Here my latest look at the list of top contenders for the 2019 Kentucky Derby to be run on May 4th at Churchill Downs. All points-scoring races have been run so no further points can be earned, although some horses could drop out due to illness or injury.
Entries for the Kentucky Derby will close and post positions will be drawn on Tuesday April 30.
Below is a list of top contenders with their trainer, jockey, and dosage index. The Experimental Free Handicap was discontinued this year, so there are no more dual qualifiers. Each horse names links to a profile with lots of info and a photo. Jockey assignments are based on who has been riding each horse and will change as jockeys make commitments now. The early Triple Crown nominations, which cost $600, closed in January with 369 horses, and only 4 late nominations, which cost $6000, were made on April 1. That was the last chance to be eligible without a high supplement fee, but with rule changes a couple of years ago. late supplements will have the same priority as the nominees if anyone wants to pay the $200,000 fee.
Triple Crown quick links:
2019 Kentucky Derby Analysis - Our 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 it is a pretty wide open field and the order shows that.
Kentucky Derby Notes for 4/28 - Sunday morning was cold and gloomy at Churchill Downs, but 6 Derby contenders had timed works: By My Standards, Code of Honor, Country House, Tacitus, Improbable, and Win Win Win, as did 3 Oaks fillies: Champagne Anyone, Lady Apple, and Street Band. Check out comments and photos for the Derby and Oaks horses, free past performances, probable starters for the rest of the Derby weekend stakes, and more. Previous: 04/20, 04/21, 04/22, 04/23, 04/24, 04/25, 04/26, 04/27
2019 Kentucky Derby And Oaks Security - New enhanced stricter rules with no onsite parking were enforced in 2018, and are in effect again this year. Be sure to read the rules if you are attending. 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.
Kentucky Derby Future Wager - This year there are 4 pools starting in November of 2019 plus a single pool for the Oaks.
Kentucky Derby Prep Races - What races should a horse prep in to win the Kentucky Derby? Some races may seem obvious, but have not produced a Derby winner in many years. Find out which races are the best preps here.
Kentucky Derby Winners and Auction Prices - Bigger may seem better, but in the case of Kentucky Derby horses who sold at auction, less is more. Here is a look at how (badly) high priced auction purchases have done in the Kentucky Derby and the auction prices for this year's top Derby contenders.
Review: Triple Crown Handicapper 2019 - 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. Revamped for 2019 with updated info.
Kentucky Derby Traditions - Find out all about the big Derby Traditions: the rose garland, the trophy, the Twin Spires, mint juleps, singing "My Old Kentucy Home", fancy hats, celebrities and the annual Derby glasses.
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.
2019 Kentucky Derby Contenders
