Kentucky Derby 2019: Super Saturday Qualifiers
Saturday March 9th, brings an action packed day of racing with major Kentucky Derby implications. Unfortunately the San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita Park has been cancelled as racing there has been put on hold due to unsafe track conditions. There are still three important qualifiers.
The Gotham Stakes
The Gotham Stakes is a one-mile race for three-year-olds that takes place at Aqueduct Racktrack and Casino in New York. The race normally runs in early March, and will be on Saturday March 9th this year. The top four finishers will earn qualifying points toward a spot in the vaunted Kentucky Derby in May.
In the past the winner of the Gotham Stakes has been a shoo-in for a spot in the Kentucky Derby due to the qualifying points on the line with 50 points to 1st place, 20 points to 2nd place, 10 points to 3rd place and 4 points to 4th place. California native Insragrand travels to New York as the presumptive favorite, although this year’s strong field is filled with some excellent speed.
Here is the field:
1. Family Biz Trainer: E. Barker Jockey: K. Carmouche
2. Knicks Go Trainer: B. Colebrook Jockey: J. Lezcano
3. Mind Control Trainer: G. Sacco Jockey: J. Velazquez
4. Much Better Trainer: B. Baffert Jockey: M. Smith
5. Haikal Trainer: K. McLaughlin Jockey: R. Maragh
6. Instagrand Trainer: J. Hollendorfer Jockey: J. Castellano
7. Not That Brady Trainer: R. Rodriguez Jockey: R. Gutierrez
8. Tikhvin Flew Trainer: S. Asmussen Jockey: D. Davis
Tampa Bay Derby
The Tampa Bay Derby started in 1981, and is one of the more important qualifying races for the Kentucky Derby. It has a prize purse of $400,000 for the 2019 edition. It takes place on March 9th at Tampa Bay Downs.
World renowned trainer Todd Pletcher has five wins in this race, the most of any trainer.
In addition some of best horses will be racing, perhaps the future Kentucky Derby winner. Look for Well Defined to duel with the aptly named Win Win Win. Two special horses to keep an eye on.
The Tampa Bay Derby runs on March 9th, 2019.
Here is the field:
1. Admire Jockey: R. Albarado Trainer: D. Romans
2. Sir Winston Jockey: J. Leparoux Trainer: M. Casse
3. Lord Dragon Jockey: J. Bracho Trainer: J. Blair
4. Dream Maker Jockey: F. Geroux Trainer: M. CasseL
5. Well Defined Jockey: P. Morales Trainer: K. O’Connell
6. Outshine Jockey: J. Rosario Trainer: T. Pletcher
7. Win Win Win Jockey: I. Ortiz, Jr. Trainer: M. Trombetta
8. The Right Path: Jockey: J. Bravo Trainer: J. Duarte, Jr.
9. Dunph Jockey: D. Centeno Trainer: M. Maker
10. Tacitus Jockey: J. Ortiz Trainer: W. Mott
11. Zenden Jockey: S. Camacho Trainer: V. Barboza, Jr.
Jeff Ruby Steaks
Kentucky Derby qualifying points are also up for grabs at the Jeff Ruby Steaks, held at Turfway Park.
Somelikeithotbrown is the star of the field, but should face an a tough challenge with the talen in the field including top contender Skywire,.
Here is the field:
1. Dynamic Racer Jockey: E. Prentice, Jr. Trainer: R. Kahles
2. Moonster Jockey: J. McKee Trainer: D. Romans
3. Five Star General Jockey: Jockey: D. Cannon Trainer: A. Delacour
4. Dabo Jockey: L. Machado Trainer: D. Romans
5. Baytown Jimbo Jockey: A. Achard Trainer: P. McEnteeL
6. Skywire Jockey: G. Boulanger Trainer: M. Casse
7. Counter Offer Jockey: M. Franklin Trainer: I. Wilkes
8. Twelfthofneverland Jockey: S. Russell Trainer: R. HandalL
9. Curlin Grey Jockey: B. Hernandez, Jr. Trainer: K. McPeek
10. Somelikeithotbrown Jockey: T. Gaffalione Trainer: M. Maker
11. Speed App Jockey: W. De La Cruz Trainer: D. Lukas