Churchill Downs Racetrack is excited to announce a dynamic lineup of partners and licensees for the 149th Kentucky Derby, with new partnerships and renewals including Brown-Forman brands: Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Finlandia, Tequila Herradura; BMW of North America, White Claw, FanDuel, vineyard vines, AT&T, Third Time Entertainment, Ford's Garage, Romero Britto, and Paramount Network's Yellowstone.
The 149th Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve will take place on Saturday, May 6. The 149th Longines Kentucky Oaks will take place on Friday, May 5.
After 149 years, the Kentucky Derby has cemented itself as one of the most sought-after stages for brands to connect with consumers. Outside of being The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®, the Kentucky Derby brings together world-renowned luxury and lifestyle partners to create a thrilling experience for fans around the world.
“The Kentucky Derby is where global trends meet traditions in authentic, inspiring and impactful ways,” said Casey Ramage, Churchill Downs Racetrack's Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships. “From spirits to fashion and virtual entertainment to automotive, we're thrilled to embrace the variety our partnerships bring Kentucky Derby fans for an unbeatably enjoyable experience, no matter where they find themselves on Derby Day – at the track or at home.”
The 2023 new Kentucky Derby partners, licensees and activations include:
Tequila Herradura will serve Derby-inspired tequila cocktails and provide Instagramable moments for guests to capture their Kentucky Derby experiences.
World-renowned artist, Romero Britto, has designed exclusive artwork for this year's Kentucky Derby that guests can take home to remember their Derby experience and is set to be a featured judge of the Longines Fashion Contest on Kentucky Oaks Day.
AT&T joins as the first preferred Fiber Internet partner of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby.
Game development studio, Third Time Entertainment, will bring the Kentucky Derby to the metaverse with a series of events on the Photo Finish LIVE platform allowing players to virtually experience their own Run for the Roses®.
Steeped in history, Royal Ascot – the historic five-day horse racing event held in Ascot, England each year – has held its place as the Crown Jewel of the British summer season for centuries. Making its debut at the Kentucky Derby this year, guests will find exciting fashion elements, an interactive photo experience, and a once-in-lifetime Royal Ascot experience giveaway this May.
Ford's Garage restaurants, the Official Watch Locations for Kentucky Derby 149, is inviting fans and friends to taste 10 days of excitement with a full program of race coverage, commemorative merchandise, special giveaways, and themed menu items at all locations across the country.
FanDuel is proud to be an official sports wagering partner of the Kentucky Derby with naming rights to the Starting Gate Rooftop Garden.
Todd Snyder, the iconic menswear designer, will curate a selection of Derby-inspired fashions for the modern gentleman available for purchase online.
Paperless Post, the premier destination for online invitations, has created a variety of expressive and imaginative designs inspired by the recognizable Derby-aesthetic, to give all Derby celebrations an authentic touch.
Paramount Network's YELLOWSTONE, TV's #1 show, invites fans to celebrate the Blu-ray & DVD release of Season 5 Part 1. Fans can visit the YELLOWSTONE booth to meet one of everyone's favorite Bunkhouse Boys, Ian Bohen (Ryan), take a commemorative photo, and have a chance to win a Yellowstone gift basket.
Building off previous successes, the Kentucky Derby is proud to welcome back a number of valued partners:
Brown-Forman extends their partnership with a five-year agreement including Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Finlandia and Herradura.
o Woodford Reserve will continue as the presenting sponsor of the Kentucky Derby through 2027, and this year will feature their famous $1,000 mint julep featuring Secretariat and a must-see branded activation near the new Woodford Reserve Paddock.
o As the Official Drink of the Derby, the Old Forester Mint Julep is excited to debut a brand new mint julep flavor Derby Week.
o Longtime partner, Finlandia Vodka, will serve refreshing cocktails including the classic, fan-favorite Oaks Lily.
BMW of North America, the luxury auto partner of the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs, returns to Derby weekend with an exclusive look at the most powerful luxury sport activity vehicle ever made in BMW history, the BMW XM. Fans can expect to see unique BMW experiences throughout Churchill Downs.
White Claw continues their partnership with a three-year extension, now serving as an Official Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby and remaining the Official Hard Seltzer. They return in 2023 with plans for experiential activations for fans of the Paddock Plaza and the Infield Grounds at Churchill Downs Racetrack.
La Crema, a vineyard of Jackson Family Wines, will bring back its on-site wine-tasting experience.
TwinSpires.com continues their presence as the official betting partner of the Kentucky Derby. The TwinSpires.com activation centers will have handicapping products, runner information and fan-favorite contender buttons. The marquee activation area will be located in the infield, with a unique racebook atmosphere and hospitality amenities.
vineyard vines has curated its 13th Kentucky Derby collection comprised of winning looks and bright styles for the entire family.
In addition to Radley London's equestrian-inspired feminine line of handbags, wallets and clutches, the London-born accessories brand will connect Louisville to London with a traditional, English-inspired phone booth in the Paddock Plaza.
Fashion-forward boutique fan gear, Lusso Style, will provide a customizable keepsake by pressing commemorative patches onto denim jackets for guests to create their own Derby memorabilia.
Black-owned brand Homme + Femme will blend streetwear style with traditions for its second Kentucky Derby collection.
Red Bull will return to the in-field with their traditional Kombi Bar serving a variety of Red Bull cocktails.
John Deere continues their presence supplying tractors that help maintain the track and will also feature equipment on the backside throughout Derby Week.
LG&E returns this year to focus support on the ongoing renewable energy initiatives by Churchill Downs Racetrack as the first green energy partner of the Kentucky Derby.
Sunbelt, the new Official Rental Equipment Supplier, will highlight the sustainability impact of its equipment on-site.
To assist with operational needs, PODS is stepping in this year to provide convenient and secure storage containers throughout the facility.
The Kentucky Derby prep schedule is in full swing, which means it's time for detailed looks at the horses that could fill the starting gate with Andrew Champagne of Catena Media and The Saratogian's Pink Sheet.
Check back with the Paulick Report regularly for updated rankings that include news, notes, and opinions on the 3-year-olds that figure to take center stage.
The 100-point Kentucky Derby preps have come and gone. With that, the picture for the first Saturday in May is coming more and more into focus.
Only one more prep race is on the calendar. Saturday's Grade 3 Lexington Stakes at Keeneland offers one last chance for Kentucky Derby points. It's a big chance for one contender that probably needs a top-three finish to ensure a spot in the field, and we'll get to that runner in just a bit.
We'll start this list, however, the same way we have since this column returned earlier this year…
#1: Forte
Champion Forte, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., captures the G1 Florida Derby (Lauren King/Gulfstream photo)
Let me get this straight. Last year's champion 2-year-old male breaks from post #11 at Gulfstream, where horses breaking from post #11 going 1 1/8 miles may as well be starting in Pete Aiello's announcer's booth, in the G1 Florida Derby. He takes dirt the whole way around, gives Mage (a good horse) a two-length head start turning for home, wins anyway to earn his fourth Grade 1 win at a third different track…and according to some in the game, I'm supposed to think his status at the top of this list should be threatened? Nope. To me, Forte is the clear frontrunner in this division heading into the Kentucky Derby, as he has been since last fall.
Forte was bred in Kentucky by South Gate Farm, out of the multiple stakes-winning Blame mare Queen Caroline. He sold for $110,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Amy Moore of South Gate Farm bought Queen Caroline as a yearling for $170,000 at the 2014 Keeneland September sale.
#2: Tapit Trice
Tapit Trice winning the Toyota Blue Grass by a neck over Verifying
Pedigree: Tapit – Danzatrice (by Dunkirk)
Owner: Whisper Hill Farm, Gainesway Stable
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Breeder: Gainesway Thoroughbreds Ltd. (KY)
Kentucky Derby points: 150
Tapit Trice passed a significant test in Saturday's G1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. Breaking from the rail with a history of gate issues and a running style that indicates he needs to be urged hard to stay engaged, there were red flags. However, beneath a brilliant ride from Luis Saez, the second Pletcher trainee in a row on this list ran down perfect-trip runner-up Verifying and likely stamped himself as the Derby's second choice behind his stablemate.
Tapit Trice was bred in Kentucky by Gainesway Thoroughbreds Ltd., out of the Grade 3-placed multiple stakes-winning Dunkirk mare Danzatrice. Tapit Trice sold to Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm for $1.3 million at the 2021 Keeneland September sale. A half-sister to champion Jaywalk, Danzatrice was a $105,000 purchase by Gainesway at the 2014 OBS Spring 2-Year-Olds In Training Sale.
#3: Angel of Empire
Angel of Empire preparing for Saturday's Arkansas Derby
Pedigree: Classic Empire – Armony's Angel (by To Honor and Serve)
Owner: Albaugh Family Stables
Trainer: Brad Cox
Breeder: Forgotten Land Investment Inc & Black Diamond Equine Corp. (PA)
Kentucky Derby points: 154
Angel of Empire ran very, very well in the G1 Arkansas Derby. He never looked like a loser at any point, as he rated off a pace that, despite not looking too fast, didn't hold up once the field turned for home. He did a lot of things right at Oaklawn, and he goes into the Derby with two straight high-profile graded stakes wins (having also won the G2 Risen Star earlier this season).
#4: Practical Move
Tim Yakteen with Runhappy Santa Anita Derby winner Practical Move
Breeder: Chad Brown & Head of Plains Partners (KY)
Kentucky Derby points: 160
Practical Move earned a triple-digit Beyer Speed Figure in taking Saturday's G1 Santa Anita Derby. He did what he had to do to keep his spot as the West Coast's top Kentucky Derby threat, but I saw a few things I wasn't crazy about. For the second straight race, he sat a picture-perfect trip, and this time, the wire came just before he could be reeled in. I do not have doubts about his ability, but I can't say the same about my feelings on if he can get the 10-furlong Kentucky Derby trip.
Practical Move was bred in Kentucky by Chad Brown and Head of Plains Partners, out of the stakes-placed Afleet Alex mare Ack Naughty. He sold to his current ownership for $230,000 at the 2022 OBS Spring sale. Ack Naughty was recently sold, pregnant to Upstart, to Chester and Mary Broman for $500,000 at this year's Keeneland January sale.
#5: Derma Sotogake
Derma Sotogake, ridden by Christphe Lemaire, captures the G2 UAE Derby
Pedigree: Mind Your Biscuits – Amour Poesie (by Neo Universe)
Owner: Hiroyuki Asanuma
Trainer: Hidetaka Otonashi
Breeder: Shadai Farm (JPN)
Kentucky Derby points: 100
Perhaps the biggest winner this past weekend was a horse that didn't even run. Derma Sotogake turned heads with his easy score in the UAE Derby. However, when Mandarin Hero, considered a second-tier Japanese horse by some, ran a fantastic second to Practical Move, it spurred a re-evaluation of the Japanese contingent. If a horse from Japan's “lower-level” circuit can run that well against a legitimate Derby prospect, what does it say about a horse that's more highly-regarded in the land of the rising sun?
#6: Kingsbarns
3/25/2023 – Kingsbarns with Flavien Prat aboarad wins the 110th running of the Grade II Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Amanda Hodges Weir
Kingsbarns never looked like a loser in the G2 Louisiana Derby. He was part of a very slow pace and had plenty left turning for home. It wasn't the fastest Louisiana Derby on record, and a number of closers didn't fire (possibly due to the race shape more than anything else), but Kingsbarns passed his first significant test. In addition, his win going 1 3/16 miles indicates that, if he doesn't run well in Kentucky, it won't be because of that race's 1 1/4-mile distance.
Kingsbarns was bred in Kentucky by Parks Investment Group, out of the Grade 3-placed Tapit mare Lady Tapit, who is herself a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Gozzip Girl. After bringing $250,000 at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale, the colt sold to Spendthrift Farm for $800,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream Select 2-Year-Olds In Training Sale.
#7: Mage
Mage breaks his maiden at first asking at Gulfstream Park
Pedigree: Good Magic – Puca (by Big Brown)
Owner: OGMA Investments, Restrepo, Sterling Racing, and CMNWLTH
Trainer: Gustavo Delgado
Breeder: Grandview Equine (KY)
Kentucky Derby points: 50
Mage made a significant move up after running big to be second in the Florida Derby. He didn't break well, but he made an eye-catching move into contention going around the far turn before being run down by the top horse on this list. This is twice in as many two-turn starts that he's found some trouble, which isn't the best thing, but on the other hand, he's inexperienced enough to where he may still be learning and developing. Either way, he showed plenty last time out.
Mage was bred in Kentucky by Grandview Equine, out of the Grade 1-placed stakes-winning Big Brown mare Puca. He brought $235,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September sale, then he sold for $290,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. Puca sold to Grandview Equine, pregnant to Gun Runner, for $475,000 at the 2018 Fasig-Tipton November Sale.
#8: Verifying
Martin Garcia guides Justify colt Verifying to victory in his 3-year-old debut at Oaklawn
Pedigree: Justify – Diva Delite (by Repent)
Owner: Westerberg, Magnier, Poulin, Smith and Tabor
Trainer: Brad Cox
Breeder: Hunter Valley & Mountmellick Farm, LLC (KY)
Kentucky Derby points: 54
Verifying had a nightmare trip in the G2 Rebel, when he was fourth behind Confidence Game. His journey was much easier Saturday in the Blue Grass, when he used his tactical speed to sit in a perfect spot most of the way. He and Tapit Trice were well, well clear of the rest of that field, and in finishing a close-up second, this colt gives the Cox barn yet another Derby contender.
Verifying was bred in Kentucky by Hunter Valley and Mountmellick Farm, out of the Grade 3-winning Repent mare Diva Delite, making him a half-brother to champion Midnight Bisou. He sold to M.V. Magnier of the Coolmore partnership for $775,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September sale. The breeders purchased Diva Delite for $1.2 million, with Verifying in-utero, at the 2019 Keeneland November sale.
#9: Confidence Game
Confidence Game (Candy Ride) wins the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn on 2.25.23. Jame Graham up, Keith Desormeaux trainer, Don't Tell My Wife Stables owner.
Confidence Game rallied from fifth to win the G2 Rebel at a price, and there are reasons to be enthusiastic. He won that race the right way and defeated what seemed like a pretty solid group. Two big questions, though: Was it early-season development that moved him forward, or was it the sloppy track he's bred up and down to absolutely love? Also, how comfortable are you betting on a horse that put forth a big effort in February, yet hasn't raced since?
Confidence Game was bred in Kentucky by Summer Wind Equine, out of the winning Bernardini mare Eblouissante. Desormeaux signed the ticket on Confidence Game for $25,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September Sale. Eblouissante, a half-sister to Hall of Famer Zenyatta, was purchased by Summer Wind Farm for $1,434,279, pregnant to Dansili, at the 2016 Tattersalls December Mares Sale.
#10: Disarm
Disarm at Churchill Downs
Pedigree: Gun Runner – Easy Tap (by Tapit)
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Breeder: Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC (KY)
Kentucky Derby points: 40
And here's the horse for whom Saturday is a big, big day. Disarm got on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard by running a very solid second in the Louisiana Derby. However, 40 points may very well not be enough to ensure his spot in the starting gate on the first Saturday in May. Because of that, he'll take on 10 others in the Lexington. He'll likely be favored in that event, and just a few more points will give his connections much more security.
Disarm was bred in Kentucky by Winchell Thoroughbreds, out of the winning Tapit mare Easy Tap, who is also the dam of Venezuelan champion Tap Daddy. The Winchell operation purchased Easy Tap for $300,000 at the 2011 Fasig-Tipton July Yearling Sale.
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Two Phil's (#10, Hard Spun) wins the Jeff Ruby Stakes at Turfway Park on 3-25-23. Jareth Loveberry up, Larry Rivelli trainer, Patricia's Hope owner.
Pedigree: Hard Spun – Mia Torri (by General Quarters)
Owner: Patricia's Hope, Phillip Sagan
Trainer: Larry Rivelli
Breeder: Phillip Sagan (KY)
Kentucky Derby points: 123
When Jareth Loveberry rode for Rivelli last month, he KNEW he was live (yes, we're still referencing the greatest commercial in horse racing history). Two Phil's dominated in the G3 Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park and earned some pretty big speed figures (especially compared to the rest of his crop). If they were running the Kentucky Derby over that synthetic track, I'd have him much, much higher on this list. The question is, can he replicate that race on dirt? To run with the likes of Forte, Tapit Trice, and Angel of Empire, he may have to do just that.
Two Phil's was bred in Kentucky by Phillip Sagan, out of the Grade 3-placed stakes-winning General Quarters mare Mia Torri, who Sagan acquired privately during her on-track career.
#12: Lord Miles
Lord Miles, with Paco Lopez aboard, winner of the G2 Wood Memorial. (Amira Chichak/NYRA photo)
Pedigree: Curlin – Lady Esme (by Majestic Warrior)
Owner: Vegso Racing Stable
Trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr.
Breeder: Vegso Racing Stable (KY)
Kentucky Derby points: 100
Lord Miles entered the Andrew Champagne Gambling Hall of Fame Saturday, when he won the G2 Wood Memorial at odds of 59-1. That race came after clunkers in both the G3 Holy Bull and the G2 Tampa Bay Derby, but he capitalized on some class relief and won despite a bit of a wide trip. Despite his well-deserved spot in my heart, though, my brain tells me that class relief will be gone come Kentucky Derby time. Still, he's better than the two clunkers he ran earlier this season, and he showed that on Saturday afternoon.
Lord Miles is a Kentucky homebred for Vesgo Racing Stable, out of the unraced Majestic Warrior mare Lady Esme, who is herself a Vesgo homebred. His second dam, Come a Callin was also bred and raced by Vesgo. The breeder bought into the family with the third dam, the unraced Twilight Service, who he purchased for $105,000 at the 2004 OBS March Sale.
#13: Hit Show
Candy Ride colt Hit Show, ridden by Manny Franco, captures the Withers
Pedigree: Candy Ride – Actress (by Tapit)
Owner: Gary and Mary West
Trainer: Brad Cox
Breeder: Gary & Mary West Stables Inc. (KY)
Kentucky Derby points: 60
Hit Show didn't have things easy on Saturday. He broke from post #13 in the Wood, was wide throughout, and then wound up between horses throughout the stretch run. He couldn't hold off Lord Miles, but he did finish second. If you liked him as a Derby prospect before the Wood, you're certainly going to get better odds now that he didn't win his final prep race, and it's not like he ran terribly enough to scare someone off who saw something they liked when he won the G3 Withers earlier this year.
Hit Show was bred in Kentucky by Gary & Mary West Stables Inc., out of the Tapit mare Actress, who was herself a Grade 2 winner as a homebred for the Wests.
#14: Reincarnate
Reincarnate and jockey Juan Hernandez win the G3 Sham
Pedigree: Good Magic – Allanah (by Scat Daddy)
Owner: SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Robert Masterson, et al
Trainer: Tim Yakteen
Breeder: Woods Edge Farm, LLC (KY)
Kentucky Derby points: 45
A photo for third place in the Arkansas Derby saw Reincarnate edge Rocket Can. In doing so, the gray likely earned enough Derby points to ensure a spot in this year's field (a fourth-place finish would've put him in a precarious spot). Prior to that effort, Reincarnate won the G3 Sham at Santa Anita while in the barn of Bob Baffert before running third in the Rebel for Yakteen (where he earned the rest of his points).
Reincarnate was bred in Kentucky by Woods Edge Farm, out of the stakes-winning Scat Daddy mare Allanah. He sold for $775,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September sale. Woods Edge Farm acquired Allanah, pregnant to Street Boss, for $105,000 at the 2018 Keeneland November sale.
#15: Raise Cain
Jose Lezcano guides Raise Cain to victory in the G3 Gotham
Raise Cain romped to a 23-1 upset in the G3 Gotham and stepped up the class ladder in the Blue Grass. He was a well-beaten fifth, but one can argue he may have been third-best behind the runaway top pair. He was last of 10 early and got floated very, very wide turning for home. At a minimum, he showed two turns should not be what gets him beat, and if you're looking for a deep closer on Derby Day to potentially do a Rich Strike impression, perhaps this is one you can talk yourself into.
Raise Cain was bred in Kentucky by Rock Ridge Thoroughbreds, out of the winning Lemon Drop Kid mare Lemon Belle. He sold for $180,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September sale. Rock Ridge Thoroughbreds acquired Lemon Belle, pregnant to Violence, for $285,000 at the 2018 Keeneland November sale.
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#16: Rocket Can
Into Mischief colt Rocket Can, guided by Junior Alvarado, wins the G3 Holy Bull from stablemate Shadow Dragon
Pedigree: Into Mischief – Tension (by Tapit)
Owner: Frank Fletcher Racing
Trainer: Bill Mott
Breeder: Woodford Thoroughbreds, LLC (KY)
Kentucky Derby points: 60
Rocket Can won the G3 Holy Bull before running into Forte in the G2 Fountain of Youth. Owner Frank Fletcher is an Arkansas native, which played a role in this colt shipping to Oaklawn Park for the Arkansas Derby. It's not like he ran terribly to be fourth behind Angel of Empire, but if you were expecting a significant move forward Saturday, that's not what you got. Mott has shipped Rocket Can to Churchill, and this one has more than enough points to make the Derby field, but he added a decision on his status for that race has not been made.
Rocket Can was bred in Kentucky by Woodford Thoroughbreds LLC, out of the placed Tapit mare Tension. Woodford Thoroughbreds bought Tension pregnant to Curlin for $750,000 at the 2017 Keeneland November sale, and sold her at this year's Keeneland January sale.
#17: Continuar
Continuar at Churchill Downs
Pedigree: Drefong – Pan de Ring (by King Kamehameha)
Owner: Lion Race Horse Co.
Trainer: Yoshito Yahagi
Breeder: Lake Villa Farm (JPN)
Kentucky Derby points: Invitation
Continuar earned a spot in the field by way of Japan's Road to the Kentucky Derby, and his resume includes a win in the 2022 Cattleya Stakes. Since then, he's run fifth in Saudi Arabia and third in Dubai. Of the Japanese runners, Derma Sotogake appears more well-meant, but as we found out in the Santa Anita Derby, blindly dismissing runners from Japan may prove unwise.
#18: Blazing Sevens
Good Magic colt Blazing Sevens wins the G1 Champagne
Pedigree: Good Magic – Trophy Girl (by Warrior's Reward)
Owner: Rodeo Creek Racing
Trainer: Chad Brown
Breeder: Tracy Farmer (KY)
Kentucky Derby points: 46
Blazing Sevens returns to this list after salvaging third in the Blue Grass. In doing so, he earned just enough Kentucky Derby points to ensure a spot in the field. Last year's winner of the G1 Champagne, however, hasn't shown he can stretch that form out to two turns quite yet. He's 2-for-3 around one turn, with the lone loss being a third-place finish in the G1 Hopeful. Going two turns, he's 0-for-3, and the third-place finish in the Blue Grass is his only in-the-money finish in those events.
Blazing Sevens was bred in Kentucky by Tracy Farmer, out of the winning Warrior's Reward mare Trophy Girl. After bringing $140,000 as a newly-turned yearling at the 2021 Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale, Blazing Sevens sold for $250,000 that summer at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale. Farmer acquired Trophy Girl as a weanling for $62,000 at the 2013 Fasig-Tipton November Sale.
#19: Jace's Road
Jace's Road, ridden by Florent Geroux, takes the Gun Runner at Fair Grounds
Pedigree: Quality Road – Out Post (by Silver Deputy)
Owner: West Point Thoroughbreds, Albaugh Family Stables
Trainer: Brad Cox
Breeder: Colts Neck Stables LLC (KY)
Kentucky Derby points: 45
Jace's Road ran third in the Louisiana Derby. He pressed the very slow pace set by Kingsbarns, and while he couldn't stick with the top two, he had enough in reserve to finish a clear third. Most years, that would be enough to clinch a spot in the Kentucky Derby field. However, if Disarm hits the board in the Lexington, Jace's Road would fall out of that group (due to lower non-restricted stakes earnings than Reincarnate, who also has 45 points).
Jace's Road was bred in Kentucky by Richard Santulli's Colts Neck Stables, out of the stakes-placed Silver Deputy mare Out Post. The colt sold to his current ownership for $510,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September sale. After being purchased as a yearling for $250,000, Out Post raced for Jayeff B Stables, of which Santulli is a partner, then she raced for Santulli alone before entering his broodmare band.
#20: Wild On Ice
Ken Tohill guides Wild On Ice to an upset victory in the G3 Sunland Park Derby
Pedigree: Tapizar – Slamitagain (by Grand Slam)
Owner: Frank Sumpter
Trainer: Joel Marr
Breeder: Frank Sumpter (TX)
Kentucky Derby points: 50
We'll finish off the list with a late Triple Crown nominee. Wild On Ice pulled off a 35-1 shocker in the G3 Sunland Derby, and was supplemented to the prestigious series shortly after that effort. After a workout this week at Sunland Park, his connections opted to keep him on track for the Run for the Roses, and it's possible 60-year-old regular rider Ken Tohill becomes the oldest jockey in Kentucky Derby history.
Flavien Prat plans to pilot G1 Arkansas Derby winner Angel of Empire in this year's Kentucky Derby, according to a report from Thoroughbred Daily News on April 12.
Brad Cox, trainer of Angel of Empire, confirmed that Prat's agent Brad Pegram has assured Cox the rider will be aboard on the first Saturday in May.
Prat had also ridden Todd Pletcher-trained G2 Louisiana Derby winner Kingsbarns, setting up a dilemma as to which one he'd be on.
The last weeks before the Derby are often a time of major decisions for top riders who may have been aboard multiple horses in their last pre-Derby outings.
Previous riders for Kingsbarns have included Luis Saez and Antonio Gallardo.
If he enters the gates this year, it will be Prat's sixth Kentucky Derby. He finished third last year aboard Zandon and second the year before with Hot Rod Charlie. Prat and Country House were named the winner of the 2019 Kentucky Derby after the disqualification of Maximum Security.
Stablemates Prince of Jericho and Circling the Drain and multiple stakes winners Coffeewithchris and Ninetyprcentmaddie will each vie for a Triple Crown berth in a competitive edition of the $125,000 Federico Tesio Saturday at Laurel Park.
The 42nd running of the 1 1/8-mile Federico Tesio headlines an 11-race program featuring four stakes worth $450,000 in purses on the first of back-to-back Spring Stakes Spectacular Saturdays. Spring Stakes Spectacular continues April 22 with five $100,000 stakes including the first three of the season scheduled for Laurel's world-class turf course.
Named for the noted Italian breeder, owner and trainer whose homebreds Nearco and Ribot dominate Thoroughbred bloodlines around the world, the Tesio for an eighth straight year serves as a 'Win and In' qualifier for Triple Crown-nominated 3-year-olds to the 148th Preakness Stakes May 20 at historic Pimlico Race Course.
First race post time is 12:25 p.m.
A total of 22 Tesio winners have gone on to run in the Preakness, the last being Alwaysmining in 2019 with Maryland-bred Deputed Testamony (1983) the only horse to sweep both races. Last year's winner, Joe, was named Maryland's male division champion for a second straight year and is nearing his return to the races.
Happy Saver won the Tesio in 2020 for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher as a prelude to his next-out victory over older horses in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1). Runners-up Ruler On Ice (2011) and Monday Morning Qb (2020) respectively went on to capture the Belmont Stakes (G1) and Maryland Million Classic.
Both Prince of Jericho and Circling the Drain are nominated to the Triple Crown for Laurel-based trainer Brittany Russell, who earned her first career Grade 1 triumph with Doppelganger in the April 8 Carter Handicap at Aqueduct.
Michael Dubb and Morris Bailey's Prince of Jericho sandwiched a season-opening win in the Jan. 21 Spectacular Bid at Laurel between seconds to Coffeewithchris in the 2022 Heft and Feb. 18 Miracle Wood. Russell opted to skip the 1 1/16-mile Private Terms March 18 to point for the Tesio, which will mark Prince of Jericho's two-turn debut.
“He's trained really well. The time between I think has been really good for him,” Russell said. “I think this is a horse where the mile and an eighth is a question mark, but mentally he's really good. He's done what we've asked him to do. I think he's a really nice horse. We just have to determine what his distance limitation will be, and this will be the test.”
The one-mile Miracle Wood is the longest race to date for Prince of Jericho, whose three wins from six starts have come at either six or seven furlongs. The son of multiple graded-stakes winning sprinter Munnings will break from outermost Post 9 under Russell's husband, champion rider Sheldon Russell.
“He can settle and sit off horses which is to his benefit, but also sometimes with horses like that you're not sure if they're [just] a good closing one-turn horse. It's just different going two turns,” Russell said. “He is a smart horse. The way he runs in the afternoon you want to think that's his style based off how he breezes in the morning. He's kind of been full of himself. He is touting himself.
“Two works back he worked exceptionally well. That was a really good work for him,” she added. “We came back and tried to do a little less a week before the race and, to be fair, he was really cooperative and did what we needed him to do that day, too. He's been doing everything we ask each week, so that's really encouraging.”
Circling the Drain, bred and owned by Sycamore Hill Thoroughbreds, alternated running first and second through his first four starts before making his stakes debut in the Private Terms, where he ran third behind Hayes Strike and Coffeewithchris, beaten 5 ½ lengths. Unlike his stablemate, both the West Coast gelding's wins have come around two turns at Laurel.
“I think this horse improves each time. I think it's just a slow progression,” Russell said. “He's doing what he needs to do each race. He's a horse that I think will love more ground. He might [eventually] be a turf horse, but at this stage of the game you're sitting here looking at the options in front of you and the Tesio is just sort of looking at us right now. He's a really good-training horse. He hasn't missed a beat. He shows up to work every day. I think he's a nice horse, he just needs to continue the progression.”
Jevian Toledo has the mount from Post 4.
Co-owned by trainer John Salzman Jr., Fred Wasserloos and Anthony Geruso, Coffeewithchris has the most experience of any Tesio horse, having finished worse than third just three times from 11 starts. He has raced at distances from 4 ½ furlongs to 1 1/16 miles, with the Private Terms marking his first time around two turns.
Coffeewithchris was never far from the lead in the Private Terms despite racing wide on both turns and was unable to hold off Hayes Strike, who came back to run seventh in the Blue Grass (G1) April 8 at Keeneland. The Ride On Curlin gelding, made a late Triple Crown nominee for $6,000 by the late March 28 deadline, was 3 ¾ lengths ahead of Circling the Drain.
“I didn't like the outside post last time and I feel like if I was inside of that horse I don't think that horse beats me,” Salzman said. “I was five wide around the first turn and three wide all the way around the second turn, and he still ran his eyeballs out. He got to the lead at the head of the lane and that other horse just had the perfect trip, sat in behind him and run by. But even when he got by me my horse didn't give up, so he acts like he will go on. He just keeps going.
“My horse came out of the race good and he's doing fine,” he added. “He didn't give up. That horse got by him and he just dug in. He didn't just fold up where you could say, he can't go any further. Every time I run him he keeps going, so we'll give him another chance and if he shows me he can go there then I may head to the Preakness.”
Laurel winter meet-leading rider Jaime Rodriguez gets the return call from the rail.
LC Racing's Ninetyprcentmaddie, based at Parx with trainer Robert E. 'Butch' Reid Jr., is entered to make his Laurel debut in the Tesio. The bay son of Weigelia owns four wins and a second from seven starts, and exits a front-running 9 ¾-length triumph in the one-mile, 70-yard City of Brotherly Love over his home track.
“It was a big effort. We're kind of learning about him as we go,” Reid said. “He got trapped on the inside the start before and he didn't like that so well, and when he got to the outside he really took off. The other day he just got a clear lead and he needed things his own way a little bit that day, but he proved that he could do so we were extremely happy with that effort.”
Ninetyprcentmaddie's lone poor effort came two starts back Feb. 11 at Aqueduct in the Withers (G3), his two-turn and graded-stakes debut, where he ran last of seven to Hit Show, bound for the Kentucky Derby (G1) off his runner-up finish in the April 8 Wood Memorial (G2). Another late nominee to the Triple Crown, he will have Paco Lopez aboard from Post 5.
“When we raced him at Aqueduct in the Withers, getting off the van he didn't travel good and when he got there he was kind of sulking. We're going to go ahead and get him set up for a couple days [at Laurel] so he's nice and relaxed coming into the race,” Reid said. “He proved last time that he didn't take that race to heart. So, whatever happened that day at Aqueduct, hopefully it was just a one-day anomaly and he'll go right on about his business.”
James Chandley's Triple Crown-nominated homebred Fletcher is set to make his stakes debut in the Tesio for Fair Hill Training Center-based Chuck Lawrence. The Blofeld colt has won once in four starts, graduating in an off-the-turf maiden special weight last fall at Laurel. In his sophomore debut March 22 at Parx, he set the pace before losing the lead at the top of the stretch but battled on to be second in a one-mile, 70-yard allowance.
Also facing stakes competition for the first time are a pair of shippers exiting maiden victories in Florida. Waterford Stable's homebred Summer Cause, trained by Christophe Clement, broke through in his fourth try and second this year, a 1 1/8-mile maiden special weight Feb. 26 at Gulfstream Park where he rated off horses before coming with a wide late run to get up by half a length. He is by millionaire Summer Front, who Clement trained to four graded-stakes wins on the turf.
Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey entered Woodford Racing, Lanes End Farm, Phipps Stable, Ken Langone and Edward Hudson Jr.'s Perform, who graduated by 2 ¾ lengths going a mile and 40 yards March 11 at Tampa Bay Downs in his sixth start and second this year. His sire, Good Magic, earned a divisional championship following his win in the 2017 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) and ran second in the Kentucky Derby (G1), fourth in the Preakness and won the Haskell (G1) at 3.
Completing the field are stablemates Eldest Son and Time to Cruise, trained by Laurel's winter meet leader Jamie Ness. Morris Kernan and Jagger Inc.'s Eldest Son exits a neck victory in a one-mile optional claiming allowance March 11 at Laurel in the first start for his new connections, while Kernan, Yo Berbs and Jagger's Time to Cruise owns a win going the Tesio distance Feb. 11 at Laurel and comes out of a 2 ½-length allowance triumph March 22 at Parx.
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