The Road to the 2027 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve is underway, and every Monday through the end of December, Rookie Rankings will analyze potential contenders for the first Saturday in May and rank them in a Top 10 list. Identifying a Kentucky Derby winner this far in advance isn’t easy. Next year’s Kentucky Derby starters are only 2 years old right now. Seven of the last 10 Derby winners were unraced at this point in their juvenile or “rookie” year, and two others were winless.
Miracle Michael Echoes Determination His Namesake Showed in Cancer Battle
"A racehorse is an animal that can take several thousand people for a ride at the same time.” – Marjorie Johnson Stand in the paddock on a given day at the races and you are surrounded by stories. Each horse that walks into a stall, stands for a saddle and rider, and walks onto the racetrack carries with them the hard work and hope of each person they are connected to. In Miracle Michael’s case, this New York-bred 2-year-old is the equine namesake of a special survivor.
The Book I Never Intended to Write: How a Tribute to Garrett Gomez Became ‘Garrett’s Gift’
As the 10th anniversary of Garrett Gomez's death approached, I found myself watching the 2010 Breeders' Cup Classic again. Like every racing fan, I knew what was coming. Blame would turn for home with Garrett quietly waiting. Zenyatta would launch the breathtaking rally that had become her trademark. Trevor Denman's call would rise with the drama unfolding before him, and in one of the sport's most unforgettable finishes, Blame would hold on by a head, handing the great mare the only defeat of her remarkable career.
Never Underestimate a Champion: The Story of Groupie Doll
Never underestimate a champion. This age-old lesson was reiterated to handicappers and racing fans alike when the sensational, speedy mare Groupie Doll defied age and expectations in the 2013 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint.
