This weekend there are three Grade 3, Kentucky Derby prep races. Today the Withers Stakes is at Aqueduct and the Holy Bull Stakes is at Gulfstream. Tomorrow, Santa Anita will host the Robert B. Lewis Stakes. Writing from my very chilly Kentucky home, my thoughts are with warmer Florida today. For nine thoroughbreds, their chances at getting Kentucky Derby prep points today are hinging on the Holy Bull.
Share This:Derby Day at Oaklawn: The Arkansas Derby Double Feature
When the 2019 Kentucky Derby resulted in a disqualification I thought that racing could not be more historically different and I felt a sense of disappointment. Never would I have imagined that different and disappointment would become what is often referred to as, “The New Normal.” Sometime, in the winter of 2019 a novel virus began sweeping the world and changed everything. Horse racing, an American tradition since the 1600s, slowed but did not, will not stop. Following an altered path on “The Road to the Kentucky Derby”, Grade 1 racing returns with such enthusiasm that it gathered 2 divisions! On the first Saturday in May, when the KY Derby traditionally takes place, we may instead enjoy two Arkansas Derby races, before the KY Derby resumes, scheduled for September 5th.
Share This:Discussing the Derby
What a long strange trip it’s been, this Road to the Kentucky Derby. Thinking back to last September, how many times have we changed our minds, or might there be a few who had an inkling from foaling season? I’ve had an fascinating but indecisive path myself however, I have finally come to some determinations. This is what I know about the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby and I would love to share it with you.
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Outline for the Oaks
Are you ready for my favorite fourteen filly face-off on Friday, the 4th? I have a quick breakdown on the facts, fun, food, fashion, feelings and fortune that awaits in the 144th Kentucky Oaks. Please, follow along with my easy outline for the Oaks.
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November by the Numbers at the Keeneland Sale
The 2017 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale concluded yesterday, 11/18/17. It was a spectacular sale with high demand for the best quality weanlings, mares and horses of racing age. With so much to say in the recap, I think it might be best to let the numbers speak for themselves.
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Scat Daddy Divas
What a week it has been. Since my last post I have attended Thoroughbred sales at both Fasig-Tipton and Keeneland and live racing at Churchill Downs. I have witnessed the sale of champions like Tepin, Stellar Wind, Catch A Glimpse and Songbird, seen the weanling foals of sires like American Pharoah and Medaglia d’ Oro and enjoyed racing at the home of the Kentucky Derby. A common thread at the auctions and the track are the impressive and primarily female offspring of the late Scat Daddy.
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Alabama Analyzed
Saratoga Springs is serving up a sweet stakes on Saturday! The 137th running of the Alabama Stakes posts at 5:40 P.M. EDT tonight and with a competitive field of 9 stakes winners there will be some surprises.
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Selected Summer Sales
These summer sales were certainly sizzling. This week Fasig-Tipton in Lexington, KY hosted two sales. On back-to-back hot and humid days the Summer Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale and The July Sale of Selected Yearlings took place. I attended the later and I saw plenty of fantastic bloodstock.
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Dazzled by Darley
At long last, there was a nice break in the Bluegrass winter that allowed me to get out and enjoy some of the top stallions that the Horse Capital of the World has to offer. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Darley at Jonabell Farm in Lexington, KY.
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