Here is the latest look at the list of top contenders for the 2012 Kentucky Derby to be run on May 5th at Churchill Downs. The graded prep races are now over, so the earnings list to make the Kentucky Derby field is now finalized. A few have already dropped out due to injury, and some new players have stepped up who were unraced as two-year-olds, so watch for changes to this list each week. Entries will be taken on May 2 which will give the final answer to who will be in the 2012 Kentucky Derby field.
Below is my continuing list of contenders with their trainer, jockey, and dosage index. Be sure to click the link on each horse's name to view full info, stats, and a photo where available. Jockey assignments are based on who has been riding so far and can change drastically as we get farther into the Triple Crown preps. The Experimental Free Handicap was released on February 2nd, and there are 13 dual qualifiers this year. An asterisk (*) by the name in the list below indicates a dual qualifier. The early Triple Crown nominations, which cost $600, closed on January 21 with 398 nominations. Late nominations, which cost $6000, will close in late March and are the last chance to be eligible without a high supplement fee.
Triple Crown quick links:
Kentucky Derby Poll
Who will win the 2012 Kentucky Derby?
2012 Kentucky Derby Entries - A field of 20 plus one also eligible were entered for Saturday's Kentucky Derby with 4-1 favorite Bodemeister drawing post 6. Union Rags is the second choice at 9-2 from post 4. Get the post positions, odds, and free past performances here. New!
Analyzing the top 2012 Kentucky Derby contenders - My annual analysis of the top contenders to try and select a winner by matching each to the profile of a Kentucky Derby winner using many of the more popular angles and statistical trends. This year there were no ties for the top spot, although there were many other ties among the rest. New!
Thursday Kentucky Derby Photos - Photos of 18 Derby horses and 1 Oaks filly from this morning at Churchill Downs with comments. Daddy Long Legs is still in quarantine until tomorrow morning, but just about everyone else was out today. New!
Wednesday Kentucky Derby Photos - Photos of and notes for 16 Derby horses and 8 Oaks fillies from today either in the morning or schooling in the paddock this afternoon. Also today, Mark Valeski was withdrawn from the Derby letting in Optimizer. New!
Tuesday Kentucky Derby Photos - Photos of and notes for 15 Derby horses and 8 Oaks fillies from today either in the morning or schooling in the paddock this afternoon. Also today, Mark Valeski was withdrawn from the Derby letting in Optimizer. New!
Derby Contender Graded Stakes Earnings - ranks the top contenders by graded earnings. This is what determines who can get in the starting gate on Derby day. Includes earnings through 4/22. Updated!
Review: Triple Crown Handicapper 2011 - by Jim Mazur. Includes lots of stats for all 3 races and explains how to use a system of statistically derived negative angles to eliminate the "bad" picks. They will have an updated version for 2012 out closer to the Derby.
2012 Triple Crown Late Nominations - Twenty more thoroughbreds were made eligible for the three Triple Crown races for a fee of $6000 by the late nomination deadline, including Swale Stakes winner Trinniberg. Any not nominated now will have to pay a huge supplement fee to enter. Check out the list here.
Experimental Free Handicap - Ranks the top 2-year-olds for 2011 and determines the dual qualifiers for the 2012 Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby Future Wager - There will again be three future wager pools for the Derby on Feb. 18-20, March 11-13, and April 1-3. There will be a single pool for the Oaks on March 11-13.
Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1 - Wagering is now closed and the field wound up as the 3-2 favorite with Union Rags next at 7-1. Get the horses, odds, and free past performances here.
Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2 - Wagering is now closed and the field is the 3-1 favorite over Union Rags at 4-1. In the only Kentucky Oaks Future, the field is the 4-1 favorite. Get the horses, final odds, free past performances, and exact will-pay amounts here.
Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3 - Wagering is now closed and Union Rags was the 9-2 favorite. Get the horses, closing odds, will-pay amounts, and free past performances here.
Injury Report - who is hurt or off the trail from the Road to the Roses contest
Fillies in the Kentucky Derby - a look at the 39 fillies who have contested the Run for the Roses and how they did. So far there have been 3 wins, 2 seconds, and 5 thirds.
DRF Kentucky Derby Special - Lots of good info like past winners preps, contenders, past performances, and latest news.
Review: Kentucky Derby Greatest Moments - Commemorative DVD from Churchill Downs with video from 27 different runnings along with interviews, photos, and historical info. Definitely recommended for any racing fan!
Review: Churchill Downs - America's Most Historic Racetrack by Kimberly Gatto. An entertaining and informative account of the history of the track and it's most famous race, the Kentucky Derby, with lots of photos. Definitely recommended.
Get a head start on handicapping the Kentucky Derby here:
Review: Betting the Kentucky Derby - How to Wager and Win on America's Biggest Horse Race by Dean Keppler. Breaks the task of handicapping the Derby into easy to understand strategies that any bettor at any level of play can implement and gives strategies for wagering as well.