Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit faces stiff Triple Crown challenge

Mon May 03 2021Kellie Reilly

Day-after reflections on the Kentucky Derby (G1) involve not only an analysis of how the race was won and lost, but also what it portends for the remaining jewels of the Triple Crown. While Medina Spirit’s victory was both brave and historic, his task only gets tougher from here.
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of the day for May 2

Sun May 02 2021J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Sunday at Belmont, Lone Star, and Santa Anita, along with a potential single to conclude the $288,645 Pick 6 carryover at Gulfstream.
Medina Spirit gives Baffert record seventh Kentucky Derby win

Sat May 01 2021TwinSpires Staff

With a determined, frontrunning score, Medina Spirit gave trainer Bob Baffert his record seventh Kentucky Derby (G1) win May 1 at Churchill Downs.
Top 10 Kentucky Derby racing trends

Sat May 01 2021Ashley Anderson

Before you place your bets on the 2021 Run for the Roses, take a look at the top 10 Kentucky Derby trends from the last decade of races.
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of the day for May 1

Sat May 01 2021J. Keeler Johnson

J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Saturday at Belmont Park and Churchill Downs, including a ticket for the mandatory-payout $99,382 Pick 6 carryover culminating with the Kentucky Derby.
How to bet the 2021 Kentucky Derby on different budgets

Sat May 01 2021J. Keeler Johnson

Depending on the budget you’ve allocated for betting the Kentucky Derby, we’ve outlined three wagering strategies at costs of $30, $60, and $100.

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How to make money with Essential Quality in the Kentucky Derby

Sat May 01 2021John Mucciolo

A total of 19 horses will challenge unbeaten champion #14 Essential Quality (2-1) for the top prize in Saturday’s $3 million Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs. The sterling son of Tapit has done nothing wrong from five lifetime outings, and his last pair of efforts rank among his best ones to date. The Brad Cox pupil will be heavily backed in the win pool, and deservedly so, but there is certain value to be had in the vertical exotics in such a sizable field. I will tab a handful of runners that I feel are worth including in the gimmicks.
Kentucky Derby Jockey Profile: Irad Ortiz Jr.

Sat May 01 2021J. Keeler Johnson

There’s a reason why Irad Ortiz Jr. has won three consecutive Eclipse Awards for outstanding jockey.
May 1 spot plays at Churchill Downs

Fri Apr 30 2021John Mucciolo

The seven graded stakes will take the spotlight, but there are seven other events with plenty of appeal on the slate. I will try to build my bankroll early on.
Malathaat stays unbeaten in Kentucky Oaks

Fri Apr 30 2021Kellie Reilly

Shadwell Stable’s Malathaat overcame a problematic start and a stubborn Search Results to extend her record to 5-for-5 in Friday’s $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks (G1).
How to bet the 2021 Oaklawn Invitational Stakes

Fri Apr 30 2021John Mucciolo

With most eyes at Churchill Downs, Oaklawn Park will also play host to a race that has 2021 Triple Crown implications.
Who is the best Kentucky Derby winner of the 2000s?

Fri Apr 30 2021Rowan Ward

The Kentucky Derby (G1) is coming up on Saturday, May 1. For this week's poll, let's look back into Derby history...but not too far back.
Kentucky Derby Jockey Profile: Brian Hernandez

Fri Apr 30 2021J. Keeler Johnson

From standout apprentice to accomplished journeyman, Brian Hernandez has been as consistent a jockey as you’ll ever hope to find.