With the Kentucky Derby less than a month away, the graded preps are nearly over with only a few races left to get those all important graded earnings. 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 used to take at least $100,000 in graded earnings to make the field, but with rising purses that number is going up each year and will definitely be more than $200,000 this year. In 2011 it took almost $200,000 to make the field and 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: 2010 ($190,000), 2008 ($165,000), 2007 ($104,000), 2006 ($109,000)
Kentucky Derby Poll
Who will win the 2012 Kentucky Derby?
Below is a list of Triple Crown nominees in order of their graded stakes earnings through April 22. 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.
Hero of Order ... $615,500 (not nominated and would require a $200,000 supplement, but still could not get in unless less than 20 early or late nominees were entered)
Wrote (IRE) would be #6 with $756,630 in earnings, but his connections have announced he will not be going.
Triple Crown quick links:
Oxbow upsets in the Preakness - Oxbow led the entire way in the Preakness Stakes (G1) on Saturday at Pimlico with Itsmyluckyday second and Mylute third. Heavy favorite Orb made a mild move to finish fourth. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Preakness undercard stakes results - There were 7 other stakes on the card, highlighted by the Dixie Stakes (G2) won by Skyring and the Allaire DuPont Distaff Stakes (G3) won by Summer Applause. Get the results, charts, and photos for 6 of the races here.
Fiftyshadesofhay wins the Black-Eyed Susan - Fiftyshadesofhay just got up to win the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2) on Friday at Pimlico by a neck over Marathon Lady with favorite Emollient 6th. On the undercard, Last Gunfighter won the Pimlico Special (G3). Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Analyzing the Preakness Stakes Contenders for 2013 - My annual analysis using popular angles and statistical trends to see who best matches the profile of a Preakness winner. The big surprise is that Kentucky Derby winner Orb is not in the top group!
Orb wins the Kentucky Derby - Orb was far back early but took the lead in the stretch and drew off to win the Kentucky Derby (G1) by 2 1/2 lengths over longshot Golden Soul and Revolutionary. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
More Kentucky Derby Photos - More photos from the day including more of Orb, the trophy, the roses, Martina McBride, and lots of mud.
Kentucky Derby undercard stakes results - There were 5 other stakes on Derby day including the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (G1) won by 2012 Horse of the Year Wise Dan and the Humana Distaff Stakes (G1) won by Aubby K. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 5 races here.
Princess of Sylmar upsets in the Kentucky Oaks - She rallied from far back to win the Kentucky Oaks by a half length over Beholder and Unlimited Budget, while favorite Dreaming of Julia was fourth. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Kentucky Oaks undercard stakes results - There were 5 other stakes on Oaks day including the La Troienne Stakes (G2) won by Authenticity and the Alysheba Stakes (G3) won by Take Charge Indy. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 5 races here.
Wednesday Kentucky Derby Workout Photos - Photos and comments for 18 Derby horses, everyone on the grounds except the one in quarantine, and 6 Oaks fillies from this morning on the track.
Kentucky Oaks Entries - A field of 11 fillies will go, with Gulfstream Oaks winner Dreaming of Julia favorite at 3-1 from post 8. Get the post positions, odds, and free past performances here.
Top Kentucky Derby Contenders - my list of the top horses headed to the Derby with profiles for each with photos, stats, and link to more info like past performances and pedigree.
Analyzing the top 2013 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 is a 3-way tie for the top spot: Goldencents, Normandy Invasion, and Overanalyze.
2013 Kentucky Derby And Oaks Security - New enhanced stricter rules will be enforced this year. Be sure to read the rules as many have changed and more things are banned. There will still be magnetic wand searches of all patrons and many things are no longer allowed. Check here to make sure you don't bring anything they will confiscate.
Review: Triple Crown Handicapper 2013 - 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.
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.
With the Kentucky Derby less than a month away, the graded preps are nearly over with only a few races left to get those all important graded earnings. 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 used to take at least $100,000 in graded earnings to make the field, but with rising purses that number is going up each year and will definitely be more than $200,000 this year. In 2011 it took almost $200,000 to make the field and 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: 2010 ($190,000), 2008 ($165,000), 2007 ($104,000), 2006 ($109,000)
