With the Kentucky Derby less than three weeks away, the list of contenders is quite long now that the graded preps are almost over, with only the Derby Trial and Withers left which are only a week before the Derby so unlikely to be used as a prep. 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. It usually takes at least $100,000 or more in graded earnings to make the field, although in 2009 there were some big last minute dropouts pushing it down to $55,500, mostly because that horse was already at Churchill Downs and it was too late for others to ship in. With all the upsets this year, graded stakes earnings are more spread around and it is looking like it will take over $200,000 to make the Kentucky Derby field, a new record high. 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, the old record high), 2007 ($104,000), 2006 ($109,000)
Below is a list of Triple Crown nominees in order of their graded stakes earnings through April 25. Horses who have already be declared as out of the Derby are not listed.
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 three weeks away, the list of contenders is quite long now that the graded preps are almost over, with only the Derby Trial and Withers left which are only a week before the Derby so unlikely to be used as a prep. 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. It usually takes at least $100,000 or more in graded earnings to make the field, although in 2009 there were some big last minute dropouts pushing it down to $55,500, mostly because that horse was already at Churchill Downs and it was too late for others to ship in. With all the upsets this year, graded stakes earnings are more spread around and it is looking like it will take over $200,000 to make the Kentucky Derby field, a new record high. 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, the old record high), 2007 ($104,000), 2006 ($109,000)
