Kentucky Derby News

January 1, 2020

Independence Hall earns first Derby points winning Jerome

He started a bit on the wrong foot, but Independence Hall gave his many backers a big sigh of relief by otherwise dominating Wednesday's $150,000 Jerome S. at Aqueduct, the first 2020 Road to the Kentucky Derby series prep of the year for newly-turned...

January 1, 2020

Baffert, Baltas each enter two in Sham at Santa Anita

The 2020 Road to the Kentucky Derby series continues Saturday when a field of six lines up in the $100,000 Sham (G3) over a mile at Santa Anita.
Named for the 1973 Kentucky Derby runner-up to Secretariat, the Sham unsurprisingly features a dangerous...

Expert picks December 31, 2019

Expert Pick of the Week: The Jerome Stakes

Which Kentucky Derby trail challenger should I bet in the Jerome Stakes?

There are no sure bets in horse racing, but it seems reasonably safe to conclude #3 Independence Hall is going to win the $150,000 Jerome Stakes on New Year’s Day at Aqueduct....

December 29, 2019

Independence Hall begins Derby trail in Jerome

Arguably the most exciting Kentucky Derby (G1) prospect yet to try a points race, Independence Hall will rectify that situation in Wednesday’s $150,000 Jerome at Aqueduct.
The unbeaten colt was last seen romping by 12 1/4 lengths in the November...

December 27, 2019

Dave Erb, Kentucky Derby-winning jockey aboard Needles, dead at 95

Dave Erb, who rode Hall of Fame champion Needles to victory in the 1956 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, died Nov. 22 at the age of 95. The news was first reported by BloodHorse.com on Dec. 27, sourcing the Jockeys Guild and a member of the Erb family.
The...

December 19, 2019

Mr. Prospector Stakes Study Guide

Who is running in the Mr. Prospector Stakes?
A small, but superb, field of six will vie in Saturday’s $100,000 Mr. Prospector Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park. The seven-furlong feature has attracted two of the top sprinters in the world, as well...

Horse Profile December 19, 2019

Road to the Kentucky Derby Horse Profile: Shoplifted

Grandview Equine, Cheyenne Stables and LNJ Foxwoods’ Shoplifted earned 10 points on the 2020 Road to the Kentucky Derby with a game tally in the $400,000 Springboard Mile Stakes at Remington Park on Dec. 15. The Steve Asmussen charge was a head...

Expert picks December 19, 2019

Expert Pick of the Week: Mr. Prospector Stakes

Two of the world’s top sprint performers headline a compact field of six in Saturday’s $100,000 Mr. Prospector (G3) at Gulfstream Park. The seven-eighths dash on the dirt has a Grade 1-caliber cast, and it will take a fine performance to come...

December 18, 2019

Vacation up in time in Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun

The second scoring race on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby, Wednesday’s Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun at Kawasaki, served up a thrilling finish as Vacation just caught Iolite on the wire. Rallying furiously in deep stretch, the once-beaten colt surged...

December 16, 2019

Shoplifted bags Springboard Mile

The only runner in Sunday night’s $400,000 Springboard Mile with experience at the Grade 1 level, Shoplifted, called on that class edge to prevail in the Kentucky Derby (G1) points race at Remington Park.
The Steve Asmussen trainee had flashed...

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