The Derby Decimal Classifications: May 12

Nadal winning the Arkansas Derby (G1). (Photo by Coady Photography)

May 12th, 2020

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

1 1/2

The margin of victory, in lengths, of Tap It to Win's 6-furlong allowance score against fellow Florida-breds on Saturday at Gulfstream Park. An impressive maiden winner at Saratoga last summer, Tap It to Win returned from a 6 1/2-month layoff, but showed no signs of rust when he rallied to win in 1:09.95.

Bred to thrive running long, Tap It to Win could develop into a serious Triple Crown contender for trainer Mark Casse, who won the 2019 Preakness (G1) and Belmont (G1) with War of Will and Sir Winston, respectively.

4

The number of horses in the Kentucky Derby Top 20 trained by Bob Baffert. In addition to Nadal, who sits atop the leaderboard with 150 points, Baffert trains Charlatan (fourth, 100 points), Authentic (eighth, 60 points), and Thousand Words (19th, 25 points).

10

The number of Road to the Kentucky Derby qualification points that will be awarded to the winner of the May 23 Matt Winn (G3) at Churchill Downs. The 1 1/16-mile event is the first new addition to the Road to the Kentucky Derby agenda, with other races certain to be added, once summer stakes schedules are clarified.

11

The number of horses Godolphin has started in the Kentucky Derby, with a fourth-place effort from Frosted in 2015 its best finish. The internationally renowned stable has nominated eight horses to the 2020 Triple Crown, including Breeders’ Futurity (G1) winner Maxfield, who is expected to compete in the Matt Winn.

20

The number of Kentucky Derby starters saddled by trainer Steve Asmussen. Though Asmussen has yet to reach the Derby winner’s circle, four of his runners have finished in the money, including runners-up Nehro (2011) and Lookin At Lee (2017).

Asmussen’s strongest contender for 2020 might be Basin, who sits 10th on the leaderboard, after he finished second in the first division of the Arkansas Derby (G1).

25

The number of horses veteran jockey Mike Smith has ridden in the Kentucky Derby, including wins aboard Giacomo (2005) and Justify (2018).

Should Smith secure a mount in 2020, he’ll tie the record for the most Derby rides, held by Bill Shoemaker, who competed 26 times between 1952 and 1988.