With the Kentucky Derby less than a week away, the graded preps are now finish so the earnings list is final. 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. The number of graded stakes for 3-year-olds left to go is ticking down, so horses low on the list have to get on the ball now. 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 like 2010 where it took almost $150,000 to make the field, although in 2009 there were some big last minute dropouts that dropped it down to $55,500, mostly because that horse was already at Churchill Downs and it was too late for others to ship in. Over the last five years, it has taken an average of $130,450 for the final horse to make the field and there are already over 20 horses with over $100,000 in earnings. 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)
Kentucky Derby Poll
Who will win the 2011 Kentucky Derby?
Below is a list of Triple Crown nominees in order of their graded stakes earnings through April 30. Horses who have already be declared as out of the Derby are not listed and only those with at least $100,000 in earnings are included. Where there is a tie in earnings, the horses are ranked alphabetically.
2012 Preakness Entries - A field of 11 was entered for the 137th Preakness on May 19. Check out the entries, post positions, morning line odds, and info about each horse.
Analyzing the Preakness Stakes Contenders for 2012 - My annual analysis using popular angles and statistical trends to see who best matches the profile of a Preakness winner. It is no surprise that Kentucky Derby winner I'll Have Another came out on top but how did the others fare?
I'll Have Another wins the Kentucky Derby - I'll Have Another ran down pacesetter and favorite Bodemeister to win the Kentucky Derby (G1) by 1 1/2 lengths with late closing Dullahan a neck back in third. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Preakness Entry Rules - the field is limited to 14 starters, here is how they determine the order of preference if more than that enter.
Fillies in the Preakness Stakes - a look at the 53 fillies who have run in the Preakness and how they did. So far there have been 5 wins, 5 seconds, and 8 thirds.
Preakness Infield - After the massive tightening of the rules which resulted in a huge drop in attendance in 2009, things have relaxed slightly and you can buy a special all you can drink beer Mug Club ticket.
With the Kentucky Derby less than a week away, the graded preps are now finish so the earnings list is final. 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. The number of graded stakes for 3-year-olds left to go is ticking down, so horses low on the list have to get on the ball now. 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 like 2010 where it took almost $150,000 to make the field, although in 2009 there were some big last minute dropouts that dropped it down to $55,500, mostly because that horse was already at Churchill Downs and it was too late for others to ship in. Over the last five years, it has taken an average of $130,450 for the final horse to make the field and there are already over 20 horses with over $100,000 in earnings. 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)
