Churchill Downs paddock

Kentucky Derby 2024 Update (3-19-24)

By Jarrod Horak The road to Kentucky Derby 2024 was idle last weekend, and things really pick up steam with the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds and the Grade 3 Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park on March 23. The winners of those races will pick up 100 Derby points, and 50 points […]

Just F Y I wins 2023 Frizette

Kentucky Oaks 2024 Update (3-18-24)

By Jarrod Horak There were no points races on the road to Kentucky Oaks 2024 last weekend, but things really heat up on March 23. The Grade 2 Fair Grounds Oaks is the big race this week. The winner of that race will receive 100 Oaks points. The Bourbonette Oaks is the other Oaks prep […]

Princess Midnight: Was Best Today In First Start On Turf

Four year old Runhappy filly for Carla Gaines, coming off a 15 month layoff, was in for a maiden special weight event for older fillies and mares in Sunday’s opener at ¾ on the green. Off at 8/1 in a field of 7 under J.J., she broke OK from the 2 hole and the rider […]

Guy Named Joe: Rallied Well Late But Came Up a Head Short Against Perfect Trip Favorite

Three year old colt for Doug O’Neill tried the Pasadena stakes on Saturday in a non graded stakes at a mile on the lawn for sophomores. Off at 3/1 in a field of just four due to a late scratch, he sat off the lead down the back side in third, about 4 lengths back […]

Show Card: May be a Late Bloomer For Top Filly Stakes

Three year old filly for Bob Baffert made her 3rd career start on Saturday in a maiden special weight event at ¾ on the main. Off at 4/5 in a small field of just five, she stalked the pace from the inside, swung out for room at the ¼ pole under J.J., then exploded late […]

Indispensable: 11 Back But Finished 3rd With a Flourish After Going 6 Wide

Three year old colt for John Sadler made his 6th career start, but first on the turf on Saturday, in this 9 furlong maiden special weight event for sophomores. Off at 3/1 in a field of 8, he stumbled badly at the start, went to his knees, but Rosario hung on, and was away last. […]

Domestic Product wins 2024 Tampa Bay Derby

Kentucky Derby 2024 Update (3-12-24)

By Jarrod Horak The Tampa Bay Derby was the latest road to Kentucky Derby 2024 points race at Tampa Bay Downs on Saturday, March 9. In this article, I will look back at that event and update my “Exceptional 11” Kentucky Derby contenders. There are no points races on the docket for March 16, and […]

Kentucky Oaks 2024 Update (3-11-24)

By Jarrod Horak The Grade 3 Santa Ysabel Stakes at Santa Anita Park on March 9 was the latest road to Kentucky Oaks 2024 points race. In this report, I will look back at that event and update my “Fabulous 5” Oaks contenders. The Oaks points race chase takes a week off and will resume […]

Man O Rose: Commanded Top of Lane to Pull Away and Win by 7

Four year old gelding for Jeff Mullins, whose last five races have been on the turf, tried the main track on Sunday in a 1st allowance condition sprint for Cal breds at six and a half furlongs. Off at 6/1 in a field of 9, he stalked the pace from the outside, took command at […]