Who Wins The Alabama ?

The inaugural Alabama Stakes was held in 1872. To this day it continues to be one of the most important races in the 3-year-old filly division.  Here is a brief look at Saturday’s field: 1. MARGIE’S INTENTION [ML 8-1] Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr. Trainer: Brad Cox. Since stretching out to a mile for her second race after an unplaced finish in her career sprint debut, she … Continue reading Who Wins The Alabama ?

Kentucky Derby Coffee

As you are all very much aware, the 2025 edition of the Kentucky Derby is a mere 12 days away- Saturday May 3rd. That said, it’s certainly not too early to begin planning for your Derby weekend. On the morning of the Kentucky Oaks why not start your Friday with some wonderful gourmet coffee from Saratoga Cool Beans? More specifically how about a cup of … Continue reading Kentucky Derby Coffee

Rachel Alexandra Stakes

The Risen Star Stakes is the feature race at Fairgrounds on Saturday. But the undercard has the Rachel Alexandra Stakes in which the Winner is awarded 50 qualifying points toward a spot in the Kentucky Oaks. Here is a brief look at the field for the Grade 2, $300,000 dollar, mile & 1/16 contest: 1. ANONIMA [ML 6-1] Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr. Trainer: Ken McPeek. Has … Continue reading Rachel Alexandra Stakes

Baffert Back At Churchill

BARNES an unraced 2-year-old colt has been entered by trainer Bob Baffert in a 5 ½-furlong Maiden Special Weight sprint at Churchill Downs next Wednesday (11/27). The start will be Baffert’s first at the Louisville track since Churchill Downs announced in July of this year that it was lifting their imposed three-year suspension. This was the moratorium that kept the trainer from racing in the … Continue reading Baffert Back At Churchill

Road Work Ahead

The Road to the Kentucky Derby is under going a bit of construction in 2025, but there will be no delays. The $500,000 dollar Virginia Derby held at 1 1/8 miles will be run on March 15th during a special four-day spring meet at Colonial Downs. The contest has been added to the Road to the Kentucky Derby Championship Series. The series consists of select … Continue reading Road Work Ahead

Why No Stewards Inquiry?

It seems as though the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission stewards judge the Derby differently than they would an Allowance race on Thursday afternoon. There was obvious bumping in the stretch run between runner-up SIERRA LEONE and 3rd-place finisher FOREVER YOUNG and the actions of Tyler Gaffalione aboard SIERRA LEONE as the wire approached – appearing to straight-arm FOREVER YOUNG like a running back shedding a … Continue reading Why No Stewards Inquiry?

MYSTIK DAN Preakness Bound?

On Sunday Ken McPeek, trainer of MYSTIK DAN said that a decision might not be made until entries are taken for the 149th running of the Preakness Stakes (G1). Those entries are due on May 13th. So not until then will we know if the 2024 Derby Winner will journey over to Maryland. But on Monday, McPeek sounded a bit more optimistic that his colt- … Continue reading MYSTIK DAN Preakness Bound?

Derby Purse Increases

This years Kentucky Derby is Saturday, May 4th. It is the 150th anniversary for the landmark event.  So it stands to reason that this year’s milestone race will be the richest in the history of America’s greatest race. The 2024 Kentucky Derby purse has been elevated to a guaranteed $5 million. The substantial $2 million increase to the 1 ¼-mile race for for 3-year-olds highlights a … Continue reading Derby Purse Increases

Kentucky Derby & Bourbon

Churchill Downs Incorporated announced on Monday that Churchill Downs Racetrack has renewed its relationship Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon. The agreement ensures that Woodford Reserve will be the presenting sponsor of the Kentucky Derby through 2027. Woodford Reserve has been the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby since 1999 and the presenting sponsor for the past four years. “We are thrilled to welcome back Woodford Reserve … Continue reading Kentucky Derby & Bourbon

Prep Amendments

In our previous column we wrote about Kentucky Derby Prep races and the point system used to gain entry in order to run on the first Saturday in May. Well, we forgot to mention the minor adjustments that were made to said system last September. Churchill Downs Racetrack officials made slight modifications to the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Points will now be awarded to … Continue reading Prep Amendments