With the Kentucky Derby less than two weeks away, the list of contenders is starting to settle down now that all the graded prep are finished, other than the Derby Trial and Withers which are only one week before the Derby. Since the Derby field is limited to 20 entrants, graded stakes earnings are used to determine who will get in the field when entries are taken. 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. Just remember, it will take at least $100,000 or more in graded earnings to make the field, and some may still drop out before the entries are taken due to injury or illness. For historical comparisons, you can view past year's final earnings lists and the lowest earnings to get in the race here: 2008 ($165,000), 2007 ($104,000), 2006 ($109,000)
Below is a list of Triple Crown nominees in order of their graded stakes earnings through April 20, 2009. You can see free past performances for all the nominees here. This should be the final totals for 2009. Horses who are definitely out have been removed now. Quality Road is out as of 4/27 due to foot problems, so has been removed. Square Eddie is out as of 4/28 due to a recurring shin injury. Win Willy dropped out on 4/29 due to an ankle problem.
Belmont Stakes Entries - A field of 12 was entered on Wednesday for the 142nd Belmont on Saturday with 3-1 morning line favorite Ice Box drawing post 6. Get all the horses, post positions, odds, and past performances here.
Analyzing the Belmont Stakes Contenders - My annual analysis using popular angles and statistical trends to see who best matches the profile of a Belmont winner.
Lookin At Lucky wins the Preakness - The new jockey must have changed his luck as he had no problems this time and wore down First Dude to win the Preakness with Jackson Bend third. Favorite Super Saver faded to finish 8th. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Super Saver wins the 2010 Kentucky Derby - He drew off to win by 2 1/2 lengths, giving jockey Calvin Borel his third Derby win in 4 years. Ice Box and Paddy O'Prado closed from far back to finish 2nd and 3rd while favorite Lookin At Lucky was 6th.
2010 Triple Crown Late Nominations - Only six more thoroughbreds were made eligible for the three Triple Crown races for a fee of $6000 by the late nomination deadline. Any not nominated now will have to pay a huge supplement fee to enter. Check out the list here.
Belmont 101 - A basic introduction the the third and final jewel of the Triple Crown. How it began, basics of picking a winner, and how to attend in person.
With the Kentucky Derby less than two weeks away, the list of contenders is starting to settle down now that all the graded prep are finished, other than the Derby Trial and Withers which are only one week before the Derby. Since the Derby field is limited to 20 entrants, graded stakes earnings are used to determine who will get in the field when entries are taken. 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. Just remember, it will take at least $100,000 or more in graded earnings to make the field, and some may still drop out before the entries are taken due to injury or illness. For historical comparisons, you can view past year's final earnings lists and the lowest earnings to get in the race here: 2008 ($165,000), 2007 ($104,000), 2006 ($109,000)
