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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Kingsbarns
A gate-to-wire victory in the Louisiana Derby has launched Kingsbarns into the Kentucky Derby picture, and his pedigree suggests he’s well-suited to racing 1 1/4 miles on the first Saturday in May.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Derma Sotogake
It isn’t surprising to see UAE Derby winner Derma Sotogake display both speed and stamina.
Kentucky Derby
Pedigree notebook: Talk of the Nation another one for Zenyatta's family
Recent Rebel (G2) winner Confidence Game put Zenyatta’s family back in the spotlight, since his dam is a half-sister to the Hall of Famer. Not to be outdone, another Zenyatta relative has produced a high-profile three-year-old who’s turning heads, but on turf – Talk of the Nation.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Tapit Trice
Victories in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) and Blue Grass (G1) vaulted Tapit Trice into the Kentucky Derby picture.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Raise Cain
Violence picked up another possible Kentucky Derby (G1) contender when his son Raise Cain unleashed a giant rally from behind a fast pace to dominate Aqueduct’s Gotham (G3).
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Congruent
Don’t assume John Battaglia Memorial S. winner Congruent is a synthetic specialist; to the contrary, he’s a versatile young runner capable of performing well over any surface.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Practical Move
Practical Move joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with an upset victory in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) at Los Alamitos, but does he have the pedigree to thrive in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Forte
One of the most accomplished horses on the Road to the Kentucky Derby is Forte.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Confidence Game
A well-timed rally from midfield carried Confidence Game to victory in the Rebel (G2) at Oaklawn Park, stamping the improving colt as a viable contender for the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Angel of Empire
Stretch-running victories in the Risen Star (G2) and Arkansas Derby (G1) have propelled Angel of Empire into the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) picture. But does he have the pedigree to succeed in the Run for the Roses?
Kentucky Derby
Chase the Chaos winning the El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields (Photo by Vassar Photography)
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Chase the Chaos
What do we make of Chase the Chaos, who unleashed a giant homestretch rally to win the El Camino Real Derby over the synthetic Tapeta track at Golden Gate Fields? Can he successfully switch to dirt?
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Hit Show
When Hit Show stormed down the Aqueduct homestretch to dominate the 1 1/8-mile Withers (G3), he fulfilled the promise of a pedigree geared top and bottom toward success running long.
Kentucky Derby
Pedigree profile: Newgate
Does Newgate have the pedigree to succeed over classic distances? It’s not necessarily a clear-cut answer, because there are mixed signals to interpret.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Rocket Can
It isn’t surprising to see Rocket Can enjoying success on the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail. The gray colt boasts a pedigree combining speed with stamina, often a recipe for success in the Derby.
Kentucky Derby
Pedigree profile: Arabian Knight
An impressive victory from Arabian Knight in the Southwest (G3) at Oaklawn Park has launched the $2.3 million auction acquisition thoroughly into the Triple Crown picture.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Reincarnate
Dashing to the lead and refusing to yield proved a successful strategy for Reincarnate in the Sham (G3) at Santa Anita, as the hardy gray colt led all the way to prevail by a neck.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Lugan Knight
You have to admire the tenacity Lugan Knight displayed to win the Jerome S. on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. But does he have the pedigree to handle the Kentucky Derby's testing 1 1/4-mile distance?
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Victory Formation
After posting two victories sprinting as a juvenile, Victory Formation joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with a pacesetting triumph in the one-mile Smarty Jones S. at Oaklawn Park.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Jace's Road
Jace’s Road couldn’t have been much more impressive in the Gun Runner S. on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. But does he have the pedigree to thrive racing 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby?
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Wildatlanticstorm
Does Wildatlanticstorm have the pedigree to factor in the Kentucky Derby?
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Dubyuhnell
Unwavering tenacity carried Dubyuhnell to a hard-fought victory in the Remsen S. (G2) at Aqueduct, but can he stretch out over 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Kentucky Derby
Instant Coffee winning the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Instant Coffee
Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) winner Instant Coffee has always had the pedigree to shine as an early-maturing Road to the Kentucky Derby contender.
Kentucky Derby
Pedigree profile: Cave Rock
Speed is the greatest weapon a racehorse can possess. Stamina is equally dangerous as distances get longer. Combine speed with stamina, and you have the makings of an elite racehorse.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Blazing Sevens
It’s no wonder why Blazing Sevens has enjoyed success running long on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. The stretch-running Champagne S. (G1) winner has a strong pedigree for handling classic distances.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Curly Jack
In 2018, reigning champion two-year-old male Good Magic ran a gallant second in the Kentucky Derby (G1). Perhaps Good Magic’s son Curly Jack can go one better in 2023.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Rich Strike
Once in a while, a Kentucky Derby (G1) contender comes along with a pedigree seemingly perfect for racing 1 1/4 miles on dirt. Such is the case with Rich Strike.
Kentucky Derby
Sire Profile: Gun Runner makes expected mark on Triple Crown
When Gun Runner made an impact in 2021 like few first-crop sires ever do, it seemed inevitable that his progeny would be serious players in the 2022 Triple Crown series.
Racing
Creative Minister: Preakness contender profile
Creative Minister will jump straight from back-to-back wins over maiden special weight and entry-level allowance rivals to the Preakness, and connections forked over a $150,000 supplemental fee to run since he wasn’t Triple Crown-nominated.
Racing
Fenwick: Preakness contender profile
Listed at 50-1 on the morning line, Fenwick promises to be the longest shot in the Preakness, but the 80-1 longest shot (Rich Strike) just won the 20-horse Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Armagnac: Preakness contender profile
Unplaced in his first two stakes attempts, Armagnac will join the Triple Crown scene following an encouraging 4 1/4-length allowance triumph at Santa Anita on May 8.
Racing
Secret Oath: Preakness contender profile
Secret Oath will make her second attempt against males following a convincing win in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) 15 days earlier.
Racing
Skippylongstocking: Preakness contender profile
Skippylongstocking started to make headway when recording a sharp Gulfstream allowance win at 1 1/8 miles in early March.
Racing
Early Voting: Preakness contender profile
Early Voting easily won his first two starts on the front end at Aqueduct, including the Withers (G3) in early February, but the competition was suspect. He received a litmus test in the April 9 Wood Memorial (G2), performing admirably
Racing
Epicenter: Preakness contender profile
Listed as the 6-5 morning line favorite, Epicenter exits a bitter second in the Kentucky Derby, and he has a big chance to make amends in the Preakness.
Racing
Simplification: Preakness contender profile
Rating in 18th after the opening three-quarters of a mile, Simplification uncorked a rally from far back to finish fourth, beaten 3 1/2 lengths at 35-1 odds, in the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Happy Jack: Preakness contender profile
Happy Jack was slow into stride and failed to make any impact in the Kentucky Derby, checking in 14th at 23-1 odds, and connections are drawing a line through the Kentucky Derby effort.
Preakness Stakes
Tiz the Bomb: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Tiz the Bomb secured his Kentucky Derby berth by recording a convincing win in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at Turfway Park, registering top-notch 101 Brisnet Speed and 105 Late Pace ratings for the 2 1/4-length decision.
Racing
Simplification: Kentucky Derby contender profile
The bay Florida-bred colt settled nicely from off the pace before charging to a convincing win in the Fountain of Youth (G2).
Racing
Tawny Port: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Tawny Port confirmed himself as a Kentucky Derby participant when capturing the April 16 Lexington S. (G3), his first win on a dirt track.
Racing
Pioneer of Medina: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Pioneer of Medina barely made the 20-horse cut for the Kentucky Derby, qualifying by virtue of a fourth in the Risen Star (G2) and a third in the Louisiana Derby (G2) in his first two stakes outings.
Racing
Barber Road: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Barber Road will bring a late kick to the Kentucky Derby, rallying to finish second in the Arkansas Derby (G1), Southwest (G3), and Smarty Jones, and third in the Rebel (G2), all at Oaklawn Park.
Racing
Cyberknife: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Cyberknife has always been well-regarded by his connections, but he didn’t meet expectations early in his career.
Racing
Zozos: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Zozos punched his Kentucky Derby ticket in the 1 3/16-mile Louisiana Derby (G2), finishing second to Epicenter by 2 1/2 lengths in his lone qualifying race.
Racing
White Abarrio: Kentucky Derby contender profile
White Abarrio will be the most accomplished Kentucky Derby (G1) runner from Florida, having recorded wins in the Florida Derby (G1) and Holy Bull (G3), and the gray Kentucky-bred colt ran well when making his two-turn debut in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs last fall.
Racing
Zandon: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Zandon exits an impressive win in the Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland, closing last-to-first in the final three furlongs to score going away by 2 1/2 lengths.
Racing
Taiba: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Following a smashing win in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), Taiba will try to become the first three-year-old to win the Kentucky Derby in his third start since Leonatus in 1883.
Racing
Messier: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Messier will bring excellent form to the Kentucky Derby, after recording a 15-length win in the Robert B. Lewis (G3) and a runner-up in the Santa Anita Derby (G1).
Racing
Happy Jack: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Happy Jack exits a pair of fast races, the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and San Felipe (G2), and he earned enough points to qualify for the Kentucky Derby by finishing a non-threatening third in both.
Racing
Smile Happy: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Smile Happy was favored among individual entrants in the first four Kentucky Derby Future Wagers.
Racing
Mo Donegal: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Mo Donegal utilized a tremendous late kick to win the Wood Memorial (G2), reeling in a classy loose-on-the-lead rival to prevail by a head, and the bay Kentucky-bred registered a whopping 111 Brisnet Speed and 121 Late Pace figure for the career-best effort.
Racing
Epicenter: Kentucky Derby contender profile
The probable Kentucky Derby favorite, Epicenter exits a pair of resounding wins in the Louisiana Derby (G2) and Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds.
Racing
Classic Causeway: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Classic Causeway appeared well on his way to the Kentucky Derby when opening the year with a pair of convincing wins in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) and Sam F. Davis (G3), but the speedy colt faltered when stretching out to 1 1/8 miles in the Florida Derby (G1).
Racing
Charge It: Kentucky Derby contender profile
A runaway wire-to-wire maiden winner the second time out in mid-February, Charge It switched tactics and stamped his Kentucky Derby ticket with a rallying second in the Florida Derby (G1).
Racing
Un Ojo: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Un Ojo sprung a 75-1 upset in February’s Rebel (G2) at Oaklawn Park to earn a Kentucky Derby berth, and the late-running dark bay will try to rebound from a troubled trip in the Arkansas Derby (G1).
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Pioneer of Medina
Fourth in the Risen Star S. (G2) and third in the Louisiana Derby (G2), Pioneer of Medina is coming to hand just in time to take a tilt at the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: In Due Time
In Due Time placed second in the Fountain of Youth S. (G2) and third in the Lexington S. (G3) to earn a spot in the Kentucky Derby (G1) starting gate.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Ethereal Road
So far, Ethereal Road has shown promise as a dirt horse, hitting the board in the Rebel S. (G2) and Lexington S. (G3) to qualify for the Kentucky Derby. But might he actually be a turf horse at heart?
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Happy Jack
From a pedigree perspective, there’s little to dislike about the Kentucky Derby (G1) chances of Happy Jack.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Barber Road
Barber Road has the pedigree to handle the 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby (G1). But is he bred to peak on the first Saturday in May?
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Charge It
One of the most beautifully bred horses qualified to compete in the 2022 Kentucky Derby (G1) is Charge It, who boasts some of the most productive bloodlines in modern pedigrees.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Zozos
It’s no wonder why Zozos employed pacesetting tactics to finish second in the Louisiana Derby (G2) and qualify for the Kentucky Derby (G1). His pedigree is full of fast horses and speed influences.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Tawny Port
Versatility has been a strong suit for Lexington S. (G3) winner Tawny Port, and it's easy to see why when you review his pedigree.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Taiba
It’s been remarkable to witness the rapid transformation of Taiba from an unraced three-year-old into a serious Kentucky Derby (G1) contender.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Zandon
After placing in his first two starts on the Kentucky Derby trail, Zandon unleashed an explosive rally to dominate the Blue Grass S. (G1) and stamp his credentials as a serious Kentucky Derby threat.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree profile: Messier
Robert B. Lewis S. (G3) winner Messier has shown flashes of serious talent on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. And rest assured, he has the pedigree to be a serious player in the spring classics.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Epicenter
Does Epicenter have the pedigree to succeed in the Kentucky Derby (G1)? His pedigree, though stout, gives off some mixed signals.
Racing
Mo Donegal (left) winning the Remsen S. (G2) at Aqueduct (Photo by Chelsea Durand/Coglianese Photos)
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Mo Donegal
At the end of 2010, trainer Todd Pletcher headed into winter with Kentucky Derby (G1) favorite Uncle Mo in his barn. Now he's back with Uncle Mo's son, Mo Donegal.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: White Abarrio
Pedigree handicapping can be a challenge, particularly when there’s limited data to interpret. Such is the case with White Abarrio, winner of the Holy Bull S. (G3) and Florida Derby (G1).
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Cyberknife
Although Cyberknife showed promise at age two, the chestnut colt has improved by leaps and bounds as a three-year-old, as his 2 3/4-length victory in the Arkansas Derby (G1) indicates.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Crown Pride
After driving to a 2 3/4-length triumph in the UAE Derby (G2) at Meydan in Dubai, Crown Pride is poised to become only the second Japanese-bred horse to compete in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Forbidden Kingdom
Speed is the name of the game for Forbidden Kingdom, but can his pedigree carry him over the testing 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby?
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Morello
The early successes for Morello may have come in sprints and short routes, but this exciting Kentucky Derby (G1) contender has the pedigree to run much farther.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Simplification
Simplification looks like a serious player for the Kentucky Derby (G1). But does he have the breeding to shine on the first Saturday in May?
Racing
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Un Ojo
Un Ojo’s Rebel S. (G2) triumph may have come as a surprise on the day, but his classy pedigree has long hinted at serious potential.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Blackadder
It’s easy to peg Blackadder as a synthetic specialist following his victory in the El Camino Real Derby over the Tapeta track at Golden Gate Fields. But such a conclusion might be premature.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Classic Causeway
Can the late, great racehorse and stallion Giant's Causeway sire a Kentucky Derby (G1) winner in his final year of opportunity?
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Early Voting
A favorable pedigree isn’t the only requirement to win the Kentucky Derby (G1). But it’s a good place to start.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Call Me Midnight
Call Me Midnight burst onto the Kentucky Derby trail with a late-surging victory in the Lecomte S. (G3). Can he maintain his finishing speed over the Kentucky Derby’s testing 1 1/4-mile journey?
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Courvoisier
Of all the contenders for the 2022 Kentucky Derby (G1), arguably none is as regally bred as Courvoisier. But will his extraordinarily productive pedigree translate to success in the Derby?
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Newgrange
Sometimes, bettors can examine a racehorse pedigree and immediately conclude, “Yes—this horse is bred to excel in the Triple Crown.” Such is the case with Sham S. (G3) winner Newgrange.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Dash Attack
Can a son of a sprinter win the Kentucky Derby (G1) racing 1 1/4 miles? It’s happened before, and it could happen again when Smarty Jones S. winner Dash Attack tackles the 2022 “Run for the Roses.”
Racing
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Vertiginous
Speedy filly finally broke through in juvenile course-record time for trainer Brian Meehan, who sent out two Breeders’ Cup Turf heroes in Red Rocks (2006) and Dangerous Midge (2010). Of m ore relevance here is Meehan’s attempt in the short-lived Juvenile Sprint on dirt, where his 15-1 Shumoos was a rallying second to Secret Circle at Churchill Downs in 2011. Vertiginous has the look of a substantial overlay at a 20-1 morning line.
Breeders Cup
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Twilight Gleaming
Although her Wesley Ward stablemate Averly Jane ranks as the favorite, Twilight Gleaming has the right profile for this race as well. She hasn’t been spotted stateside since her brilliant maiden win at Belmont in :56.49, but she’ s run well in her two interim starts in Europe.
Breeders Cup
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Thunder Love
A precocious filly who won twice early in the season on Polytrack, the Amo Racing runner has found turf stakes company a tougher challenge.
Breeders Cup
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Go Bears Go
The near-misser in Royal Ascot’s Norfolk (G2), a “Win and You’re In” for this race, Go Bears Go hopes that history repeats itself. Last year, Golden Pal was just denied in the Norfolk, but won the Juvenile Turf Sprint.
Breeders Cup
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Armor
A Breeders’ Cup trophy has continued to elude Richard Hannon, both the father and son of that name. If the younger Hannon is going to win one, chances are it would come courtesy of a sharp juvenile. Armor fits that profile, if the five-furlong specialist can maintain decent position on the turn.
Breeders Cup
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Twilight Jet
The joint sales topper for £210,000 at the Doncaster Breeze Up in April has been on the go all season, amazingly putting up a career best in his 10th start last out. Owner/trainer Michael O’Callaghan’s initial thought was to put him away for the winter, rather than try the “lottery” of the Juvenile Turf Sprint, but Twilight Jet apparently overruled him. And now he’s added new co-owners in the Iavarones.
Breeders Cup
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Hierarchy
Improving colt has raced exclusively at six furlongs, but could be the type to prefer shorter. That gives him dark horse appeal in a furiously competitive event.
Breeders Cup
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Matera Sky
Last of eight behind Mitole in the 2019 Breeders’ Cup Sprint, Matera Sky must overcome a similar challenge, now two years later in the twilight of his career.
Breeders Cup
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Queen Supreme
An Irish-bred with a global pedigree who became a celebrity in South Africa for Mike de Kock, Queen Supreme has to overcome a far from ideal preparation.
Breeders Cup
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Acanella
Although Acanella doesn’t sport the resume usually associated with Juddmonte’s Breeders’ Cup stars, the blueblood sophomore has progressed since beginning her career in April.
Breeders Cup
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Rougir
A regular competitor on the French three-year-old filly scene, Rougir finally got her nose in front in the “Win and You’re In” Prix de l’Opera (G1) on Arc Day.
Breeders Cup
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Ocean Road
On paper, Ocean Road has plenty to prove, but the Qatar Racing sophomore is likely better than her literal record, and even that represents some intriguing form.
Breeders Cup
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Love
Although not the all-conquering force of a year ago, Love remains capable of a top-class effort in the right circumstances.
Breeders Cup
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: A Case of You
A Case of You captured the “Win and You’re In” Prix de l’Abbaye (G1), handing veteran trainer Adrian (“Ado”) McGuinness his first Group 1 victory.
Breeders Cup
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Emaraaty Ana
Kevin Ryan returns not only with defending champ Glass Slippers, but also her resurgent stablemate, Emaraaty Ana.
Breeders Cup
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Albahr
Having punched his ticket in an arguably less-than-vintage edition of the Summer (G1) at Woodbine, Albahr has to raise his game again versus a much deeper cast at Del Mar.
Breeders Cup