The Road To The Derby

The Road to the Kentucky Derby is a series of select races that award a sliding scale of points to the Top 4 finishers. This has determined preference for the 20-horse Kentucky Derby (Grade I) field since 2013. The 1 ¼-mile classic for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds will be run at the historic Louisville, Kentucky racetrack for the 148th consecutive year on Saturday, May 7th, 2022. As was … Continue reading The Road To The Derby

Derby Dreaming

It’s never too early. Kentucky Derby fever starts minutes after Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Winner crosses the finish line. Between now and the actual Run For The Roses horseplayers worldwide are looking for the diamond in the rough, which could lead to a life-changing Winning payoff the first Saturday in May. That said, here are a few ways in which to identify Derby contenders that are … Continue reading Derby Dreaming

2022 Kentucky Derby Art

Today Churchill Downs released the 2022 Official Art of the Kentucky Derby by Kentucky artist Aimee Griffith. This is the sixth year in a row that Churchill Downs has, fittingly, tapped a Kentucky artist for this honor. Griffith, who was born and raised in Bardstown and resides in Lexington, utilizes watercolor as her primary medium because of the luminosity, the gradients and unexpected nature of … Continue reading 2022 Kentucky Derby Art

Baffert v NYRA

The Lance Armstrong of Thoroughbred trainers will finally have his day in court. The official hearing for Bob Baffert’s potential suspension from New York Racing Association tracks will begin on January 24th. That date was decided today during the initial meeting between NYRA and Baffert’s attorneys. Today’s meeting was presided over by O. Peter Sherwood, the retired New York State Supreme Court justice serving as … Continue reading Baffert v NYRA

Breeders’ Cup At Saratoga?

On Monday we talked about this years Breeders’ Cup Championships, and how the end-of-year event rotates each season to different iconic racing venues. This year being Del Mar. So this begs the question- why hasn’t the oldest race course in America ever hosted this extravaganza? That’s right, Saratoga has never been home to the Breeders’ Cup. The charm, beauty and the atmosphere at The Spa … Continue reading Breeders’ Cup At Saratoga?

Advance Deposit Wagering

The COVID-19 pandemic touched every aspect American life. In the grand scheme of things wagering on horse racing rightfully took  a backseat over the past year and a half to the essential tasks we all focused on to keep ourselves and our families safe and help our neighbors as much as possible. Throughout the pandemic those who are passionate about horse racing had to pursue other … Continue reading Advance Deposit Wagering

New York Racing Association Sends A Message

The Belmont Stakes is Saturday, June 5th. Trainer Bob Baffert had not committed any horses to run in the third leg of the Triple Crown. He did however consider entering other horses in his barn in various races on the card that day. But not so fast Baffy. The New York Racing Association has stepped in to quell the idea of any Baffert horses running … Continue reading New York Racing Association Sends A Message

Derby Disqualification ?

Kentucky Derby Winner MEDINA SPIRIT failed a postrace drug test. The colt’s blood sample was found to be in violation of the state’s medication protocols for racehorses. Trainer Bob Baffert said his horse tested positive for the steroid betamethasone. Rules in the state of Kentucky limits the use of the steroid to 14 days or more before a race. Any level of detection on race … Continue reading Derby Disqualification ?

Funky Colt Medina

Entering the Kentucky Derby MEDINA SPIRIT had two Wins and three 2nd place finishes. His speed as well as his connections made him out to be a solid competitor- on paper. However back-to-back races in which he was well-beaten made him difficult to back as a Win contender. MEDINA SPIRIT seemed like a horse that could run a solid race – because he always shows … Continue reading Funky Colt Medina

All Hail Johnny V

A mere ten years ago the racing world wondered if the two-time Eclipse Award-Winning rider John Velazquez would break through and Win his first Kentucky Derby. Now the question is, how many more Victories will the four-time Derby Winner earn? There may be younger jockeys who Win more races day in and day out, but there is no current rider who is better in a big race … Continue reading All Hail Johnny V