This year’s field is arguably more accomplished than any Derby ensemble in the last ten years with Dortmund, American Pharoah, Carpe Diem, Materiality, and International Star all boasting perfect records […]
This year’s field is arguably more accomplished than any Derby ensemble in the last ten years with Dortmund, American Pharoah, Carpe Diem, Materiality, and International Star all boasting perfect records as three year-olds, and just two combined career losses between the aforementioned first three. Then there’s Upstart who has done little wrong in seven career starts including a head-scratching disqualification that cost him a victory in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes. Also note there wasn’t much difference between Upstart and Materiality in the Florida Derby and the latter could be the wise-guy horse as the pre-race hype begins to build.
So what gives? Finding flaws in near-perfect resumes isn’t an easy task, but many of the leading candidates appear to be front-runners or near-the-lead types of horses who have worked out easy trips against miniscule fields compared to the 20 horse crush of the Kentucky Derby. International Star has shown an effective closing kick and the ability to handle traffic, but has posted uninspiring speed figures while winning a trio of preps at Fair Grounds.
The stage could be set for something unprecedented in the 2015 Kentucky Derby with UAE Derby hero Mubtaahij shipping in for his international connections in attempt to become the first Dubai-based colt to wear the roses. A two-time winner at the mile and three eighths distance, the classic distance of the Derby will not faze this battle-tested runner who has looked comfortable rating behind horses before showing tremendous acceleration as he did in winning the UAE Derby by eight lengths March 28 at Meydan. At what figures to be a fair price, players should keep a close eye on Mubtaahij who figures prominently against this year’s field.
Saturday, January 29 at Gulfstream Park is one of the biggest races of the year: the Pegasus World Cup (G1)! This $3 million race, covering a mile and an eighth on the Gulfstream dirt track, drew a field of nine handicap horses. The eyes of the racing world will be on Gulfstream on Saturday, and you can bet it from the comfort of your own home here in Canada!
The Kentucky Derby trail makes its way to Oklahoma on Friday, December 17 for the Remington Springboard Mile! The race drew a field of nine up-and-coming two-year-olds to go a mile on the main track. The prizes are rich: a $400,000 purse, as well as Road to the Kentucky Derby points (10-4-2-1) for the first four horses across the wire.
The Los Alamitos Futurity (G2), California’s most important Kentucky Derby Prep in December, is coming up on Saturday, December 11! The race features the most promising two-year-olds in California, set to go a mile and a sixteenth over the dirt at Los Alamitos Racecourse. The race offers a purse of $300,000, as well as Road to the Kentucky Derby points, apportioned 10-4-2-1 to the top four finishers.
Let's have a look at the 2021 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf betting picks and predictions.
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