholders for Churchill Downs Inc. It will feature 36 stakes including 17 marquee events known as the "Kentucky Derby Championship Series."
The Kentucky Oaks will utilize a similar point system to select its field of 14 fillies and both systems will go into effect in 2013.
Explaining the New System
The new series will be divided into two phases offering different point values to the top four finishers in each race.
Phase One
Phase One, now called the "Kentucky Derby Prep Season," will includes 19 races on dirt or synthetic surfaces over distances of at least one mile. These races will take place between late September 2012, and late February 2013. The top four finishers in each race will receive points for each race on a 10-4-2-1 scale. First place receiving 10 points, second place receiving 4 points, etc.
Phase Two
Phase two is a little more complicated.
Now called the "Kentucky Derby Championship Series," phase two is a three-part collection of 17 marquee races run over distances of one mile occurring over a 10-week run up to first Saturday in May. As the races get closer to the Kentucky Derby® date, the points will increase for the top four finishers making these races even more valuable in hopes of qualifying.
The first leg of the Championship series will include eight races where the top four finishers will receive points on a 50-20-10-5 scale. The second leg features seven stakes races that award the top four finishers points on a 100-40-20-10 scale. The final leg will include two “Wild Card” races, the Lexington Stakes and The Cliff’s Edge Derby Trial, which will offer hopes for horses to increase their point totals at the last minute. These races will award the top four finishers point totals on a 20-8-4-2 scale. *See the Race Schedule Below for a Points Breakdown*
The top 20 point earners will earn in a spot in the Kentucky Derby®. The next four point earners will be declared "also eligible" with the potential of drawing into the field if a starting horse is scratched. If there is a points tie between any of the horses, the tie breaker will be earnings in non-restricted stakes races.
Similar to the points systems used in NASCAR and on the PGA Tour, the Road to the Kentucky Derby system is much easier to understand and will add transparency to the Kentucky Derby® and Kentucky Oaks qualifying.
Road to the Kentucky Derby Schedule
Updated 1/30/2013
|
ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY
|
|
KENTUCKY DERBY PREP SEASON
|
| Race |
Date |
Track |
Location |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
| Juddmonte Royal Lodge |
9/29/12 |
Newmarket |
England |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| FrontRunner |
9/29/12 |
Santa Anita |
California |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity |
10/6/12 |
Keeneland |
Kentucky |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Foxwoods Champagne |
10/6/12 |
Belmont Park |
New York |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Grey |
10/7/12 |
Woodbine |
Canada |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Grey Goose Juvenile |
11/3/12 |
Santa Anita |
California |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes |
11/17/12 |
Delta Downs |
Louisiana |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Remsen Stakes |
11/24/12 |
Aqueduct |
New York |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Kentucky Jockey Club |
11/24/12 |
Churchill Downs |
Kentucky |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| CashCall Futurity |
12/15/12 |
Hollywood Park |
California |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Sham |
1/5/13 |
Santa Anita Park |
California |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Lecomte |
1/19/13 |
Fair Grounds |
Louisiana |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Smarty Jones |
1/21/13 |
Oaklawn Park |
Arkansas |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Holy Bull |
1/26/13 |
Gulfstream Park |
Florida |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Robert B. Lewis |
2/2/13 |
Santa Anita Park |
California |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Sam F. Davis |
2/2/13 |
Tampa Bay |
Florida |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Withers |
2/2/13 |
Aqueduct |
New York |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| El Camino Real Derby |
2/16/13 |
Golden Gate |
California |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Southwest |
2/18/13 |
Oaklawn Park |
Arkansas |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
|
KENTUCKY DERBY CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
|
| Race |
Date |
Track |
Location |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
| First Leg of Series |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Risen Star |
2/23/13 |
Fair Grounds |
Louisiana |
50 |
20 |
10 |
5 |
| Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth |
2/23/13 |
Gulfstream Park |
Florida |
50 |
20 |
10 |
5 |
| Gotham |
3/2/13 |
Aqueduct |
New York |
50 |
20 |
10 |
5 |
| Tampa Bay Derby |
3/9/13 |
Tampa Bay Downs |
Florida |
50 |
20 |
10 |
5 |
| San Felipe |
3/9/13 |
Santa Anita Park |
California |
50 |
20 |
10 |
5 |
| Rebel |
3/16/13 |
Oaklawn Park |
Arkansas |
50 |
20 |
10 |
5 |
| Spiral |
3/23/13 |
Turfway Park |
Kentucky |
50 |
20 |
10 |
5 |
| Sunland Derby |
3/24/13 |
Sunland Park |
New Mexico |
50 |
20 |
10 |
5 |
| Second Leg of Series |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Florida Derby |
3/30/13 |
Gulfstream Park |
Florida |
100 |
40 |
20 |
10 |
| UAE Derby |
3/30/13 |
Meydan Racecourse |
Dubai |
100 |
40 |
20 |
10 |
| Louisiana Derby |
3/30/13 |
Fair Grounds |
Louisiana |
100 |
40 |
20 |
10 |
| Wood Memorial |
4/6/13 |
Aqueduct |
New York |
100 |
40 |
20 |
10 |
| Santa Anita Derby |
4/6/13 |
Santa Anita Park |
California |
100 |
40 |
20 |
10 |
| Arkansas Derby |
4/13/13 |
Oaklawn Park |
Arkansas |
100 |
40 |
20 |
10 |
| Blue Grass |
4/13/13 |
Keeneland |
Kentucky |
100 |
40 |
20 |
10 |
| “Wild Card” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Lexington |
4/20/13 |
Keeneland |
Kentucky |
20 |
8 |
4 |
2 |
| Derby Trial |
4/27/13 |
Churchill Downs |
Kentucky |
20 |
8 |
4 |
2 |
ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY OAKS
|
|
KENTUCKY OAKS PREP SEASON
|
| Race |
Date |
Track |
Location |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
| Shadwell Fillies Mile |
9/28/12 |
Newmarket |
England |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Chandelier |
9/29/12 |
Santa Anita Park |
California |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Darley Alcibiades Stakes |
10/5/12 |
Keeneland |
Kentucky |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Frizette |
10/6/12 |
Belmont Park |
New York |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Mazarine Stakes |
10/6/12 |
Woodbine |
Canada |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Pocahontas Stakes |
10/28/12 |
Churchill Downs |
Kentucky |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Grey Goose Juvenile Fillies |
11/2/12 |
Oak Tree at Santa Anita |
California |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Delta Downs Princess Stakes |
11/17/12 |
Delta Downs |
Louisiana |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Demoiselle Stakes |
11/24/12 |
Aqueduct |
New York |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Golden Rod Stakes |
11/24/12 |
Churchill Downs |
Kentucky |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Hollywood Starlet |
12/8/12 |
Hollywood Park |
California |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Old Hat |
1/1/13 |
Gulfstream Park |
Florida |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Bushanda |
1/5/13 |
Aqueduct |
New York |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Silverbulletday |
1/19/13 |
Fair Grounds |
Louisiana |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Santa Ynez |
1/21/13 |
Santa Anita Park |
California |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Santa Ysabel |
1/26/13 |
Santa Anita Park |
California |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Forward Gal |
1/26/13 |
Gulfstream Park |
Florida |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| UAE 1000 Guineas |
2/7/13 |
Meydan |
Dubai |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| California Oaks |
2/9/13 |
Golden Gate |
California |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Martha Washington |
2/9/13 |
Oaklawn Park |
Arkansas |
10 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
KENTUCKY OAKS CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
|
| Race |
Date |
Track |
Location |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
| First Leg of Series |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Davona Dale |
2/23/13 |
Gulfstream Park |
Florida |
50 |
20 |
10 |
5 |
| Rachel Alexandra |
2/23/13 |
Fair Grounds |
Louisiana |
50 |
20 |
10 |
5 |
| UAE Oaks |
2/28/13 |
Meydan |
Dubai |
50 |
20 |
10 |
5 |
| Las Virgenes |
3/2/13 |
Santa Anita Park |
California |
50 |
20 |
10 |
5 |
| Honeybee |
3/9/13 |
Oaklawn Park |
Arkansas |
50 |
20 |
10 |
5 |
| Cicada |
3/16/13 |
Aqueduct |
New York |
50 |
20 |
10 |
5 |
| Bourbonette Oaks |
3/23/13 |
Turfway Park |
Kentucky |
50 |
20 |
10 |
5 |
| Sunland Park Oaks |
3/24/13 |
Sunland Park |
New Mexico |
50 |
20 |
10 |
5 |
| Second Leg of Series |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Fair Grounds Oaks |
3/30/13 |
Fair Grounds |
Louisiana |
100 |
40 |
20 |
10 |
| Gulfstream Park Oaks |
3/30/13 |
Gulfstream Park |
Florida |
100 |
40 |
20 |
10 |
| Gazelle |
4/6/13 |
Aqueduct |
New York |
100 |
40 |
20 |
10 |
| Ashland |
4/6/13 |
Keeneland |
Kentucky |
100 |
40 |
20 |
10 |
| Santa Anita Oaks |
4/6/13 |
Santa Anita Park |
California |
100 |
40 |
20 |
10 |
| Fantasy |
4/10/13 |
Oaklawn Park |
Arkansas |
100 |
40 |
20 |
10 |
| “Wild Card” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Beaumont |
4/14/13 |
Keeneland |
Kentucky |
20 |
8 |
4 |
2 |
What do you think about the new Kentucky Derby qualifying system? Share your thoughts below.
Preakness Record Reviewed
In 1973, Secretariat won thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown and set many records that still stand today at the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. Now, 39 years after his Triple Crown victory, Secretariat has been awarded a record at the Preakness Stakes.
The Maryland Racing Commission voted Tuesday that the 1973 Triple Crown winner set the course record in the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico 39 years ago. In a unanimous 7-0 decision, the official Preakness time was changed from 1:54 2/5 to 1:53 flat.
According to Bloodhorse.com, Penny Chenery, who owned Secretariat, and Thomas Chuckas, the president of the Maryland Jockey Club, made the request for the commission to review the evidence.
For nearly three hours, the Maryland Racing Commission reviewed tapes, video overlays, and heard expert testimonies. Using modern technology in reviewing the tapes, it was determined that Secretariat’s time was faster than the Preakness record of 1:53 2/5 set by Tank’s Prospect in 1985.
When the Controversy Began
The controversy over Secretariat’s official Preakness time goes back to race day in 1973.
The electric timer used at the Preakness clocked a winning time of 1:55, which quickly became a source of controversy when two independent clockers from the Daily Racing Form individually timed the race at 1:53 2/5.
Officials at the Pimlico Race Course admitted that there were “extenuating circumstances” with the electronic timer’s recording and changed Secretariat’s time to 1:54 2/5.
If Secretariat had run the Preakness in 1:53 2/5 he would have set a record at the time, that has been matched but not beaten since. The Racing Commission’s decision to change the time to 1:53 flat gives Secretariat an unmatched best in Preakness Stakes history.
Watch the 1973 Preakness Stakes
What are your thoughts on Secretariat’s record? Let us know below!
**Update**
I'll Have Another has been scratched from the June 9 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) according to trainer Doug O’Neill in an appearance on the syndicated Dan Patrick ESPN radio show June 8. O’Neill said the colt has a tendon injury that could threaten his racing career.
I'll Have Another Triple Crown. Won't You?
That may be a play on words, but it's also thoroughbred racing's answer to one of the longest droughts in the sport's history.
I'll Have Another, winner of 2012 Kentucky Derby® and Preakness Stakes, was installed as the 4-5 morning-line favorite to win the Belmont Stakes and become thoroughbred racing's first Triple Crown champion since 1978.
Trained by Doug O'Neill, I'll Have Another is the fifth horse in ten years and the first since Big Brown in 2008 to win the first two legs of the Triple Crown. Winning the June 9th race at Belmont Park will make him the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed won the honor over 30 years ago.
"We're going to see how the pace sets up," trainer Doug O'Neill said to the Associated Press. "If they're Crawling, hopefully we'll be leading the crawl and if they're flying, hopefully we'll be sitting in behind the horses flying."
I'll Have Another will start form the 11th post in Saturday's Belmont Stakes: a position that's yielded only two Belmont Stakes winners since 1905. But don't tell that to I'll Have Another. In May's Kentucky Derby®, he made history by being the first horse to win the Run for the Roses from the 19th post.
Starting from the 11 position will give jockey Mario Guttierez a chance to survey the other horses during the race. In his two previous wins, Guttierez laid back with I'll Have Another until the final stretch before making his move for the win.
Triple Crown Drought
Since the last Triple Crown winner (Affirmed) in 1978, 12 horses have won both the Kentucky Derby® and Preakness Stakes. Eleven of these horses have failed to win the final leg (excluding I'll Have Another), falling one race short of claiming the Triple Crown. Here is how those 12 horses finished:
| Year |
Horse |
Belmont Stakes Finish |
| 1979 |
Spectacular Bid |
3rd Place |
| 1981 |
Pleasant Colony |
3rd Place |
| 1987 |
Alysheba |
4th Place |
| 1989 |
Sunday Silence |
2nd Place |
| 1997 |
Silver Charm |
2nd Place |
| 1998 |
Real Quiet |
2nd Place |
| 1999 |
Charismatic |
3rd Place |
| 2002 |
War Emblem |
8th Place |
| 2003 |
Funny Cide |
3rd Place |
| 2004 |
Smarty Jones |
2nd Place |
| 2008 |
Big Brown |
DNF |
| 2012 |
I'll Have Another |
? |
Do you think I'll Have Another will end the drought? Tell us your thoughts below!
2012 Belmont Stakes: Starting Positions and Odds
- Street Life (12-1)
- Unstoppable U (30-1)
- Union Rags (6-1)
- Atigun (30-1)
- Dullahan (5-1)
- Ravelo's Boy (50-1)
- Five Sixteen (50-1)
- Guyana Star Dweej (50-1)
- Paynter (8-1)
- Optimizer (20-1)
- I'll Have Another (4-5)
- My Adonis (20-1)
2012 Kentucky Derby
On Saturday, the 138th Kentucky Derby® at Churchill Downs® produced another unlikely champion in the "Run for the Roses." I'll Have Another, a 15-1 long shot, managed a thrilling sprint down the stretch, nosing out odds favorite Bodemeister for the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown.
A record crowd of 165,307 was on hand at Churchill Downs for this year's Kentucky Derby, topping the 164,858 announced last year.
Bodemeister sprinted for the early lead and set a quick opening quarter. He took command of the field after an opening half mile in :45.39 with Trinniberg and Hansen on his heels.
The odds favorite Bodemeister continued his lead going into the first mile in 1:35.19. Only four horses have run faster miles in the Kentucky Derby and it looked as if Bodemeister would go wire-to-wire for the win.
Going into the final turn, Hansen gave chase while I'll Have Another came into the lane four wide. Dullahan and Went the Day Well all closed in on Bodemeister, but it was I'll Have Another who wore down the leader to win the "Run for the Roses."
I'll Have Another will now have an opportunity to try for wins at the Preakness and Belmont Stakes in hopes of becoming the first Triple Crown winner since 1978. Watch the Race»
2012 Kentucky Oaks: History Made!
Sloppy conditions did not stop Believe You Can from capturing the 138th Kentucky Oaks! Ridden by Rosie Npravnik, Believe You Can was engaged in a duel with Broadway's Alibi. Pulling away in the final furlong, Believe You Can captured the $1 million Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks making Napravnik the first female jockey to win the Oaks in its history.
Broadway's Alibi finished second and morning/post line favorite Grace Hall finished third.
Believe You Can is a three-year-old filly by Proud Citizen out of an El Prado (IRE) mare (El Fasto) trained by Larry Jones and owned by former Kentucky Governor Brereton Jones. Watch the Race»
How they Finished
Below is the final racing order of the 2012 Kentucky Derby and Oaks compared to my final projected contenders list:
| 2012 Kentucky Derby Results |
Final Contender Predictions |
2012 Kentucky Oaks Results |
Final Contender Predictions |
| I'll Have Another |
Union Rags |
Believe You Can |
Grace Hall |
| Bodemeister |
Bodemeister |
Broadway's Alibi |
Believe You Can |
| Dullahan |
Gemologist |
Grace Hall |
On Fire Baby |
| Went the Day Well |
Dullahan |
Summer Applause |
Summer Applause |
| Creative Cause |
Creative Cause |
On Fire Baby |
Eden's Moon |
| Liaison |
Hansen |
Hard Not to Like |
Mamma Kimbo |
| Union Rags |
I'll Have Another |
Sacristy |
Karlovy Vary |
| Rousing Sermon |
Daddy Nose Best |
Amie's Dini |
Broadway's Alibi |
| Hansen |
Alpha |
And Why Not |
Yara |
| Daddy Nose Best |
Take Charge Indy |
Jemima's Pearl |
And Why Not |
How did you do with your predictions? Tell us below!
Attend the 2013 Kentucky Derby & Oaks
Want to attend the 2013 Kentucky Derby? Derby Experiences® is proud to be the Official Experience Package Provider to Churchill Downs® for the Kentucky Derby® and the Kentucky Oaks®.Through our partnership with Churchill Downs®, we will provide an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Find my seats now»
Top 10 Contender Picks for the Kentucky Derby®
Updated: May 3, 2012. It is officially Kentucky Derby week! This week's top 10 contenders list compares my top 10 Kentucky Derby® contenders with two expert's picks: John Asher and Loren Hebel-Osborne.
*Unique Pick for Each Analyst
Tweet your top contender for the 2012 Kentucky Derby®»
Breaking Down the Picks
Union Rags is the consensus top pick for the 2012 Kentucky Derby. He is currently second in the overall odds at (9-2), but has been the top overall contender throughout the Derby prep season. He performed very well in his prep races winning three times in his last five races. He had a severe slip in March's Florida Derby, which was the only blemish in his Derby preps. If you haven't selected your pick for this year's Derby, make sure you give Union Rags a strong consideration for Saturday's big race.
The early odds favorite to win this year's Derby is Bodemeister at (4-1). I have him ranked second in my final rankings due to his post position draw yesterday. Bodemeister is in the No. 6 post, where six Kentucky Derby winners have started. Bodemeister, trained by three-time Derby winner Bob Baffert, is the stronger of his two horses, having won the Arkansas Derby by 9 1/2 lengths in the most dominating performance of the Derby prep races.
Dullahan, currently at (8-1) odds, is starting in the 5th post position for this year's Derby. Twelve Kentucky Derby® champions have started out of the fifth post, the most of any post position. Dullahan is coming off a victory at the April 14th Toyota Blue Grass, which was his second win in his Derby preps. With the history of the 5th post position and his recent performance in his Derby preps, Dullahan will be a safe bet in Saturday's Kentucky Derby®.
See the 2012 Kentucky Derby® Post Positions»
See the latest odds for the 2012 Kentucky Derby®»
Post Times are Now Available! Click Here to see the Full Race Schedule»
Kentucky Derby: By the Numbers*
- Approximately 30,000 thoroughbred foals born in the US
- 15,000 ( Half!) will make it in a race but their careers will end before they have a victory
- 10,000 will be good enough to run in an allowance race
- 450 will run in a graded stakes race but not have enough earnings to make it into the Kentucky Derby
- 20 will run
- And, only 1 will win
*Statistics courtesy of the Kentucky Derby Museum
About the Experts
John Asher joined Churchill Downs® in 1997 as a publicist and racing analyst, and moved to his current role as vice president of Racing Communications two years later. Before his arrival at Churchill Downs, Asher earned five media Eclipse Awards for Outstanding National Radio Coverage of Thoroughbred Racing at Louisville radio stations WHAS and WAVG.
Loren Hebel-Osborne maintains an active racing and breeding farm just outside of Louisville. She often serves as a guest speaker and racing analyst for schools, clubs, corporate events and local news stations WHAS-TV and WBKI’s “Louisville Live” for Kentucky Derby® and Breeders’ Cup coverage. Loren also spent 15 years with VISA where she was involved in all aspects of managing its sponsorship of the Triple Crown and the Kentucky Derby®.
Who is your favorite in this year's Kentucky Derby? Share your thoughts below.
Attend the 2013 Kentucky Derby
Want to attend the 2013 Kentucky Derby? Derby Experiences® is proud to be the Official Experience Package Provider to Churchill Downs® for the Kentucky Derby® and the Kentucky Oaks®.Through our partnership with Churchill Downs®, we will provide an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
