The Kentucky Derby race to the post begins today. There’s a big field of horses trying to qualify for the Run for the Roses. It’s a matter of money… that is, the top money earners of this year’s crop of three-year-olds will get into the big race on the first Saturday in May (May 7th).
Update: Results below…
Since 2004, the Kentucky Derby has had 20 horses in the race. If more than 20 (the limit) are entered, the top graded money earners are admitted. Last year, the bubble horse was “Make Music for Me”, and his earnings were a record high $218,750.
So, it’s no small order to get into the Kentucky Derby any longer, with the current system for qualifying, coupled with the huge crop of horses that appear this time of year as contenders, coupled with the “machines” in place for developing quality horses (that would include breeding practices, trainers and their methods, big money owners, better facilities, improving medical, physical and exercise treatments, racing grounds and surfaces, savvy riders, marketing) there is little likelihood of ever seeing a short field Kentucky Derby again.
Currently, tied for fifth-place in earnings (with “The Factor”) is a much lauded horse “Mucho Macho Man” And he’s running as the favorite in the first Million Dollar race at the Fairgrounds in New Orleans… the Grade II “Louisiana Derby” at a mile and an eighth.
Mucho Macho Man’s connections (majority partner; Dean Reeves) has been pointing MMM toward the KD since late last summer. Trainer; Kathy Ritvo took over the reigns from her trainer husband; Tim Ritvo when he took on the huge responsibility of Racing Vice President of Magna. They too are focused on getting their horse entered in the Kentucky Derby.
UPDATE: Mucho Macho Man finished a strong third in the race and may still be in the running for the Kentucky Derby. But it will be a difficult 6 weeks as the connections try to solve the puzzles: 1) Why didn’t he win. 2) Do we enter him in another race before the Kentucky Derby to assure ample winnings. 3) Do we rest him, and train him into the race – hoping that his current earnings are enough?
Meanwhile, the winner of the Million Dollar “Louisiana Derby” will HAVE to run at Churchill Downs on May 7th due to the enormous purse he won today. “Pants on Fire” was entered by his trainer; Kelly Breen to set the race for PoF’s stable mate; “Nacho Business”, but “Pants on Fire” didn’t know that. He ran a great race on his own under the handling by jockey; Anna Rose “Rosie” Napravnik.
Stay Tuned…
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