The Derby Decimal Classifications: Feb. 18, 2020

Modernist winning the Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds. (Photo by Hodges Photography/Lou Hodges Jr.)

February 19th, 2020

A by-the-numbers review of the latest news and developments on the Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby.

0.02

The time, in seconds, by which Gouverneur Morris missed the track record in a 1-mile and 40-yard allowance race Thursday at Tampa Bay Downs. The runner-up in the 2019 Breeders’ Futurity (G1), Gouverneur Morris clocked the distance in 1:38.88, which just missed the standard of 1:38.86 set by Jackson on May 4, 2019.

2nd

The position occupied by Modernist on the latest Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard. With his win in the second division of the Risen Star (G2), Modernist secured 50 qualification points, which virtually assures the son of Uncle Mo a spot in the Kentucky Derby (G1) starting gate.

4

The number of Road to the Kentucky Derby prep races in which Enforceable has competed. The durable son of Tapit has placed fourth or better every time, and most recently rallied from behind a modest pace to finish second in the first division of the Risen Star (G2).

5

The number of 2019-2020 Road to the Kentucky Derby prep races won so far by Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, who nabbed his latest success with Azul Coast in the El Camino Real Derby.

16

The number of horses pre-entered in Sunday’s Hyacinth S. at Tokyo Racecourse, the penultimate leg of the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby. Among the notable names are Cattleya Sho winner Dieu du Vin and the debut winners Cafe Pharoah and Nile River, both sons of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.

21

The number of Kentucky Derby qualification points accumulated by Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) winner Silver Prospector, who rebounded from a defeat in the Smarty Jones S. to claim a hard-fought victory the Southwest (G3) on Monday.

24

The number of years between Baffert’s first victory in the El Camino Real Derby (with Cavonnier in 1996) and his second success with Azul Coast.

38.20

The time, in seconds, of the initial 3-furlong workout posted by Breeders’ Futurity (G1) winner Maxfield in his return to serious training on Monday at Palm Meadows.

52

The number of Kentucky Derby qualification points earned by Mr. Monomoy, who sits atop the leaderboard following his 2 1/2-length score in the first division of the Risen Star (G2).

68.85

The number of seconds required for Baffert’s Charlatan to crush his Sunday debut at Santa Anita by 5 3/4 lengths. Charlatan's performance immediately drew comparisons to Baffert's Triple Crown champion Justify, who posted a similarly impressive debut on Feb. 18, 2018.