On Wednesday at 5pm, final entries were taken and post positions were drawn for the 138th running of the $2 million Kentucky Derby (G1). A full field of 20 three-year-olds will go 1 1/4 miles on Saturday at Churchill Downs. 21 horses were entered, with My Adonis getting in as an also eligible who will draw in the race if someone scratches by 9am Friday.
Unlike the "draft draw" held for several years, Churchill Downs reverted back to the traditional double-blind draw last year and again this year. After the numbers were drawn, handicapper Mike Battaglia announced the morning line. Arkansas Derby winner Bodemeister was set as favorite at 4-1 with Florida Derby third place finisher Union Rags second choice at 9-2. There was a bit of drama as the last two post positions to be drawn were 1 and 14 with only Hansen and Daddy Long Legs left. There was a lot of cheering when 1 came up and it went to Daddy Long Legs, giving Hansen the 14 hole. There was no comment from the connections of Daddy Long Legs, as nobody was available.
Below is the field listed in post position order with morning line odds. Be sure to click the link on each horse's name to view full info, stats, and a photo where available. A star next to the dosage index indicates a dual qualifier.
The Kentucky Derby will be televised on NBC from 4-7:00pm EDT but you can watch most of the Derby card on NBC Sports Network from 11:00am-4:00pm. Free past performances for the Kentucky Derby are available from
BRISnet.com. The Kentucky Derby goes off at 6:24pm ET, carded as Race 11 of a 13-race card on Saturday May 5th.
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!
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 Also today, Mark Valeski was withdrawn from the Derby letting in Optimizer.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 Also today, Mark Valeski was withdrawn from the Derby letting in Optimizer.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.
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.