There are 50 days at the time of this blog until Kentucky Derby 140. For some it’s a day to watch the most exciting two minutes in sports. Others come together for the world’s largest party in Louisville to celebrate the Thoroughbred. For me, it’s like my birthday, Christmas, Valentines Day, and every other holiday […]

There have been many jinxes connected with the Kentucky Derby over the decades. And some memorable curses have been snapped during the 21st Century. One of the most discussed whammies ended in 2007 when Street Sense became the first 2-year-old champion to capture the Derby since Spectacular Bid in ’79. The son of Street Cry […]

Here’s my updated ranking of the Top 10 Kentucky Derby contenders from bottom to top Dave Letterman’s style: Went the Day Well: The son of Proud Citizen will try to duplicate what his connections did last year with Animal Kingdom – duplicate victory in the Spiral in the Kentucky Derby, That’s a tall order since […]

The world of racing is focused on Arkansas and Kentucky. There are two prep races that have historically played a great role in sending players to the Derby. The weather is looking well for both ovals, and all that is left to do is let the horses do the talking.  One race looks like a […]

Hansen and Street Sense have several things in common, including victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Churchill Downs. Street Sense did it five years ago while Hansen triumphed in 2011. Both horses boasted experience on synthetic surfaces. Street Sense finished third in Keeneland’s Breeders’ Futurity as a juvenile and was runner-up in the Blue […]

Here’s my updated ranking of the Top 10 Kentucky Derby contenders from bottom to top Dave Letterman’s style: Went The Day Well: The same connections won the 2012 and ’11 Spiral en route to Louisville. Animal Kingdom captured last year’s Kentucky Derby. This son of Proud Citizen didn’t run particular impressive closing fractions in this […]

The track at Keeneland has been tough to get a handle. Last Saturday, 6/8 winners went wire-to-wire, or were just off the pace. As late as Wednesday, 4/6 runners made their way into the winner’s circle by closing down the lane. The weather is supposed to be in the low 70’s, and the poly track […]

Two runners from the Gotham Stakes return to Aqueduct with their eye on Saturday’s $1 million Wood Memorial. The Grade 1 appears fairly wide open since Hansen opted for the Blue Grass at Keeneland on April 14. Gotham runner-up My Adonis, beaten three lengths, enters the 1 1/8-mile contest with only one off-the-board finish, while […]

After the Toyota Bluegrass and the Arkansas Derby, I have come out with a few thoughts. With all due respect; you can keep Santiva, Brilliant Speed, Uncle Mo, Elite Alex, Anthony’s Cross, Silver Medallion, Sway Away, The Factor, Comma to the Top, and Pants on Fire. Some won’t have enough earnings, and this is the […]

Do you remember when Keeneland had that fast, speed favoring, dirt course? If you got on the lead, the race was for place. But, with poly track being installed, many trainers look elsewhere to prep to get ready for the dirt. This is no dig in any way against Keeneland. It is the preferred method […]