The feature race on the eve of the Kentucky Derby is the distaff counterpart to the classic race happening the next day. Similarly modeled on Epsom’s Oaks, the Kentucky Oaks has evolved from a regional contest into a beloved Grade 1 stakes almost as heavily anticipated as the Derby itself. Yet a glance at bookshelves yields a plethora of books on the run for the roses and none on the run for the lilies until now. Read More
Much has been made of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2024, but the same historical marker applies to its companion race for 3-year-old fillies, the $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks. Read More
The Churchill Downs backside comes to life a few weeks before the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve. While horses are stabled there nine months out of the year, some extra special ones call the backside their home in the weeks leading up to the Derby. Read More
Long known for his skill in training turf horses, Phil D’Amato is making the most of an opportunity with the 3-year-old dirt horse Stronghold, winner of the Santa Anita Derby and pointed to the May 4 Kentucky Derby Pre Read More
Churchill Downs players will be treated to massive pools and a variety of wagering opportunities on Kentucky Derby week beginning April 27 – opening night of the 44-day spring meet. Betting options will be plentiful, especially on Kentucky Derby Day which will feature 14 races including seven stakes. The betting menu will include five Pick 5s, five Pick 4s, and a mandatory payout in the 20-cent Derby City 6 jackpot. Read More
Welcome to Noel Michaels’ Weekend Winners, the place to go for weekend best bets and spot plays from veteran handicapper and tournament-play pioneer Noel Michaels. Check back every week for a couple of highlighted selections designed to help you cash a few bets and make some money. Read More
An overflow group of 13 horses are entered in Saturday’s Grade 3, $250,000 San Francisco Mile Stakes on the turf at Golden Gate Fields, with 12 likely to run. Four horses in the field are going for the tenth wins in their careers. Read More
The Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve is an event for the stars – both equine and human. Making it to the race is a dream of horse owners from all walks of life. This year, Kentucky Derby contender Dornoch is owned in part by former Major League Baseball World Series champion Jayson Werth. Read More
Each week, members of the national media vote on the nation's top contenders on the Triple Crown trail in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Top Thoroughbred Poll. Week 13 of the 2024 Top 3-Year-Old Thoroughbred Poll conducted by the NTRA covers racing performances through April 21, 2024. The 3-year-old poll represents horses competing up to and through the Triple Crown. Rankings are based on a 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-1 voting system. First place votes are in parentheses. Read More
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced April 23 its new Safety Runs First campaign, an initiative and corresponding website to promote the sport's collective commitment to safety, welfare, and integrity that they began working on in October. Read More
Ben Curtis couldn’t have imagined securing a mount in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve just six months after moving his tack to the United States, but the impossible took a step toward reality after Honor Marie finished second in the Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby at Read More
In a plain brown wrapper, the yearling colt did not leave the same impression that struck those closest to Secretariat when he was that age. With a fair pedigree and a front leg that toed out, he did not pass muster with one sales company and instead was relegated to the upstart alternative. But this would not deter fate. Neigh. Instead, the long-legged colt with an awkward stride was available for a price far below what he would eventually be worth. Read More