Keeping Pace

Staff writer Frank Angst examines racing, handicapping, and other mysteries.

March 2018 - Posts

International Runners Could Shape Derby Points Bubble

Because a pair of international races could generate several Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) starters, this weekend's points races will be the most important weekend in determining where this year's Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifying points bubble will fall. As many as three horses based outside of North America could secure Derby spots this weekend, and a fourth horse, who likely... Read More

On Derby Trail, Horsemen Weigh Their Options

After punching through on the inside and rolling to a 4 1/2-length victory in the Feb. 19 Southwest Stakes (G3) in his first start at Oaklawn Park , a return trip to the Hot Springs, Ark., track seemed to be in order for My Boy Jack . But before owners Don't Tell My Wife Stables (Kirk Godby) and Monomoy Stables (Sol Kumin) and trainer Keith Desormeaux committed to a return trip to Oaklawn for the ... Read More

Automatic Bids, Qualifying Points Provide Clarity for Fans

As last-second shots fly, setting off celebrations or disappointment during this weekend's men's college basketball tournament, every fan understands what's on the line: a trip to the NCAA Tournament. In recent years, horse racing's biggest events have done a decent job of providing similar clarity for fans through such tools as the Road to the Kentucky Derby points system, used to determine which... Read More

Derby Points Can Make or Break a Stakes (or Steaks)

Welcome to March, when the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) field begins to take shape thanks to increased prep race qualifying points that essentially ensure winners of races like the Xpressbet.com Fountain of Youth (G2), San Felipe (G2), and Rebel (G2) stakes a spot in the Derby gate. This year, Turfway Park 's top Derby prep, the Spiral Stakes—in 2018 it's the Jeff Ruby Steaks ... Read More

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