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Nest installed 5-2 favorite in 14-filly Kentucky Oaks
Nest, dominating winner of the Ashland (G1), has been installed the 5-2 favorite for the 148th running of the Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs on Friday.
Racing
White Abarrio: Kentucky Derby contender profile
White Abarrio will be the most accomplished Kentucky Derby (G1) runner from Florida, having recorded wins in the Florida Derby (G1) and Holy Bull (G3), and the gray Kentucky-bred colt ran well when making his two-turn debut in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs last fall.
Racing
Zandon: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Zandon exits an impressive win in the Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland, closing last-to-first in the final three furlongs to score going away by 2 1/2 lengths.
Racing
Kentucky Derby and Oaks Roundup: May 2, 2022
The month of May is underway, and the first Saturday of the month is rapidly approaching. You know what that means: the 2022 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) are just around the corner.
Racing
Summer Is Tomorrow: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Summer Is Tomorrow carried his speed to a runner-up finish in the UAE Derby (G2), earning a Kentucky Derby (G1) berth in his first two-turn start.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's Top 5 contenders to watch for the 2022 Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby (G1) is less than one week away, and post positions are slated to be drawn in less than 24 hours. Here’s where I’m currently leaning with my top five contenders:
Racing
Ranking the major 2022 Kentucky Derby prep races
In advance of the 2022 Kentucky Derby (G1), eight top-tier prep races were contested, each awarding 100 qualification points to the winner. But which ones will prove most influential?
Racing
2022 Kentucky Derby jockey profile: Rafael Bejarano
The career of Rafael Bejarano can be roughly divided into three stages: his rise in Kentucky, his dominance in California, and his return to Kentucky.
Racing
2022 Kentucky Derby jockey profile: Luis Saez
The rise of jockey Luis Saez has been meteoric. Ever since he started riding, Saez has been a force to reckon with.
Racing
2022 Kentucky Derby jockey profile: Ricardo Santana
It’s safe to say Ricardo Santana is a jockey on the rise. The 29-year-old from Panama has made almost uninterrupted progress since September 2009.
Racing
2022 Kentucky Derby Jockey Profile: Julien Leparoux
Since the Eclipse Awards were created in 1971, only four jockeys have earned both the Outstanding Apprentice Jockey and Outstanding Jockey titles. The most recent is Julien Leparoux.
Racing
2022 Kentucky Derby Jockey Profile: John Velazquez
Across the long history of the Kentucky Derby (G1), only 11 jockeys have won the coveted race on three or more occasions. The latest to join the club is John Velazquez.
Racing
2022 Kentucky Derby Jockey Profile: Tyler Gaffalione
One of the hottest young jockeys in North America is Tyler Gaffalione. He's been on fire since riding his first race in 2014, rising steadily through the ranks to emerge as a national star.
Racing
2022 Kentucky Derby jockey profile: Mike Smith
Ask any horse racing fan to compile a list of North America’s all-time greatest jockeys, and chances are Mike Smith will feature prominently in the rankings.
Racing
2022 Kentucky Derby jockey profile: Jose Ortiz
If you’re looking for a jockey with a strong but unheralded record riding 1 1/4 miles on dirt—the conditions of the legendary Kentucky Derby (G1)—look no further than Jose Ortiz.
Racing
2022 Kentucky Derby Jockey Profile: Joel Rosario
Few North American jockeys have enjoyed greater or more sustained success over the last decade than Joel Rosario.
Racing
2022 Kentucky Derby jockey profile: Irad Ortiz Jr.
There’s a reason why Irad Ortiz has won three Eclipse Awards for outstanding jockey. Simply put… he’s an outstanding jockey.
Racing
2022 Kentucky Derby jockey profile: Florent Geroux
Normally, one doesn’t expect to see an apprentice jockey from France shift his tack to the U.S. and carve out a career riding elite dirt horses. Yet that’s exactly the path Florent Geroux has taken.
Racing
2022 Kentucky Derby jockey profile: Flavien Prat
Quick quiz: which jockey (with a little help from track stewards) pulled off the second-biggest upset in the history of the Kentucky Derby?
Racing
2022 Kentucky Derby jockey profile: Corey Lanerie
The shortest path around a racetrack is the inside rail, and few jockeys have capitalized on this advantage as thoroughly as Corey Lanerie.
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2022 Kentucky Derby jockey profile: Brian Hernandez
From standout apprentice to accomplished journeyman, Brian Hernandez has been as consistent a jockey as you’ll ever hope to find.
Racing
Taiba: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Following a smashing win in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), Taiba will try to become the first three-year-old to win the Kentucky Derby in his third start since Leonatus in 1883.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Field 2022: A look at the jockeys
Below we look at each jockey named to ride in the current 20-horse field of the 2022 Kentucky Derby and highlight a few who could cross the finish line first on May 7 at Churchill Downs.
Racing
Messier: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Messier will bring excellent form to the Kentucky Derby, after recording a 15-length win in the Robert B. Lewis (G3) and a runner-up in the Santa Anita Derby (G1).
Racing
Happy Jack: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Happy Jack exits a pair of fast races, the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and San Felipe (G2), and he earned enough points to qualify for the Kentucky Derby by finishing a non-threatening third in both.
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Smile Happy: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Smile Happy was favored among individual entrants in the first four Kentucky Derby Future Wagers.
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Mo Donegal: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Mo Donegal utilized a tremendous late kick to win the Wood Memorial (G2), reeling in a classy loose-on-the-lead rival to prevail by a head, and the bay Kentucky-bred registered a whopping 111 Brisnet Speed and 121 Late Pace figure for the career-best effort.
Racing
Crown Pride: Kentucky Derby contender profile
The fourth Japanese horse to ship over the Kentucky Derby, UAE Derby (G2) hero Crown Pride is the country’s most formidable challenger to date.
Racing
The longest running sporting events in the U.S.
To understand just how long the Kentucky Derby has been a focal point in American culture, let's compare its unprecedented tenure to 10 of the longest-running major sporting events in the U.S.
Racing
Epicenter: Kentucky Derby contender profile
The probable Kentucky Derby favorite, Epicenter exits a pair of resounding wins in the Louisiana Derby (G2) and Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds.
Racing
Classic Causeway: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Classic Causeway appeared well on his way to the Kentucky Derby when opening the year with a pair of convincing wins in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) and Sam F. Davis (G3), but the speedy colt faltered when stretching out to 1 1/8 miles in the Florida Derby (G1).
Racing
Charge It: Kentucky Derby contender profile
A runaway wire-to-wire maiden winner the second time out in mid-February, Charge It switched tactics and stamped his Kentucky Derby ticket with a rallying second in the Florida Derby (G1).
Racing
2022 Kentucky Derby News & Notes
The Kentucky Derby news & notes offers all of our coverage cultivated in one place! Stay up to date with all relevant Derby information!
Racing
Brisnet Speed Rating report for 2022 Kentucky Derby
Analyst James Scully uses Brisnet Speed ratings to handicap the Kentucky Derby. Triple-digit Speed ratings have been a common trait for Kentucky Derby winners.
Racing
Racing Roundtable: Older females and the Kentucky Derby
TwinSpires.com editors James Scully, Kellie Reilly, and Vance Hanson review the action that was and look ahead at what will be in this week's Racing Roundtable.
Racing
Kentucky Derby and Oaks Roundup: April 25, 2022
Less than two weeks remain until the 2022 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) take place at Churchill Downs.
Racing
Un Ojo: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Un Ojo sprung a 75-1 upset in February’s Rebel (G2) at Oaklawn Park to earn a Kentucky Derby berth, and the late-running dark bay will try to rebound from a troubled trip in the Arkansas Derby (G1).
Racing
Brisnet Late Pace Rating report for 2022 Kentucky Derby
A handicapping tool for the Kentucky Derby, Brisnet Late Pace ratings measure how fast a horse ran from the second call of a race to the wire.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Pioneer of Medina
Fourth in the Risen Star S. (G2) and third in the Louisiana Derby (G2), Pioneer of Medina is coming to hand just in time to take a tilt at the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: In Due Time
In Due Time placed second in the Fountain of Youth S. (G2) and third in the Lexington S. (G3) to earn a spot in the Kentucky Derby (G1) starting gate.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Ethereal Road
So far, Ethereal Road has shown promise as a dirt horse, hitting the board in the Rebel S. (G2) and Lexington S. (G3) to qualify for the Kentucky Derby. But might he actually be a turf horse at heart?
Racing
Kentucky Derby International Scouting Report: Summer Is Tomorrow
UAE Derby (G2) runner-up Summer Is Tomorrow figures to make an impact on the Kentucky Derby pace scenario, but can the Dubai shipper stick around for the finish?
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Happy Jack
From a pedigree perspective, there’s little to dislike about the Kentucky Derby (G1) chances of Happy Jack.
Racing
Catching The Eye: Turnerloose ahead of The Kentucky Oaks
Analyst Kevin Kilroy takes a look at Turnerloose ahead of The Kentucky Oaks.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Barber Road
Barber Road has the pedigree to handle the 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby (G1). But is he bred to peak on the first Saturday in May?
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Summer Is Tomorrow
It’s been fascinating to watch Summer Is Tomorrow develop into an accomplished dirt horse, considering his pedigree is geared strongly toward success on turf.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Charge It
One of the most beautifully bred horses qualified to compete in the 2022 Kentucky Derby (G1) is Charge It, who boasts some of the most productive bloodlines in modern pedigrees.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Zozos
It’s no wonder why Zozos employed pacesetting tactics to finish second in the Louisiana Derby (G2) and qualify for the Kentucky Derby (G1). His pedigree is full of fast horses and speed influences.
Racing
Free Past Performances: Kentucky Derby Leaders 2022 Printable Download
In search of free information for betting the Kentucky Derby? TwinSpires has your back with past performances for our early Road to the Kentucky Derby point leaders!
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Tawny Port
Versatility has been a strong suit for Lexington S. (G3) winner Tawny Port, and it's easy to see why when you review his pedigree.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Taiba
It’s been remarkable to witness the rapid transformation of Taiba from an unraced three-year-old into a serious Kentucky Derby (G1) contender.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Zandon
After placing in his first two starts on the Kentucky Derby trail, Zandon unleashed an explosive rally to dominate the Blue Grass S. (G1) and stamp his credentials as a serious Kentucky Derby threat.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree profile: Messier
Robert B. Lewis S. (G3) winner Messier has shown flashes of serious talent on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. And rest assured, he has the pedigree to be a serious player in the spring classics.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Epicenter
Does Epicenter have the pedigree to succeed in the Kentucky Derby (G1)? His pedigree, though stout, gives off some mixed signals.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Mo Donegal
At the end of 2010, trainer Todd Pletcher headed into winter with Kentucky Derby (G1) favorite Uncle Mo in his barn. Now he's back with Uncle Mo's son, Mo Donegal.
Racing
Kentucky Derby and Oaks Roundup: April 18, 2022
After seven months of action, the Road to the Kentucky Derby and the Road to the Kentucky Oaks are complete. All the prep races have been run, and all the qualifying points have been dispersed.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: White Abarrio
Pedigree handicapping can be a challenge, particularly when there’s limited data to interpret. Such is the case with White Abarrio, winner of the Holy Bull S. (G3) and Florida Derby (G1).
Racing
Scully: Keeneland spot plays for April 16
Saturday’s $400,000 Lexington S. (G3) marks the last opportunity for Kentucky Derby hopefuls, awarding points on a 20-8-4-2 scale to the top four, and three entrants (Ethereal Road, In Due Time, and Tawny Port) can guarantee themselves a berth in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series qualifier.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2022 Lexington Stakes
A well-matched field of 11 three-year-olds will run 1 1/16 miles on the dirt at Keeneland in Saturday’s Lexington S. (G3).
Racing
Major contenders emerge from final round of Kentucky Derby preps
The final round of prep races did not disappoint, as Mo Donegal, Taiba, and Zandon all established themselves as serious Kentucky Derby win contenders.
Racing
Racing Roundtable: Who to buy and sell for the Kentucky Derby
With the fields for the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) beginning to solidify, James Scully, Kellie Reilly, and Vance Hanson chime in this week with their early thoughts on both races.
Racing
Kentucky Derby and Oaks Roundup: April 11, 2022
Less than four weeks remain until the fabled first Saturday in May, and action on the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks trails has been intense. Let’s catch up on the latest news and notes.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Flashback: 2012 I'll Have Another [VIDEO]
Trainer Doug O'Neill and owner J. Paul Reddam discuss the thrill of I'll Have Another running in the 2012 Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem April 11, 2022
Jason Beem looks back at some of his favorite moments from the weekend.
Racing
Epicenter closes as 9-2 favorite in 2022 Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 5
The fifth and final pool of the 2022 Kentucky Derby Future Wager ended at 4:30 p.m. (ET) Saturday, before three major preps – the Wood Memorial (G2), Blue Grass (G1), and Santa Anita Derby (G1) – were held. That might have helped Epicenter, who had completed his Kentucky Derby resume with a track-record victory in the March 26 Louisiana Derby (G2), close as the 9-2 favorite.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2022 Santa Anita Derby
A compact, but especially talented, field of six sophomores will contest the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1) on Saturday.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2022 Wood Memorial Stakes
An octet of talented three-year-olds will vie in the $750,000 Wood Memorial S. (G2) at Aqueduct on Saturday.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2022 Blue Grass Stakes
A fantastic field of 12 three-year-olds will run 1 1/8 miles on the dirt at Keeneland in Saturday’s $1 million Blue Grass S. (G1).
Racing
Scully, Hanson selections for Pool 5 of Kentucky Derby Future Wager
Pool 5 of the 2022 Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW) this week will have special opening and closing times. The pool opens Thursday at noon (ET) and closes Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Flashback: 1992 with Lil E Tee [VIDEO]
Lil E Tee's jockey Pat Day, plus Churchill Down's own Darren Rogers, Chris Goodlett and Barry Northern, comment on the hype behind Arazi and how jockey Pat Day guided Lil E Tee to a win!
Racing
Kentucky Derby International Scouting Report: Crown Pride
Since Japan’s first-ever wins in the Breeders’ Cup last November, their flagbearers have continued to rack up trophies in major international meetings, adding four on Saudi Cup Day and five on the Dubai World Cup card. Can the Kentucky Derby (G1) be next?
Racing
Pool 5 of 2022 Kentucky Derby Future Wager to close before final preps Saturday
The field for the final pool of the 2022 Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW) has been announced by Churchill Downs, but there will be a new twist for bettors to consider in their approach this week.
Racing
Kentucky Derby and Oaks Roundup: April 4, 2022
Barely more than one month remains until the Kentucky Derby (G1) on the first Saturday in May. The Kentucky Oaks (G1), held one day prior, is also rapidly approaching.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Cyberknife
Although Cyberknife showed promise at age two, the chestnut colt has improved by leaps and bounds as a three-year-old, as his 2 3/4-length victory in the Arkansas Derby (G1) indicates.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2022 Arkansas Derby
An excellent field of nine three-year-olds has been entered for the $1.25 million Arkansas Derby (G2) at Oaklawn Park on Saturday.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2022 Jeff Ruby Steaks
An overflow field of 13 sophomores will vie in Saturday’s $600,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at Turfway Park.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2022 Florida Derby
A competitive field of 11 three-year-olds will run 1 1/8 miles on the dirt at Gulfstream Park in Saturday’s $1 million Florida Derby (G1).
Racing
Recent trends in the Florida Derby
The history of the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) is replete with horses of the highest class, and the Gulfstream Park fixture has been a strong harbinger for success in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Trends
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Crown Pride
After driving to a 2 3/4-length triumph in the UAE Derby (G2) at Meydan in Dubai, Crown Pride is poised to become only the second Japanese-bred horse to compete in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Racing
Kentucky Derby and Oaks Roundup: March 28, 2022
Spring has officially arrived, and we can practically smell the roses on the first Saturday in May. Let’s catch up on the latest news and notes on the Derby and Oaks trails.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2022 Sunland Derby & Meet the Contenders
A field of eight three-year-olds will run 1 1/8 miles on the dirt in Sunday’s $500,000 Sunland Park Derby (G3).
Racing
Louisiana Derby Contenders, Betting Guide & Tipsheet
Meet the Contenders for the 2022 Louisiana Derby
Racing
Recent trends in the Louisiana Derby
Here are three trends since 2010 worth noting about the $1 million Louisiana Derby (G2).
Racing
Recent trends in the Sunland Park Derby
With just nine editions since 2010 to look at, here are recent trends in the Sunland Park Derby (G3) worth noting.
Racing
Kentucky Derby and Oaks Roundup: March 21, 2022
With less than seven weeks remaining until the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1), the final rounds of qualifiers are about to begin.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Bright Future impresses with debut romp
With seven weeks remaining, there’s still time—albeit not much—for horses to break their maidens, squeeze into final-round prep races, and qualify to the Derby.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Mar. 21, 2022
Sunday we’ll have the Sunland Derby, which will be run for the first time since 2019.
Racing
D. Wayne Lukas the best asset for fillies in Kentucky Derby preps
Last week's news that Secret Oath would face males in next month's Arkansas Derby (G1) puts us one step closer toward potentially seeing a filly compete in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Racing
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Mar. 17, 2022
Jason Beem talks about the current Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Racing Roundtable: Tampa Bay Derby and Azeri Stakes
With the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) and Azeri (G2) highlighting last weekend's action, James Scully, Kellie Reilly, and Vance Hanson are back with reactions to those races and more.
Racing
Kentucky Derby and Oaks Roundup: March 14, 2022
Spring is fast approaching, and so is the Kentucky Derby (G1). On March 18, we’ll reach a milestone marker: 50 days remaining until the first Saturday in May.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Triple Crown nominees Fenwick, Kuchar post victories
Eight weeks out from the Kentucky Derby (G1), potential Run for the Roses candidates are still busy breaking their maidens at racetracks across the country.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Mar. 14, 2022
This past weekend was my first time getting to call Tampa Bay Downs’ signature race and what a day it was start to finish.
Racing
Smile Happy 6-1 individual choice in KDFW Pool 4; Echo Zulu favored in Oaks Future Wager
Smile Happy closed as the 6-1 individual favorite in Pool 4 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager, and Echo Zulu was the overall 5-2 choice in the Kentucky Oaks Future Wager.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2022 Tampa Bay Derby
An intriguing field of 12 sophomores has been entered for the $400,000 Tampa Bay Derby (G2) on Saturday.
Racing
Scully, Hanson plays for Kentucky Derby and Oaks Future Wagers
James Scully and Vance Hanson have reached a consensus on an individual entry they like in the KDFW and both offer a bonus contender they're interested in backing this weekend in both pools.
Racing
Recent trends in the Tampa Bay Derby
Here are three trends in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) since 2010 worth noting.
Racing
Fields for Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 4, Kentucky Oaks Future Wager
#10 Forbidden Kingdom, winner last weekend of the San Felipe (G2) at Santa Anita, has been installed as the 5-1 morning line choice in Pool 4 of the 2022 Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW).
Racing