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2021 Kentucky Derby News & Notes
The Kentucky Derby news and notes offers all of our coverage cultivated in one place! This resource is for those who want to bookmark and stay up to date on the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 30, 2021
Happy Oaks Day! We're talking some of Jason's favorite Kentucky Derby memories on today's showk looking at some of the undercard stakes events, discussing some ticket sequencing, and more!
Racing
Mucciolo: Playing exotics in the Kentucky Derby
With a full field of 20 horses going postward in the Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs on Saturday, it might be worthwhile to spread your wagers out a bit rather than get fixated on a single contender. Numerous things can go wrong in the 1 ¼-mile race, where young thoroughbreds are running a distance that they have never tried before against the deepest field that they have ever taken part of.
Racing
How to bet the Kentucky Oaks/Derby Pick 6 at Churchill Downs
Let’s take a race-by-race look at the two-day, $2 Oaks/Derby Pick 6 offering from Churchill Downs and assemble a ticket on a $120 budget.
Racing
Analyzing the running styles of 2021 Kentucky Derby contenders
Post positions for the 2021 Kentucky Derby were drawn on Tuesday, the last step necessary for handicappers to finalize their pace predictions and guesstimate which horses will receive ideal trips.
Racing
Racing Spotlight: Dayoutoftheoffice, Paco Lopez, Wesley Ward
Racing Spotlight: Dayoutoftheoffice, Paco Lopez, Wesley Ward
Racing
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More Than One Way to Wear Roses
Ron McAnally built a Hall of Fame career training superstars like John Henry and Bayakoa and sent 10 horses to the Kentucky Derby over his 50-year career. Though fourth place is his best finish as a trainer, as co-breeder of leading contender Rock Your World, McAnally is a rarity Derby history. He follows in the footsteps of another legendary breeder/trainer - the “Wizard of the Turf,” John E. Madden.
Racing
Harness Racing: Dexter, Graduates, Sophs In Focus
TwinSpires covers the Hambletonian-worthy colts in the Dexter Cup as the Grand Circuit continues on Kentucky Derby Day.
Betting Info
Exciting 2021 Kentucky Derby Contender Trading Cards
Back by popular demand. With the 2020 series-I vintage styled Horse Racing contender trading cards created for the Kentucky Derby field, the stellar TwinSpires design team has finely crafted exciting new contender trading cards with a futuristic flare for Kentucky Derby 147.
Racing
The best jockeys that have never won the Kentucky Derby
A horseman’s greatness is often determined by their success in Triple Crown races, particularly the Kentucky Derby (G1). These five outstanding jockeys are without a win in the "Run for the Roses."
Racing
The best longshot to bet in the 2021 Kentucky Derby
The search for value in the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) can be a tricky proposal for those in the camp of #14 Essential Quality (2-1).
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 29
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Thursday, April 29 at Churchill Downs and Lone Star Park, along with horses of note in Belmont Park’s $61,086 Pick 6 carryover.
Wagering
Racing
The Name Game: The thread connecting all 20 Kentucky Derby contenders
Like a Helium balloon, the Essential Quality it takes to contest the Kentucky Derby has once again risen to the top.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 29, 2021
We're talking all about this year's Kentucky Derby field as Jason welcomes Jeremy Balan and Jessica Paquette to join him to go through the 20 contenders for this year's Run for the Roses.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Jockey Profile: Kendrick Carmouche
The wait is over. Some 21 years after his first race, the 37-year-old from Louisiana will make his Kentucky Derby debut.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Jockey Profile: John Velazquez
Across the history of the Kentucky Derby, only 11 jockeys have ever won on three or more occasions. Meet the latest.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Jockey Profile: Javier Castellano
Ask a handful of racing fans to name the most dominant North American jockeys of the 2010s. The majority will single out Javier Castellano.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Jockey Profile: Drayden Van Dyke
Riding in the Kentucky Derby represents something of a homecoming for Drayden Van Dyke.
Racing
Which 2021 Kentucky Derby horse should you bet?
If you still need help narrowing down the 2021 Kentucky Derby field, we have the perfect solution with our latest personality quiz!
Racing
Ranking the major Kentucky Derby preps of 2021
For this year’s Kentucky Derby (G1), a record eight top-tier prep races were contested. Let’s look back at final round of preps and rank their apparent impact on the 2021 Kentucky Derby field.
Racing
Kentucky Derby undercard plays for turf racing on May 1
In a previous piece I tabbed horses in the trio of graded stakes races on the dirt at Churchill Downs on Saturday, and this one focuses on the three grassy features on the Kentucky Derby undercard.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Betting Guide 147
The Kentucky Derby Betting Guide has been produced annually since 2017. Players enjoy the Tipsheets from our authoritative handicappers whom provide tickets and top picks to watch in the paddock. From Brisnet, the At a Glance report from the previous full spring meet allows players to enter the meet early with informed stats on hot jockeys, trainers and track biases.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 28
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Wednesday at Churchill Downs, Indiana Grand, and Oaklawn Park, along with a potential single for Churchill’s $9,253 Pick 6 carryover.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 28, 2021
We're all about the Kentucky Oaks on today's show as Jason discusses the big Friday card at Churchill Downs. Jason Blewitt of West Point Thoroughbreds also joins the show to talk about his gig at West Point and he and Jason Beem discuss the entire field for the Kentucky Oaks.
Racing
Mucciolo: Kentucky Derby 147 post position draw analysis
The field is set for the 147th running of the $3 million Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs on Saturday. And is the case every year, there are multiple talking points centered on where the contenders have been drawn in the 20-horse field. Here are my three major takeaways from Tuesday’s post position draw.
Racing
Kentucky Derby undercard plays for dirt stakes on May 1
John Mucciolo provides undercard plays for the 147th running of the $3 million Kentucky Derby. A superb trio of those will be run on the main surface, and I have horses that interest me in the star-studded dirt events.
Racing
Hong Kong: Happy Valley Race 8 on April 28
The much-improved Farshad is looking to make it three wins on end in the Breezy Handicap at Happy Valley, but could find trouble matching Helene Wisdom Star.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Jockey Profile: Florent Geroux
Normally, one doesn’t expect to see a standout apprentice jockey from France shift his tack to the United States and carve out a productive career riding elite dirt horses.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Jockey Profile: Flavien Prat
A champion apprentice jockey in his native France, Flavien Prat has been on a steady rise to stardom.
Racing
Churchill Downs track update for April 27
All eyes are on Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby. But, before making your final decisions, let's take a look back to see who has been successful.
Racing
Mucciolo: How I am playing the Kentucky Oaks
A superb field of 14 three-year-old fillies will vie in Friday’s centerpiece at Churchill Downs, the $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks (G1).
Racing
Kentucky Derby 2021 by the numbers
To get you ready for the most exciting racing event of the year, check out these fast facts and figures, as we break down the 2021 Kentucky Derby by the numbers.
Racing
Value plays on the Kentucky Oaks undercard
A sensational 13-race card will be hosted by Churchill Downs on Friday, headlined by the $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks (G1).
Racing
147th Kentucky Derby field and ML
The field and morning line odds for the 147th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
Racing
Kentucky Derby jockey profile: David Cohen
Through the years, jockey David Cohen has carved out a productive career at racetracks across the country.
Racing
Kentucky Derby jockey profile: Corey Lanerie
The shortest path around a racetrack is the inside rail, and few jockeys have capitalized on this advantage as well as Corey Lanerie.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 27
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Tuesday, April 27 at Indiana Grand and Churchill Downs, plus thoughts on vulnerable favorites in Churchill’s $5,348 Pick 6 carryover.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 27, 2021
Jason opens the show talking about Kentucky Derby week, preparations for the big weekend, and just some general horseplaying thoughts. He also discusses some Pick 6 topics from around racing and more.
Racing
One Hundred Years Ago, Colonel Bradley Goes for the One-Two
A century ago, the Kentucky Derby was blossoming into the Run for the Roses, America’s most famous horse race. Names now iconic in Derby history contributed to its growing popularity, these humans and horses synonymous with cascading blankets of roses and icy cups of mint juleps: Regret and Exterminator, Harry Payne Whitney and Colonel Matt Winn. In the 1920s and 1930s, another Kentucky colonel added his name to that list, Edward Riley Bradley.
Kentucky Derby
Hoosier Park harness plays: April 28
For the program on April 28 at Hoosier Park, we suggest some horses for selected plays that may fit in any type of wager.
Betting Info
Kentucky Derby Jockey Profile: Luis Saez
The rise of jockey Luis Saez has been meteoric. Ever since he started riding, he’s been a force to be reckoned with.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Jockey Profile: Mike Smith
The 55-year-old from New Mexico has partnered with some of racing’s most legendary horses since picking up his first official victory.
Racing
Kentucky Derby workouts and bubble watch: April 26, 2021
The field is set, the post draw is right around the corner, and all the serious pre-race workouts are complete. The Kentucky Derby is just five days away, and you can feel the tension building.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Jockey Profile: Ricardo Santana Jr.
It’s safe to say Ricardo Santana Jr. is a jockey on the rise. The 28-year-old from Panama has made almost uninterrupted progress since September 2009.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Jockey Profile: Joel Rosario
Jockey Joel Rosario. Few North American jockeys have enjoyed greater or more sustained success over the last decade than Joel Rosario.
Racing
Stakes plays at Churchill Downs for April 29
Two competitive stakes races will highlight a strong 11-race card beneath the Twin Spires on Thursday.
Racing
Ward duo looms large in Kentucky Juvenile S. on April 28
A field of eight two-year-old prospects will dash five furlongs on the Churchill Downs dirt in Wednesday’s $150,000 Kentucky Juvenile S.
Racing
How to bet the Isaac Murphy Marathon S. on April 27
The feature of a nine-race card at Churchill Downs on Tuesday is the $130,000 Isaac Murphy Marathon S.
Racing
Five festive Kentucky Derby drinks that aren't a mint julep
Not everyone acquires the taste of the mint julep, the traditional Kentucky Derby libation made of one part water, one part sugar, bourbon, mint, and a heap of crushed ice.
Racing
147th Kentucky Oaks field and ML
The field and morning line for the 147th Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on April 30.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's top five contenders to watch for the Kentucky Oaks
Although most handicappers are focused on analyzing the Kentucky Derby, Friday’s $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs is a great race in its own right.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's top five contenders to watch for the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby (G1) is just five days away, and the post position draw is coming up in about 24 hours. It’s time to start finalizing our selections for the “Run for the Roses."
Racing
How the rose became the Kentucky Derby's signature flower
It is every owner’s dream to receive the huge garland presented to the winner of the Run for the Roses each year. But where does the tradition come from?
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 26
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Monday, April 26 at Indiana Grand and Thistledown, including thoughts on a $30,248 Pick 6 jackpot carryover.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 26, 2021
Jason looks back at the racing weekend including a huge stakes filled card from Golden Gate Fields with the San Francisco Mile as the headliner. He also discusses racing from Belmont Park, Churchill Downs, Santa Anita, and more!
Racing
Harness Weekly Update: Six Double-Digit Wins Top Plays
The TwinSpires Harness Blog Weekly Update covers our results from the older pacing series at Yonkers, our selected features, and the horses-to-watch list (H2W) successes and failures.
Betting Info
The best horses to lose the Kentucky Derby
These five horses made their mark in racing history in spite of their shortcomings in the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby
2021 Kentucky Derby: Brisnet Speed Rating Report
The Kentucky Derby is the most analyzed race in North America, and Brisnet Speed ratings serve as a useful handicapping tool for the big event.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of the day for April 25
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Sunday, April 25 at Belmont Park and Santa Anita, along with thoughts on a pair of mandatory-payout carryovers at Hawthorne.
Wagering
Hong Kong: Spot plays for Champions Day at Sha Tin
The 2020-21 racing season in Hong Kong reaches its second semiannual peak on Sunday, when Sha Tin Racecourse hosts a trio of Group 1 races comprising “Champions Day.”
Wagering
How to bet the Santa Margarita Stakes
A compact field of five will head to post in Saturday’s $200,000 Santa Margarita S. (G2) at Santa Anita.
Racing
Best exotics to play in Tesio Stakes
The $125,000 Federico Tesio S. is the main attraction on a big Saturday of racing at Pimlico where a total of six black-type events will take place.
Racing
Why didn't Man o' War run in the Kentucky Derby?
Considered by many to be the greatest thoroughbred racehorse of all-time, Man o’ War wasn't even entered in the 1920 Kentucky Derby, a head-scratching decision even now.
Racing
Churchill Downs: Vulnerable favorites and a viable single in Saturday's Pick 4 sequences
Get ready, Churchill Downs bettors! Saturday’s opening-night card offers a trio of Pick 4 wagers, and TwinSpires is celebrating with a $6,000 “Hit It and Split It” promotion.
Wagering
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of the day for April 24
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Saturday, April 24 at Belmont Park, Churchill Downs, and Pimlico—coincidentally, the homes of the three Triple Crown races.
Wagering
Pimlico: Handicapping the all-stakes Pick 5 for April 24
We're only a week out from the Kentucky Derby (G1), which means the Preakness (G1) is not far behind.
Racing
Meet the Kentucky Derby contenders of 2021
Discover each of the Kentucky Derby contenders with TwinSpires' official Meet the Kentucky Derby Contenders free download! This document will introduce you to each Kentucky Derby runner by exclusive family information and reveal true abilities to run the 1 1/4 miles distance at Churchill Downs in a style or effort that past horses have found success with.
Racing
Opening-night spot plays for April 24 at Churchill Downs
The spring meet at Churchill Downs begins Saturday evening with a 10-race program, highlighted by the $150,000 William Walker S. for three-year-olds at 5 1/2 furlongs on turf. First post is 6 p.m. ET
Racing
QUIZ: Learn your Kentucky Derby style
Before you tune in to the Run for the Roses on Saturday, May 1, make sure you know what to wear with our Kentucky Derby style quiz!
Racing
Churchill Downs: Tips and trends for betting the 2021 spring meet
One year after COVID-19 prompted the postponement of the 2020 Kentucky Derby (G1) by four months, a sense of normalcy has returned to Churchill Downs.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 23
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Friday, April 23 at Belmont Park and Keeneland, including tickets for Keeneland’s mandatory-payout Super High Five carryover.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 23, 2021
It's Friday and we're looking ahead to racing action from Golden Gate Fields, Belmont Park, and opening night at Churchill Downs. Ed, James, and Scott join Jason for the weekly Jury segment to talk Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Closing day spot plays for Keeneland
Friday marks the closing day of the always fantastic spring racing at Keeneland. A 10-race card is on the slate, topped by the $150,000 Bewitch S.
Racing
How to bet the 2021 William Walker Stakes
An overflow field 12 of is entered for the opening day feature at Churchill Downs, the $150,000 William Walker S.
Racing
Do you know your horse racing lingo?
Horse racing has some of the most colorful lingo of any sport, but how much of it do you really know?
Racing
The 5 greatest trainers that have never won the Kentucky Derby
A horseman’s greatness is often determined by their success in Triple Crown races, particularly the Kentucky Derby (G1). These five outstanding trainers are without a win in the "Run for the Roses."
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 22
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Thursday, April 22 at Belmont Park, Lone Star Park, and Keeneland, including tickets for a $13,538 Super High Five carryover.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 22, 2021
It's Horseplayer Thursday and Jason opens the show discussing the Keeneland races from Wednesday and discussing some betting topics including Pick 5's and exactas.
Racing
Grand Circuit Betting Spring Arrives
The stakes are high as the Grand Circuit heats up with traditional events offering early season value.
Betting Info
Kentucky Derby Context: Essential Quality
Essential Quality will take some beating as the Kentucky Derby favorite. They gray colt exhibited his will to win in the final prep race, determinedly getting up by a neck in the Blue Grass S. (G2) to remain unbeaten.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Highly Motivated
TwinSpires.com horse racing analyst James Scully attended his first Kentucky Derby in 1981. Along with a brief profile of this year’s contenders, he is providing some historical context.
Racing
Hoosier Park harness plays for April 21
Frank Cotolo offers deep handicapping for Hoosier Park to expose horses with better chances than their odds.
Betting Info
Who is the most intriguing Kentucky Derby longshot?
Get to know some of the most interesting dark-horse candidates for the greatest two minutes in sports.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 21
Handicapper Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for April 21 at Indiana Grand and Turf Paradise, along with thoughts on a pair of enticing non-jackpot carryovers at Indiana Grand and Keeneland.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Apr. 21, 2021
Jason opens the show discussing some of the various news around the world of racing. Then we welcome in the voice of Churchill Downs Travis Stone to talk about the upcoming Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and more!
Racing
Hong Kong: Happy Valley Race 9 for April 21
Be Ready looks ready to continue his winning ways in the Queen’s Road Central Handicap at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Be Ready looks ready to continue his winning ways in the Queen’s Road Central Handicap at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The son of Love Conquers All has raced just twice this campaign, resuming with a fifth-place finish in February before thrashing a useful Class 3 field on March 24.
Racing
The Kentucky Derby's luckiest (and unluckiest) draws
The number your pick draws in the Kentucky Derby could decide your fate before you even place a bet.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 20
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Tuesday, April 20 at Indiana Grand and Will Rogers Downs, including a ticket for the $11,154 Pick 6 carryover at Indiana Grand.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 20, 2021
Jason opens the show by discussing some of the news of the day and responding to listener emails. Then, we're very happy to welcome in long time Tampa Bay Downs announcer Richard Grunder to talk about his retirement from race calling, his career in the booth, the growth of Tampa Bay Downs, and more!
Racing
Watch: The bond between O Besos' two riders
Jockey Marcelino Pedroza and exercise rider Magarito Fierro have more in common than the Greg Foley-trained Kentucky Derby contender O Besos.
Racing
Churchill Downs by the numbers
Get ready for the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 1 with this collection of scintillating stats and facts about Churchill Downs.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Super Stock
Super Stock broke through in the Arkansas Derby (G1), earning a spot in the Kentucky Derby field with a 12-1 upset at Oaklawn Park. Read this and the full series by James Scully on TwinSpires Edge!
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Hidden Stash
Sometimes, we examine the breeding of a Kentucky Derby contender and think to ourselves, “No complaints about this pedigree.” Such is the impression generated by the bloodlines of Hidden Stash.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Hidden Stash
A rallying second in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2), Hidden Stash did not receive the right set-up and experienced a troubled trip finishing fourth in the Blue Grass S. (G2) at Keeneland. His late kick could prove more effective in the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Crowded Trade
Can Crowded Trade handle the 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby? That’s a tough question, because his pedigree can be read in multiple ways, and it doesn’t provide a clear answer.
Racing
Defections mean shrinking number of Derby bubble horses
Less than two weeks out from the Kentucky Derby (G1), it appears nearly everyone who wants to run in the Churchill Downs classic may have the opportunity.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Workouts and Bubble Watch: April 19, 2021
Just 12 days remain until the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby, which means the field is coming into focus and the contenders are busy turning in critical pre-race workouts.
Racing