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Preakness Stakes pedigree profile: Clever Again
It was striking to see Clever Again show talent on dirt with a blowout triumph over Grade 1 winner Gaming in the one-mile Hot Springs S.
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Preakness Stakes pedigree profile: Goal Oriented
Back-to-back maiden and allowance optional claiming wins have thrust Goal Oriented into the picture as a 2025 Preakness (G1) contender.
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Pedigree clues for 2025 Royal Palm Juvenile contests
Saturday marks just the third running of Gulfstream Park’s Royal Palm Juvenile S. and its fillies’ counterpart, but each turf dash has had an impact at Royal Ascot already.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Sovereignty
There was a time not too many years ago when a horse like Sovereignty might have been overlooked as a Kentucky Derby (G1) contender because of his pedigree.
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Dosage Index and birthdates for 2025 Kentucky Derby contenders
I regard it as more akin to reading tea leaves than offering meaningful insights into a horse’s genetic inheritance, or aptitude for 1 1/4 miles on the first Saturday in May.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Neoequos
Speed is a strong suit for Neoequos. But does he have the stamina to stretch out over 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Render Judgment
Render Judgment’s pedigree suggests he’ll stay 1 1/4 miles without issue, but does the stretch-running colt have enough speed to win the Kentucky Derby?
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Baeza
A gallant runner-up finish in a strong renewal of the Santa Anita Derby (G1) has stamped Baeza as a compelling candidate for the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1).
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Madaket Road
Does Madaket Road have the requisite stamina to race 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby? His pedigree suggests classic distances might be a little longer than ideal.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Gosger
The final leg of the 2024-25 Road to the Kentucky Derby was the 1 1/16-mile Lexington (G3) at Keeneland, in which maiden winner Gosger successfully stepped up in class to win by two lengths.
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Features
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Grande
Grande qualified for the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) via a strong runner-up finish in the 1 1/8-mile Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Flying Mohawk
Can Flying Mohawk successfully switch from synthetic to dirt for the Kentucky Derby? His pedigree suggests it’s not a guarantee.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: River Thames
A review of River Thames' pedigree suggests stretching out over classic distances for the Triple Crown series could be a question mark.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Publisher
Although Publisher has yet to win a race, he qualified for the Kentucky Derby (G1) via a runner-up finish in the Arkansas Derby (G1) and aims to become the first maiden to win the Kentucky Derby since 1933.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Chunk of Gold
Homestretch rallies carried Chunk of Gold to runner-up finishes in the Louisiana Derby (G2) and Risen Star (G2) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, earning the gray colt a spot in the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) starting gate.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Rodriguez
Rodriguez emerged as a top-tier 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) contender when leading from start to finish in the Wood Memorial (G2) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Admire Daytona
Japanese raider Admire Daytona displayed unwavering tenacity when taking his game on the road to the UAE Derby (G2) at Meydan in Dubai.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Sandman
An eye-catching rally from behind a fast pace carried Sandman to victory in the 1 1/8-mile Arkansas Derby (G1) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Tappan Street
A well-timed rally carried Tappan Street to victory in the 1 1/8-mile Florida Derby (G1) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, stamping the bay colt as the latest top-tier Kentucky Derby (G1) contender sired by Into Mischief.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Tiztastic
Of all the horses taking aim at the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1), Tiztastic boasts one of the most interesting pedigrees.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Final Gambit
A terrific homestretch rally allowed Final Gambit to overcome a bumping start and dominate the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), his Road to the Kentucky Derby debut.
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STUDY: Consolidation of sire lines among leading Thoroughbred stallions
The landscape of Thoroughbred breeding in the United States has changed since the turn of the century.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: American Promise
A 7 3/4-length demolition of the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs launched American Promise into the Kentucky Derby (G1) picture.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Owen Almighty
We know Owen Almighty has speed. But does he have the necessary stamina to win over 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Flood Zone
Are one-turn miles destined to be Flood Zone’s strong suit, or can he shine racing 1 1/4 miles around two turns in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
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STUDY: How Thoroughbred sire line success rates vary by racing surface
Do descendants of Northern Dancer, Mr. Prospector, and Bold Ruler exhibit surface preferences depending on which sire line they hail from? Let’s crunch some numbers and find out.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Luxor Cafe
Luxor Cafe, a Triple Crown nominee based in Japan, could have Kentucky Derby (G1) aspirations after winning the Hyacinth S. and Fukuryu S. on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: California Burrito
Switching back to dirt for the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) shouldn’t be a concern for California Burrito. But can he handle the Derby’s 1 1/4-mile distance?
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Getaway Car
A brief glance at the pedigree of Sunland Park Derby winner Getaway Car might lead to the conclusion he’s bred to shine racing classic distances.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Magnitude
A 9 3/4-length demolition of the Risen Star (G2) has stamped Magnitude as a serious contender for the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1).
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Pedigree notebook: Nutella Fella’s genetic confection
Nutella Fella is by champion sprinter Runhappy, but his female line also features high-profile speedsters, suggesting a confluence of factors on top and bottom.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: John Hancock
John Hancock joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with an unwavering performance in the 1 1/16-mile Sam F. Davis S. at Tampa Bay Downs.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Burnham Square
Handicappers must answer an important question: can Burnham Square handle the testing 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Captain Cook
Can Captain Cook handle stretching out over 1 1/4 miles for the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Speed King
Speed King lived up to his name in the 1 1/16-mile Southwest (G3) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, leading all the way to win the $1 million race by one length.
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Pedigree notebook: Still more to come from Arrogate’s last crop
This Saturday’s Pegasus World Cup (G1) brings back memories of champion Arrogate, who blasted to a new track record in the 2017 edition at Gulfstream Park.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Cyclone State
Cyclone State showed abundant early speed on his way to winning the Jerome S., a Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifier held over one mile at Aqueduct.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Built
Built joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with a gate-to-wire triumph in the 1 1/16-mile Gun Runner S. at Fair Grounds.
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First-crop sires: Kale’s Angel heralds promise for Complexity
Complexity has furnished several additional stakes performers since our last installment, chief among them Kale’s Angel, who starred in the Advent S. on opening day at Oaklawn Park.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Journalism
Sometimes it’s possible to glance at a horse's pedigree and conclude with certainty they’re bred to shine racing classic distances, including the 1 1/4-mile journey of the Kentucky Derby (G1).
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Coal Battle
Sprints and short routes are clearly within the wheelhouse of Coal Battle. But can he handle the testing 1 1/4-mile distance of the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1)?
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Myriad Love
A filly hasn’t contested the Kentucky Derby (G1) since Devil May Care finished 10th in 2010. That could potentially change in 2025.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Poster
After opening his career with a pair of turf wins, Poster switched to dirt and joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with a triumph in the Remsen (G2).
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: First Resort
A pace-tracking victory in the 1 1/16-mile Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) suggests running long on dirt is First Resort’s true strong suit.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Natural Rise
A brief glance at Natural Rise’s pedigree suggests he’s cut out for success on turf rather than dirt. But dig deeper, and dirt influences become evident.
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Breeders’ Cup Sires: Into Mischief, Dubawi, More Than Ready in tie with Curlin
Hovering in the background of the 14 Breeders’ Cup events is another race of sorts – among sires, for the most wins at the championships.
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2024 Breeders’ Cup: Curlin among past champions with progeny at Del Mar
One of the most fascinating elements of Thoroughbred racing is the genetic heritage of past champions on display in current runners. A case in point is the number of Breeders’ Cup winners who are now sires of contenders throughout the two-day championships at Del Mar.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Chancer McPatrick
Chancer McPatrick ranks among the most accomplished two-year-olds of 2024 after winning the Hopeful (G1) and Champagne (G1).
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: East Avenue
A gate-to-wire victory by 5 1/4 lengths in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) launched East Avenue onto the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Citizen Bull
A brief glance at Citizen Bull’s pedigree might suggest 1 1/16 miles is the upper limit of his distance capabilities. But that's not necessarily the case.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Jonathan’s Way
Jonathan’s Way became the first horse to earn points on the 2024-25 Road to the Kentucky Derby when wiring the one-mile Iroquois (G3) at Churchill Downs.
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Juvenile champion Game Winner a freshman sire to watch
Game Winner turned out to be one of those racehorses most owners dream about. Purchased for a relative bargain at the most notable yearling market in the world, Game Winner proved a champion on the racetrack and earned back his purchase price many times over.
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First-crop sires: Black Forza, Mo Plex keep rolling for Complexity
Since the first installment of our TwinSpires.com series on first-crop sires, early leader Complexity continues to add to his portfolio.
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The 6th Sire: VOTE for our final First-Crop Sire to watch in 2024 [POLL]
Five horses have been preselected, with the sixth being chosen by YOU! Which Freshman Sire should TwinSpires follow for 2024?
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TwinSpires annual series continues with five freshman sires to watch in 2024
For the fourth consecutive year, the stable of writers at TwinSpires will offer thoughts and analysis on five of the most compelling freshman sires whose offspring hit the track for the first time this year.
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Thousand Words states his claim as a top freshman stallion
A picture may be worth 1,000 words, but first-crop sire Thousands Words is worth a whole lot more to Spendthrift Farm, where he retired to stud in 2021 following a successful nine-race career.
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Complexity dashes to early lead among 2024 first-crop sires
As a hotshot debut winner at Saratoga and hero of the 2018 Champagne (G1), Complexity had the right profile to make a splash with his first-crop two-year-olds.
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2024 Belmont Stakes: Dornoch, Mage join club of U.S. classic-winning siblings
Dornoch, a full brother to 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) star Mage, put their dam, Puca, in rare company by taking the Belmont (G1).
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Dosage Index and birthdates for 2024 Kentucky Derby contenders
Since the Dosage Index became a Kentucky Derby (G1) handicapping tool a few decades back, some interest remains in how the current contenders stack up.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Mugatu
After finishing fourth in the John Battaglia Memorial S. and fifth in the Blue Grass (G1) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, Mugatu enters the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) as the second also-eligible entrant in an overflow field of 22 horses.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Epic Ride
Which racing surface is best for Epic Ride? And can he handle the Kentucky Derby’s testing 1 1/4-mile distance? His pedigree hints at the answers.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Common Defense
Top-five finishers in the Louisiana Derby (G2), Rebel (G2), and Southwest (G3) have launched Common Defense into the Kentucky Derby (G1) picture, even though his pedigree is geared toward success on turf more than dirt.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Grand Mo the First
A glance at the pedigree of Kentucky Derby (G1) contender Grand Mo the First reveals the source of his multi-surface versatility.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Just Steel
Just Steel is a capable competitor on dirt, but that’s arguably in defiance of his bloodlines. A glance at his pedigree suggests turf might be his best surface.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Just a Touch
One of the most beautifully bred horses in the prospective 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) field is Just a Touch, the lightly raced runner-up in the Blue Grass (G1) and Gotham (G3) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Society Man
Running long is a strong suit for Society Man, runner-up in the 1 1/8-mile Wood Memorial (G2) and a maiden winner over the same distance. Stretching out over 1 1/4 miles for the Kentucky Derby (G1) should fit the chestnut gelding just fine.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Catalytic
It’s difficult to say based off Catalytic’s racing record and pedigree whether the Kentucky Derby’s 1 1/4-mile distance is within his wheelhouse.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Resilience
Pedigree handicappers are aware of Resilience’s Kentucky Derby (G1) potential. After all, his pedigree is packed with speed, stamina, class, and—most importantly—Kentucky Derby winners.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Catching Freedom
A perfect pedigree doesn’t guarantee success in the Kentucky Derby (G1), but it doesn’t hurt. And any way you slice it, Catching Freedom is bred to excel in the Derby.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: West Saratoga
It’s only fitting that Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) runner-up West Saratoga won the one-mile Iroquois (G3) at Churchill Downs, the first leg of the 2023-24 Road to the Kentucky Derby. The gray colt is bred top and bottom for success in the spring classics.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Liberal Arts
Does Liberal Arts have the pedigree to shine racing 1 1/4 miles on the first Saturday in May? At least at first glance, his pedigree gives off mixed signals.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Uncle Heavy
A decade after Social Inclusion set the world abuzz as a possible Kentucky Derby (G1) contender, his son Uncle Heavy is embarking down the same path.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Mystik Dan
Does Mystik Dan have the pedigree to stretch out over 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby (G1)? That’s an important question Derby handicappers must ponder.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Hades
How far can Hades run? Does he have the stamina to shine over 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby (G1), or will shorter journeys prove more favorable?
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Stronghold
The Kentucky Derby (G1) looms on the horizon for Stronghold, but does he have the pedigree to shine racing 1 1/4 miles on the first Saturday in May? That’s a tricky question that requires a nuanced answer.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Otto the Conqueror
Otto the Conqueror showed unwavering tenacity to win the Remington Springboard Mile at Remington Park by three-quarters of a length, in the process joining the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Sierra Leone
Racing 1 1/8 miles is no obstacle for Sierra Leone, winner of the Blue Grass (G1) and Risen Star (G2) and runner-up in the Remsen (G2) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Neither should the 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby (G1) prove problematic for the beautifully bred colt.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: No More Time
A gate-to-wire victory in the Sam F. Davis (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs launched No More Time into the picture as a 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) contender.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Domestic Product
The pedigree of Tampa Bay Derby (G3) winner Domestic Product suggests the 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby (G1) might be a furlong farther than his best.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Encino
Encino is bred top and bottom to shine on dirt, which bodes well for his chances of factoring in the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Deterministic
A seven-month layoff couldn’t stop Deterministic from joining the Road to the Kentucky Derby with a win in the one-mile Gotham (G3) at Aqueduct. But can Deterministic stretch out over 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Honor Marie
When Honor Marie tackled a two-turn configuration for the first time in the 1 1/16-mile Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs, he rallied strongly to win by two lengths, emerging as a 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) contender.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Endlessly
Endlessly has been a force to reckon with on turf and synthetic, but he's never run on dirt, the surface over which the Kentucky Derby (G1) is contested.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: T O Password
A hard-fought head triumph in the Fukuryu S. at Nakayama Racecourse in Japan thrust T O Password into the picture as a Kentucky Derby (G1) contender.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Track Phantom
Does Lecomte (G3) winner Track Phantom have the stamina to carry his speed over 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby (G1)? His pedigree gives off mixed signals.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Fierceness
A blend of tactical speed and staying power carried Fierceness to blowout victories in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and Florida Derby (G1), stamping the bay colt as the possible favorite for the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1).
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Amante Bianco
When Amante Bianco rallied to victory in the Cattleya at Tokyo Racecourse, the flashy white colt picked up 10 qualification points on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby and emerged as a possible contender for the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1).
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Locked
After overcoming a wide trip to win the Breeders’ Futurity (G1), Locked ranks among the early favorites for the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1).
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Timberlake
Can Timberlake become the third son of Into Mischief to win the Kentucky Derby (G1)? Only time will tell, but the bay colt is trending in the right direction.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Drum Roll Please
Drum Roll Please joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with a third-place finish in the Remsen (G2), and a subsequent 3 3/4-length win in the Jerome S. at Aqueduct reiterates his emergence as a Kentucky Derby (G1) contender.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Ramjet
When Ramjet stormed home victorious by three lengths in the Hyacinth S. on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby, he delivered on a pedigree geared top and bottom toward high-level success running long on dirt.
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Pedigree profile: Imagination
A tenacious victory in the San Felipe (G2) at Santa Anita has stamped Imagination as a talented three-year-old worth following.
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Pedigree profile: Nysos
After two blowout victories sprinting, it was no surprise to see Nysos dominate his two-turn debut, winning the one-mile Robert B. Lewis S. (G3) at Santa Anita by 7 1/2 lengths.
Racing
First-crop sires: The Wine Steward finishes 2023 as Vino Rosso’s top earner
Spendthrift Farm’s Vino Rosso, the 2019 winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), closed out the 2023 season ranked third among North American first-crop sires, with $2,193,544 in progeny earnings; nearly 17% of which was earned by The Wine Steward.
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First-crop sires: Omaha Beach’s unbeaten Kopion on Kentucky Oaks trail
Omaha Beach ranked first among North American freshman sires, not by the official standard of progeny earnings in 2023, but by another metric that’s arguably more significant for his stud career: the number of stakes performers.
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Mitole finishes fast to become top first-crop sire of 2023
In his racing days, sprint champion Mitole was known for his blazing speed. However, it was a late burst by his offspring in the final weeks of the season that propelled Mitole to the top of the first-crop sire list for 2023.
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First-crop sires: Maximus Mischief ends 2023 in second place
The final racing results from 2023 are in, and Maximus Mischief ended the year as the second-leading first-crop sire in multiple categories.
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