Noble Indy among three to clinch Kentucky Derby berths

Mar 26, 2018 Vance Hanson/Brisnet.com

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 in the Risen Star (G2) previously, the Todd Pletcher-trained Noble Indy outlasted Lone Sailor (#9, 42) at Fair Grounds to win by a neck. The victory was worth 100 qualifying points. By virtue of his second-place finish, Lone Sailor also likely clinched a spot in the Kentucky Derby starting field as his point current total is above last year's threshold.

Bravazo (#4, 54) was unplaced in the Louisiana Derby, but is still likely to make the Kentucky Derby field given his 50-point win in the Risen Star. Louisiana Derby third My Boy Jack (#13, 32), however, is likely on the bubble and might need to race once more to ensure he has enough points to make the field at Churchill Downs.

The Kentucky Derby Championship Series preps continue this Saturday with the U.A.E. Derby (G2) at Meydan on the Dubai World Cup undercard, and the Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park later in the afternoon, both at nine furlongs and with points of 100-40-20-10 allotted to the top four finishers.

The U.A.E. Derby field is scheduled to include Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) winner Mendelssohn, while Promises Fulfilled (#5, 52), Strike Power (#20, 20), Catholic Boy (#25, 14), and Audible (#28, 10) are the main candidates for the Florida Derby.

The European Road to the Kentucky Derby concludes Friday with the Burradon Stakes at Newcastle, England, featuring Gronkowski.

(Hodges Photography)