Nostalgic Horse

by: Elizabeth Rancani
Andy Beyer created a system of rating horses in every race and giving them a number that reflects their speed. It takes into account track conditions and traffic. Since its inception, 87% of Derby winners cracked a beyer speed figure of 100 or higher in one of their three starts before triumphing in [...]

by: Elizabeth Rancani
Twenty years ago a big, roan filly came to Louisville for her chance at immortality. Twenty horses showed up in the gates, but only one would emerge victorious. Many felt that would be Private Terms, an undefeated bay colt, that brought to mind another undefeated Derby champion, Seattle Slew.
Private Terms had run [...]

by: Elizabeth Rancani
Last year Hard Spun, like Colonel John ran a 57 and change the week prior to the Derby. Some felt that was too fast for a work out that close to the Derby. It wasn’t. He just showed the world, he was ready to roll, and almost got to the wire first. Street [...]

by Jarrod Horak
Before I objectively look at 20 of the leading players (in alphabetical order), let’s get an idea of what makes a legitimate Derby contender.
Two-year-old foundation. Early/pressing ability and quality speed/pace figures. Strong graded route form and a quick turn of foot. Ability to handle more than one track, especially conventional dirt. A trio [...]

by Elizabeth Rancani

It is that time of year, and the field is starting to take shape for the Kentucky Derby. Even with his disaster of a Blue Grass, Pyro will still go to Louisville, as one of the favorites even. Did he get enough out of the race to be competitive at Churchill Downs? He [...]