As the Kentucky Derby entered its third decade, its future was in doubt. The Louisville Jockey Club was deep in debt, had turned a profit only once in two decades, and clearly needed new leadership if it was to survive.
Each week, members of the national media vote on the nation's top contenders on the Triple Crown trail in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Top Thoroughbred Poll.
Week 7 of the 2024 Top 3-Year-Old Thoroughbred Poll conducted by the NTRA covers racing performances through March 10, 2024.
The 3-year-old poll represents horses competing up to and through the Triple Crown. Rankings are based on a 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-1 voting system. First place votes are in parentheses.
BloodHorse news editor Byron King presents his Derby Dozen with a look at his leading contenders for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve on May 4.
The $250,000, Grade 3 Whitmore Stakes Saturday at Oaklawn Park showcases a field of seven talented sprinters. Fittingly, the six-furlong race is named for the exceptional sprinter who won more than $4.5 million, including the 2020 Breeders’ Cup Sprint and three editions of the Count Fleet Sprint Handicap at Oaklawn.
Welcome to 2024 Kentucky Derby Prospect Profiles, where we’ll take a look each week at a recent winner on the Triple Crown trail, usually from races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby schedule that offer qualifying points for the first leg of the series. The 1 ¼-mile Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve will be held May 4, 2024, at Churchill Downs.
