There are a variety of reasons to explain why a long list of outstanding horses were thwarted in their bid to become the 12th Triple Crown champion. Some are predictable; others are surprising. Premature moves, exhausting paces, injuries, medications, and even a safety pin have all played a role in a drought that stood at 37 years until American Pharoah completed the sweep in 2015.
Tag: The Sport
First Edition of Rookie Rankings for 2027 Kentucky Derby Prospects
The Road to the 2027 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve is underway, and every Monday through the end of December, Rookie Rankings will analyze potential contenders for the first Saturday in May and rank them in a Top 10 list. Identifying a Kentucky Derby winner this far in advance isn’t easy. Next year’s Kentucky Derby starters are only 2 years old right now. Seven of the last 10 Derby winners were unraced at this point in their juvenile or “rookie” year, and two others were winless.
Never Underestimate a Champion: The Story of Groupie Doll
Never underestimate a champion. This age-old lesson was reiterated to handicappers and racing fans alike when the sensational, speedy mare Groupie Doll defied age and expectations in the 2013 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint.
The Puma Wins Pennsylvania Derby, Bodacious Bay Takes Cotillion
The Puma made a huge move around the far turn under jockey Javier Castellano, opened up a three-length lead through the stretch, and held off a late charge from Further Ado to win the $1 million Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby by a half-length Sept. 19 at Parx Racing.
