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Bon Raison, True Timber Have Final Cigar Mile Preps For Sisterson

Trainer Jack Sisterson saw his two expected entrants for Saturday's Grade 1, $250,000 Cigar Mile at Aqueduct register their final workouts Saturday at Keeneland, with Bon Raison and True Timber each working five furlongs on the main track. The duo breezed with different workmates.

Calumet Farm's Bon Raison will be looking to rebound from a 10th-place finish last out in the six-furlong Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Sprint on November 7 at Keeneland. He will be running at one mile for the first time in seven starts, dating to the second race of his 5-year-old campaign when against optional claimers under then-trainer Michael Tannuzzo on January 31.

True Timber, also owned by Calumet Farm, was third in last year's edition of the Cigar Mile, earning a 101 Beyer Speed Figure for his black type effort in a race won by Maximum Security. He was second in the 2018 Cigar Mile behind Patternrecognition. The 6-year-old son of Mineshaft will be looking for his first win of 2020 but has hit the board three times in four starts since Sisterson took over the training duties from Kiaran McLaughlin, who retired to become a jockey agent.

Bon Raison recorded a bullet 59.20 seconds Saturday, the fastest of a group of 18, while True Timber went in 1:01.40.

“Both worked very well at Keeneland yesterday and went five-eighths, they didn't go in company together,” Sisterson said. “They did everything we asked them to and more. We don't typically train them hard, but I wanted to get a good work in them leading up to the Cigar Mile. We are stretching them out to a mile and wanted to get a little air into the lungs and they both worked well within themselves and cooled out great.”

True Timber is slated to have the services of jockey Kendrick Carmouche for the Cigar Mile, which will feature its 32nd edition as the headliner of four graded stakes over the Big A main track on Saturday that will also include the Grade 2, $150,000 Remsen for juveniles, the $150,000 Demoiselle for 2-year-old fillies, and the Grade 3, $100,000 Go for Wand for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up.

Bon Raison will have the services of jockey Jorge Vargas, Jr. It will mark his first start at Aqueduct since running third in the Grade 3 Tom Fool going six furlongs on March 7.

The post Bon Raison, True Timber Have Final Cigar Mile Preps For Sisterson appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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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 147^th 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	1^st (Points)	2^nd (Points)	3^rd (Points)	4^th (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	1^st (Points)	2^nd (Points)	3^rd (Points)	4^th (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	1^st (Points)	2^nd (Points)	3^rd (Points)	4^th (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	1^st (Points)	2^nd (Points)	3^rd (Points)	4^th (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	1^st	2^nd	3^rd	4^th
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	1^st	2^nd	3^rd	4^th
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 147^th 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 (14^th, 1995), Lani (9^th, 2016) and Master Fencer (JPN) (6^th, 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 147^th 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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Japan Cup: Almond Eye Bows Out With Victory In Battle Of Triple Crown Winners

Almond Eye reprised her triumph in the Japan Cup from a 2018 Horse of the Year campaign by defeating the undefeated duo of Triple Crown winner Contrail and filly Triple Crown winner Daring Tact in Sunday's 40^th edition of the Grade 1 international classic at a mostly empty Tokyo Race Course in Tokyo, Japan.

Ridden by Christophe Lemaire, the 5-year-old mare by Lord Kanaloa (a grandson of the former Lane's End stallion Kingmambo) charged to the lead in the final furlong, overtaking front-runner Kiseki – who had opened up as much as a 20-length advantage – and easily holding off Contrail by 1 ¼ lengths. Daring Silk was a neck back in third in the field of 15 that included just one international competitor, Way to Paris, who finished 10^th after delaying the start by refusing to be loaded into the starting gate.

For Almond Eye, it was the perfect way to end a career that included a record eight Grade 1 victories in Japan (plus one in Dubai) and career earnings of 1,915,263,900 (approximately $18.4 million). She won 11 of 15 starts overall with two seconds and one third. Among her victories were the three filly Triple Crown races in 2018, making this the first race in Japan featuring three Triple Crown winners.

Almond Eye ran the 2,400 meters (1 ½ miles) on a firm but visibly chewed up turf course in 2:23.0, more than two seconds slower than the course record of 2:20.6 she established in 2018.

Bred in Japan by Katsumi Yoshida's Northern Racing, Almond Eye races for the Silk Racing Co. Ltd. racing club and is trained by Sakae Kunieda. She was produced from the stakes-winning Sunday Silence mare Fusaichi Pandora, whose grandam, Sex Appeal (by Buckpasser), produced two European champions, El Gran Senor and Try My Best. Sex Appeal was produced from Best in Show (by Traffic Judge), a broodmare of the year whose other foals included Kentucky Oaks winner Blush With Pride. The latter's foals included Better Than Honour, dam of two Belmont Stakes winners and a broodmare of the year herself.

Yoshida indicated Almond Eye will be bred in 2021, possibly to Epiphaneia, the 2014 Japan Cup winner standing at the Yoshida family's Shadai Stallion Station. Epiphaneia is a son of Symboli Kris S, a grandson of Roberto. He was produced from Cesario, a daughter of the Sunday Silence stallion Special Week who came to the U.S. to win the Grade 1 American Oaks Invitational at Hollywood Park in 2005.

“Since this was her final start, it was very special for me and I'm thrilled we were able to win,” said Lemaire. “After winning the Victoria Mile in the spring, we had three weeks to get her prepared for the Yasuda Kinen in which she was second. She had an extra week this time and was tuned up beautifully. She was relaxed in the gate, broke smoothly and was able to sit in a good position. The turf condition near the rails was much better than last week so I don't think the inner draw was a problem. The pace was just right for her and she responded well in the stretch. The others closing in on us didn't worry me at all. Almond Eye is a perfect mare and doesn't have any weak points. Her career as a race horse ended today but I look forward to riding her children.”

Trainer Kunieda added: “She looked good since arriving at the racecourse—she has definitely matured mentally. We were worried about the rough going near the rails, but Christophe did a good job in finding a good path. The pace was ideal for Almond Eye and her response was totally different from that in the Tenno Sho (Autumn). Since expectations of an eighth G1 title were enormous in her last Tenno Sho start, we did feel pressure but today, all we wanted was for her to come back safe and sound. The victory is such a bonus, we couldn't be happier. She has given us so much excitement and joy and it has been fulfilling to be a part of her career. It would be great if I could be involved in training her colt or filly someday.”

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Japan Racing Association limited attendance to just over 4,500 in the cavernous racecourse that typically attracts over 100,000 fans for major Grade 1 races like the Japan Cup. Wagering on the Japan Cup was approximately $262 million, with $357 million bet on the day's program.

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Brown-Ortiz Juggernaut Continues With Domestic Spending’s Hollywood Derby Victory

For the third time this weekend at Del Mar, jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. and trainer Chad Brown teamed up to snare a stakes race. This time it was the Grade 1, $303,000 Hollywood Derby with the colt Domestic Spending in a furious blanket finish at the conclusion of the nine-furlong grass test that was the headliner on a sparkling three-stakes card at the seaside track north of San Diego, Calif.

Domestic Spending, owned by Klaravich Stables and a British-bred son of Kingman, was up in the final jump to score by a head over Cannon Thoroughbreds' Smooth Like Strait, who had a neck on Otter Bend Stables' fast-closing Gufo. Another half-length back was Mary Abeel Sullivan Revocable Trust's Get Smokin, who had cut out all the pace in the race. Final time for the mile and one-eighth was 1:47.15 after fractions of :23.87, :48.23, 1:12.38 and 1:35.79.

“I thought I was going to be closer with him but he came out of there a little slow and we were in the back,” said Ortiz Jr. “I worked my way up on the backside and he was running perfect. When I asked him for his run at the three eighths (pole), he was ready. He really put in a nice kick. He's been a little green in his earlier races but he's getting better all the time.”

Domestic Spending, the third choice in the wagering, returned $10.40, $5.00 and $3.20 across the board. Smooth Like Strait, who went off as the $2.80-to-1 favorite, paid $4.20 and $3.00, while Gufo paid $3.40.

Earlier in the day Ortiz, Jr. and Brown captured the Grade 3 Jimmy Durante Stakes with Fluffy Socks. On Thanksgiving Day they teamed up to take down the Grade 3 Red Carpet Handicap. Brown had shipped in eight runners from the East Coast for the big weekend of turf stakes at Del Mar. He has three horses entered in Sunday's Grade 1 Matriarch Stakes for older fillies and mares.

“Three down, one more to go,” said assistant Jose Hernandez, deputized by Brown to handle the invading runners. “I talked to Chad coming over to the paddock and he just said stay with the plan. He broke a little slow but he was in good position and at about the half-mile point he started picking it up and by then I knew he was going to be there at the end. He's a really good horse.”

Domestic Spending picked up a check for $180,000 for his efforts and improved his bankroll to $520,900. He now has four wins in five starts, the last three in stakes.

The Saturday card also saw the 5-year-old gelding Count Again make his West Coast debut a winner as he captured the Grade 2 Seabiscuit Handicap.

Del Mar had a husky handle of $15,855,052 on the day's nine races. Its wagering numbers for the Bing Crosby Season are currently up more than 25% over last season's marks.

The final day of the season unfolds Sunday with a 10-race card featuring the Matriarch and the Grade 3 Cecil B. DeMille Stakes for 2-year-olds. First post moves up a half hour to noon for the finale.

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