The field for the crowning glory of North American racing, the Kentucky Derby, is slowly beginning to take shape, so what better time to keep an eye on proceedings? For those who don't know, the order of the 3 races that make up the triple crown has been changed this year due to the virus. The Derby is usually the first cab off the rank, but this year will be run on September 5, with the the Preakness to follow on October 3. I suppose one of the first things to do is to post the order of entry for the big race at Churchill Downs. As it stands at the moment, the Belmont winner Tiz The Law tops the points list. I've omitted those who have points but will not be there on race day. It will be a field of 20. DERBY QUALIFICATION POINTS. UPDATED 10-08-2020. 372. TIZ THE LAW. 200. AUTHENTIC. 150. ART COLLECTOR. 140. HONOR A.P. 110. NY TRAFFIC. 90. KING GUILLERMO. 83. THOUSAND WORDS. 80. DR. POST. 60. MAX PLAYER. 60. CARACARO. 50. COUNTRY GRAMMER. 43. ENFORCABLE. 40. SHIVAREE. 40. RUSHIE. 38. MAJOR FED. 36. STORM THE COURT. 32. ANNEAU d'OR. 30. SOLE VOLANTE. ----------------------------------- 25. FINNICK THE FIERCE. 25. PNEUMATIC. 20. DEAN MARTINI. 20. SHARED SENSE. 20. UNCLE CHUCK. 20. Winning IMPRESSION. Dozens more below those listed. The points will be subject to change as more qualification races are held.
In winning the G2 Blue Grass Stakes at Keenland, Art Collector has earned 100 points, assuring a start in the Derby. He's jumped from out of the top 20 to equal third on the list. I'll amend the list above.
Authentic wins the $1,000,000 Haskill Stakes in a tight photo, and in the process picks up 100 points which moves him to number 2 in the order of merit. The beaten horse NY Traffic earned 40 points and is now on the list. The winner also earned a start in the Breeders' Cup Classic.
The first three home in the Shared Belief Stakes scored points towards a Derby start. 20-10-5. (The points table has been updated.)
The form is all over place for this, Tiz The Law is a very short price now, hes only been beaten once at Chruchill in the slop and rain might be the biggest danger to him. Ive backed Authentic antepost and while he looks one of the most talented of those left standing, he doesnt want much further than a mile, I think his only chance is if it rains and his early speed becomes a big advantage. Honour AP looks crying out for the trip but hes a bit slow and could have a rough trip in a big field. Uncle Chuck beat Thousand Words 4L and he beat Honour AP last night so if you can trust that form line Uncle Chuck at 8/1 looks the best value in the race. Hes only had 2 runs and can be expected to improve further, hes taking on Tiz The Law in the Travers next week so all will be revealed. Bet365 are sleeping on this one I think and id advise taking both these bets. Travers - Uncle Chuck 7/2 Kentucky Derby - Uncle Chuck 8/1
The Belmont Stakes winner and Derby favourite, Tiz The Law, smashed the field in the $1,000,000 G1 Travers. Derby points updated on original OP.
I've often wondered about the status of illegal drugs in global racing. We rightly live by the rule of law that states innocence until proven guilty. But should not blind us to the probability that drug use in sport is rife. A gent named Thomas Hildebrandt, a performance-enhancement researcher and associate professor of psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City offered the following view on steroid use that targets the androgen receptor in humans. "There are at least 500 known chemicals that can target the androgen receptor [and] that can be made in a basic chemistry lab," Hildebrandt said."Someone who's smart, motivated and knows a lot about chemistry can find all kinds of creative ways to target that receptor with a substance that doesn't show up on the traditional test — because [officials] have to know a drug exists before they go looking for it." He also stated that coaches know that know small doses in the off season builds muscle quality which will leave the athletes testing negative when they compete. Drip feeding has also been undertaken during Le Tour. None of what's written above proves that racing in the UK or Australia is dirty, but it makes you wonder. Quite frankly, I'm inclined to believe racing is far from squeaky clean.
I'm sure there's all sorts of skulduggery that goes on in racing jurisdictions around the world mate, but in the US they don't even try to hide it. https://www.peta.org/issues/animals...racing-2/horse-racing-industry-cruelty/drugs/
Art Collector picks up another 50 Derby points in winning the Ellis Park Derby. Derby points updated today.
Wasnt expecting that but will take it, horse had all the ability in the world early season, for some reason lost his way mid season but was always going to need time as he was a bit of a nutter, back to his normal self today and not looking like he would stop like his last few runs. Put Tiz The Law well in his place there. Tried to get 200 on him but the max was 111, cant complain too much. please log in to view this image
