The Kentucky Derby is a little over a month away. However, due to the new pandemic rules, there are still some concerns about the event. Jockeys may skip Derby if they are required to quarantine.
One of the biggest concerns is being asked by agents who are bracing to hear Monday. That jockeys might have to be isolated in Louisville for 10 days before riding on the Oaks and Derby cards Sept. 4 and 5. Then they would face further quarantine when they went back to their home bases.
“I’ve been hearing about that for a couple weeks,” said Derek Lawson, the agent for 2019 Derby-winning rider Flavien Prat. “Leaving 10 days early to ride the Derby. Not being able to come back the last two days (at Del Mar), how much are we going to have to sacrifice? We’re riding a card almost every single day.”
When asked if he would endure 10 days of isolation before trying for a third Derby victory, jockey Mike Smith texted, “Wow, I hope not. We will just have to see what they make us do.” What does this mean?
Update on Jockeys May Skip Derby Not to Quarantine
If the new rules are indeed introduced, Smith could lose rides in the Del Mar Debutante and Del Mar Futurity and as many as three other graded stakes if he went to Louisville next month.
High-profile jockeys that spent this summer at Saratoga said they have not been formally told of any tightening of regulations in Kentucky.
“No, I haven’t heard anything yet,” two-time Derby winner John Velázquez said in a text. “So far I haven’t heard anything,” Javier Castellano said in an email. Neither would say what he would do if he faced an ultimatum. The news of jockeys may skip Derby at Churchill Downs because of quarantine concerns.
Lawson added that he is holding out hope that Churchill Downs introduces something that is more lenient.
“Maybe we’ll find out tomorrow that they let us just come in with a negative test,” he said. “You just come in and ride. They’ll find a special spot for you to stay in, and you go through the two days of racing there. But I’m not certain. Everything is so up in the air right now.”
Ny Traffic is currently has the second most Kentucky Derby points, only behind Authentic. However, unlike Authentic, NYT has managed to acquire the points without winning a Kentucky Derby prep race.
The three-year-old colt finished second in the Grade 1 Haskell Stakes after mounting a late surge. Even though he lost to Authentic, jockey Paco Lopez felt Ny Traffic had a good chance to win the race, which Authentic won by a nose.
“I was sure I got him – 100 percent,” Ny Traffic jockey Paco Lopez said of the photo finish. “I can’t believe it. I’m surprised we didn’t win. I really thought we got him.”
Ny Traffic earned 10 points for finishing third Feb. 15 in a division of Fair Grounds’ Risen Star, then 40 points for placing second March 21 over the same track in the Louisiana Derby.
Ny Traffic Kentucky Derby Betting Odds 146
Due to the fact that the Kentucky Derby was postponed until September, Ny Traffic took advantage of the additional prep races, earning 20 points for a second place finish in the Matt Winn Stakes and 40 points for a second place finish in the Haskell.
Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. said he “was a little concerned” when NYT missed a workout during Haskell preparations. The colt looked fully fit during the race, though, earning a 100 Beyer Speed Figure that matched winner Authentic’s 100.
Ny Traffic’s performance at the Haskell Stakes makes Joseph believe that his horse is ready to take on the field at Churchill Downs in September.
“I just want to keep going forward,” Joseph said. “That’s the important thing. Hopefully, all goes well to the Kentucky Derby and we’re living the dream.”
The road to Kentucky Derby 146 betting online is simple. Carefully evaluating the races that lead up to the Kentucky Derby will help you gain an edge on your Kentucky Derby 146 handicapping strategy.
When you are able to thoroughly watch all of the prep races leading up to the Kentucky Derby, you might be able to find the Derby winner and put him in your picks. Or, in a trifecta. More information on betting types below.
Here are some prep races that you should especially pay attention to before the Kentucky Derby kicks off.
Wood Memorial
New York thoroughbreds are having one of their strongest crops ever. Also, its possible that this year’s Wood Memorial winner could have an edge in the Kentucky Derby. The Wood Memorial is run at Aqueduct Race Track just outside of New York City. Thinking of attending?
Blue Grass Stakes
While a Blue Grass Stakes winner has not went on to win the Derby in quite some time. This year could be different. With the Kentucky circuit offering record purses, this specific Kentucky Derby prep race could be more competitive than usual. While Keeneland always produces one of the best meets of the year. This year’s Bluegrass Stakes could be one of the better prep races of the season.
News on the Road to Kentucky Derby 146 Betting Online
Arkansas Derby
Like the Kentucky Circuit, Arkansas is also offering record purse numbers and it has attracted ship-in trainers from Florida, California, Kentucky and New York. These states have the premier thoroughbred circuits and with Arkansas offering massive purses, several trainers are starting to point their horses to Ozarks and ship them into Oaklawn Park.
Jeff Ruby Steaks
Probably the most popular winner of the Grade 3 Jeff Ruby Steaks is Animal Kingdom. Since Churchill Downs has acquired Turfway Park, many believe that the Northern Kentucky racetrack will begin offering more competitive races. Popular trainers have setup barns near Turfway Park and the races have become a staple of the winter racing season.
One of the best ways to lock in value for Kentucky Derby 146 betting using future wagers. With Kentucky Derby 146 gaining more hype than ever, sports news outlets from around the world will be on hand to watch the Run for the Roses. Just a reminder, the Derby is Saturday, September 5th, 2020.
It’s still too early to tell who will be favored at the Kentucky Derby. That’s one of the big factors in your favor because if you can figure out which horse can peak in May; you’ll cash a big ticket on Derby Day.
You’ll almost always gain a big price on a likely favorite. In the past few years, the favorite at the Kentucky Derby has been anywhere from 5/2 to 9/2. When you are racing against 19 other horses, those odds aren’t great. Considering the fact that one of those horses could have the race of their life.
Kentucky Derby 146 Betting Ideas
You should be willing to bet one more than one horse. Also, create a hedging system. A system will help you guarantee a profit. This is if one of your horses wins the race. That’s one way to make a small investment that could pay off. Just imagine if you are able to bet 4 horses at 20/1 for $100. If you win, you’ll get $2,000 returned on a $400 investment.
Those odds certainly seem favorable to any investor and you can lock in those odds if you are able to select a group of horses that could actually start on Derby day. How does this impact Kentucky Derby 146 betting odds?
Horses like Dennis’ Moment, Independence Hall and Enforcable look as if they have a clear early path to the Kentucky Derby. What other Kentucky Derby contenders are emerging right now and can you hop on those horses before others start to notice them? Look for various ways to identify horses that will be running on the first Saturday in May. It’s go time!
Oaklawn Park is not afraid of the Coronavirus. The spread of the coronavirus has had a major impact in sports across the globe. Particularly in the United States. Since Wednesday, the NBA has suspended the remainder of its season due to a player testing positive for the virus. The NCAA conference tournaments and the NCAA tournament itself has been cancelled, and MLB has canceled Spring Training and pushed back the start of its season. What else will get cancelled? Is the 2020 Kentucky Derby still on?
Despite the recent rash of cancellations, Oaklawn Park announced Thursday morning it intends to race on.
Races scheduled from Thursday to Saturday at the Hot Springs, Ark., track will go on as planned.
“Our Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort currently intends to remain open during our regular operating hours. All scheduled events are continuing as planned at this time,” a statement from the track reads.
Now Oaklawn, Coronavirus, and Horse Racing
However, Oaklawn is “actively taking the appropriate preventative measures” to prevent coronavirus’ spread and “expanded many of our sanitary procedures” for on-site patrons. Unless there is a mandatory curfew, Oaklawn will be open.
They include:
* Providing more hand sanitizer dispensers across our property.
* Increasing the frequency of all of cleaning activities in racing and casino areas, including, restrooms, restaurants, bars, entrance/exit doors, etc.
* Ensuring our protocols for cleaning and sanitation meet or exceed the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and that of local and state health authorities.
In addition to Oaklawn, other tracks have announced plans to continue races as scheduled with increased sanitary standards. However, Churchill Downs officials said they will continue to monitor how other sports leagues handle coronavirus in the weeks leading up to the first Saturday in May. As of today there is still a chance. Updated: The Kentucky Derby has been moved to Saturday, September 5th, 2020.
Due to a policy implemented by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who called for gatherings of 250 or more people to be canceled. The Stronach Group. Which owns Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields in California said that the two venues will race on. However, will do so without the general public on site. Can you imagine a Derby without fans?
Bob Baffert trained horse Charlatan has only raced in one event. However, Charlatan is already drawing comparisons to Triple Crown winner, Justify.
The three-year-old colt made his debut on February 16. This at the Santa Anita Park, finishing first in the event. Charlatan earned a 105 Beyer Speed Figure in the event. Also, is leading a one-mile allowance event at Santa Anita Park on Saturday.
In 2018, before going on to win the Triple Crown, Justify made his debut at the same event. Finishing with a 104 Beyer effort. He went on to his one-mile allowance. This before going on to win the Santa Anita Derby and the Triple Crown. Can it be done again in 2020?
If Charlatan, a $700,000 purchase, goes on to win on Saturday, expectations will be very high. Higher as we approach the Kentucky Derby 2020.
Charlatan Odds On Being Triple Crown 2020 Winner
Charlatan was the second choice when he made his debut on February 16, but he set the pace and never gave the other horses a chance. He stopped the clock in 1:08.85 for six furlongs under what the official chart deemed “a long hold” by jockey Drayden Van Dyke.
“I thought he still might need one,” Baffert said, then that there’s room for improvement. “He still looks a little soft, and until they run, you don’t know. But he was pretty impressive.”
Great Power is expected to be Charlatan’s biggest competition. This going into Saturday’s race. The Simon Callaghan trained colt was impressive in his debut back in September. He hasn’t been back on the track since he won the race, but can get himself back in the Derby qualification picture with a good performance on Saturday.
Czechmight is another horse to look out for in the race. This after winning a Keeneland maiden race on the main track before he was purchased at auction for $190,000.
Three-year-old colt King Guillermo pulled off a surprising upset at the Tampa Bay Derby this weekend. Also, earning 50 Kentucky Derby qualifying points in the process. The Tampa Bay Stakes was the horse’s first start since November. According to trainer Juan Carlos Avila it will also be his last start until September’s Kentucky Derby. The 146th Kentucky Derby is Saturday, September 5th, 2020. The date changed due to Coronavirus Covid-19 concerns.
Avila said King Guillermo will continue his training at Gulfstream Park. After which he will be moved to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby at an undetermined time. According to the Churchill Downs media guide, there have been only two horses that have gone as long as 42 days between starts and won the Kentucky Derby in the last 100 years: Needles in 1956 and Animal Kingdom in 2011.
Owned by former Major League Baseball All Star Victor Martinez, King Guillermo earned a 99 Beyer Speed Figure for his eye-catching 4 ¾-length win in the Tampa Bay Derby. Martinez told reporters after the race that jockey Samy Camacho will mount King Guillermo in the Kentucky Derby.
King Guillermo Kentucky Derby 2020 Odds
“He put him in the Kentucky Derby. He’ll ride him in the Kentucky Derby,” Martinez said.
King Guillermo made his last start before the Tamp Bay Derby at the Nov. 30 Pulpit Stakes at Gulfstream. This when trying winners for the first time. He finished third in the race.
Due to the fact that King Guillermo was not nominated to the Triple Crown, he is not listed on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard yet.
However, the 50 points he earned for winning the Tampa Bay Derby are likely enough to earn him a spot in the Derby based on historical records. But, to be eligible to run in the race, Martinez will have to pay a $6,000 nomination fee before the end of the month.
Who are some Kentucky Derby jockeys to watch for this year? Ready for some Kentucky Derby online betting? Being a horse racing jockey is one of the most difficult jobs in all of sports. On one hand, you’re always putting your life at risk each time you step on the track. On the other, finding good mounts can be a challenge as well.
Just being on a Kentucky Derby horse is an accomplishment for many jockeys. Actually winning the big race is an accomplishment all unto itself. Let’s look at these jockeys who could have Derby mounts in 2020.
Mario Gutierrez
When Doug O’Neill has won trained the Kentucky Derby winner, Mario Gutierrez was the rider each time. It’s important to keep trainer/jockey combos in mind when seeking out the eventual Kentucky Derby winner. Gutierrez and O’Neill seem to have a chemistry that extends beyond the track. Could the California based duo saddle up another winner at the Kentucky Derby?
Reviews of the Best Kentucky Derby Jockeys
Mike Smith
The living legend Mike Smith might be known best for his mount on Justify, the last horse to win the coveted Triple Crown. Smith has been a staple at the Kentucky Derby and his hard work and determination give him an edge over other jockeys. Also based in California, Smith’s work ethic has spilled over into Kentucky Derby successes including an upset win in 2005 on 50/1 longshot Giacomo.
John Velazquez
Affectionately known as “Johnny V,” John Velazquez has won the Kentucky Derby twice and he is always a threat to win the big race regardless of his mount. John Velazquez last won the Derby atop Always Dreaming and he frequently teams up with Todd Pletcher to ride his best horses on the first Saturday in May. John Velazquez is a future hall of fame jockey given his length in the sport and he continues to get the job done in big races late into his career.
Next, we preview horse trainers to watch for Kentucky Derby 2020. The Kentucky Derby will be here before you know it. Many horse racing fans are rushing to their favorite sports books to lock in a price on their favorite up and coming horses. Have you locked in your bet?
You might be wondering: what is a good way to find a Kentucky Derby horse this far away from the race? Not to fret.
One of the best ways to lock in a Derby pick this early to look at specific trainers. Also, find the horses trained by the in the Kentucky Derby futures pools. Here is a list of 3 trainers you should watch closely in the up and coming 2020 Kentucky Derby season.
Chad Brown
Most of Brown’s horses typically race in New York. However, he is beginning to ship his horses into graded stakes races in Florida. Along with Kentucky and California. The Cornell graduate famously lived in a barn while attending the Ivy League school. Also, many suggest that Chad has paid his dues in the industry. Chad Brown is known for training turf champions. Could some of that success spill over onto the dirt races?
Best 2020 Horse Trainers for Kentucky Derby
Jason Servis
Most notable for being the horse trainers of Maximum Security, one of the biggest story lines heading into the Derby will be if Servis can get the job done and avenge his horse’s heartbreaking disqualification. Servis is known for training champion sprinters but many are wondering if his horses can get the 10 furlongs classic distance.
Steve Asmussen
The Hall of Fame trainer always seems to have a few champions in his barn year-in and year-out. Could this be the year that Asmussen saddles a Derby winner? Asmussen has racked up over 1,000 stakes wins in his career. Also, his barns in the Midwest and central US always make him a threat to win the big race in Louisville. Could an Asmussen horse win the Kentucky Derby in 2020?
Storm The Court won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last year. Defeating some of the top two-year-olds in the world. However, he hasn’t been getting a lot of respect from bettors on Derby Trail.
In his debut race, the Peter Eurton-trained son of Court Vision came first at odds of 12-1. In his next race, he was listed at 14-1. However, he finished eighth after he was bumped. Also, lost his rider in the Del Mar Futurity. At the American Pharoah Stakes, his third consecutive G1 race, Storm The Court was listed at 19-1. STC finished third on Derby trail. Results of the race below.
In his final start as a two-year-old, Storm The Court wasn’t given much of a chance and was listed at 45-1. However, went on to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic Juvenile.
Even though he has never raced at single digit odds, which is unheard of when it comes to champion horses, Storm The Court went on to win the 2019 Eclipse Award.
Storm the Court Kentucky Derby Betting Odds
Despite winning the Eclipse Award, don’t expect the trend of Storm the Court being overlooked at the windows to change. When he enters the starting gate for Saturday’s San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita Park for his sixth career start. Looking to bet on Kentucky Derby?
The San Felipe Stakes offers 85 qualifying points. 50 of which goes to the winner on Derby trail. Which is why it is expected to be one of the strongest prep races of the season. In addition to being disrespected by the oddsmakers, Storm The Court’s jockey Flavien Prat, who rode him in his previous five starts, opted to ride Thousand Words in the San Felipe Stakes.
In Prat’s defense, Thousand Words, which is trained by Bob Baffert, is the undefeated winner of both the Los Alamitos Futurity and the Robert B. Lewis Stakes. Even though Storm The Court didn’t look very sharp in his first race of the year. Finishing fourth at the San Vicente Stakes, he is very capable of picking up the win at the San Felipe Stakes so ignore him at your own risk on the Derby trail.
