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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Travel Column Circles Field, Overcomes Trouble To Win Golden Rod Stakes

OXO Equine's Travel Column made an impressive run to avoid trouble at the eighth pole in winning Saturday's Grade 2, $200,000 Golden Rod Stakes at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. The 2-year-old daughter from the first crop of Frosted was last early and passed all eight of her rivals to win by a length, stopping the clock in 1:43.98 for 1 1/16 miles over the fast main track. Trained by Brad Cox, the filly was ridden to victory at odds of 5-1 by jockey Florent Geroux.

The win earned Travel Column 10 points on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks.

Last early after being crowded and pushed back at the start, Travel Column stayed wide near the rear of the pack during the early running. Longshot Farsighted lead the way through fractions of :23.77 and :48.21, tracked by the favorite Simply Ravishing.

Simply Ravishing, the G1 Alcibiades winner, grabbed the lead around the turn but couldn't hold on, and was headed by Clairere at the three-sixteenths pole. Meanwhile, Travel Column went wide to range into contention but still had five lengths to make up at the head of the lane.

Near the inside, Travel Column had to shift out four-wide at the eighth pole for clear running room, and was able to run down her foes in the final sixteenth of a mile. Beaten a length in second was Clairere, and the previously undefeated Coach finished third. Favorite Simply Ravishing was fourth.

Bred in Kentucky by Mr. and Mrs. Bayne Welker Jr. and Denali Stud, Travel Column was an $850,000 yearling at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select sale. Out of the multiple stakes-winning Victory Gallop mare Swingit, the filly is a half-sister to $2 million-earner Neolithic (Harlan's Holiday).

Travel Column won her debut at Churchill Downs by 4 1/4 lengths with a pace-pressing run, then missed the start and could do no better than third in the G1 Alcibiades at Keeneland. Her win in the Golden Rod improves her record to two victories from three starts and earnings of $209,184.

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Paris Lights Takes Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks In Stakes Debut

Saturday's 104th running of the Grade 1, $350,000 Coaching Club American Oaks saw a dramatic stretch battle between WinStar Stablemates color-bearers Paris Lights and Crystal Ball, with the former getting her head on the wire at the right time in the 1 1/8-mile event for 3-year-old fillies at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Paris Lights broke sharply from the outside post under jockey Tyler Gaffalione and was in the clear heading into the first turn before Crystal Ball assumed command to lead the five-horse field through an opening quarter-mile in 24.43 seconds. Paris Lights kept close company just to her outside with Tonalist's Shape, who checked going into the turn, moving over to the three-path while under a tight hold from jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr.

Approaching the far turn, Crystal Ball was put under a drive from Hall of Fame rider Javier Castellano, while Gaffalione remain cool, calm and collected aboard his filly and did not begin asking her until they reached the quarter pole.

At the top of the Saratoga stretch, Paris Lights put a head in front, but a stubborn Crystal Ball was resilient and fought gamely to her inside. The two fillies duked it out and remained nip and tuck throughout the remaining furlong and a half, but Paris Lights came out on the winning end, completing the journey in a final time of 1:50.81 on the fast main track.

Crystal Ball finished 4 3/4 lengths ahead of Antoinette who rounded out the trifecta.

Tonalist's Shape and Velvet Crush, who walked out of the gate and was never a factor, completed the order of finish. Altaf was scratched.

Paris Lights made her stakes debut in the CCA Oaks, arriving at the event off a pair of victories going 1 1/16 miles at Churchill Downs. She now boasts a record of 4-3-0-1 and earnings of $287,912.

The bay daughter of Curlin earned 100 qualifying points towards the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks on September 4 at Churchill Downs.

The win was a redeeming one for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, who turned the tables on Crystal Ball's Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert three years after coming out on the losing end of a memorable stretch battle in the 2017 CCA Oaks when Elate finished a head behind the Baffert-trained Abel Tasman.

“I think the fact we had another allowance race in her at Churchill [helped],” said Mott, who saddled Ajina to victory in the 1997 CCA Oaks. “She broke her maiden and we were able to get another allowance race in her for experience and build on that experience a bit and on her confidence level. It paid off today.”

The Grade 1, $500,000 Alabama on August 15, which also is a Kentucky Oaks qualifier, is in play for Paris Lights, Mott said.

“I don't see any reason we wouldn't make that her potential goal. We've been lucky enough to win it a couple of times and naturally, I'd like to try it again,” said Mott – a three-time winner of the Alabama.

The victory marked the first Grade 1 win at Saratoga for Gaffalione, who has been aboard Paris Lights in all four of her starts.

“My filly just kept digging in. The other filly [Crystal Ball, No. 5] was a little stubborn to get by, but my filly is all class,” said Gaffalione. “All credit to Mr. Mott and his team. As usual, they do such a fabulous job and I'm just thankful I got the opportunity to ride her.”

Gaffalione took advantage of a clean trip, which he said was key to securing the win.

“My filly jumped out really well. I looked over and saw the Baffert horse [Crystal Ball] go to the lead and I figured she was the speed on form,” Gaffalione said. “I thought maybe [Velvet Crush, No. 4] would go with her, but she didn't get away that clean. So, I took advantage of it, and my filly was there for me the whole way.”

Castellano, aboard Crystal Ball, said he was far from disappointed in his filly's effort.

“She's a young horse and it was just the third start of her career,” Castellano said. “The way it developed, with better horses in this race, she hooked up and battled with one of the best horses. I'm not disappointed. I'm happy the way she did it. We just got beat on the [head] bob.”

Bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm, Paris Lights is out of the Bernardini broodmare Paris Bikini, who is a half-sister to graded stakes winner America and is a direct descendant of prolific broodmare Best In Show.

Live racing returns on Sunday with a 10-race card which features the Grade 2, $150,000 Lake Placid for 3-year-old fillies over the inner turf. First post is 1:10 p.m. Eastern.

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Turf-Bred Altaf Going After Kentucky Oaks Points In CCA Oaks

When reading the pedigree of Shadwell Farm's Grade 1, $350,000 Coaching Club American Oaks aspirant Altaf, one would be led to believe that she would likely find a home on grass. But such has not been the case thus far.

Following a seventh-place effort on debut over the lawn at Gulfstream Park, the bay daughter of Medaglia d'Oro raced at Churchill Downs over the main track, which appeared to make a huge difference as she powered home a 5 ¼ length-victor under jockey Joel Rosario.

Trained by Chad Brown, Altaf is out of the Smart Strike broodmare Fawaarek, who was a winner on grass. Her grand dam was three-time turf Grade 1-winner and 2002 Champion Turf Mare Golden Apples, who produced graded stakes winner on turf Habaya, as well as turf graded stakes-placed Hatheer.

“Golden Apples was a very good turf mare. I guess the Medaglia d'Oro is coming out in her a bit,” said Shadwell Farms' general manager Rick Nichols. “She had worked well on the grass. Chad thought that's where she should start out at. But she didn't seem to like it all that much. The jockey [Joel Rosario] liked her the day he rode her, but he too didn't think she cared for it that much. We brought her back on the dirt and it was impressive.”

How impressive? Enough to really catch Nichols' attention.

“Once you've seen as many horses as I have over the years, it's hard for me to be too impressed, and I was impressed,” Nichols said.

The Coaching Club American Oaks, offering 100-40-20-10 points to the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks, will be quite the step up in class from Altaf's maiden victory. But Nichols said that his filly is up for the task. Brown won last year's CCA Oaks with Guarana, who in her prior start won the Grade 1 Acorn off of an impressive maiden victory.

“It's a big step, but I like the fact that we have a nice small field and Chad is very, very pleased with her,” said Nichols. “He loves her. He's always thought a lot of her. After that race, we all like her a little bit more.”

A big run on Saturday could result in Altaf targeting the lilies on the First Friday in September for the Kentucky Oaks.

“If she wins on Saturday and comes out of it well, we'll speak to Sheikh Hamdan and I'm sure he would love to give her a try in the Oaks,” Nichols said.

Altaf will be ridden by Joel Rosario from post 3.

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