Historians will note that a winner of the Gotham Stakes (G3) has not captured the Kentucky Derby (G1) since the immortal Secretariat in 1973. That was when gasoline sold for 39 cents a gallon and the No. 1 song that swept the nation was “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” by Tony […]
Three valuable Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifiers take place this weekend: the Gotham (G3) at Aqueduct racecoursethe Fountain of Youth (G2). Gulfstream Parkand the rebel (G2) op Oaklawn Park. Let’s dive in and handicap all three races: Gotham (G3) There are a few proven horses registered in the Gotham, including number 1 Balboa (6-1), […]
At a time of year when Kentucky Derby (G1) hopefuls are focusing on two-round preparations and qualifying points, the Feb. 28 Gotham Stakes Aqueduct offers something different. The Gotham is contested over a one-turn mile, with the winner receiving 50 qualifying points for a starting spot in the Kentucky Derby. 1. Balboa (6-1 odds on […]
The Risen Star Stakes (G2) from February 14th on Fair Grounds Race Track and Slot Machines showed a bona fide Kentucky Derby (G1) contender in Paladin whose relentless drive to bring in a freewheeling leader Chip Honcho sent the first to the first of the Derby Dozen Rankings and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s Top […]
Here’s a Triple Crown question for you. Who is the only undefeated, Grade 1 winning on dirt 3-year-old still in training for the Kentucky Derby (G1)? No cheating with Google or artificial intelligence. If you look for help from the Top 5 of most lists, like BloodHorse’s Derby Dozen, or the National Thoroughbred Racing Association […]