Derby Preps

The 2024 Kentucky Derby is a mere 4 months away, and the Derby preps will be coming hard and fast now- leading up to the first Saturday in May. Beginning in 2013, the Kentucky Derby prep races were officially bundled under the banner of The Road To The Kentucky Derby. Known fondly as the Derby Trail, the introduction of the prep series has led to a … Continue reading Derby Preps

The Kentucky Bunbury ?

There is no horse race more iconic in the United States than the Kentucky Derby. The race has been contested every year without a miss since 1875. Held at Churchill Downs, the prestigious race is the first leg of the Triple Crown and is often considered to be the one race that everyone involved in the sport would like to Win. But where did the Kentucky Derby get its famous moniker? The Kentucky part … Continue reading The Kentucky Bunbury ?

AFFIRMED & ALYDAR

There are a lot of so-called rivalries in sports.  But there are few whose status lives on and can stand up to the test of time.  It is one small three letter word that is the barometer for these athletic battles that grow more legendary with each passing generation.  That word? AND.  It’s just that simple.  Whenever you cannot name one participant without the reflexive action … Continue reading AFFIRMED & ALYDAR

A.P. INDY- What If ?

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. Good gosh, talk about royal progeny. 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 fell at the Keeneland July yearling … Continue reading A.P. INDY- What If ?

Triple Crown Fascination

There’s one horseracing term that immediately inspires respect, and even awe from people within the racing industry, long-time railbirds, and even from those with little knowledge of the sport – the Triple Crown. The difficulty of capturing the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, at three different distances, on three tracks, all in the span of five weeks can not be overstated. That task is such a tall … Continue reading Triple Crown Fascination

A Funny (Cide) Thing Happened

One of the most popular racehorses of this century has passed away. The 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes Winner FUNNY CIDE died due to complications of colic at 23 years old. The son of DISTORTED HUMOR who ran out of Sackatoga Stables Won $3,529,412 in 38 starts. The gelding retired in 2007 with a record of 11-6-8 for trainer Barclay Tagg. Undefeated as a 2-year-old, New … Continue reading A Funny (Cide) Thing Happened

Mott To Train RICH STRIKE

The 2022 Kentucky Derby Winner RICH STRIKE is moving on up. The one-hit-wonder will join the stable of Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott when the colt returns from a short break from racing. Eric Reed had been the trainer for RICH STRIKE since he claimed him from a $30,000 Maiden Claiming race at Churchill Downs in September 2021. In his most recent start, the 4-year-old son of KEEN ICE … Continue reading Mott To Train RICH STRIKE

Preakness Tips & Trends

The $1.5 million, Grade 1 Preakness Stakes at Pimlico follows (in a normal year) the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby as the second leg of the Triple Crown series- taking place just two weeks after the fabled first jewel of the Triple Crown at Churchill Downs. But handicappers (should) know that they need a different approach to this race, just fourteen days removed from the Run For The Roses. The … Continue reading Preakness Tips & Trends

Kentucky Derby Recap

The big story leading up to the Run For The Roses was the horses who weren’t competing in the Derby. Two of the favorites—FORTE and PRACTICAL MOVE as well as LORD MILES, CONTINUAR and SKINNER—were all scratched for varying reasons. FORTE was the prohibitive favorite at 3-1 but was removed from the race just hours before the start with a bruised right front foot. It … Continue reading Kentucky Derby Recap

Who Wins The Kentucky Derby ?

It has been a bizarre week in Louisville, and those that follow the sport are aware of all that has happened. And be it good or bad, thoroughbred racing takes the international spotlight Saturday at Churchill Downs. More than 150,000 people are expected to attend the 149th Kentucky Derby while millions more watch the race on a national television broadcast in the U.S. and through other outlets … Continue reading Who Wins The Kentucky Derby ?