Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Tiztastic

Sun Mar 23 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Of all the horses taking aim at the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1), Tiztastic boasts one of the most interesting pedigrees.
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Final Gambit

Sun Mar 23 2025J. Keeler Johnson

A terrific homestretch rally allowed Final Gambit to overcome a bumping start and dominate the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), his Road to the Kentucky Derby debut.
STUDY: Consolidation of sire lines among leading Thoroughbred stallions

Thu Mar 20 2025J. Keeler Johnson

The landscape of Thoroughbred breeding in the United States has changed since the turn of the century.
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: American Promise

Sun Mar 16 2025J. Keeler Johnson

A 7 3/4-length demolition of the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs launched American Promise into the Kentucky Derby (G1) picture.
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Owen Almighty

Sun Mar 09 2025J. Keeler Johnson

We know Owen Almighty has speed. But does he have the necessary stamina to win over 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Flood Zone

Sun Mar 02 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Are one-turn miles destined to be Flood Zone’s strong suit, or can he shine racing 1 1/4 miles around two turns in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
STUDY: How Thoroughbred sire line success rates vary by racing surface

Tue Feb 25 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Do descendants of Northern Dancer, Mr. Prospector, and Bold Ruler exhibit surface preferences depending on which sire line they hail from? Let’s crunch some numbers and find out.
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Luxor Cafe

Mon Feb 24 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Luxor Cafe, a Triple Crown nominee based in Japan, could have Kentucky Derby (G1) aspirations after winning the Hyacinth S. and Fukuryu S. on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: California Burrito

Mon Feb 24 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Switching back to dirt for the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) shouldn’t be a concern for California Burrito. But can he handle the Derby’s 1 1/4-mile distance?
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Getaway Car

Mon Feb 17 2025J. Keeler Johnson

A brief glance at the pedigree of Sunland Park Derby winner Getaway Car might lead to the conclusion he’s bred to shine racing classic distances.
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Magnitude

Sun Feb 16 2025J. Keeler Johnson

A 9 3/4-length demolition of the Risen Star (G2) has stamped Magnitude as a serious contender for the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1).
Pedigree notebook: Nutella Fella’s genetic confection

Tue Feb 11 2025Kellie Reilly

Nutella Fella is by champion sprinter Runhappy, but his female line also features high-profile speedsters, suggesting a confluence of factors on top and bottom.
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: John Hancock

Sun Feb 09 2025J. Keeler Johnson

John Hancock joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with an unwavering performance in the 1 1/16-mile Sam F. Davis S. at Tampa Bay Downs.