Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Simplification

Tue Mar 08 2022J. Keeler Johnson

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?
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Tiz the Bomb

Mon Mar 07 2022J. Keeler Johnson

Is there any racing surface Tiz the Bomb can’t handle?
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Un Ojo

Mon Feb 28 2022J. Keeler Johnson

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.
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Blackadder

Wed Feb 16 2022J. Keeler Johnson

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.
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Classic Causeway

Tue Feb 15 2022J. Keeler Johnson

Can the late, great racehorse and stallion Giant's Causeway sire a Kentucky Derby (G1) winner in his final year of opportunity?
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Early Voting

Wed Feb 09 2022J. Keeler Johnson

A favorable pedigree isn’t the only requirement to win the Kentucky Derby (G1). But it’s a good place to start.
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Call Me Midnight

Mon Jan 24 2022J. Keeler Johnson

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?
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Courvoisier

Mon Jan 03 2022J. Keeler Johnson

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?
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Newgrange

Mon Jan 03 2022J. Keeler Johnson

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.
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Dash Attack

Mon Jan 03 2022J. Keeler Johnson

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.”
The Breeders' Cup sign scene
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Vertiginous

Fri Dec 31 2021Kellie Reilly

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 International Horse Profile: Twilight Gleaming

Fri Dec 31 2021Kellie Reilly

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 International Horse Profile: Thunder Love

Fri Dec 31 2021Kellie Reilly

A precocious filly who won twice early in the season on Polytrack, the Amo Racing runner has found turf stakes company a tougher challenge.