Road To The 2021 Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks Is Lasix Free

Following the Kentucky Jockey Club (Grade 2G) at Churchill Downs, Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) and Breeders' Futurity (G1) winner Essential Quality remained atop the “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” leaderboard for 2020-2021 with 30 points but Saturday's winner Keepmeinmind added 10 to his total and moved into second position with 18 overall.

Champagne (G1) winner Jackie's Warrior is next on the list after the first six races with 12 points and is followed by American Pharoah winner Get Her Number (10) and Iroquois winner Sittin On Go (10).

The ninth annual series of select races will determine the preference list for the 20-horse Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) on Saturday, May 1, 2021, by awarding a sliding scale of points to the Top 4 finishers in each race. The 2021 Kentucky Derby will mark the first year the classic race will be run without the permitted use of furosemide (often referred to by the brand name, Lasix). In a change this year, points will only be awarded to horses who compete on race day without Lasix in Road to the Kentucky Derby races.

The total number of races in the primary “Road to the Kentucky Derby” series features 36 marquee races scheduled. The 20-race “Prep Season,” which features foundation-building races over a minimum of one mile between mid-September and mid-February, are worth 10-4-2-1 to the top four placings, respectively, except for the Nov. 6 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), which was worth twice as much (20-8-4-2).

Other “Prep Season” races include the Dec. 5 Remsen, Dec. 18 Springboard Mile, Dec. 19 Los Alamitos Futurity, Jan. 1 Jerome, Jan. 2 Sham, Jan. 16 Lecomte, Jan. 22 Smarty Jones, Jan. 30 Holy Bull, Jan. 30 Robert B. Lewis, Feb. 6 Withers, Feb. 6 Sam F. Davis, February's John Battaglia Memorial, February's El Camino Real Derby and Feb. 15 Southwest.

The 16-race “Championship Series” comprise springboard events that often bring the 3-year-old picture into sharper focus. Most first leg races offer 50-20-10-5 points to the Top 4 finishers: the Feb. 13 Risen Star, Feb. 27 Fountain of Youth, March 6 Gotham, March 6 Tampa Bay Derby, March 6 San Felipe, March 13 Rebel and March's Sunland Derby. The most meaningful races are worth 100-40-20-10: March's Jeff Ruby Steaks, March 20 Louisiana Derby, March 27 UAE Derby, March 27 Florida Derby, April 3 Wood Memorial, April's Blue Grass, April 3 Santa Anita Derby and April 10 Arkansas Derby. Additionally, the April 10 Lexington offers points on a scale of 20-8-4-2 to the first four placings.

With increased interest by Kentucky horsemen and Churchill Downs Incorporated's investment and redevelopment of Turfway Park to enhance winter/spring racing on the Kentucky circuit, the John Battaglia Memorial has been added as a “Prep Season” race and the Jeff Ruby Steaks has been boosted from 20-8-4-2 to 100-40-20-10.

In addition to the primary “Road to the Kentucky Derby” series, there are two separate series that each carve out one spot for a potential horse from Europe and Japan.

The fifth-year Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby series again features four races: Saturday's Cattleya (10-4-2-1 and won by Lemon Drop), Dec. 16 Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun (20-8-4-2), February's Hyacinth (30-12-6-3) and March's Fukuryu (40-16-8-4).

The fourth-year European Road to the Kentucky Derby again showcases seven races: theJuddmonte Royal Lodge (10-4-2-1 and won by New Mandate-IRE), Smurfit Beresford (10-4-2-1 and won by High Definition-IRE), Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère (10-4-2-1 and won by Sealiway-FR),Vertem Futurity Trophy (10-4-2-1 and won by Mac Swiney-IRE), March's Road to the Kentucky Derby Condition Stakes (20-8-4-2), March's Patton Stakes (20-8-4-2) and April's Cardinal Condition Stakes (30-12-6-3).

Churchill Downs has used a point system to determine entrants for its famed Kentucky Derby since 2013. At least 20 horses have entered the “Run for the Roses” in 19 of the last 22 years and every year from 2004-19.

The 1 ¼-mile classic for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds is scheduled to be run at the historic Louisville racetrack for the 147th consecutive year on Saturday, May 1, 2021.

A similar series remains in place to qualify for the Kentucky Derby's sister race, the $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/8 miles on Friday, April 30, 2021. There will be 31 races for the “Road to the Kentucky Oaks” series – 16 “Prep Season” races and 15 “Championship Series” races.

Like the Derby, points will only be awarded to horses who compete on race day without Lasix in Road to the Kentucky Oaks races.

2020-21 ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY SCHEDULE
36 Races

Kentucky Derby Prep Season (20 races)

Date Race Racetrack Distance 1st (Points) 2nd (Points) 3rd (Points) 4th (Points)
Sept. 5 Iroquois Churchill Downs 1 Mile Sittin On Go (10) Midnight Bourbon (4) Super Stock (2) Therideofalifetime (1)
Sept. 26 American Pharoah Santa Anita 1 1/16 Miles Get Her Number (10) Rombauer (4) Speilberg (2) Waspirant (1)
Oct. 3 Breeders' Futurity Keeneland 1 1/16 Miles Essential Quality (10) Keepmeinmind (4) Super Stock (2) Upstriker (1)
Oct. 10 Champagne Belmont Park 1 Mile Jackie's Warrior (10) Reinvestment Risk (4) Midnight Bourbon (2) Civil War (1)
Nov. 6 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Keeneland 1 1/16 Miles Essential Quality (20) Hot Rod Charlie (8) Keepmeinmind (4) Jackie's Warrior (2)
Nov. 28 Kentucky Jockey Club Churchill Downs 1 1/16 Miles Keepmeinmind (10) Smiley Sobotka (4) Arabian Prince (2) Swill (1)
Dec. 5 Remsen Aqueduct 1 1/8 Miles (10) (4) (2) (1)
Dec. 18 Springboard Mile Remington Park 1 Mile (10) (4) (2) (1)
Dec. 19 Los Alamitos Futurity Los Alamitos 1 1/16 Miles (10) (4) (2) (1)
Jan. 1 Jerome Aqueduct 1 Mile (10) (4) (2) (1)
Jan. 2 Sham Santa Anita 1 Mile (10) (4) (2) (1)
Jan. 16 Lecomte Fair Grounds 1 1/16 Miles (10) (4) (2) (1)
Jan. 22 Smarty Jones Oaklawn Park 1 Mile (10) (4) (2) (1)
Jan. 30 Holy Bull Gulfstream Park 1 1/16 Miles (10) (4) (2) (1)
Jan. 30 Robert B. Lewis Santa Anita 1 1/16 Miles (10) (4) (2) (1)
Feb. 6 Withers Aqueduct 1 1/8 Miles (10) (4) (2) (1)
Feb. 6 Sam F. Davis Tampa Bay Downs 1 1/16 Miles (10) (4) (2) (1)
Feb. 2020 John Battaglia Memorial Turfway Park 1 1/16 M (AW) (10) (4) (2) (1)
Feb. 2020 El Camino Real Derby Golden Gate 1 1/8 Miles (AW) (10) (4) (2) (1)
Feb. 15 Southwest Oaklawn Park 1 1/16 Miles (10) (4) (2) (1)

 

Kentucky Derby Championship Series (16 races)

Date Race Racetrack Distance 1st (Points) 2nd (Points) 3rd (Points) 4th (Points)
Feb. 13 Risen Star Fair Grounds 1 1/8 Miles (50) (20) (10) (5)
Feb. 27 Fountain of Youth Gulfstream Park 1 1/16 Miles (50) (20) (10) (5)
March 6 Gotham Aqueduct 1 Mile (50) (20) (10) (5)
March 6 Tampa Bay Derby Tampa Bay Downs 1 1/16 Miles (50) (20) (10) (5)
March 6 San Felipe Santa Anita 1 1/16 Miles (50) (20) (10) (5)
March 13 Rebel Oaklawn Park 1 1/16 Miles (50) (20) (10) (5)
March 2021 Jeff Ruby Steaks Turfway Park 1 1/8 Miles (AW) (100) (40) (20) (10)
March 20 Louisiana Derby Fair Grounds 1 3/16 Miles (100) (40) (20) (10)
March 2021 Sunland Derby Sunland Park 1 1/8 Miles (50) (20) (10) (5)
March 27 UAE Derby Meydan Racecourse 1 3/16 Miles (100) (40) (20) (10)
March 27 Florida Derby Gulfstream Park 1 1/8 Miles (100) (40) (20) (10)
April 3 Wood Memorial Aqueduct 1 1/8 Miles (100) (40) (20) (10)
April 2021 Blue Grass Keeneland 1 1/8 Miles (100) (40) (20) (10)
April 3 Santa Anita Derby Santa Anita 1 1/8 Miles (100) (40) (20) (10)
April 10 Arkansas Derby Oaklawn Park 1 1/8 Miles (100) (40) (20) (10)
April 2021 Lexington Keeneland 1 1/16 Miles (20) (8) (4) (2)

 

 2020-21 EUROPEAN ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY SCHEDULE
7 Races

Date Race Racetrack Distance 1st (Points) 2nd (Points) 3rd (Points) 4th (Points)
Sept. 26 Juddmonte Royal Lodge Newmarket (GB) 1 Mile (T) New Mandate (Ire) (10) Ontario (Ire) (4) Cobh (Ire) (2) Gear Up (Ire) (1)
Sept. 26 Smurfit Beresford Curragh (Ire) 1 Mile (T) High Definition (Ire) (10) Monaasib (GB) (4) Snapraeterea (Ire) (2) Sir Lucan (Ire) (1)
Oct. 4 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère Longchamp (Fr) 7 Furlongs (T) Sealiway (Fr) (10) Nando Parrado (GB) (4) Laws Of Indices (Ire) (2) Libertine (Ire) (1)
Oct. 24 Vertem Futurity Trophy Doncaster (GB) 1 Mile (T) Mac Swiney (Ire) (10) One Ruler (Ire) (4) Baradar (Ire) (2) Cobh (Ire) (1)
March 2021 Road to the Kentucky Derby Condition Stakes Kempton Park (GB) 1 Mile (AW) (20) (8) (4) (2)
March 2021 Patton (Listed) Dundalk (Ire) 1 Mile (AW) (20) (8) (4) (2)
April 2021 Cardinal Condition Stakes Chelmsford City (GB) 1 Mile (AW) (30) (12) (6) (3)

 

2020-21 JAPAN ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY SCHEDULE
4 Races

Date Race Racetrack Distance 1st (Points) 2nd (Points) 3rd (Points) 4th (Points)
Nov. 28 Cattleya Tokyo Racecourse 1 Mile Lemon Pop (10) Takeru Pegasus (Jpn) (4) Plus Ultra (Jpn) (2) Shin Yomoginesu (Jpn) (1)
Dec. 16 Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun Kawasaki Racecourse 1 Mile (20) (8) (4) (2)
Feb. 2021 Hyacinth Tokyo Racecourse 1 Mile (30) (12) (6) (3)
March 2021 Fukuryu Nakayama Racecourse 1 1/8 Miles (40) (16) (8) (4)

 

2020-21 ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY OAKS SCHEDULE
31 Races

Kentucky Oaks Prep Season (16 races)

Date Race Racetrack Distance 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Sept. 3 Pocahontas Churchill Downs 1 Mile Girl Daddy (10) Crazy Beautiful (4) Alexandria (2) Xtrema (1)
Sept. 26 Chandelier Santa Anita 1 1/16 Miles Princess Noor (10) Varda (4) Miss Costa Rica (2) Illumination (1)
Oct. 2 Alcibiades Keeneland 1 1/16 Miles Simply Ravishing (10) Crazy Beautiful (4) Travel Column (2) Thoughtfully (1)
Oct. 10 Frizette Belmont Park 1 Mile Dayoutoftheoffice (10) Vequist (4) Cilla (2) Joy's Rocket (1)
Nov. 6 BC Juvenile Fillies Keeneland 1 1/16 Miles Vequist (20) Dayoutoftheoffice (8) Girl Daddy (4) Simply Ravishing (2)
Nov. 28 Golden Rod Churchill Downs 1 1/16 Miles Travel Column (10) Clairiere (4) Coach (2) Simply Ravishing (1)
Dec. 5 Demoiselle Aqueduct 1 1/8 Miles (10) (4) (2) (1)
Dec. 5 Starlet Los Alamitos 1 1/16 Miles (10) (4) (2) (1)
Jan. 3 Santa Ynez Santa Anita 7 Furlongs (10) (4) (2) (1)
Jan. 16 Silverbulletday Fair Grounds 1 Mile 70 Yards (10) (4) (2) (1)
Jan. 24 Busanda Aqueduct 1 1/8 Miles (10) (4) (2) (1)
Jan. 30 Forward Gal Gulfstream Park 7 Furlongs (10) (4) (2) (1)
Jan. 30 Martha Washington Oaklawn Park 1 Mile (10) (4) (2) (1)
Feb. 6 Suncoast Tampa Bay Downs 1 Mile 40 Yards (10) (4) (2) (1)
Feb. 6 Las Virgenes Santa Anita 1 Mile (10) (4) (2) (1)
Feb. 2020 Cincinnati Trophy Turfway Park 6 ½ F (AW) (10) (4) (2) (1)

 

Kentucky Oaks Championship Series (15 races)

Date Race Racetrack Distance 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Feb. 13 Rachel Alexandra Fair Grounds 1 1/16 Miles (50) (20) (10) (5)
Feb. 18 UAE Oaks Meydan Racecourse 1 3/16 Miles (50) (20) (10) (5)
Feb. 27 Davona Dale Gulfstream Park 1 Mile (50) (20) (10) (5)
March 6 Busher Invitational Aqueduct 1 Mile (50) (20) (10) (5)
March 6 Honeybee Oaklawn Park 1 1/16 Miles (50) (20) (10) (5)
March 7 Santa Ysabel Santa Anita 1 1/16 Miles (50) (20) (10) (5)
March 2020 Bourbonette Oaks Turfway Park 1 Mile (AW) (50) (20) (10) (5)
March 20 Fair Grounds Oaks Fair Grounds 1 1/16 Miles (100) (40) (20) (10)
March 2020 Sunland Park Oaks Sunland Park 1 1/16 Miles (50) (20) (10) (5)
March 27 Gulfstream Park Oaks Gulfstream Park 1 1/16 Miles (100) (40) (20) (10)
April 3 Santa Anita Oaks Santa Anita 1 1/16 Miles (100) (40) (20) (10)
April 3 Gazelle Aqueduct 1 1/8 Miles (100) (40) (20) (10)
April 2020 Ashland Keeneland 1 1/16 Miles (100) (40) (20) (10)
April 3 Fantasy Oaklawn Park 1 1/16 Miles (100) (40) (20) (10)
April 2020 Beaumont Keeneland 7 Furlongs (10) (4) (2) (1)

Schedule subject to change. … (T) = Turf … (AW) = Synthetic … Race dates and distances to be announced by host track; date based on recent historical placement.

HOW TO GET INTO THE KENTUCKY DERBY STARTING GATE – The Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve is a series of races that awards points to the Top 4 finishers in each race. The top 18 point earners will earn a spot in the starting gate for the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I), which is rescheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2021. One invitation will be extended to the top point earners in the Europe Road to the Kentucky Presented by Woodford Reserve and one invitation will be extended to the top point earners in the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve. The Kentucky Derby field has been limited to 20 starters since 1975. At least 20 horses have entered the 1 ¼-mile race for 3-year-olds in 19 of the last 22 years and every year from 2004-19.

 

Rank

 

Horse

 

Points

 

Owner(s)

 

Trainer

Non-Restricted

Stakes Earnings

1. Essential Quality 30 Godolphin LLC Brad Cox $1,280,000
2. Keepmeinmind 18 Cypress Creek LLC & Arnold Bennewith Robertino Diodoro $379,040
3. Jackie's Warrior 12 J. Kirk & Judy Robison Steve Asmussen $457,500
4. Get Her Number 10 Gary Barber Peter Miller $186,000
5. Sittin On Go 10 Albaugh Family Stables LLC (Dennis Albaugh & Jason Loustch) Dale Romans $139,800
6. Hot Rod Charlie 8 Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing LLC & Strauss Bros Racing Doug O'Neill $340,000
7. Midnight Bourbon 6 Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC (Ron Winchell) Steve Asmussen $68,000
8. Rombauer 4 John & Diane Fradkin Michael McCarthy $120,500
9. Reinvestment Risk 4 Klaravich Stables Inc. Chad Brown $120,000
10. Super Stock 4 Erv Woolsey & Keith Asmussen Steve Asmussen $59,000
11. Smiley Sobotka 4 Albaugh Family Stables LLC (Dennis Albaugh) Dale Romans $38,400
12. Spielberg 2 SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Golconda Stables, Siena Farm LLC & Robert E. Masterson Bob Baffert $86,000
13. Arabian Prince 2 West Point Thoroughbreds (Terry Finley et al) & William Sandbrook Dallas Stewart $24,063
14. Therideofalifetime 1 Stephen L. Fidel Ignacio Correas IV $39,500
15. Upstriker 1 William S. Sparks, Brereton C. Jones, & Robert V. LaPenta Ron Moquett $20,000
16. Waspirant 1 Martin J. Wygod, Pam Wygod & Lessee John Shirreffs $18,000
17. Civil War 1 Mark. T. Anderson Tom Albertrani $15,000
18. Swill 1 Kueber Racing LLC (Rick Kueber) & Ten Strike Racing (Marshall Gramm) Brad Cox $9,600

 

EUROPEAN ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY – First staged in 2018, the “European Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” is a stand-alone series that is separate from America's “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” sequence. Only one invitation to compete in the Kentucky Derby will be extended with preference given to the horses with the most points in the “European Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series. No invitation will be extended beyond the Top 4 point earners but if a horse also qualifies through America's “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series, the invite will be extended to the next eligible horse. If two or more horses have the same number of points, the tiebreakers are earnings in non-restricted stakes races through April 10, 2021 followed by lifetime earnings through April 10, 2021. Since 1967, there have been 49 horses who previously raced outside North America and ran in the Kentucky Derby. Venezuela's Canonero II won the 1971 Derby, while Bold Arrangement (GB), who was campaigned in Great Britain and France, finished second to Ferdinand in the 1986 renewal.

 

Rank

 

Horse

 

Points

 

Owner(s)

 

Trainer

Non-Restricted

Stakes Earnings

1. Sealiway (Fr) 10 Harasdelagousserie/G.Pariente Frederic Rossi $235,281
2. Mac Swiney (Ire) 10 Mrs. J. S. Bolger James Bolger $232,127
3. New Mandate (Ire) 10 Marc Chan Ralph Beckett $90,436
4. High Definition (Ire) 10 Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Mrs. A.M. O'Brien Aidan O'Brien $55,830
5. Nando Parrado (GB) 4 M McCartan Clive Cox $164,769
6. One Ruler (Ire) 4 Godolphin Charlie Appleby $101,005
7. Ontario (Ire) 4 Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith Aidan O'Brien $49,261
8. Monaasib (GB) 4 Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Kevin Prendergast $17,680
9. Cobh (Ire) 3 China Horse Club International Ltd. Clive Cox $52,500
10. Laws of Indices (Ire) 2 Cr Holmes Ken Condon $95,500
11. Baradar (Ire) 2 Amo Racing Limited Roger Varian $31,380
12. Snapraeterea (Ire) 2 J.P. Farrell Joseph O'Brien $24,574
13. Gear Up (Ire) 1 Teme Valley Mark Johnston $138,515
14. Libertine (Ire) 1 J Romel Fabrice Vermeulen $25,155
15. Sir Lucan (Ire) 1 Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Mrs. John Magnier Aidan O'Brien $3,722

 

JAPAN ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY – First staged in 2017, the “Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” is a separate sequence of four races from America's “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series. Only one invitation to compete in the Kentucky Derby will be extended with preference given to the horses with the most points in the “Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series. If a horse also qualifies through America's “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series, an additional invite could be extended. If two or more horses have the same number of points, the tiebreaker is lifetime earnings through April 10, 2021. Three horses based in Japan have run in the Kentucky Derby: Ski Captain (14th, 1995), Lani (9th, 2016) and Master Fencer (JPN) (6th, 2019).

 

Rank

 

Horse

 

Points

 

Owner(s)

 

Trainer

Lifetime Earnings
1. Lemon Pop 10 Godolphin LLC Hiroyasu Tanaka *$223,748
2. Takeru Pegasus (Jpn) 4 Yasuhiko Mori Yukhiro Kato *$137,992
3. Plus Ultra (Jpn) 2 Mill Farm Co. Ltd. Takahisa Tezuka *$128,826
4. Shin Yomoginesu (Jpn) 1 Shinji Okamoto Keizo Ito *$95,221

* Estimated earnings; awaiting final updated conversions

HOW TO GET INTO THE KENTUCKY OAKS STARTING GATE – The Road to the Kentucky Oaks is a series that awards points to the Top 4 finishers in each race. The Top 14 point earners nominated to the Longines Kentucky Oaks will earn a spot in the starting gate for the 147th running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I), which is scheduled for Friday, April 30, 2021. The 1 1/8-mile Oaks is the nation's premier race for 3-year-old fillies.

 

Rank

 

Horse

 

Points

 

Owner(s)

 

Trainer

Non-Restricted

Stakes Earnings

1. Vequist 24 Gary Barber, Wachtel Stable & Swilcan Stable LLC “Butch” Reid Jr. $1,227,500
2. Dayoutoftheoffice 18 Timothy E. Hamm & Siena Farm LLC Timothy Hamm $532,500
3. Girl Daddy 14 Albaugh Family Stables LLC (Dennis Albaugh & Jason Loustch) Dale Romans $299,040
4. Simply Ravishing 13 Harold Lerner LLC, Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek) & NehocStables Kenny McPeek $374,600
5. Travel Column 12 OXO Equine LLC (Larry Best) Brad Cox $154,040
6. Princess Noor 10 Zedan Racing Stables Inc. Bob Baffert $330,000
7. Crazy Beautiful 8 Phoenix Thoroughbred LTD Kenny McPeek $206,645
8. Varda 4 Baoma Corporation Bob Baffert $40,000
9. Clairiere 4 Stonestreet Stables LLC (Barbara Banke) Steve Asmussen $38,400
10. Coach 2 Kueber Racing LLC (Rick Kueber) Brad Cox $77,640
11. Cilla 2 P. Dale Ladner Bentley Combs $32,000
12. Miss Costa Rica 2 Carroll Boys Racing, Sayjay Racing LLC, Jerry McClanahan & Richard Baltas Richard Baltas $24,000
13. Alexandria 2 WinStar Farm LLC, Blazing Meadows Farm LLC & Michael Lewis Timothy Hamm $21,200
14. Thoughtfully 1 Heider Family Stables LLC Steve Asmussen $120,000
15. Joy's Rocket 1 Team Hanley & Parkland Thoroughbreds Steve Asmussen $76,400
16. Illumination 1 George Bolton, Peter Leidel, Karin Leidel, Barry Lipman & Kerri Radcliffe Bob Baffert $42,000
17. Xtrema 1 Big Chief Racing LLC, Rocker O Ranch LLC & J. Keith Desormeaux Keith Desormeaux $17,838

 

 

RTKD AND RTKO RULES
TIEBREAKERS

  • America's Road to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks: If two or more horses have the same number of points, the tiebreaker is earnings in non-restricted stakes races. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses shall be determined by lifetime earnings. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses shall be determined by lot (aka a “shake”).
  • European Road to the Kentucky Derby: If two or more horses have the same number of points, the tiebreaker is earnings in non-restricted stakes races through April 10, 2021. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses shall be determined by lifetime earnings through April 10, 2021. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses shall be determined by lot (aka a “shake”). Any points earned in America's “Road to the Kentucky Derby” will be credited to the horse's point total in the “European Road to the Kentucky Derby.”
  • Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby: If two or more horses have the same number of points, the tiebreaker is lifetime earnings through April 10, 2021. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses shall be determined by lot (aka a “shake”). Any points earned in America's “Road to the Kentucky Derby” will be credited to the horse's point total in the “Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby.”

 

FILLIES – If a filly wants to run in the Kentucky Derby she can, but she'll have to earn her way into the field by accumulating points against open company just like the rest of the colts and geldings. Additionally, any points earned by a filly in the “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series against open company will be credited to her point total in the “Road to the Kentucky Oaks” series.

DEAD-HEATS – In the event of a dead-heat (tie) those horses will divide equally the points they would have received jointly had one beaten the other.

SPLIT DIVISIONS – In the event a race is split into divisions and each division awards its originally published purse money, points will be awarded as scheduled for each division. If the originally published purse is reduced for each division, points will be reduced proportionally as well.

LASIX – The 2021 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks will mark the first year those races will be run without the permitted use of Furosemide (often referred to by the brand name, Lasix). Points will only be awarded to horses who compete on race day without Lasix in Road to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks races.

MEDICATION VIOLATIONS – If the connections of a horse have been notified by a regulatory body about a medication violation from participation in a Road to the Kentucky Derby or Road to the Kentucky Oaks race, and that violation would result in disqualification, any accrued points from the race will be revoked until the matter reaches a legal conclusion. Accrued points will be reinstated if the matter is legally overturned prior to the running of the Kentucky Derby or Kentucky Oaks.

ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY LEADERBOARD HISTORY – FINAL

2020 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Tiz the Law (372), 2. Authentic (200), 3. Honor A. P. (140), 4. Ny Traffic (110), 5. King Guillermo (90), 6. Thousand Words (83), 7. Max Player (60), 8. Enforceable (43), 9. Major Fed (38), 10. Storm the Court (36), 11. Attachment Rate (35), 12. Sole Volante (30), 13. Finnick the Fierce (25), 14. Winning Impression (20), 15. South Bend (18), 16. Necker Island (14), 17. Mr. Big News (0, $129,500) and 18. Money Moves (0, $0, $67,400).

2019 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Tacitus (150), 2. Omaha Beach (137.5), 3. Vekoma (110), 4. Plus Que Parfait (104), 5. Roadster (100, $636,000), 6. By My Standards (100, $600,000), 7. Maximum Security (100, $582,800), 8. Game Winner (85), 9. Code of Honor (74), 10.Haikal (70), 11. Improbable (65), 12. War of Will (60), 13. Long Range Toddy (53.5), 14. Tax (52), 15. Cutting Humor (50, $462,467), 16. WinWin Win (50, $220,000), 17. Country House (50, $220,000), 18. Gray Magician (41), 19. Spinoff (40, $224,000), 20. Master Fencer (JPN) (Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby Invite) and AE 21. Bodexpress (40, $188,000).

2018 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Magnum Moon (150), 2. Good Magic (134), 3. Audible (110, $803,520), 4. Noble Indy (110, $640,000), 5. Vino Rosso (107), 6. Bolt d'Oro (104), 7. Enticed (103), 8. Mendelssohn (100, $1,947,299), 9. Justify (100, $600,000), 10. Flameaway (70), 11. Solomini (54, $716,000), 12. Bravazo (54, $359,913), 13. My Boy Jack (52, $622,000), 14. Promises Fulfilled (52, $266,480), 15. Free Drop Billy (44), 16. Lone Sailor (42), 17. Hofburg (40), 18. Firenze Fire (39), 19. Combatant (32), 20. Instilled Regard (29) and AE 21. Blended Citizen (22).

2017 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Girvin (150), 2. Classic Empire (132), 3. Gormley (125), 4. Irap (113), 5. Irish War Cry (110), 6. Thunder Snow-IRE (100, $1,621,063), 7. Always Dreaming (100, $589,000), 8. Gunnevera (84), 9. Practical Joke (74), 10. J Boys Echo (63), 11. State of Honor (62), 12. Tapwrit (54), 13. Hence (50, $401,429), 14. Fast and Accurate (50, $320,712), 15. McCraken (40, $385,048), 16. Battle of Midway (40, $224,000), 17. Patch (40, $200,000), 18. Untrapped (34), 19. Lookin At Lee (32), 20. Sonneteer (30, $236,000), AE 21. Royal Mo (30, $213,000) and AE 22. Master Plan (20).

2016 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Gun Runner (151), 2. Nyquist (130), 3. Exaggerator (126), 4. Outwork (120), 5. Brody's Cause (114), 6. Creator (110), 7. Lani (100), 8. Mor Spirit (84), 9. Mohaymen (80), 10. Danzing Candy (60), 11. Destin (51), 12. Suddenbreakingnews (50, $637,000), 13. Oscar Nominated (50, 321,360), 14. Shagaf (50, $270,000), 15. Whitmore (44, $400,000), 16. Tom's Ready (44, $270,670), 17. My Man Sam (40, $200,000), 18. Majesto (40, $190,000, $239,500), 19. Trojan Nation (40, $190,000, $213,290), 20. Mo Tom (32, $268,326), AE 21. Laoban (32, $142,000) and AE 22. Cherry Wine (25, $145,000).

2015 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. International Star (171), 2. Dortmund (170), 3. Carpe Diem (164), 4. American Pharoah (160), 5. Frosted (113), 6. Mubtaahij-IRE (100, $1,400,000), 7. Materiality (100, $632,028), 8. El Kabeir (95), 9. Upstart (76), 10. Far Right (62), 11.Itsaknockout (60), 12. Firing Line (58), 13. Danzig Moon (45), 14. War Story (44), 15. Tencendur (41), 16. Stanford (40), 17. Mr. Z (34), 18.Ocho Ocho Ocho (30, $760,250), 19. Bolo (30, $214,980), 20. Keen Ice (22), AE 21. Frammento (20) and AE 22. Tale of Verve (0).

2014 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. California Chrome (150), 2. Vicar's in Trouble (120), 3. Dance With Fate (108), 4. Wicked Strong (102), 5. Samraat (100, $640,000), 6. Danza (100, $620,000), 7. Hoppertunity (95), 8. Intense Holiday (93), 9. Wildcat Red (90), 10. We Miss Artie (60), 11. Ride On Curlin (55), 12. Chitu (54), 13. Tapiture (52), 14. General a Rod (40, $240,000), 15. Medal Count (40, $226,500), 16. Candy Boy (30), 17. Uncle Sigh (24), 18. Vinceremos (20, $191,666), 19. Harry's Holiday (20, $152,622), 20. Commanding Curve (20, $104,000) and AE 21. Pablo Del Monte (20, $102,000).

2013 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Orb (150, $840,000), 2. Verrazano (150, $810,000), 3. Goldencents (129), 4. Java's War (122), 5. Overanalyze (110, $908,381), 6. Revolutionary (110, $720,000), 7. Lines of Battle (100), 8. Vyjack (70), 9. Will Take Charge (60), 10. Itsmyluckyday (50, $593,600), 11. Black Onyx (50, $317,130), 12. Palace Malice (50, $200,000), 13. Normandy Invasion (44, $258,000), 14. FracDaddy (44, $240,596), 15. Mylute (42), 16. Oxbow (36), 17. Falling Sky (30), 18. Charming Kitten (20), 19. Golden Soul (14), 20. Giant Finish (10) and AE 21. Fear the Kitten (6).

ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY OAKS LEADERBOARD HISTORY – FINAL

2020 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Swiss Skydiver (450), 2. Speech (160), 3. Shedaresthedevil (90), 4. Donna Veloce (62), 5. Gamine (50, $330,000), 6. Hopeful Growth (50, $135,000), 7. Tempers Rising (47), 8. Dream Marie (35) and 9. Bayerness (8).

2019 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Bellafina (132), 2. Champagne Anyone (113), 3. Street Band (105), 4. Lady Apple (100, $336,000), 5. Out for a Spin (100, $300,000), 6. Liora (71), 7. Restless Rider (62), 8. Serengeti Empress (60, $313,270), 9. Motion Emotion (60, $140,000), 10. Jaywalk (55), 11. Chocolate Kisses (51, $157,000), 12. Jeltrin (51, $128,720), 13. Positive Spirit (50), 14. Flor de la Mar (40, $80,000), AE 15. Dunbar Road (40, $49,500) and AE 16. Point of Honor (20).

2018 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Midnight Bisou (160), 2. Monomoy Girl (154), 3. Sassy Sienna (115), 4. My Miss Lilly (112), 5. Chocolate Martini (100, $240,000), 6. Coach Rocks (100, $145,700), 7. Rayya (90), 8. Wonder Gadot (84), 9. Eskimo Kisses (80), 10. Take Charge Paula (70), 11. Patrona Margarita (35), 12. Classy Act (30), 13. Heavenhasmynikki (11) and 14. Kelly's Humor (8).

2017 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Farrell (170), 2. Miss Sky Warrior (160), 3. Ever So Clever (106), 4. Sailor's Valentine (100, $307,014), 5. Paradise Woods (100, $240,000), 6. Salty (100, $150,350), 7. Abel Tasman (70), 8. Daddys Lil Darling (60), 9. Tequilita (50, $227,540), 10. Lockdown (50, $120,000), 11. Wicked Lick (49), 12. Vexatious (40, $80,000), 13. Jordan's Henny (40, $66,410), 14. Mopotism (16) and AE 15. Summer Luck (11).

2016 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Terra Promessa (150), 2. Lewis Bay (130), 3. Land Over Sea (128), 4. Weep No More (100, $340,000), 5. Go Maggie Go (100, $151,900), 6. Cathryn Sophia (80), 7. Mo d'Amour (70), 8. Venus Valentine (50, $132,375), 9. Mokat (50, $112,000), 10. Rachel's Valentina (48), 11. Royal Obsession (45), 12. Dream Dance (44), 13. Taxable (40, $80,000), 14. Paola Queen (40, $49,000) and 15.Dothraki Queen (20).

2015 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Condo Commando (161, $715,000), 2. I'm a Chatterbox (161, $430,714), 3. Stellar Wind (150), 4. Birdatthewire (130), 5. Lovely Maria (120), 6. Include Betty (100), 7. Oceanwave (60), 8. Angela Renee (57), 9. Sarah Sis (54), 10.Eskenformoney (50), 11. Puca (45), 12. Shook Up (40), 13. Forever Unbridled (34), 14. Money'soncharlotte (22) and AE 15. Peace and War (10).

2014 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Untapable (160), 2. Sugar Shock (120), 3. Fashion Plate (110), 4. My Miss Sophia (100), 5. Rosalind (78), 6. Got Lucky (64, $180,000), 7. Aurelia's Belle (64, $142,850), 8. Ria Antonia (55), 9. Kiss Moon (50), 10. Fiftyshadesofgold (40), 11. Unbridled Forever (30), 12. Thank You Marylou (20) and 13. Empress of Midway (15).

2013 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Beholder (164, $1,500,000), 2. Rose to Gold (164, $717,889), 3. Unlimited Budget (160), 4. Dreaming of Julia (132), 5. Close Hatches (100), 6. Flashy Gray (60), 7. Princess of Sylmar (50, $170,000), 8. Midnight Lucky (50, $120,000), 9. Silsita(50, $57,600), 10. Seaneen Girl (34) and 11. Pure Fun (20).

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Judge Finds In Favor Of Kentucky Tracks, Commission In Lasix-Focused Civil Case

A judge in Kentucky has denied a motion for summary judgement by the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (KHBPA) and granted a motion for summary judgement by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC), Keeneland, and Churchill Downs in a civil case focusing on furosemide administration. Franklin Circuit Court Judge Thomas Wingate entered his order Nov. 18 after both sides had requested he find in their favor.

Earlier this year, the KHBPA had brought suit against the KHRC and racetracks because it argued the tracks inappropriately created a house rule mirroring proposed changes to state regulation beginning a partial furosemide phaseout in the state. This year was set to be the first time Lasix administration would be pushed back to 24 hours pre-race for all 2-year-olds, but a new rule reflecting this had not completed the regulatory process before the first juvenile races of the year were carded. Churchill and Keeneland wrote race conditions reflecting the impending rule change, which the KHBPA said was beyond the scope of their authority. Moreover, it had argued, the KHRC should not have allowed the tracks to make rules regarding medication. The commission and tracks cited rule language they believed did give them that authority.

After rule language reflecting the 24-hour Lasix administration in 2-year-olds went into effect in August, Wingate ruled, the question became moot.

“The Court must again begin this Order by stating that it is not concerned with any scientific or humanitarian argument in favor of or against the use of Lasix in horses,” Wingate's order read. “This zealously debated topic is not the issue before the Court. Instead, the Court is merely addressing a legal challenge brought by the KHBPA regarding what it alleges is an improper delegation of statutory authority to associations, such as Keeneland and Churchill, by the KHRC.”

The KHBPA had also challenged plans to push back pre-race furosemide administration in stakes races in 2021. Wingate indicated any claims about the legality of that action were not yet “ripe” since stakes races for older horses have not yet been carded under these circumstances.

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View From The Eighth Pole: The Sky Is Not Falling Because Of Lasix Ban

Where are the pearl clutchers? You know, those people who promised that we'd be seeing jockeys with red-splattered pants getting off horses who gushed blood during a Thoroughbred race because trainers couldn't give the animals a diuretic four hours before competition.

They've gone silent.

Officials with the Breeders' Cup, Keeneland and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission managed to stage five world championship races for 2-year-olds on Nov. 6 (seven races for juveniles if you include a pair of undercard stakes) where the letter “L” for Lasix was missing next to each horse's name in the program, past performances and official chart.

Eighty-five 2-year-olds competed without race-day administration of Lasix. I'm sure some of the horses showed signs of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage when they were examined by endoscope following their races, but the bottom line is this: The sky did not fall because of a ban on Lasix.

On Nov. 7, the second day of the Breeders' Cup, things were back to “normal.” All 88 North American-based horses contesting nine championship races (plus all 28 runners in undercard stakes) were given an injection of Lasix approximately four hours before competition – whether or not they really needed it to treat internal bleeding. Trainers of 13 of 18 runners from overseas opted to have the drug given to their horses, too, even though they don't need it or use it in their home countries. All of the European winners – Glass Slippers in the Turf Sprint, Audarya in the Filly & Mare Turf, Order of Australia in the Mile (plus the second- and third-place runners from Aidan O'Brien's Irish stable) and Tanawa in the Turf – raced on Lasix.

I think it's fair to assume the use of this drug is a “when in Rome” decision by those overseas  trainers who don't want to compete on a playing field that isn't level. And if they didn't believe Lasix enhances performance of the competition they were facing, why would they use it on their horses?

It's not just the Breeders' Cup Future Stars Friday program that has gone Lasix-free. In several major racing jurisdictions across the U.S., 2-year-old Thoroughbreds are competing without the use of the race-day drug. And the sky is still not falling.

I've talked to several trainers who were not eager for the change and they've said a small percentage of their 2-year-olds have bled this year – one of them adding that it's possible a horse that did bleed might have done so even if it had been administered Lasix. One of the trainers said horses seem to be coming out of their no-Lasix races with more energy than their 2-year-olds had in previous years when competing with the drug in their system..

Things get more complicated in 2021 when the ban on Lasix is extended to all stakes races in states where a coalition of tracks are partially eliminating the drug. That means horses likely will be racing on Lasix in non-2-year-old maiden and allowance races, then going without it in stakes races. Will “Lasix off” become the same kind of handicapping angle many horseplayers now use with “Lasix on”?  It's not a good look for a sport when drugs are considered a factor in whether or not a horse will win.

The stakes race Lasix ban also means trainers with horses that have a history of bleeding will be trying other remedies. There will be lots of junk science and snake oil being sold.

The pearl clutchers who claim American racehorses cannot survive without Lasix are the same people who maintained that anabolic steroids were therapeutic and that horses (especially geldings) needed them to get through demanding training regimens. They're the same people who say horses need regular doses of clenbuterol because they're in dusty barn environments that create breathing problems.

Lasix is not the biggest problem facing this sport. It's nowhere near the focus of the FBI's investigation into illegal doping of racehorses that will be playing out for months, possibly years, to come. But the use of Lasix in nearly 100% of horses to address a problem that exists in a much smaller percentage of runners is an indication of how pervasive horse racing's drug culture has become.

That's my view from the eighth pole.

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Accomplished Veterinarian Johnson Dies At The Age Of 81

Dr. Jerry H. Johnson, longtime veterinarian well known in academic and private practice, died Nov. 9 at the age of 81.

Born March 7, 1939 in Gough, Ga., to Julian and Martha Kitchens Johnson, Johnson was raised on his parents' working farm and attended the University of Georgia, where he received both his undergraduate and veterinary degrees. He went on to spend seven years in the U.S. Army Reserves before being discharged in 1963 with the rank of staff sergeant.

Johnson became a boarded equine surgeon and taught for 16 years at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, Auburn University, and the University of Missouri.

After encouragement from well-known racetrack practitioner Dr. Alex Harthill, Johnson left academia to begin private practice in 1979 in the Central Kentucky area. He is credited with introducing the use of furosemide into racing to prevent incidence of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), as well as being the first veterinarian to use an endoscope to examine the airway of horses at auction. Johnson was also well known as an advocate to end of the practice of soring and “Big Lick” movement in the Tennessee Walking Horse world.

Johnson's work also included field trial studies for pharmaceutical companies, including Merck, Merial, and Schering-Plough. He scoped more than 2,000 horses as part of field trials for the omperazole treatment now commonly known by its trade name of GastroGard.

According to his obituary, Johnson's patients included many Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup winners, as well as grand prix jumpers, Paso Finos, Friesian carriage horses, the Budweiser Cydesdales, Belgian pulling drafts, and the occaisonal stable dog or cat.

Johnson was a published author in the American Association of Equine Practitioners Proceedings, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, and Journal of Equine Medicine and Surgery, and was a member of AVMA, AAEP, ACVS, NAARV, KVMA, KAEP, FAEP, The Thoroughbred Club, The Keeneland Club.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years, Patricia White Johnson, and daughter Julee Johnson, longtime friend Jo Ann Johnson, daughter Kaitlyn Hildenbrand (Maury), sister-in-law Barbara White Crockett, nieces Jennifer Knight (Mark) and Elizabeth Erickson (Nils) (daughters of his late sister-in-law Jacqueline White), nephew Major Roy B. Crockett, USMC (Anais), adopted daughter Elizabeth Connolly (Jim), grandchildren Juel Johnson; Ty, Alexa, and Ashley Hildenbrand; Christopher and John Connolly.

A memorial will be held sometime in 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial fund in Johnson's honor at the University of Georgia, where friends may contribute to the UGA Foundation (note: The Jerry H. Johnson, DVM Memorial Fund) or online here.

Read an extended obituary of Johnson here.

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