Belmont Stakes 2017 Video Preview

Check out my video preview of the 2017 Belmont Stakes for Today's Racing Digest. 

Kentucky Derby 2017 Update: It's Derby Week!

The long and winding road to Kentucky Derby 2017 came to end on April 15 and many of the hopefuls have arrived at Churchill Downs for the big event on the first Saturday in May.

I have been covering the Derby hopefuls since last September and I am pleased to announce that I am including Today’s Racing Digest stats for the first time today.

In my comments below, I will be mentioning FIRE Number + CPR. The FIRE Number is based on speed throughout a race and the CPR (Comprehensive Performance Rating) is based on pace, final time, and closing fraction.   

You can view my latest Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders video featuring Gormley and Irap at the bottom of this blog post. I will be back with a final Derby contenders video later this week.  

Also, if you are interested in an excellent FREE Kentucky Derby report, please visit Today’s Racing Digest.

I will be back later this week after the post position draw with final pre-race thoughts.

My annual Kentucky Derby Day 2017 full card will be available later this week after post positions are drawn and fields are set.

Also, as an added bonus, if you purchase my 2017 Kentucky Derby Day full card from CD for $15 through The Runaway Horse, you will also receive my SA quick picks with wagering strategies (includes Ky Oaks Day stakes picks from CD on May 5) throughout Derby week (May 4-7). I will send all bonus picks via email as soon as they are complete.

Please visit The Runaway Horse Sales Page for more information.

Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders

(1) ALWAYS DREAMING (Bodemeister - Above Perfection, by In Excess)

Trainer (Todd Pletcher) - Owner (Brooklyn Boyz Stables)

Latest Workout: 5f bullet in :59.60 (1/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.

Comments: Uncorked a big 102 FIRE Number and 148 CPR in the Florida Derby and looked great working at Churchill April 28. However, before and after his big work, he has refused to settle in morning gallops and that is not a good sign for a horse trying to navigate ten furlongs for the first time. Pletcher has five days to get him to settle. On May 1, he came to the track with a new set of draw reins under new exercise rider Nick Bush. He fought restraint early before settling much better during his mile and a quarter gallop.    

Derby Points (100)

(2) GUNNEVERA (Dialed In - Unbridled Rage, by Unbridled)

Trainer (Antonio Sano) - Owner (Peacock Racing Stables, LLC)

Latest Workout: 5f in 1:03.60 (35/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.

Comments: He needs pace help in the Derby and can get the job done if he runs back to his 100 FIRE + 156 CPR in the Fountain of Youth.  
                  
Derby Points (84)

(3) MCCRAKEN (Ghostzapper - Ivory Empress, by Seeking the Gold)

Trainer (Ian Wilkes) - Owner (Whitham Thoroughbreds LLC)

Latest Workout: 5f in 1:00.80 (10/32) at Churchill Downs on April 30.

Comments: He looked fantastic in his final two Derby works and appears to be ready to produce a top effort on May 6. He earned a 92 FIRE Number in the Blue Grass, his first career loss, but is 3-for-3 at Churchill and gives every indication that he will bounce back on Derby Day. 

Derby Points (40)

(4) IRISH WAR CRY (Curlin - Irish Soverign, by Polish Numbers)

Trainer (Graham Motion) - Owner (Isabelle de Tomaso)

Latest Workout: 6f in 1:13.20 (1/2) at Fair Hill Training Center on April 30.

Comments: Derby winning trainer Motion was pleased with his final Derby work and earned strong Digest numbers in his two Derby prep wins in the Holy Bull (100 FIRE + 145 CPR)  and Wood Memorial (104 FIRE + 141 CPR).  

Derby Points (110)  

(5) GORMLEY  (Malibu Moon - Race to Urga, by Bernstein)

Trainer (John Shirreffs) - Owner (Mr. and Mrs. Jerome S. Moss)

Latest Workout: 7f in 1:28 (1/2) at Santa Anita Park on April 29.

Comments: The SA Derby has been a productive Derby prep race recently but Gormley’s winning 98 FIRE Number puts him behind some of the top contenders this year.  

Derby Points (125)

(6) PRACTICAL JOKE (Into Mischief - Halo Humor, by Distorted Humor)

Trainer (Chad Brown) - Owner (Klaravich Stables)

Latest Workout: 5f in 1:01.60 (19/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.

Comments: He is training well enough for the Derby and matched Gormey’s 98 FIRE Number with a 2nd in the Blue Grass. He is 3-for-3 sprinting and 0-for-3 routing.        

Derby Points (74)

(7) CLASSIC EMPIRE (Pioneerof The Nile - Sambuca Classica, by Cat Thief)

Trainer (Mark Casse) - Owner (John C. Oxley)

Latest Workout: 4f in :49.20 (47/84) at Churchill Downs on April 28.

Comments: His multiple setbacks this year are hard to overlook and he has not come close to the 100 FIRE Number he earned in the BC Juvenile last fall. He should be fitter than he has been in months but will it be enough? 

Derby Points (132)      

(8) GIRVIN (Tale of Ekati - Catch the Moon, by Malibu Moon)

Trainer (Joe Sharp) - Owner (Brad Grady)

Latest Workout: 5f in :59.60 (2/16) at Keeneland on April 29.

Comments: He earned back-to-back 100 FIRE Numbers in the Risen Star and LA Derby but came up with a foot issue at the worst possible time. It is almost impossible to have a setback and win a race like the Kentucky Derby and even though he looked good working April 29, seasoning is a big issue with a missed work and only four career starts.  

Derby Points (150)

(9) IRAP  (Tiznow - Silken Cat, by Storm Cat)

Trainer (Doug O’Neill) - Owner (Reddam Racing)

Latest Workout: 8f in 1:44.20 (1/2) at Keeneland on April 28.

Comments: Earned a 100 FIRE Number in the Blue Grass but must prove that was not a fluke because his other seven numbers were much lower.  

Derby Points (113)

(10) PATCH  (Union Rags - Windyindy, by A. P. Indy)

Trainer (Todd Pletcher) - Owner (Calumet Fam)

Latest Workout: 5f in 1:00.20 (3/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.

Comments: I love his pedigree and rising numbers pattern but if Girvin lacks seasoning, this one does as well with only three career starts and one win.  

Derby Points (40)

(11) THUNDER SNOW  (Helmet - Eastern Joy, by Dubai Destination)

Trainer (Saeed bin Suroor) - Owner (Godolphin)

Comments: The mystery horse from Dubai arrived at Churchill Downs April 30. This is the type of year to consider a new face but Dubai shippers have yet to make a dent in the Derby.   

THE NEXT NINE:

(12) Hence - 4f in :48.80 (8/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1. He looked good galloping out and might be the best of the Asmussen Derby runners.  

(13) Battle of Midway - 6f in 1:13.40 (5/13) at Santa Anita Park on April 28.

(14) J Boys Echo - 5f in 1:01 (5/21) at Churchill Downs on April 29.

(15) Tapwrit - 5f in 1:00.20 (3/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.

(16) Lookin at Lee - 4f in :50.20 (15/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1.

(17) Fast and Accurate - 5f in 1:01.20 (17/32) at Churchill Downs on April 30.

(18) State of Honor - 4f in :48.80 (34/84) at Churchill Downs on April 28.

(19) Untrapped - 4f in :50.40 (17/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1.

(20) Sonneteer - 4f bullet in :47 (1/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1. Maiden looked sharp working for first time since Arkansas Derby.

On the Outside Looking in:

(21) Royal Mo - 6f in 1:13 (5/14) at Santa Anita on April 29.

(22) Local Hero - 4f in :50.60 (18/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1.

Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders: Battalion Runner, Gormley, Irap, and Mal...

Check out this free Kentucky Derby 2017 report from Today's Racing Digest - https://todaysracingdigest.lpages.co/kentucky-derby-contenders-preview/

Kentucky Derby 2017 Update: Wood Memorial, Blue Grass, SA Derby Recap

The road to Kentucky Derby 2017 featured three big prep races on April 8 and Irish War Cry bounced back with a sharp victory in the Wood Memorial from Aqueduct.

Irish War Cry was content to track post time favorite Battalion Runner and was always moving sweetly under Rajiv Maragh. He pulled clear in the stretch and earned a 101 BSF.

It was a two-horse race throughout and Battalion Runner was clearly second best over Cloud Computing.

In a stunning Blue Grass Stakes outcome, longshot Irap earned his maiden win over Practical Joke and McCraken. The winning BSF was 93 and the top three finishes will all move on to the Kentucky Derby.

Gotham winner J Boys Echo and Tampa Bay Derby hero Tapwrit turned in disappointing efforts in the Blue Grass but both have enough Derby qualifying points in their connections opt to run on the first Saturday in May.

The SA Derby (88 BSF with slow final 3/8ths) was a mad 5-horse scramble in the stretch and Gormley got up late over Battle of Midway, Royal Mo, Reach the World, and Iliad. The latter pair do not have the necessary Derby points and Royal Mo is on the bubble. 

The final Derby prep is the Arkansas Derby on April 15 and it figures to have major implications on the final points standings. I will be back next week with a video preview of Oaklawn Park’s showcase event.

Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 4-9-17)

#1 - ALWAYS DREAMING

#2 - Gunnevera

#3 - McCraken

#4 - Irish War Cry

#5 - Battalion Runner

#6 - Girvin

#7 - Practical Joke

#8 - Gormley

#9 - Classic Empire

#10 - One Liner

#11 - Irap


You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.

* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards 

Santa Anita Derby 2017 Video Analysis for Today's Racing Digest: Kentucky Derby 2017 Prep Race

The 2017 Santa Anita Derby is a wide open prep race for Kentucky Derby 2017. Iliad is the tepid morning line favorite but there are many other contenders in the 13-horse field.

Kentucky Derby 2017 Update: Mastery returns in San Felipe

Gunnevera was the road to Kentucky Derby 2017 star of last week with a powerful late running victory in the Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, March 4.

Three Rules carved out solid fractions in the FOY and was chased by Holy Bull winner Irish War Cry, Takaful, and Made You Look, and the latter trio retreated to the back of the pack.

Meanwhile, Gunnevera and Javier Castellano were enjoying the scenery from 10th and last before unleashing a strong late run to cross the line 5+ lengths in front.

Practical Joke rallied from 7th and fought hard to edge a very game Three Rules for the place. It was another six lengths back to Talk Logistics in 4th.

The Gotham was supposed to be a walk in the park for El Areeb but his rider Trevor McCarthy made an early decision to go the front and there was no turning back. He was hounded throughout by True Timber, and eventual winner J Boys Echo took full advantage of the lively fractions and rolled home by 3.5 lengths (102 BSF).

Stalker Cloud Computing was clearly second best in the Gotham and El Areeb held the show in a disappointing performance that can be partly attributed to riding tactics.

Before anyone gets too excited about the Gotham, check out the 0-for-40 Kentucky Derby record for Gotham participants since 1980. 

Two big Derby preps on tap this week beginning with the much anticipated return of Mastery in the San Felipe. He has been my top ranked Derby contender for many months and looks ready to roll off the bench for Bob Baffert.

2-time graded route winner Gormley and impressive G2 San Vicente hero Iliad figure to make Mastery work hard for the money.

The Tampa Bay Derby is a wide open affair and trainer Todd Pletcher has a pair of contenders including Sam F. Davis runner-up Tapwrit.

Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 3-11-17)

#1 - MASTERY

#2 - Gormley

#3 - Three Rules

#4 - McCraken

#5 - Practical Joke

#6 - Gunnevera

#7 - Royal Mo

#8 - Irish War Cry

#9 - El Areeb

#10 - Battalion Runner

#11 - Classic Empire


You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.

* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards 

Kentucky Derby 2017 Update: McCraken wins Sam F. Davis Stakes

McCraken moved up on many Kentucky Derby 2017 lists following a sharp off the pace tally in the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs on Feb 11.

McCraken is now 4-for-4 and earned 10 Derby qualifying points in the G2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs last fall and another 10 points in Florida last weekend.

I like the fact that McCraken’s trainer Ian Wilkes worked with veteran conditioner Carl Nafzger during Unbridled’s and Street Sense’s Derby-winning campaigns. Mr. Wilkes is going old school with a trio of Derby preps and we already know his promising colt likes Churchill Downs.

Tapwrit was a decent 2nd in the Davis for Pletcher, followed by State of Honor and Wild Shot. Remsen runner-up No Dozing did not show up in a disappointing effort. 

Iliad looked good in the G2 San Vicente (96 BSF) at Santa Anita Park last Sunday. Bob Baffert trained him for his juvenile campaign and Doug "Neill is the conditioner now for Kaleem Shah's promising runner. It looks like the San Felipe/SA Derby for this one.

There are a pair of Derby points races this week beginning with the El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields on Feb 18. Santa Anita Park shippers Sheer Flattery and Ann Arbor Eddie take on locals More Power to Him and Colonel Samsen in the nine furlong synthetic test.

On Presidents’ Day (Monday, Feb 20), Smarty Jones Stakes 1-2-3 finishers Uncontested, Petrov, and Rowdy the Warrior meet again.  

Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 2-18-17)

#1 - MASTERY

#2 - McCraken

#3 - El Areeb

#4 - Gormley

#5 - Three Rules

#6 - Classic Empire

#7 - Practical Joke

#8 - Royal Mo

#9 - Theory 

#10 - Battalion Runner

#11 - Irish War Cry


You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.

* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards 

Kentucky Derby 2017 Update: Gormley Strikes Back

Gormley took care of business in the slop and picked up 10 Kentucky Derby 2017 points in a narrow head victory over American Anthem in the Grade III Sham Stakes at Santa Anita Park on Saturday, Jan. 7.

Gormley won the G1 FrontRunner on a fast track in his second career start before a less than ideal start and wide trip derailed him in the G1 BC Juvenile. In the Sham, he shadowed American Anthem from the get-go and prevailed in a hard fought battle from start to finish.

American Anthem gave Gormley everything he could handle but two turn graded stakes experience ruled the day. The Baffert trainee has plenty of upside and it was thirteen lengths back to show finisher Big Hit.  

Just like the Jerome a week prior, the Sham was contested on a wet track. The top performers in both races are obviously talented but wet tracks frequently produce lopsided victories with strung-out fields. Let’s see what El Areeb, Gormley, and American Anthem can do in upcoming fast track graded routes vs. tougher competition. With that in mind, American Anthem moves up to #13 on my “Next Nine” but will not enter the “Exceptional Eleven” just yet.  

Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 1-15-17)

#1 - MASTERY

#2 - Classic Empire

#3 - Three Rules

#4 - Gormley

#5 - McCraken

#6 - El Areeb

#7 - Beach Bum

#8 - Royal Mo 

#9 - Klimt

#10 - Theory

#11 - Practical Joke


You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.

* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards

Santa Anita Park 2017 Winter Meet Rewind (Jan 6-8)

Wet weather continues to wreak havoc in Arcadia, CA. No turf racing on Jan 6-7 with moisture in the main track all week long. 

Friday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: Jan 6

Muddy (sealed) main track and off the turf. One dueling front runner scored at seven panels but that was it for speed types.

No riding or training doubles on Friday.

Saturday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: Jan 7

Sloppy (sealed) main track and off the turf. Three dueling front runners scored on dirt (6f, 5.5f, 9f).

Two wins for jockey Victor Espinoza including Gormley in the G3 Sham.

You can read the rest of my Santa Anita Park Report at The Runaway Horse...

Kentucky Derby 2017 Update: El Areeb Enters Picture

El Areeb is the latest Kentucky Derby 2017 flavor of the month following a facile victory in the Grade 3 Jerome at Aqueduct on Jan 2.

Blowout wins on wet tracks are typically not duplicated under a different set of circumstances next time out so right now I would say that I am cautiously optimistic regarding El Areeb. He is obviously talented but must prove himself on dry land against bigger and better foes. Time will tell if he is a legit Derby contender.

Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 1-7-17)

#1 - MASTERY

#2 - Classic Empire

#3 - Three Rules

#4 - Gormley

#5 - Beach Bum

#6 - Royal Mo

#7 - McCracken

#8 - Klimt

#9 - El Areeb

#10 - Theory

#11 - Practical Joke


You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.

* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards

Kentucky Derby 2017 update: Breeders' Cup Juvenile preview

The 2016 Breeders' Cup Juvenile will be run later this weekend at Santa Anita Park and seven of my Top 11 Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders are entered. 

Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 10-29-16)

#1 - Silver Assault

#2 - Klimt

#3 - Not This Time

#4 - Three Rules

#5 - Theory

#6 - Gormley

#7 - Classic Empire 

#8 - Straight Fire

#9 - Favorable Outcome

#10 - Mastery

#11 - Term of Art

You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.

* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards

Breeders' Cup Juvenile 2016 video preview

The 2016 Breeders' Cup Juvenile is shaping up as a competitive race with a good mix of speed horses, stalkers, and closers.

Syndergaard and Gormley are the early threats and the latter has the home court advantage following a wire job win in the G1 FrontRunner. Undefeated Gulfstream shipper Three Rules should be forwardly placed as well.

Klimt, the FrontRunner runner-up, should be stalking the pace for trainer Bob Baffert. G1 Breeders' Futurity hero Classic Empire and Theory, 2-for-2 at six furlongs for trainer Todd Pletcher, should also be tracking the front runners.

If the early pace heats up, look for Churchill Downs shipper Not This Time to pick up the pieces.

Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update (10-12-16)

The 2016 FrontRunner, Champagne, and Breeders’ Futurity are in books and that means it is time for another Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update.

Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 10-12-16)

#1 - Silver Assault

#2 - Klimt

#3 - Not This Time

#4 - Three Rules

#5 - Straight Fire

#6 - Theory 

#7 - Gormley

#8 - Classic Empire 

#9 - Favorable Outcome

#10 - Big Gray Rocket

#11 - Term of Art

You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.

* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards