The 147th running of the $3 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1), the "Run for the Roses" featuring the best 3-year-olds of 2021, is back on the first Saturday in May this year after being postponed to September due to the corona virus pandemic last year. Fans will be allowed in this year, although numbers will be limited to 50% capacity. Entries closed on Tuesday April 27 and a full field of 20 was draw with no also eligibles. As expected, undefeated Essential Quality, winner of the Southwest Stakes (G3) and Blue Grass Stakes (G2), was set as the morning line favorite at 2-1 from post 14. Next to him in post 15 is Rock Your World, also undefeated so far and winner of the Santa Anita Derby (G1), who is second choice at 5-1. There is no auxilliary gate anymore after the debut of the 20 horse starting gate in last year's running.
Drawing the posts for the Kentucky Derby
Below is a list of the entries with their post position, trainer, jockey, morning line odds, and dosage index. Free past performances are available here and here (look for Essential Quality). Each horse names links to a profile with lots of info and a photo. Entries for the entire Kentucky Derby card can be found on Equibase.
Update: King Fury is scratched as of Friday afternoon after spiking a fever.
Triple Crown quick links:
Malathaat wins the 2021 Kentucky Oaks (G1) - Favorite Malathaat broke poorly but got the lead in the stretch and held on to win the Kentucky Oaks (G1) by neck at Churchill Downs on Friday. Search Results was second and Will's Secret was third. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Kentucky Oaks Undercard Stakes Results - There were 5 other stakes on the card today with the Oaks, including the La Troienne (G1) won by Shedaresthedevil , the Alysheba (G2) won by Maxfield, the Eight Belles (G2) won by Obligatory, the Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G3) won by Fast Boat, and the Edgewood Stakes (G3) won by Gift List. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
April 23 Kentucky Derby Photos - the arrival at Churchill Downs of four of trainer Bob Baffert's horses on Friday afternoon. Includes Medina Spirit, Beautiful Gift, Triple Tap, and Charlatan.
2021 Kentucky Oaks Entries - On Monday morning the post positions were drawn for the 147th Longines Kentucky Oaks and a full field of 14 3-year-old fillies made the entry box, with 5-2 morning line favorite Malathaat drawing post 10. Get the horses, post positions, and free past performances 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 entries.
2021 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 5 pools starting in November of 2021 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 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, entries, 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.
2021 Kentucky Derby Entries
