With the Kentucky Derby less than a month away, the list of possible entrants is starting to take shape. Since the Derby field is limited to 20 entrants, some of these contenders are not going to get in the race. Only the top 20 entrants based on graded stakes earnings can draw into the race, and there is no also eligible list for the Derby. With only a few more graded preps remaining, those low on the list will really have to perform well to make the cut.
Below is a list of Triple Crown nominees in order of their graded stakes earnings through April 22th. To make things easier to read, I have dropped out all the horses who are definitely not going to the Derby in addition to horses who are out on injury or retired or have far to few earnings to get in. The Lexington Stakes next Saturday is the last chance to get earnings to qualify.
Da' Tara shocks in the 2008 Belmont Stakes - Longest shot on the board Da' Tara led the whole way, drawing off to win by 5 1/4 lengths over Denis of Cork. Heavy favorite Big Brown came up empty and was eased, finishing last. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
More Belmont Day Photos - 16 more photos including Shaquille O’Neal, the unused Triple Crown trophy, and more.
Manhattan Handicap and Just a Game Stakes Results - On the Belmont undercard, Dancing Forever just got up at the wire to beat favorite Out of Control in the Manhattan Handicap, while Ventura held off top choice Lady of Venice in the Just a Game Stakes. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Acorn Stakes, True North Handicap, and Woody Stephens Stakes Results - Also on the Belmont undercard, Zaftig upset favorite Indian Blessing in the Acorn, top choice Benny the Bull got up in the final stride of the True North Handicap, and J Be K won wire-to-wire in the Woody Stephens Stakes. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
2008 Belmont Entries - A field of 10 was entered with Big Brown drawing post #1. Get all the horses, posts, and odds here.
2006 Kentucky Derby Contenders