Kentucky Derby 2019: Meet the Field!
Hello there, horse racing enthusiasts! We're thrilled to dive into the heart of the Bluegrass State and take a closer look at the Kentucky Derby 2019 field. The first Saturday in May is just around the corner, and we're here to give you the lowdown on the horses that could make history at Churchill Downs. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and kentucky derby 2019 field.
The Road to the Derby
Before we introduce you to the Kentucky Derby 2019 field, let's recap how these horses earned their spots. The Road to the Kentucky Derby is a series of races throughout the year, where points are awarded to the top four finishers. The top 20 horses with the most points secure a spot in the starting gate.
Kentucky Derby 2019 Field: The Contenders
Alright, guys, let's meet the Kentucky Derby 2019 field! Here are the top contenders, their trainers, and jockey assignments:
1. Maximum Security
Maximum Security, trained by Jason Servis, has been making waves with his impressive performances. He's a son of New Year's Day and has already proven himself with wins at the Withers Stakes and the Florida Derby. Jockey Luis Saez will be aboard this 3-year-old colt.
2. Improbable
Trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, Improbable is a son of City Zip. He's coming off a win at the Arkansas Derby and has Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. in the irons. This colt has been consistent throughout the season and is definitely one to watch.
3. Game Winner
Another Baffert trainee, Game Winner is a son of Candy Ride. He won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile last year but hasn't had the best luck this season. Jockey Joel Rosario will be looking to turn things around on this talented colt.
4. Tacitus
Tacitus, trained by William Mott, is a son of Tapit. He won the Tampa Bay Derby and was runner-up in the Wood Memorial. Jockey Jose Ortiz will be aboard this promising colt.
5. War of Will
Mark Casse trains War of Will, a son of War Front. He won the Risen Star Stakes and was runner-up in the Louisiana Derby. Jockey Tyler Gaffalione will be riding this horse in the Derby.
6. By My Standards
Brad Cox trains By My Standards, a son of Goldencents. He surprised many with a win at the Louisiana Derby. Jockey Gabriel Saez will be aboard this longshot.
7. Vekoma
George Weaver trains Vekoma, a son of Candy Ride. He won the Blue Grass Stakes and has Jockey Javier Castellano in the irons. This horse has been steadily improving and could be a threat on the first Saturday in May.
8. Plus Que Parfait
Trained by Brendan Walsh, Plus Que Parfait is a son of Point Given. He won the UAE Derby and will have Jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. aboard. This horse is looking to become the first UAE Derby winner to also win the Kentucky Derby.
9. Cutting Humor
Todd Pletcher trains Cutting Humor, a son of First Samurai. He won the Sunland Derby and will have Jockey John Velazquez in the irons. This horse has been consistent and could surprise some on Derby day.
10. Bourbon War
Todd Pletcher also trains Bourbon War, a son of Tapit. He won the Fountain of Youth Stakes and will have Jockey Mike Smith aboard. This horse has been steadily improving and is looking to make a strong run in the Derby.
11. Roadster
Bob Baffert's third horse in the Derby, Roadster, is a son of Quality Road. He won the Santa Anita Derby and will have Jockey Florent Geroux in the irons. This horse has been inconsistent but has the talent to compete with the best.
12. Tax
Danny Gargan trains Tax, a son of Arch. He won the Withers Stakes and will have Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard. This horse has been steadily improving and could be a threat on Derby day.
13. By the Light of the Moon
Trained by William I. Mott, By the Light of the Moon is a son of Uncle Mo. He won the Jeff Ruby Steaks and will have Jockey Manny Franco in the irons. This horse is looking to make a name for himself in the Derby.
14. Country House
Trained by William I. Mott, Country House is a son of Lookin At Lucky. He won the Risen Star Stakes and will have Jockey Flavien Prat aboard. This horse has been steadily improving and is looking to make a strong run in the Derby.
15. Code of Honor
Trained by Claude McGaughey III, Code of Honor is a son of Noble Mission. He won the Fountain of Youth Stakes and will have Jockey John Velazquez in the irons. This horse has been consistent and is looking to make a strong run in the Derby.
16. Master Fencer
Trained by Koichi Tsunoda, Master Fencer is a son of Just a Way. He won the Fukuryu Stakes in Japan and will have Jockey Julien Leparoux aboard. This horse is the first Japanese-bred horse to run in the Kentucky Derby.
17. Spinoff
Todd Pletcher trains Spinoff, a son of Hard Spun. He won the Louisiana Derby and will have Jockey Tyler Gaffalione aboard. This horse has been steadily improving and is looking to make a strong run in the Derby.
18. Long Range Toddy
Trained by Steve Asmussen, Long Range Toddy is a son of Take Charge Indy. He won the Rebel Stakes and will have Jockey Jon Court aboard. This horse has been consistent and is looking to make a strong run in the Derby.
19. Alwaysmining
Trained by Kelly Rubley, Alwaysmining is a son of Stay Thirsty. He won the Private Terms Stakes and will have Jockey Daniel Centeno aboard. This horse is looking to make a name for himself in the Derby.
20. Wicked Strong
Trained by Jimmy Jerkens, Wicked Strong is a son of Hard Spun. He won the Wood Memorial and will have Jockey Joel Rosario aboard. This horse has been steadily improving and is looking to make a strong run in the Derby.
The Contenders' Chances
The Kentucky Derby 2019 field is filled with talented horses, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Here's a quick rundown of their chances:
- Maximum Security and Improbable are the early favorites, but they'll have to prove themselves against a tough field. - Game Winner and Tacitus have the pedigree and talent to compete, but they'll need to rebound from recent setbacks. - War of Will and By My Standards are looking to surprise the field with their upset potential. - Vekoma, Plus Que Parfait, Cutting Humor, Bourbon War, Roadster, Tax, By the Light of the Moon, Country House, Code of Honor, Master Fencer, Spinoff, Long Range Toddy, Alwaysmining, and Wicked Strong are all looking to make a name for themselves in the Derby.
The Road to the Triple Crown
The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. A horse that wins all three races becomes a Triple Crown winner. Only 13 horses have achieved this feat, with the last being Justify in 2018.
The Tradition Continues
The Kentucky Derby is more than just a horse race. It's a tradition, a cultural event, and a spectacle that brings people from all over the world to Churchill Downs. From the mint juleps and the fancy hats to the thunderous roar of the crowd, the Derby is an experience like no other.
So, there you have it, folks! The Kentucky Derby 2019 field is set, and the stage is ready for these talented horses to make history. Who will wear the coveted rose blanket? Only time will tell. Until then, enjoy the ride, and here's to a thrilling Kentucky Derby!