The Kentucky Derby is less than two weeks away. The potential field of twenty is still unclear, but the likely starters are coming more into focus with each passing day. Word came Saturday that two horses on the points leaderboard were pulled from contention: CONCERT TOUR and CROWDED TRADE, both of whom will now aim toward the May 15th Preakness. Those defections allowed O BESOS and … Continue reading Derby Lineup…For Now
The 147th edition of the Kentucky Derby is back where it belongs on the 2021 Triple Crown calendar- the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Churchill to postpone the first jewel of the Triple Crown to September. It marked the first time since 1945 that the race was not held on the first Saturday in May. This year’s Kentucky … Continue reading Derby Fun Facts
The Kentucky Derby is less than three weeks away. It is the most watched horse race of the year in the United States, and is widely considered one of the most important sporting events in the country. Yet there are some people who don’t know a whole lot about horse racing or the Triple Crown. And that’s okay, the Daily Racing Blog is here to … Continue reading Kentucky Derby Primer
Here is the current top ten point earners on The Road To The Kentucky Derby, along with their trainers. Don’t panic if you don’t see your Derby favorite listed here. Four weeks of prep races remain and the point-reward scale is increasing. We are seven weeks removed from the Kentucky Derby. That means there is still time to garner points in order to gain entry … Continue reading Derby Points Leaders
Although the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park dates back to 1961, its significance as a Prep Race for the Kentucky Derby has increased by leaps and bounds since the turn of the century Held annually in the middle of March, the Rebel awards Kentucky Derby qualification points to the top four finishers in a 50-20-10-5 basis, which essentially guarantees the Winner a spot in the gate … Continue reading Rebel With A Cause
The 147th running of the Kentucky Derby is scheduled for May 1st, 2021. The health and safety of the entire racing community at Churchill Downs is the primary concern this year. Churchill Downs Inc. (which operates the facility) remains focused on following sound and proven health and safety protocols as they work toward the best experience possible for horse racing fans. They are working under … Continue reading The Derby & Covid Part 2
A.P. INDY was seemingly born to greatness. He was sired by Triple Crown Winner SEATTLE SLEW. His successful dam (mother), WEEKEND SURPRISE, was no surprise, as she was sired by SECRETARIAT, another Triple Crown Champion. Wealthy, ambitious owners will pay massive sums for such regal bloodlines, so it was no surprise that Japanese owner Tomonori Tsurumaki went to $2.9 million dollars before the auctioneer’s hammer … Continue reading A.P. INDY
SODASHI became the first pure white horse to Win a Japanese Grade 1 race when the 2-year-old daughter of the gray American-bred KUROFUNE Won Sunday’s 72nd running of the $1.3-million Hanshin Juvenile Fillies Stakes at Hanshin Racecourse. Ridden by Hayato Yoshida, and trained by Naosuke Sugai, she nosed out SATONO REINAS and CHRISOPHE LEMAIRE. SODASHI covered the one mile turf course in 1:32.40. The Win … Continue reading White Lightning
Nick Zito grew up near Aqueduct Racetrack. His father would take him to the track as a young lad. But back in the day there were age restrictions on admission to the track. So the elder Zito would leave young Nicholas with a friend of his, who just happened to be a security guard at the Big A. It was there and then that Zito … Continue reading A Classic New York Bred
As teenagers, some youngsters tend to think the world is theirs for the taking. Not so for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. Mr. Mott did not dream big as a youth. “I was 18 years old and hauling horses around in a two-horse trailer to the bush tracks,” recalled the native of Mobridge, South Dakota. “I never imagined training for anybody else other than … Continue reading Mr. Bill Mott
