Following the Kentucky Jockey Club (Grade 2G) at Churchill Downs, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and Breeders’ Futurity (G1) winner Essential Quality remained atop the “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” leaderboard for 2020-2021 with 30 points but Saturday’s winner Keepmeinmind added 10 to his total and moved into second position with 18 overall.
Champagne (G1) winner Jackie’s Warrior is next on the list after the first six races with 12 points and is followed by American Pharoah winner Get Her Number (10) and Iroquois winner Sittin On Go (10).
The ninth annual series of select races will determine the preference list for the 20-horse Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) on Saturday, May 1, 2021, by awarding a sliding scale of points to the Top 4 finishers in each race. The 2021 Kentucky Derby will mark the first year the classic race will be run without the permitted use of furosemide (often referred to by the brand name, Lasix). In a change this year, points will only be awarded to horses who compete on race day without Lasix in Road to the Kentucky Derby races.
The total number of races in the primary “Road to the Kentucky Derby” series features 36 marquee races scheduled. The 20-race “Prep Season,” which features foundation-building races over a minimum of one mile between mid-September and mid-February, are worth 10-4-2-1 to the top four placings, respectively, except for the Nov. 6 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), which was worth twice as much (20-8-4-2).
Other “Prep Season” races include the Dec. 5 Remsen, Dec. 18 Springboard Mile, Dec. 19 Los Alamitos Futurity, Jan. 1 Jerome, Jan. 2 Sham, Jan. 16 Lecomte, Jan. 22 Smarty Jones, Jan. 30 Holy Bull, Jan. 30 Robert B. Lewis, Feb. 6 Withers, Feb. 6 Sam F. Davis, February’s John Battaglia Memorial, February’s El Camino Real Derby and Feb. 15 Southwest.
The 16-race “Championship Series” comprise springboard events that often bring the 3-year-old picture into sharper focus. Most first leg races offer 50-20-10-5 points to the Top 4 finishers: the Feb. 13 Risen Star, Feb. 27 Fountain of Youth, March 6 Gotham, March 6 Tampa Bay Derby, March 6 San Felipe, March 13 Rebel and March’s Sunland Derby. The most meaningful races are worth 100-40-20-10: March’s Jeff Ruby Steaks, March 20 Louisiana Derby, March 27 UAE Derby, March 27 Florida Derby, April 3 Wood Memorial, April’s Blue Grass, April 3 Santa Anita Derby and April 10 Arkansas Derby. Additionally, the April 10 Lexington offers points on a scale of 20-8-4-2 to the first four placings.
With increased interest by Kentucky horsemen and Churchill Downs Incorporated’s investment and redevelopment of Turfway Park to enhance winter/spring racing on the Kentucky circuit, the John Battaglia Memorial has been added as a “Prep Season” race and the Jeff Ruby Steaks has been boosted from 20-8-4-2 to 100-40-20-10.
In addition to the primary “Road to the Kentucky Derby” series, there are two separate series that each carve out one spot for a potential horse from Europe and Japan.
The fifth-year Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby series again features four races: Saturday’s Cattleya (10-4-2-1 and won by Lemon Drop), Dec. 16 Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun (20-8-4-2), February’s Hyacinth (30-12-6-3) and March’s Fukuryu (40-16-8-4).
The fourth-year European Road to the Kentucky Derby again showcases seven races: theJuddmonte Royal Lodge (10-4-2-1 and won by New Mandate-IRE), Smurfit Beresford (10-4-2-1 and won by High Definition-IRE), Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère (10-4-2-1 and won by Sealiway-FR),Vertem Futurity Trophy (10-4-2-1 and won by Mac Swiney-IRE), March’s Road to the Kentucky Derby Condition Stakes (20-8-4-2), March’s Patton Stakes (20-8-4-2) and April’s Cardinal Condition Stakes (30-12-6-3).
Churchill Downs has used a point system to determine entrants for its famed Kentucky Derby since 2013. At least 20 horses have entered the “Run for the Roses” in 19 of the last 22 years and every year from 2004-19.
The 1 ¼-mile classic for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds is scheduled to be run at the historic Louisville racetrack for the 147th consecutive year on Saturday, May 1, 2021.
A similar series remains in place to qualify for the Kentucky Derby’s sister race, the $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/8 miles on Friday, April 30, 2021. There will be 31 races for the “Road to the Kentucky Oaks” series – 16 “Prep Season” races and 15 “Championship Series” races.
Like the Derby, points will only be awarded to horses who compete on race day without Lasix in Road to the Kentucky Oaks races.
2020-21 ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY SCHEDULE
36 Races
Kentucky Derby Prep Season (20 races)
| Date | Race | Racetrack | Distance | 1st (Points) | 2nd (Points) | 3rd (Points) | 4th (Points) |
| Sept. 5 | Iroquois | Churchill Downs | 1 Mile | Sittin On Go (10) | Midnight Bourbon (4) | Super Stock (2) | Therideofalifetime (1) |
| Sept. 26 | American Pharoah | Santa Anita | 1 1/16 Miles | Get Her Number (10) | Rombauer (4) | Speilberg (2) | Waspirant (1) |
| Oct. 3 | Breeders’ Futurity | Keeneland | 1 1/16 Miles | Essential Quality (10) | Keepmeinmind (4) | Super Stock (2) | Upstriker (1) |
| Oct. 10 | Champagne | Belmont Park | 1 Mile | Jackie’s Warrior (10) | Reinvestment Risk (4) | Midnight Bourbon (2) | Civil War (1) |
| Nov. 6 | Breeders’ Cup Juvenile | Keeneland | 1 1/16 Miles | Essential Quality (20) | Hot Rod Charlie (8) | Keepmeinmind (4) | Jackie’s Warrior (2) |
| Nov. 28 | Kentucky Jockey Club | Churchill Downs | 1 1/16 Miles | Keepmeinmind (10) | Smiley Sobotka (4) | Arabian Prince (2) | Swill (1) |
| Dec. 5 | Remsen | Aqueduct | 1 1/8 Miles | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
| Dec. 18 | Springboard Mile | Remington Park | 1 Mile | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
| Dec. 19 | Los Alamitos Futurity | Los Alamitos | 1 1/16 Miles | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
| Jan. 1 | Jerome | Aqueduct | 1 Mile | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
| Jan. 2 | Sham | Santa Anita | 1 Mile | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
| Jan. 16 | Lecomte | Fair Grounds | 1 1/16 Miles | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
| Jan. 22 | Smarty Jones | Oaklawn Park | 1 Mile | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
| Jan. 30 | Holy Bull | Gulfstream Park | 1 1/16 Miles | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
| Jan. 30 | Robert B. Lewis | Santa Anita | 1 1/16 Miles | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
| Feb. 6 | Withers | Aqueduct | 1 1/8 Miles | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
| Feb. 6 | Sam F. Davis | Tampa Bay Downs | 1 1/16 Miles | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
| Feb. 2020 | John Battaglia Memorial | Turfway Park | 1 1/16 M (AW) | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
| Feb. 2020 | El Camino Real Derby | Golden Gate | 1 1/8 Miles (AW) | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
| Feb. 15 | Southwest | Oaklawn Park | 1 1/16 Miles | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
Kentucky Derby Championship Series (16 races)
| Date | Race | Racetrack | Distance | 1st (Points) | 2nd (Points) | 3rd (Points) | 4th (Points) |
| Feb. 13 | Risen Star | Fair Grounds | 1 1/8 Miles | (50) | (20) | (10) | (5) |
| Feb. 27 | Fountain of Youth | Gulfstream Park | 1 1/16 Miles | (50) | (20) | (10) | (5) |
| March 6 | Gotham | Aqueduct | 1 Mile | (50) | (20) | (10) | (5) |
| March 6 | Tampa Bay Derby | Tampa Bay Downs | 1 1/16 Miles | (50) | (20) | (10) | (5) |
| March 6 | San Felipe | Santa Anita | 1 1/16 Miles | (50) | (20) | (10) | (5) |
| March 13 | Rebel | Oaklawn Park | 1 1/16 Miles | (50) | (20) | (10) | (5) |
| March 2021 | Jeff Ruby Steaks | Turfway Park | 1 1/8 Miles (AW) | (100) | (40) | (20) | (10) |
| March 20 | Louisiana Derby | Fair Grounds | 1 3/16 Miles | (100) | (40) | (20) | (10) |
| March 2021 | Sunland Derby | Sunland Park | 1 1/8 Miles | (50) | (20) | (10) | (5) |
| March 27 | UAE Derby | Meydan Racecourse | 1 3/16 Miles | (100) | (40) | (20) | (10) |
| March 27 | Florida Derby | Gulfstream Park | 1 1/8 Miles | (100) | (40) | (20) | (10) |
| April 3 | Wood Memorial | Aqueduct | 1 1/8 Miles | (100) | (40) | (20) | (10) |
| April 2021 | Blue Grass | Keeneland | 1 1/8 Miles | (100) | (40) | (20) | (10) |
| April 3 | Santa Anita Derby | Santa Anita | 1 1/8 Miles | (100) | (40) | (20) | (10) |
| April 10 | Arkansas Derby | Oaklawn Park | 1 1/8 Miles | (100) | (40) | (20) | (10) |
| April 2021 | Lexington | Keeneland | 1 1/16 Miles | (20) | (8) | (4) | (2) |
2020-21 EUROPEAN ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY SCHEDULE
7 Races
| Date | Race | Racetrack | Distance | 1st (Points) | 2nd (Points) | 3rd (Points) | 4th (Points) |
| Sept. 26 | Juddmonte Royal Lodge | Newmarket (GB) | 1 Mile (T) | New Mandate (Ire) (10) | Ontario (Ire) (4) | Cobh (Ire) (2) | Gear Up (Ire) (1) |
| Sept. 26 | Smurfit Beresford | Curragh (Ire) | 1 Mile (T) | High Definition (Ire) (10) | Monaasib (GB) (4) | Snapraeterea (Ire) (2) | Sir Lucan (Ire) (1) |
| Oct. 4 | Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère | Longchamp (Fr) | 7 Furlongs (T) | Sealiway (Fr) (10) | Nando Parrado (GB) (4) | Laws Of Indices (Ire) (2) | Libertine (Ire) (1) |
| Oct. 24 | Vertem Futurity Trophy | Doncaster (GB) | 1 Mile (T) | Mac Swiney (Ire) (10) | One Ruler (Ire) (4) | Baradar (Ire) (2) | Cobh (Ire) (1) |
| March 2021 | Road to the Kentucky Derby Condition Stakes | Kempton Park (GB) | 1 Mile (AW) | (20) | (8) | (4) | (2) |
| March 2021 | Patton (Listed) | Dundalk (Ire) | 1 Mile (AW) | (20) | (8) | (4) | (2) |
| April 2021 | Cardinal Condition Stakes | Chelmsford City (GB) | 1 Mile (AW) | (30) | (12) | (6) | (3) |
2020-21 JAPAN ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY SCHEDULE
4 Races
| Date | Race | Racetrack | Distance | 1st (Points) | 2nd (Points) | 3rd (Points) | 4th (Points) |
| Nov. 28 | Cattleya | Tokyo Racecourse | 1 Mile | Lemon Pop (10) | Takeru Pegasus (Jpn) (4) | Plus Ultra (Jpn) (2) | Shin Yomoginesu (Jpn) (1) |
| Dec. 16 | Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun | Kawasaki Racecourse | 1 Mile | (20) | (8) | (4) | (2) |
| Feb. 2021 | Hyacinth | Tokyo Racecourse | 1 Mile | (30) | (12) | (6) | (3) |
| March 2021 | Fukuryu | Nakayama Racecourse | 1 1/8 Miles | (40) | (16) | (8) | (4) |
2020-21 ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY OAKS SCHEDULE
31 Races
Kentucky Oaks Prep Season (16 races)
| Date | Race | Racetrack | Distance | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th |
| Sept. 3 | Pocahontas | Churchill Downs | 1 Mile | Girl Daddy (10) | Crazy Beautiful (4) | Alexandria (2) | Xtrema (1) |
| Sept. 26 | Chandelier | Santa Anita | 1 1/16 Miles | Princess Noor (10) | Varda (4) | Miss Costa Rica (2) | Illumination (1) |
| Oct. 2 | Alcibiades | Keeneland | 1 1/16 Miles | Simply Ravishing (10) | Crazy Beautiful (4) | Travel Column (2) | Thoughtfully (1) |
| Oct. 10 | Frizette | Belmont Park | 1 Mile | Dayoutoftheoffice (10) | Vequist (4) | Cilla (2) | Joy’s Rocket (1) |
| Nov. 6 | BC Juvenile Fillies | Keeneland | 1 1/16 Miles | Vequist (20) | Dayoutoftheoffice (8) | Girl Daddy (4) | Simply Ravishing (2) |
| Nov. 28 | Golden Rod | Churchill Downs | 1 1/16 Miles | Travel Column (10) | Clairiere (4) | Coach (2) | Simply Ravishing (1) |
| Dec. 5 | Demoiselle | Aqueduct | 1 1/8 Miles | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
| Dec. 5 | Starlet | Los Alamitos | 1 1/16 Miles | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
| Jan. 3 | Santa Ynez | Santa Anita | 7 Furlongs | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
| Jan. 16 | Silverbulletday | Fair Grounds | 1 Mile 70 Yards | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
| Jan. 24 | Busanda | Aqueduct | 1 1/8 Miles | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
| Jan. 30 | Forward Gal | Gulfstream Park | 7 Furlongs | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
| Jan. 30 | Martha Washington | Oaklawn Park | 1 Mile | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
| Feb. 6 | Suncoast | Tampa Bay Downs | 1 Mile 40 Yards | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
| Feb. 6 | Las Virgenes | Santa Anita | 1 Mile | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
| Feb. 2020 | Cincinnati Trophy | Turfway Park | 6 ½ F (AW) | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
Kentucky Oaks Championship Series (15 races)
| Date | Race | Racetrack | Distance | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th |
| Feb. 13 | Rachel Alexandra | Fair Grounds | 1 1/16 Miles | (50) | (20) | (10) | (5) |
| Feb. 18 | UAE Oaks | Meydan Racecourse | 1 3/16 Miles | (50) | (20) | (10) | (5) |
| Feb. 27 | Davona Dale | Gulfstream Park | 1 Mile | (50) | (20) | (10) | (5) |
| March 6 | Busher Invitational | Aqueduct | 1 Mile | (50) | (20) | (10) | (5) |
| March 6 | Honeybee | Oaklawn Park | 1 1/16 Miles | (50) | (20) | (10) | (5) |
| March 7 | Santa Ysabel | Santa Anita | 1 1/16 Miles | (50) | (20) | (10) | (5) |
| March 2020 | Bourbonette Oaks | Turfway Park | 1 Mile (AW) | (50) | (20) | (10) | (5) |
| March 20 | Fair Grounds Oaks | Fair Grounds | 1 1/16 Miles | (100) | (40) | (20) | (10) |
| March 2020 | Sunland Park Oaks | Sunland Park | 1 1/16 Miles | (50) | (20) | (10) | (5) |
| March 27 | Gulfstream Park Oaks | Gulfstream Park | 1 1/16 Miles | (100) | (40) | (20) | (10) |
| April 3 | Santa Anita Oaks | Santa Anita | 1 1/16 Miles | (100) | (40) | (20) | (10) |
| April 3 | Gazelle | Aqueduct | 1 1/8 Miles | (100) | (40) | (20) | (10) |
| April 2020 | Ashland | Keeneland | 1 1/16 Miles | (100) | (40) | (20) | (10) |
| April 3 | Fantasy | Oaklawn Park | 1 1/16 Miles | (100) | (40) | (20) | (10) |
| April 2020 | Beaumont | Keeneland | 7 Furlongs | (10) | (4) | (2) | (1) |
Schedule subject to change. … (T) = Turf … (AW) = Synthetic … Race dates and distances to be announced by host track; date based on recent historical placement.
HOW TO GET INTO THE KENTUCKY DERBY STARTING GATE – The Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve is a series of races that awards points to the Top 4 finishers in each race. The top 18 point earners will earn a spot in the starting gate for the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I), which is rescheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2021. One invitation will be extended to the top point earners in the Europe Road to the Kentucky Presented by Woodford Reserve and one invitation will be extended to the top point earners in the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve. The Kentucky Derby field has been limited to 20 starters since 1975. At least 20 horses have entered the 1 ¼-mile race for 3-year-olds in 19 of the last 22 years and every year from 2004-19.
|
Rank |
Horse |
Points |
Owner(s) |
Trainer |
Non-Restricted
Stakes Earnings |
| 1. | Essential Quality | 30 | Godolphin LLC | Brad Cox | $1,280,000 |
| 2. | Keepmeinmind | 18 | Cypress Creek LLC & Arnold Bennewith | Robertino Diodoro | $379,040 |
| 3. | Jackie’s Warrior | 12 | J. Kirk & Judy Robison | Steve Asmussen | $457,500 |
| 4. | Get Her Number | 10 | Gary Barber | Peter Miller | $186,000 |
| 5. | Sittin On Go | 10 | Albaugh Family Stables LLC (Dennis Albaugh & Jason Loustch) | Dale Romans | $139,800 |
| 6. | Hot Rod Charlie | 8 | Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing LLC & Strauss Bros Racing | Doug O’Neill | $340,000 |
| 7. | Midnight Bourbon | 6 | Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC (Ron Winchell) | Steve Asmussen | $68,000 |
| 8. | Rombauer | 4 | John & Diane Fradkin | Michael McCarthy | $120,500 |
| 9. | Reinvestment Risk | 4 | Klaravich Stables Inc. | Chad Brown | $120,000 |
| 10. | Super Stock | 4 | Erv Woolsey & Keith Asmussen | Steve Asmussen | $59,000 |
| 11. | Smiley Sobotka | 4 | Albaugh Family Stables LLC (Dennis Albaugh) | Dale Romans | $38,400 |
| 12. | Spielberg | 2 | SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Golconda Stables, Siena Farm LLC & Robert E. Masterson | Bob Baffert | $86,000 |
| 13. | Arabian Prince | 2 | West Point Thoroughbreds (Terry Finley et al) & William Sandbrook | Dallas Stewart | $24,063 |
| 14. | Therideofalifetime | 1 | Stephen L. Fidel | Ignacio Correas IV | $39,500 |
| 15. | Upstriker | 1 | William S. Sparks, Brereton C. Jones, & Robert V. LaPenta | Ron Moquett | $20,000 |
| 16. | Waspirant | 1 | Martin J. Wygod, Pam Wygod & Lessee | John Shirreffs | $18,000 |
| 17. | Civil War | 1 | Mark. T. Anderson | Tom Albertrani | $15,000 |
| 18. | Swill | 1 | Kueber Racing LLC (Rick Kueber) & Ten Strike Racing (Marshall Gramm) | Brad Cox | $9,600 |
EUROPEAN ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY – First staged in 2018, the “European Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” is a stand-alone series that is separate from America’s “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” sequence. Only one invitation to compete in the Kentucky Derby will be extended with preference given to the horses with the most points in the “European Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series. No invitation will be extended beyond the Top 4 point earners but if a horse also qualifies through America’s “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series, the invite will be extended to the next eligible horse. If two or more horses have the same number of points, the tiebreakers are earnings in non-restricted stakes races through April 10, 2021 followed by lifetime earnings through April 10, 2021. Since 1967, there have been 49 horses who previously raced outside North America and ran in the Kentucky Derby. Venezuela’s Canonero II won the 1971 Derby, while Bold Arrangement (GB), who was campaigned in Great Britain and France, finished second to Ferdinand in the 1986 renewal.
|
Rank |
Horse |
Points |
Owner(s) |
Trainer |
Non-Restricted
Stakes Earnings |
| 1. | Sealiway (Fr) | 10 | Harasdelagousserie/G.Pariente | Frederic Rossi | $235,281 |
| 2. | Mac Swiney (Ire) | 10 | Mrs. J. S. Bolger | James Bolger | $232,127 |
| 3. | New Mandate (Ire) | 10 | Marc Chan | Ralph Beckett | $90,436 |
| 4. | High Definition (Ire) | 10 | Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Mrs. A.M. O’Brien | Aidan O’Brien | $55,830 |
| 5. | Nando Parrado (GB) | 4 | M McCartan | Clive Cox | $164,769 |
| 6. | One Ruler (Ire) | 4 | Godolphin | Charlie Appleby | $101,005 |
| 7. | Ontario (Ire) | 4 | Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith | Aidan O’Brien | $49,261 |
| 8. | Monaasib (GB) | 4 | Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum | Kevin Prendergast | $17,680 |
| 9. | Cobh (Ire) | 3 | China Horse Club International Ltd. | Clive Cox | $52,500 |
| 10. | Laws of Indices (Ire) | 2 | Cr Holmes | Ken Condon | $95,500 |
| 11. | Baradar (Ire) | 2 | Amo Racing Limited | Roger Varian | $31,380 |
| 12. | Snapraeterea (Ire) | 2 | J.P. Farrell | Joseph O’Brien | $24,574 |
| 13. | Gear Up (Ire) | 1 | Teme Valley | Mark Johnston | $138,515 |
| 14. | Libertine (Ire) | 1 | J Romel | Fabrice Vermeulen | $25,155 |
| 15. | Sir Lucan (Ire) | 1 | Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Mrs. John Magnier | Aidan O’Brien | $3,722 |
JAPAN ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY – First staged in 2017, the “Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” is a separate sequence of four races from America’s “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series. Only one invitation to compete in the Kentucky Derby will be extended with preference given to the horses with the most points in the “Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series. If a horse also qualifies through America’s “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series, an additional invite could be extended. If two or more horses have the same number of points, the tiebreaker is lifetime earnings through April 10, 2021. Three horses based in Japan have run in the Kentucky Derby: Ski Captain (14th, 1995), Lani (9th, 2016) and Master Fencer (JPN) (6th, 2019).
|
Rank |
Horse |
Points |
Owner(s) |
Trainer |
Lifetime Earnings |
| 1. | Lemon Pop | 10 | Godolphin LLC | Hiroyasu Tanaka | *$223,748 |
| 2. | Takeru Pegasus (Jpn) | 4 | Yasuhiko Mori | Yukhiro Kato | *$137,992 |
| 3. | Plus Ultra (Jpn) | 2 | Mill Farm Co. Ltd. | Takahisa Tezuka | *$128,826 |
| 4. | Shin Yomoginesu (Jpn) | 1 | Shinji Okamoto | Keizo Ito | *$95,221 |
* Estimated earnings; awaiting final updated conversions
HOW TO GET INTO THE KENTUCKY OAKS STARTING GATE – The Road to the Kentucky Oaks is a series that awards points to the Top 4 finishers in each race. The Top 14 point earners nominated to the Longines Kentucky Oaks will earn a spot in the starting gate for the 147th running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I), which is scheduled for Friday, April 30, 2021. The 1 1/8-mile Oaks is the nation’s premier race for 3-year-old fillies.
|
Rank |
Horse |
Points |
Owner(s) |
Trainer |
Non-Restricted
Stakes Earnings |
| 1. | Vequist | 24 | Gary Barber, Wachtel Stable & Swilcan Stable LLC | “Butch” Reid Jr. | $1,227,500 |
| 2. | Dayoutoftheoffice | 18 | Timothy E. Hamm & Siena Farm LLC | Timothy Hamm | $532,500 |
| 3. | Girl Daddy | 14 | Albaugh Family Stables LLC (Dennis Albaugh & Jason Loustch) | Dale Romans | $299,040 |
| 4. | Simply Ravishing | 13 | Harold Lerner LLC, Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek) & NehocStables | Kenny McPeek | $374,600 |
| 5. | Travel Column | 12 | OXO Equine LLC (Larry Best) | Brad Cox | $154,040 |
| 6. | Princess Noor | 10 | Zedan Racing Stables Inc. | Bob Baffert | $330,000 |
| 7. | Crazy Beautiful | 8 | Phoenix Thoroughbred LTD | Kenny McPeek | $206,645 |
| 8. | Varda | 4 | Baoma Corporation | Bob Baffert | $40,000 |
| 9. | Clairiere | 4 | Stonestreet Stables LLC (Barbara Banke) | Steve Asmussen | $38,400 |
| 10. | Coach | 2 | Kueber Racing LLC (Rick Kueber) | Brad Cox | $77,640 |
| 11. | Cilla | 2 | P. Dale Ladner | Bentley Combs | $32,000 |
| 12. | Miss Costa Rica | 2 | Carroll Boys Racing, Sayjay Racing LLC, Jerry McClanahan & Richard Baltas | Richard Baltas | $24,000 |
| 13. | Alexandria | 2 | WinStar Farm LLC, Blazing Meadows Farm LLC & Michael Lewis | Timothy Hamm | $21,200 |
| 14. | Thoughtfully | 1 | Heider Family Stables LLC | Steve Asmussen | $120,000 |
| 15. | Joy’s Rocket | 1 | Team Hanley & Parkland Thoroughbreds | Steve Asmussen | $76,400 |
| 16. | Illumination | 1 | George Bolton, Peter Leidel, Karin Leidel, Barry Lipman & Kerri Radcliffe | Bob Baffert | $42,000 |
| 17. | Xtrema | 1 | Big Chief Racing LLC, Rocker O Ranch LLC & J. Keith Desormeaux | Keith Desormeaux | $17,838
|
RTKD AND RTKO RULES
TIEBREAKERS –
- America’s Road to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks: If two or more horses have the same number of points, the tiebreaker is earnings in non-restricted stakes races. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses shall be determined by lifetime earnings. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses shall be determined by lot (aka a “shake”).
- European Road to the Kentucky Derby: If two or more horses have the same number of points, the tiebreaker is earnings in non-restricted stakes races through April 10, 2021. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses shall be determined by lifetime earnings through April 10, 2021. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses shall be determined by lot (aka a “shake”). Any points earned in America’s “Road to the Kentucky Derby” will be credited to the horse’s point total in the “European Road to the Kentucky Derby.”
- Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby: If two or more horses have the same number of points, the tiebreaker is lifetime earnings through April 10, 2021. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses shall be determined by lot (aka a “shake”). Any points earned in America’s “Road to the Kentucky Derby” will be credited to the horse’s point total in the “Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby.”
FILLIES – If a filly wants to run in the Kentucky Derby she can, but she’ll have to earn her way into the field by accumulating points against open company just like the rest of the colts and geldings. Additionally, any points earned by a filly in the “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series against open company will be credited to her point total in the “Road to the Kentucky Oaks” series.
DEAD-HEATS – In the event of a dead-heat (tie) those horses will divide equally the points they would have received jointly had one beaten the other.
SPLIT DIVISIONS – In the event a race is split into divisions and each division awards its originally published purse money, points will be awarded as scheduled for each division. If the originally published purse is reduced for each division, points will be reduced proportionally as well.
LASIX – The 2021 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks will mark the first year those races will be run without the permitted use of Furosemide (often referred to by the brand name, Lasix). Points will only be awarded to horses who compete on race day without Lasix in Road to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks races.
MEDICATION VIOLATIONS – If the connections of a horse have been notified by a regulatory body about a medication violation from participation in a Road to the Kentucky Derby or Road to the Kentucky Oaks race, and that violation would result in disqualification, any accrued points from the race will be revoked until the matter reaches a legal conclusion. Accrued points will be reinstated if the matter is legally overturned prior to the running of the Kentucky Derby or Kentucky Oaks.
ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY LEADERBOARD HISTORY – FINAL
2020 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Tiz the Law (372), 2. Authentic (200), 3. Honor A. P. (140), 4. Ny Traffic (110), 5. King Guillermo (90), 6. Thousand Words (83), 7. Max Player (60), 8. Enforceable (43), 9. Major Fed (38), 10. Storm the Court (36), 11. Attachment Rate (35), 12. Sole Volante (30), 13. Finnick the Fierce (25), 14. Winning Impression (20), 15. South Bend (18), 16. Necker Island (14), 17. Mr. Big News (0, $129,500) and 18. Money Moves (0, $0, $67,400).
2019 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Tacitus (150), 2. Omaha Beach (137.5), 3. Vekoma (110), 4. Plus Que Parfait (104), 5. Roadster (100, $636,000), 6. By My Standards (100, $600,000), 7. Maximum Security (100, $582,800), 8. Game Winner (85), 9. Code of Honor (74), 10.Haikal (70), 11. Improbable (65), 12. War of Will (60), 13. Long Range Toddy (53.5), 14. Tax (52), 15. Cutting Humor (50, $462,467), 16. WinWin Win (50, $220,000), 17. Country House (50, $220,000), 18. Gray Magician (41), 19. Spinoff (40, $224,000), 20. Master Fencer (JPN) (Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby Invite) and AE 21. Bodexpress (40, $188,000).
2018 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Magnum Moon (150), 2. Good Magic (134), 3. Audible (110, $803,520), 4. Noble Indy (110, $640,000), 5. Vino Rosso (107), 6. Bolt d’Oro (104), 7. Enticed (103), 8. Mendelssohn (100, $1,947,299), 9. Justify (100, $600,000), 10. Flameaway (70), 11. Solomini (54, $716,000), 12. Bravazo (54, $359,913), 13. My Boy Jack (52, $622,000), 14. Promises Fulfilled (52, $266,480), 15. Free Drop Billy (44), 16. Lone Sailor (42), 17. Hofburg (40), 18. Firenze Fire (39), 19. Combatant (32), 20. Instilled Regard (29) and AE 21. Blended Citizen (22).
2017 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Girvin (150), 2. Classic Empire (132), 3. Gormley (125), 4. Irap (113), 5. Irish War Cry (110), 6. Thunder Snow-IRE (100, $1,621,063), 7. Always Dreaming (100, $589,000), 8. Gunnevera (84), 9. Practical Joke (74), 10. J Boys Echo (63), 11. State of Honor (62), 12. Tapwrit (54), 13. Hence (50, $401,429), 14. Fast and Accurate (50, $320,712), 15. McCraken (40, $385,048), 16. Battle of Midway (40, $224,000), 17. Patch (40, $200,000), 18. Untrapped (34), 19. Lookin At Lee (32), 20. Sonneteer (30, $236,000), AE 21. Royal Mo (30, $213,000) and AE 22. Master Plan (20).
2016 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Gun Runner (151), 2. Nyquist (130), 3. Exaggerator (126), 4. Outwork (120), 5. Brody’s Cause (114), 6. Creator (110), 7. Lani (100), 8. Mor Spirit (84), 9. Mohaymen (80), 10. Danzing Candy (60), 11. Destin (51), 12. Suddenbreakingnews (50, $637,000), 13. Oscar Nominated (50, 321,360), 14. Shagaf (50, $270,000), 15. Whitmore (44, $400,000), 16. Tom’s Ready (44, $270,670), 17. My Man Sam (40, $200,000), 18. Majesto (40, $190,000, $239,500), 19. Trojan Nation (40, $190,000, $213,290), 20. Mo Tom (32, $268,326), AE 21. Laoban (32, $142,000) and AE 22. Cherry Wine (25, $145,000).
2015 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. International Star (171), 2. Dortmund (170), 3. Carpe Diem (164), 4. American Pharoah (160), 5. Frosted (113), 6. Mubtaahij-IRE (100, $1,400,000), 7. Materiality (100, $632,028), 8. El Kabeir (95), 9. Upstart (76), 10. Far Right (62), 11.Itsaknockout (60), 12. Firing Line (58), 13. Danzig Moon (45), 14. War Story (44), 15. Tencendur (41), 16. Stanford (40), 17. Mr. Z (34), 18.Ocho Ocho Ocho (30, $760,250), 19. Bolo (30, $214,980), 20. Keen Ice (22), AE 21. Frammento (20) and AE 22. Tale of Verve (0).
2014 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. California Chrome (150), 2. Vicar’s in Trouble (120), 3. Dance With Fate (108), 4. Wicked Strong (102), 5. Samraat (100, $640,000), 6. Danza (100, $620,000), 7. Hoppertunity (95), 8. Intense Holiday (93), 9. Wildcat Red (90), 10. We Miss Artie (60), 11. Ride On Curlin (55), 12. Chitu (54), 13. Tapiture (52), 14. General a Rod (40, $240,000), 15. Medal Count (40, $226,500), 16. Candy Boy (30), 17. Uncle Sigh (24), 18. Vinceremos (20, $191,666), 19. Harry’s Holiday (20, $152,622), 20. Commanding Curve (20, $104,000) and AE 21. Pablo Del Monte (20, $102,000).
2013 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Orb (150, $840,000), 2. Verrazano (150, $810,000), 3. Goldencents (129), 4. Java’s War (122), 5. Overanalyze (110, $908,381), 6. Revolutionary (110, $720,000), 7. Lines of Battle (100), 8. Vyjack (70), 9. Will Take Charge (60), 10. Itsmyluckyday (50, $593,600), 11. Black Onyx (50, $317,130), 12. Palace Malice (50, $200,000), 13. Normandy Invasion (44, $258,000), 14. FracDaddy (44, $240,596), 15. Mylute (42), 16. Oxbow (36), 17. Falling Sky (30), 18. Charming Kitten (20), 19. Golden Soul (14), 20. Giant Finish (10) and AE 21. Fear the Kitten (6).
ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY OAKS LEADERBOARD HISTORY – FINAL
2020 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Swiss Skydiver (450), 2. Speech (160), 3. Shedaresthedevil (90), 4. Donna Veloce (62), 5. Gamine (50, $330,000), 6. Hopeful Growth (50, $135,000), 7. Tempers Rising (47), 8. Dream Marie (35) and 9. Bayerness (8).
2019 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Bellafina (132), 2. Champagne Anyone (113), 3. Street Band (105), 4. Lady Apple (100, $336,000), 5. Out for a Spin (100, $300,000), 6. Liora (71), 7. Restless Rider (62), 8. Serengeti Empress (60, $313,270), 9. Motion Emotion (60, $140,000), 10. Jaywalk (55), 11. Chocolate Kisses (51, $157,000), 12. Jeltrin (51, $128,720), 13. Positive Spirit (50), 14. Flor de la Mar (40, $80,000), AE 15. Dunbar Road (40, $49,500) and AE 16. Point of Honor (20).
2018 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Midnight Bisou (160), 2. Monomoy Girl (154), 3. Sassy Sienna (115), 4. My Miss Lilly (112), 5. Chocolate Martini (100, $240,000), 6. Coach Rocks (100, $145,700), 7. Rayya (90), 8. Wonder Gadot (84), 9. Eskimo Kisses (80), 10. Take Charge Paula (70), 11. Patrona Margarita (35), 12. Classy Act (30), 13. Heavenhasmynikki (11) and 14. Kelly’s Humor (8).
2017 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Farrell (170), 2. Miss Sky Warrior (160), 3. Ever So Clever (106), 4. Sailor’s Valentine (100, $307,014), 5. Paradise Woods (100, $240,000), 6. Salty (100, $150,350), 7. Abel Tasman (70), 8. Daddys Lil Darling (60), 9. Tequilita (50, $227,540), 10. Lockdown (50, $120,000), 11. Wicked Lick (49), 12. Vexatious (40, $80,000), 13. Jordan’s Henny (40, $66,410), 14. Mopotism (16) and AE 15. Summer Luck (11).
2016 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Terra Promessa (150), 2. Lewis Bay (130), 3. Land Over Sea (128), 4. Weep No More (100, $340,000), 5. Go Maggie Go (100, $151,900), 6. Cathryn Sophia (80), 7. Mo d’Amour (70), 8. Venus Valentine (50, $132,375), 9. Mokat (50, $112,000), 10. Rachel’s Valentina (48), 11. Royal Obsession (45), 12. Dream Dance (44), 13. Taxable (40, $80,000), 14. Paola Queen (40, $49,000) and 15.Dothraki Queen (20).
2015 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Condo Commando (161, $715,000), 2. I’m a Chatterbox (161, $430,714), 3. Stellar Wind (150), 4. Birdatthewire (130), 5. Lovely Maria (120), 6. Include Betty (100), 7. Oceanwave (60), 8. Angela Renee (57), 9. Sarah Sis (54), 10.Eskenformoney (50), 11. Puca (45), 12. Shook Up (40), 13. Forever Unbridled (34), 14. Money’soncharlotte (22) and AE 15. Peace and War (10).
2014 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Untapable (160), 2. Sugar Shock (120), 3. Fashion Plate (110), 4. My Miss Sophia (100), 5. Rosalind (78), 6. Got Lucky (64, $180,000), 7. Aurelia’s Belle (64, $142,850), 8. Ria Antonia (55), 9. Kiss Moon (50), 10. Fiftyshadesofgold (40), 11. Unbridled Forever (30), 12. Thank You Marylou (20) and 13. Empress of Midway (15).
2013 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Beholder (164, $1,500,000), 2. Rose to Gold (164, $717,889), 3. Unlimited Budget (160), 4. Dreaming of Julia (132), 5. Close Hatches (100), 6. Flashy Gray (60), 7. Princess of Sylmar (50, $170,000), 8. Midnight Lucky (50, $120,000), 9. Silsita(50, $57,600), 10. Seaneen Girl (34) and 11. Pure Fun (20).
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