How would you rank....

[jonny delta]

...these 4 major Kentucky Derby prep races in order of prestige?


In other words, if you had a Derby-caliber entry, where would you want to run 'em...what race would you most like to win...you get the idea...

In no particular order...


Santa Anita Derby
Wood Memorial
Arkansas Derby
Blue Grass Stakes


Thanks in advance for your thoughts...

[Wabash Wonders]

These are all equally prestigious as far a prep race for the Derby goes. In other words, you wont necessarily see better horses in a certain race over another. It all depends on the horse and trainer as to where they place them. If you look at the last 5 Derby Winners, 4 of them ran their final prep in each of these races( 2007 Street Sense, Blue Grass; 2005 Giacomo, Santa Anita Derby; 2004 Smarty Jones, Arkansas Derby and 2003 Funny Cide, Wood Memorial. The funny thing is probably the most popular Derby winner of recent years , Barbaro,did not run in any of these prep races. His 2 prep races for the derby were the Holy Bull and Florida Derby at Gulfstream.

Many trainers like to run a prep race on Polytrack right before the derby, so I look for a real good field as always in the Blue Grass at Keeneland.

[jonny delta]

Originally Posted by Wabash Wonders

These are all equally prestigious as far a prep race for the Derby goes. In other words, you wont necessarily see better horses in a certain race over another. It all depends on the horse and trainer as to where they place them. If you look at the last 5 Derby Winners, 4 of them ran their final prep in each of these races( 2007 Street Sense, Blue Grass; 2005 Giacomo, Santa Anita Derby; 2004 Smarty Jones, Arkansas Derby and 2003 Funny Cide, Wood Memorial. The funny thing is probably the most popular Derby winner of recent years , Barbaro,did not run in any of these prep races. His 2 prep races for the derby were the Holy Bull and Florida Derby at Gulfstream.

Many trainers like to run a prep race on Polytrack right before the derby, so I look for a real good field as always in the Blue Grass at Keeneland.

Thanks for the reply, Wabash


Agreed & excellent analysis IMO. I usually try to make it to the BG Stakes, to check out the fillies on and off the new Polytrack surface. Keeneland is a special place and the atmosphere on BG day is tough to match. IMO, I really think Keeneland a much prettier track than Churchill....

But back to topic...I think that the BG usually garners a bit more of the spotlight than the other big 'uns...but I also believe that the extra attention is warranted due to the spectacular fields of the past.

[Wabash Wonders]

jonny,

wife and I go to Keeneland every year. We will be there closing day this year, April 24. And I agree that Keeneland is much nicer than CD. As you said, Keeneland is a special place. Lexington in general is a special place if you love horses.

The BG will probably be the most popular prep race this year and in future years for 2 reasons. Its only 1 hour from CD, so dont have to travel much after final prep. The 2nd reason being the Polytrack. Not only to run over for final prep, but also to train over before the Derby.