Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert notified Pimlico Race Course officials May 8 of his intention to enter undefeated Goal Oriented, as well as Wood Memorial Stakes Presented by Resorts World Casino winner Rodriguez in the $2 mil
Maximum Security’s disqualification in the 2019 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve inspired much controversy, and the debate at times felt like the 1950 Kurosawa film “Rashomon,” where multiple witnesses to an event retell it in vastly different ways. All of us saw the same race, yet so many people have different interpretations of what they saw.
While the Triple Crown races consume most of the oxygen surrounding 3-year-old racehorses every spring, the Peter Pan Stakes nestled between the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve and the Preakness Stakes also warrants mention as an important stakes race in the division.
For 21 years, trainer Todd Pletcher helped build television ratings for the Kentucky Derby by bringing dozens of top contenders to the opening leg of the Triple Crown.
In last week’s 151st edition of the run for the roses, Pletcher once again helped the ratings, though in a completely different and far less significant role.
Kentucky Derby week has officially come to an end, bringing with it one of the most action-packed weekends in Thoroughbred racing. Over the course of two thrilling days at Churchill Downs, fans witnessed 15 graded stakes races featuring elite fields and high-stakes competition. With a staggering $16.2 million in total purse money up for grabs, these races were more than just a lead-up to the run for the roses, they played a pivotal role in reshaping the Equibase earnings leaderboard.
