2023 Road to the Kentucky Derby
Thoroughbred horse racing series
The 2023 Road to the Kentucky Derby is a series of races through which horses qualified for the 2023 Kentucky Derby , which was held on May 6. The field for the Derby was limited to 20 horses, with up to four 'also eligibles' in case of a late withdrawal from the field. There were three separate paths for horses to take to qualify for the Derby: the main Road consisting of races in North America (plus one in Dubai), the Japan Road consisting of four races in Japan, and the European road consisting of seven races in England, Ireland and France. The top five finishers in the specified races received points, with higher points awarded in the major prep races in March and April. Earnings in non-restricted stakes races acted as a tie breaker.
For 2023, the main Road to the Kentucky Derby resembled the 2022 Road to the Kentucky Derby , consisting of 37 races, one more event than in 2021, with 21 races for the Kentucky Derby Prep Season and 16 races for the Kentucky Derby Championship Season with the following changes:[ a]
Points were now awarded to the top-five finishing positions in qualifying races, and the significance of the G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile and select races traditionally run in late January have been increased. Prep season races now awarded points on a sliding scale of 10-4-3-2-1.
Points awarded in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile were increased from 20-8-4-2 to 30-12-9-6-3 in order to differentiate what has historically been a high-quality grade 1 race from others during the prep season.
Select prep season races that traditionally serve as steppingstones to the Kentucky Derby Championship Series have been elevated from 10-4-2-1 to 20-8-6-4-2. These include G3 Lecomte Stakes, G3 Southwest Stakes, G3 Withers Stakes, G3 Holy Bull Stakes, G3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes, G3 Sam F. Davis Stakes and the Listed John Battaglia Memorial Stakes.[ 2]
Standings
The following table shows the points earned in the eligible races for the main series.[ 3]
Rank[ 3]
Horse
Points
Earnings[ b]
Trainer
Owner
Ref
1—scratched[ c]
Forte
190
$2,359,730
Todd A. Pletcher
Repole Stable & St. Elias Stable
[ 5]
2—scratched[ d]
Practical Move
160
$822,000
Tim Yakteen
Pierre Jean Amestoy Jr., Leslie A. Amestoy & Roger K. Bersley
[ 7]
3
Angel of Empire
154
$1,026,375
Brad H. Cox
Albaugh Family Stables
[ 8]
4
Tapit Trice
150
$783,500
Todd A. Pletcher
Whisper Hill Farm & Gainesway Stable
[ 9]
5
Two Phil's
123
$643,850
Larry Rivelli
Patricia's Hope & Phillip Sagan
[ 10]
6—scratched
Lord Miles[ e]
105
$427,100
Saffie Joseph Jr.
Vegso Racing Stable
[ 9]
7
Derma Sotogake (JPN)
100
$1,112,319
Hidetaka Otonashi
Hiroyuki Asanuma
[ 12]
8
Kingsbarns
100
$600,000
Todd A. Pletcher
Spendthrift Farm
[ 13]
9
Raise Cain
64
$232,500
Ben Colbrook
Andrew N. Warren & Rania Warren
[ 14]
10
Rocket Can
60
$284,025
William I. Mott
Frank Fletcher Racing
[ 15]
11
Hit Show
60
$277,500
Brad H. Cox
Gary & Mary West
[ 16]
12
Confidence Game
57
$610,480
J. Keith Desormeaux
Don't Tell My Wife Stables
[ 17]
13
Verifying
54
$369,750
Brad H. Cox
Jonathan Poulin, Westerberg, Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier & Michael Tabor
[ 18]
14
Sun Thunder
54
$181,500
Kenneth G. McPeek
R.T Racing Stable & Cypress Creek Equine
[ 19]
euthanized[ 20]
Wild On Ice[ f]
50
$366,400
Joel Marr
Frank Sumpter
[ 22]
15
Mage
50
$205,200
Gustavo Delgado
OGMA Investments, Ramiro Restrepo, Sterling Racing & CMNWLTH
[ 23]
bypassing[ 24]
Blazing Sevens
46
$507,600
Chad C. Brown
Rodeo Creek Racing
[ 18]
16
Disarm
46
$237,500
Steven M. Asmussen
Winchell Thoroughbreds
[ 13]
17
Reincarnate
45
$263,250
Tim Yakteen
SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Stonestreet Stables, Jay A. Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital & Catherine Donovan
[ 25]
18
Jace's Road
45
$200,350
Brad H. Cox
West Point Thoroughbreds & Albaugh Family Stables
[ 17]
19—scratched[ g]
Skinner
45
$174,500
John Shirreffs
C R K Stable
[ 27]
20—scratched[ h]
Continuar (JPN)[ i]
30
$289,954
Yoshito Yahagi
Lion Race Horse
[ 12]
21
Cyclone Mischief[ j]
45
$137,525
Dale L. Romans
Albaugh Family Stables & Castleton Lyons
[ 23]
22
Mandarin Hero (JPN)[ k]
40
$339,041
Terunobu Fujita
Hiroaki Arai
[ 29]
bypassing[ l]
Major Dude
40
$401,595
Todd A. Pletcher
Spendthrift Farm
[ 31]
23
King Russell[ m]
40
$227,500
Ron Moquett
Brereton C. Jones & Naber Racing
[ 33]
bypassing[ 34]
Dura Erede (JPN)
40
$774,897
Manabu Ikezoe
Three H Racing
[ 12]
bypassing[ 34]
Arctic Arrogance
36
$180,000
Linda L. Rice
Chester Broman Sr. & Mary Broman
[ 35]
bypassing[ 34]
Red Route One
33
$417,125
Steven M. Asmussen
Winchell Thoroughbreds
[ 5]
bypassing[ 34]
Instant Coffee
32
$395,065
Brad H. Cox
Gold Square
[ 5]
bypassing[ 34]
Funtastic Again
30
$150,116
Wesley A. Ward
Three Chimneys Farm
[ 31]
bypassing[ 34]
Dreamlike
30
$75,000
Todd A. Pletcher
Repole Stable & St. Elias Stable
[ 36]
bypassing[ 34]
Classic Car Wash
26
$100,000
Mark E. Casse
Gary Barber
[ 37]
bypassing[ 34]
General Banker
24
$84,000
James W. Ferraro
Seacoast Thoroughbreds of New England
[ 38]
bypassing[ 39]
Perriere (JPN)
20
$332,805
Yoichi Kuroiwa
Yuji Hasegawa
[ 12]
bypassing[ 34]
National Treasure
20
$297,000
Tim Yakteen
SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Stonestreet Stables, Jay A. Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital & Catherine Donovan
[ 29]
bypassing[ 34]
First Mission
20
$232,500
Brad H. Cox
Godolphin
[ 40]
bypassing[ 34]
Congruent
20
$221,585
Antonio Sano
Tami Bobo & Lugamo Racing Stable
[ 41]
bypassing[ 34]
Low Expectations
20
$130,680
Antonio Garcia
Reddam Racing
[ 22]
injured[ 42]
Litigate
20
$120,000
Todd A. Pletcher
Centennial Farms
[ 37]
bypassing[ 34]
Slip Mahoney
20
$82,500
Brad H. Cox
Gold Square
[ 43]
bypassing[ 34]
Geaux Rocket Ride
20
$80,000
Richard E. Mandella
Pin Oak Stud
[ 27]
bypassing[ 34]
Mr. Ripple
20
$46,500
Saffie Joseph Jr.
Legacy Racing
[ 44]
bypassing[ 34]
Shopper's Revenge
20
$40,000
Steven M. Asmussen
Whisper Hill Farm & Three Chimneys Farm
[ 13]
bypassing[ 34]
Wadsworth
20
$34,000
Brad H. Cox
Godolphin
[ 31]
bypassing[ 34]
Classic Legacy
19
$45,000
William I. Mott
Bruce Lunsford
[ 37]
bypassing[ 34]
Curly Jack
17
$348,120
Thomas M. Amoss
Michael McLoughlin
[ 17]
bypassing[ 34]
One in Vermillion
15
$178,143
Esteban Martinez
Jonathan Kalman
[ 22]
bypassing[ 34]
Henry Q
15
$119,400
Todd Fincher
The Del Mar Group
[ 22]
bypassing[ 34]
Fort Bragg
15
$59,900
Tim Yakteen
SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Stonestreet Stables, Jay A. Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital & Catherine Donovan
[ 27]
bypassing[ 34]
Shadow Dragon
13
$77,520
William I. Mott
Peachtree Stable
[ 15]
bypassing[ 34]
Denington
12
$61,860
Kenneth G. McPeek
Fern Circle Stables & Magdalena Racing
[ 45]
not nominated[ 46]
How Did He Do That
11
$100,100
Steven M. Asmussen
J. Kirk & Judy Robison
[ 8]
bypassing[ 34]
Victory Formation
10
$156,750
Brad H. Cox
Spendthrift Farm & Frank Fletcher Racing Operations Inc.
[ 8]
bypassing[ 34]
Dubyuhnell
10
$137,500
Danny Gargan
West Paces Racing & Stonestreet Stables
[ 35]
bypassing[ 47]
Go Soldier Go
10
$132,062
Fawzi Abdulla
Victorious
[ 12]
injured[ 48]
Hejazi
10
$118,500
Tim Yakteen
Zedan Racing Stables
[ 27]
bypassing[ 34]
Lugan Knight
10
$83,625
Michael J. McCarthy
BG Stables
[ 38]
bypassing[ 34]
Chase the Chaos
10
$81,500
Ed Moger Jr.
Adam Ference & Bill Dory
[ 49]
bypassing[ 34]
Classic Catch
10
$30,000
Todd A. Pletcher
Whisper Hill Farm
[ 36]
bypassing[ 34]
Tapit's Conquest
10
$26,000
Brad H. Cox
Robert V. LaPenta, e Five Racing Thor. & Madaket Stables
[ 50]
not nominated[ 46]
Airtime
10
$18,750
Robertino Diodoro
Randy Howg
[ 33]
injured[ 51]
Eyeing Clover
10
$18,000
Brad H. Cox
Ten Strike Racing, Michael E. Kisber & Colin Reed
[ 43]
bypassing[ 34]
Prairie Hawk
10
$17,500
Saffie Joseph Jr.
Peachtree Stable & WinStar Farm
[ 9]
not nominated[ 52]
Maker's Candy
10
$14,400
Michael J. Maker
Paradise Farms, David Staudacher, Maxis Stable & Gata Racing Stable
[ 31]
bypassing[ 34]
Scoobie Quando
8
$117,700
Ben Colebrook
Andrew N. & Rania Warren
[ 41]
not nominated[ 46]
Groveland
8
$40,000
Eoin Harty
Godolphin
[ 37]
not nominated[ 46]
Bromley
8
$18,300
Paulo Lobo
OXO Equine
[ 10]
bypassing[ 34]
Hayes Strike
7
$168,250
Kenneth G. McPeek
Dixiana Farm
[ 17]
bypassing[ 34]
Andiamo a Firenze
7
$72,000
Kelly J. Breen
Mr. Amore Stable
[ 18]
injured[ 53]
Frosted Departure
6
$222,112
Kenneth G. McPeek
C&H Diamond Racing & Magdalena Racing
[ 19]
bypassing[ 34]
West Coast Cowboy
6
$34,250
Saffie Joseph Jr.
Gentry Farms
[ 15]
bypassing[ 34]
Bourbon Bash
5
$33,750
D. Wayne Lukas
BC Stables
[ 25]
bypassing[ 34]
Clear the Air
5
$24,500
Will Walden
Cypress Creek Equine
[ 43]
bypassing[ 34]
Single Ruler
5
$8,000
Keith Desormeaux
Rocker O Ranch
[ 50]
injured[ 54]
Loggins
4
$106,500
Brad H. Cox
Spendthrift Farm , Steve Landers Racing, Martin S. Schwartz, Michael Dubb, Ten Strike Racing, Jim Bakke, Titletown Racing Stables, Kueber Racing, Big Easy Racing & Winners Win
[ 5]
injured[ 55]
Honed
4
$65,700
Kenneth G. McPeek
Three Chimneys Farm & Magdalena Racing
[ 17]
injured[ 56]
Legacy Isle
4
$44,325
Rohan Crichton
Daniel L. Walters, Dennis G. Smith, Anthony Smith & Rohan Crichton
[ 15]
injured[ 57]
Moon Landing
4
$6,150
Kevin Attard
Robert V. LaPenta, e Five Racing Thoroughbreds & Madaket Stables
[ 41]
injured[ 58]
Gulfport
3
$267,070
Steven M. Asmussen
William L. & Corinne Heiligbrodt, Jackpot Farm, Whispering Oaks Farm & Coolmore Stud
[ 18]
injured[ 59]
Tuskegee Airmen
3
$90,000
John C. Servis
Cash Is King & LC Racing
[ 35]
not nominated[ 46]
Echo Again
3
$48,625
Steven M. Asmussen
Winchell Thoroughbreds
[ 60]
bypassing[ 34]
Determinedly
3
$20,500
Mark E. Casse
John C. Oxley
[ 14]
not nominated[ 46]
Harcyn
3
$12,000
Steve Sherman
Jerry Moss
[ 49]
not nominated[ 46]
Packs a Wahlop
2
$196,000
Jeff Mullins
Red Baron's Barn & Rancho Temescal
[ 61]
not nominated[ 46]
Zydeceaux
2
$111,000
Ramon Minguet
Stud Carmen Cristina
[ 37]
not nominated[ 46]
Passarando
2
$64,450
Steven Specht
Larry D. & Marianne Williams
[ 49]
not nominated[ 46]
Prove Right
2
$37,375
James K. Chapman
James K. Chapman & Stuart Tsujimoto
[ 16]
bypassing[ 34]
Western Ghent
2
$37,325
D. Wayne Lukas
Bob & Ann Ghent, Laurie & D. Wayne Lukas
[ 8]
bypassing[ 34]
Il Miracolo
2
$26,535
Antonio Sano
Alexandres
[ 15]
not nominated[ 46]
Gunflash
2
$24,000
Karl Broberg
Jerry Namy
[ 60]
not nominated[ 46]
Quick To Accuse
2
$15,000
Horacio De Paz
Rupp Racing
[ 35]
injured[ 62]
Tall Boy
2
$12,000
Leandro Mora
Calumet Farm
[ 7]
bypassing[ 34]
Demolition Duke
2
$11,250
Brad H. Cox
Thrash & Payne
[ 40]
injured[ 63]
Neural Network
2
$9,000
Chad C. Brown
Klaravich Stables
[ 38]
bypassing[ 34]
Miranda Rights
2
$4,290
Mark E. Casse
D. J. Stable
[ 41]
not nominated[ 46]
Andthewinneris
1
$248,363
Wayne Catalano
Susan Moulton
[ 14]
not nominated[ 46]
Campfire Creed
1
$77,000
Danny Pish
Dennis E. Foster
[ 60]
not nominated[ 46]
Midnight Trouble
1
$35,000
Peter R. Walder
Paradise Farm Corp., David Staudacher & Peter R. Walder
[ 35]
not nominated[ 46]
Man Child
1
$30,000
Ryan Hanson
California Racing Partners, Ciaglia Racing, Michelle Hanson, Richard C. Pearson, Timothy J. Husted & Robert Drenk
[ 64]
bypassing[ 34]
Champions Dream
1
$20,000
Danny Gargan
Rosedown Racing Stables
[ 18]
Legend:
Qualified for the Derby
Injured/Bypassing/Inactive/Not nominated
Prep season
Initial prep events
Note: 1st=10 points; 2nd=4 points; 3rd=3 points; 4th=2 points; 5th=1 point (except the Breeders' Cup Juvenile: 1st=30 points; 2nd=12 points; 3rd=9 points; 4th=6 points; 5th=3 points)
The dates for most races shown below are based on the placement in the racing calendar from 2021/2022. Similarly, the purses shown below are based on the amounts from the previous year and will be updated when finalized.
Race
Distance
Purse
Track
Date
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
Ref
Iroquois
1+ 1 ⁄16 miles
$299,250
Churchill Downs
Sep 17 2022
Curly Jack
Honed
Jace's Road
Hayes Strike
Confidence Game
[ 17]
Champagne [ n]
1 mile
$500,000
Aqueduct
Oct 1 2022
Blazing Sevens
Verifying
Gulfport
Andiamo a Firenze
Champions Dream
[ 18]
American Pharoah
1+ 1 ⁄16 miles
$301,500
Santa Anita
Oct 8 2022
Cave Rock [ o]
National Treasure [ o]
Hejazi[ o]
Gandolfini[ o]
Man Child
[ 64]
Breeders' Futurity
1+ 1 ⁄16 miles
$600,000
Keeneland
Oct 8 2022
Forte
Loggins
Red Route One
Instant Coffee
Newgate[ o]
[ 5]
Breeders' Cup Juvenile
1+ 1 ⁄16 miles
$2,000,000
Keeneland
Nov 4 2022
Forte
Cave Rock [ o]
National Treasure [ o]
Blazing Sevens
Curly Jack
[ 67]
Kentucky Jockey Club
1+ 1 ⁄16 miles
$399,625
Churchill Downs
Nov 26 2022
Instant Coffee
Curly Jack
Haynes Strike
Red Route One
Denington
[ 45]
Remsen
1+ 1 ⁄8 miles
$250,000
Aqueduct
Dec 3 2022
Dubyuhnell
Arctic Arrogance
Tuskegee Airmen
Quick to Accuse
Midnight Trouble
[ 35]
Los Alamitos Futurity
1+ 1 ⁄16 miles
$200,000
Los Alamitos
Dec 17 2022
Practical Move
Carmel Road[ p]
Fort Bragg[ p]
Tall Boy
Arabian Lion[ p]
[ 7]
Springboard Mile
1 mile
$400,000
Remington
Dec 17 2022
Wildatlanticstorm[ q]
Giant Mischief[ q]
Echo Again
Gunflash
Campfire Creed
[ 60]
Gun Runner Stakes
1+ 1 ⁄16 miles
$98,000
Fair Grounds
Dec 26 2022
Jace's Road
Raise Cain
Determinedly
Hayes Strike
Andthewinneris
[ 14]
Smarty Jones
1 mile
$250,000
Oaklawn
Jan 1 2023
Victory Formation
Angel of Empire
Denington
Western Ghent
How Did He Do That
[ 8]
Jerome
1 mile
$150,000
Aqueduct
Jan 7 2023
Lugan Knight
Arctic Arrogance
General Banker
Neural Network
Andiamo a Firenze
[ 38]
Sham
1 mile
$100,000
Santa Anita
Jan 8 2023
Reincarnate[ r]
Newgate[ r]
National Treasure [ r]
Packs a Wahlop
—[ s]
[ 61]
El Camino Real Derby
1+ 1 ⁄8 miles
$101,350
Golden Gate
Feb 11 2023
Chase the Chaos
Gilmore[ t]
Harcyn
Passarando
Nullarbor[ t]
[ 49]
Select prep events
Note: 1st=20 points; 2nd=8 points; 3rd=6 points; 4th=4 points; 5th=2 points
Race
Distance
Purse
Track
Date
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
Ref
Lecomte
1+ 1 ⁄16 miles
$194,000
Fair Grounds
Jan 21 2023
Instant Coffee
Two Phil's
Confidence Game
Denington
Bromley
[ 10]
Southwest
1+ 1 ⁄16 miles
$750,000
Oaklawn
Jan 28 2023
Arabian Knight[ u]
Red Route One
Frosted Departure
Sun Thunder
Jace's Road
[ 19]
Holy Bull
1+ 1 ⁄16 miles
$250,000
Gulfstream
Feb 4 2023
Rocket Can
Shadow Dragon
West Coast Cowboy
Legacy Isle
Il Miracolo
[ 15]
Robert B. Lewis [ v]
1+ 1 ⁄16 miles
$196,000
Santa Anita
Feb 4 2023
Newgate
Hard To Figure
Worcester
Arabian Lion
—
[ 72]
Withers [ w]
1+ 1 ⁄8 miles
$250,000
Aqueduct
Feb 11 2023
Hit Show
Arctic Arrogance
General Banker
Andiamo a Firenze
Prove Right
[ 16]
Sam F. Davis Stakes
1+ 1 ⁄16 miles
$200,000
Tampa Bay
Feb 11 2023
Litigate
Groveland
Classic Car Wash
Classic Legacy
Zydeceaux
[ 37]
John Battaglia Memorial Stakes
1+ 1 ⁄16 miles
$147,500
Turfway
Mar 4 2023
Congruent
Scoobie Quando
Bromley
Moon Landing
Miranda Rights
[ 41]
Championship series events
First leg of series
Note: 1st=50 points; 2nd=20 points; 3rd=15 points; 4th=10 points; 5th=5 points
Race
Distance
Purse
Grade
Track
Date
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
Ref
Risen Star
1+ 1 ⁄8 miles
$400,000
2
Fair Grounds
Feb 18 2023
Angel of Empire
Sun Thunder
Two Phil's
Tapit's Conquest
Single Ruler
[ 50]
Rebel
1+ 1 ⁄16 miles
$1,000,000
2
Oaklawn
Feb 25 2023
Confidence Game
Red Route One
Reincarnate
Verifying
Bourbon Bash
[ 25]
Fountain of Youth
1+ 1 ⁄16 miles
$400,000
2
Gulfstream
Mar 4 2023
Forte
Rocket Can
Cyclone Mischief
Mage
Shadow Dragon
[ 23]
Gotham
1 mile
$300,000
3
Aqueduct
Mar 4 2023
Raise Cain
Slip Mahoney
General Banker
Eyeing Clover
Clear the Air
[ 43]
San Felipe
1+ 1 ⁄16 miles
$402,000
2
Santa Anita
Mar 4 2023
Practical Move
Geaux Rocket Ride
Skinner
Hejazi
Fort Bragg
[ 27]
Tampa Bay Derby
1+ 1 ⁄16 miles
$360,000
3
Tampa Bay
Mar 11 2023
Tapit Trice
Classic Car Wash
Classic Legacy
Prairie Hawk
Lord Miles
[ 9]
Sunland Derby
1+ 1 ⁄8 miles
$600,000
3
Sunland Park
Mar 26 2023
Wild On Ice
Low Expectations
Henry Q
How Did He Do That
One In Vermillion
[ 22]
Second leg of series
These races are the major preps for the Kentucky Derby, and are thus weighted more heavily. Note: 1st=100 points; 2nd=40 points; 3rd=30 points; 4th=20 points; 5th=10 points
Race
Distance
Purse
Grade
Track
Date
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
Ref
UAE Derby
1,900 metres(~1+ 3 ⁄16 miles )
$1,000,000
2
Meydan
Mar 25 2023
Derma Sotogake
Dura Erede
Continuar
Perriere
Go Soldier Go
[ 12]
Louisiana Derby
1+ 3 ⁄16 miles
$1,000,000
2
Fair Grounds
Mar 25 2023
Kingsbarns
Disarm
Jace's Road
Shopper's Revenge
Sun Thunder
[ 13]
Jeff Ruby
1+ 1 ⁄8 miles
$694,000
3
Turfway
Mar 25 2023
Two Phil's
Major Dude
Funtastic Again
Wadsworth
Maker's Candy
[ 31]
Florida Derby
1+ 1 ⁄8 miles
$1,000,000
1
Gulfstream
Apr 1 2023
Forte
Mage
Cyclone Mischief
Mr. Ripple
Fort Bragg
[ 44]
Arkansas Derby
1+ 1 ⁄8 miles
$1,250,000
1
Oaklawn Park
Apr 1 2023
Angel of Empire
King Russell
Reincarnate
Rocket Can
Airtime
[ 33]
Blue Grass Stakes
1+ 1 ⁄8 miles
$998,125
1
Keeneland
Apr 8 2023
Tapit Trice
Verifying
Blazing Sevens
Sun Thunder
Raise Cain
[ 74]
Santa Anita Derby
1+ 1 ⁄8 miles
$751,500
1
Santa Anita
Apr 8 2023
Practical Move
Mandarin Hero
Skinner
National Treasure
One In Vermillion
[ 29]
Wood Memorial
1+ 1 ⁄8 miles
$750,000
2
Aqueduct
Apr 8 2023
Lord Miles
Hit Show
Dreamlike
Arctic Arrogance
Classic Catch
[ 36]
"Wild Card" events
Note: 1st=20 points; 2nd=8 points; 3rd=6 points; 4th=4 points; 5th=2 points
Race
Distance
Purse
Track
Date
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
Ref
Lexington
1+ 1 ⁄8 miles
$200,000
Keeneland
Apr 15 2023
First Mission
Arabian Lion
Disarm
Denington
Demolition Duke
[ 40]
Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby
The Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby was intended to provide a place in the Derby starting gate to the top finisher in the series. If the connections of that horse declined the invitation, their place was offered to the second-place finisher and so on through the top five finishers.
Note:
Cattleya Sho: 1st=10 points; 2nd=4 points; 3rd=3 points; 4th=2 points; 5th=1 point
Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun: 1st=20 points; 2nd=8 points; 3rd=6 points; 4th=4 points; 5th=2 points
Hyacinth: 1st=30 points; 2nd=12 points; 3rd=9 points; 4th=6 points; 5th=3 points
Fukuyru : 1st=40 points; 2nd=16 points; 3rd=12 points; 4th=8 points; 5th=4 points
ƒ Filly
Qualification Table
The top four horses (colored brown within the standings) are eligible to participate in the Kentucky Derby provided the horse is nominated.
Rank
Horse
Points
Eligible Earnings
Trainer
Owner
Ref
1
Derma Sotogake (JPN)
120
$1,163,361
Hidetaka Otonashi
Hiroyuki Asanuma
2
Perriere (JPN)
56
$383,704
Yoichi Kuroiwa
Yuji Hasegawa
3
Continuar (JPN)
40
$338,095
Yoshito Yahagi
Lion Race Horse Co. Ltd.
Qualified[ x]
not nominated
Mitono O (JPN)
40
$273,281
Koji Maki
Royal Park
not nominated
Hero Call (JPN)
16
$367,641
Satoshi Kokubo
Yusuke Yamaguchi
4
Mokku Mokku (JPN)
16
$165,530
Ryo Terashima
Masayuki Yamaguchi
not nominated
Z Lien (JPN)
12
$172,038
Naohiro Yoshida
Forest Co. Ltd.
5
Eclogite (JPN)
9
$146,056
Takayuki Yusada
Sunday Racing Co.
not nominated
Omatsuri Otoko (JPN)
8
$504,449
Keizo Ito
Kohei Koreeda
not nominated
Eifer Teio (JPN)
8
$124,570
Ippo Sameshima
Minoru Nakashima
not nominated
Great Sand Sea
6
$207,727
Mitsumasa Nakauchida
Sanshisuimei
not nominated
Oro Oro y Plata (JPN)
4
$112,788
Hiroshi Miyamoto
Katsumi Yoshida
not nominated
Mirror of Mind (JPN)
4
$112,662
Koichi Shinkai
Shadai Race Horse
6
Goraiko (JPN)
3
$307,588
Koichi Shintani
Koji Oka
not nominated
Jasri (JPN)
3
$109,039
Toshiaki Tajima
Yoko Koshimura
not nominated
Maruka Rapid (JPN)
2
$217,526
Keizo Ito
Takeshi Kusakabe
7
Plavi (JPN)
2
$90,138
Haruki Sugiyama
Yuji Hasegawa
not nominated
Francorchamps (JPN)
1
$48,551
Noboru Takagi
La Mere
Notes:
brown highlight – qualified
grey highlight – did not qualify
European Road to the Kentucky Derby
The European Road to the Kentucky Derby was designed on a similar basis to the Japan Road and was intended to provide a place in the Derby starting gate to the top finisher in the series. If the connections of that horse declined the invitation, their place was offered to the second-place finisher and so on. If none of the top four accept, this place in the starting gate reverted to the horses on the main road to the Derby.
The series consisted of seven races – four run on the turf in late 2022 when the horses are age two, plus three races run on a synthetic surface in early 2023.
Note:
the four races in 2022 for two-year-olds: 1st=10 points; 2nd=4 points; 3rd=3 points; 4th=2 points; 5th=1 point
the first two races in 2023: 1st=20 points; 2nd=8 points; 3rd=6 points; 4th=4 points; 5th=2 points
The Cardinal Condition Stakes: 1st=30 points; 2nd=12 points; 3rd=9 points; 4th=6 points 5th=3 points
Qualification Table
The top four horses (colored brown within the standings) were eligible to participate in the Kentucky Derby provided the horse was nominated.
Rank
Horse
Points
Eligible Earnings
Trainer
Owner
Ref
1
Brave Emperor
32
$29,379
Archie Watson
Middleham Park Racing
not nominated
Bold Act
30
$0
Charlie Appleby
Godolphin
2
Cairo
20
$62,984
Aidan O'Brien
Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier , Michael Tabor & Westerburg
not nominated
Killybegs Warrior
13
$1,791
Charlie Johnston
Mr. M. Doyle
not nominated
Alzahir
11
$228,000
John & Thady Gosden
Al Wasmiyah Stud, G. Bailey, N. Wrigley
not nominated
Belbek
10
$279,323
Andre Fabre
Nurlan Bizakov
not nominated
Auguste Rodin
10
$222,687
Aidan O'Brien
Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier , Michael Tabor & Westerburg
not nominated
The Foxes
10
$76,913
Andrew Balding
King Power Racing
not nominated
Crypto Force
10
$69,768
Michael O’Callaghan
Amo Racing
not nominated
News At Ten
8
$8,478
Michael O’Callaghan
Michael O’Callaghan
not nominated
Iconic Moment
6
$31,154
James Tate
Sultan Ali
not nominated
Tenjin
6
$5,914
John Ryan
Mr. Jon A. Thompson
3
Stormy Entry
6
$4,239
W.P. Browne
Charles E. Fipke
not nominated
Gamestop
4
$101,588
Christophe Ferland
Wertheimer et Frère
not nominated
Epictetus
4
$64,909
John & Thady Gosden
George Strawbridge
not nominated
Adelaide River
4
$39,267
Aidan O'Brien
Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier , Michael Tabor & Westerburg
not nominated
Dubai Mile
4
$29,159
Charlie Johnston
Ahmad Al Shaikh
not nominated
Cash Out
4
$2,120
Joseph O'Brien
R. Scarborough
not nominated
Holloway Boy
3
$158,185
Karl Burke
Nick White & Mrs. E. Burke
not nominated
Breizh Sky
3
$91,301
Alessandro & Giusppe Botti
Alain Jathiere & Ecurie Elag
not nominated
Flying Honours
3
$39,968
Charlie Appleby
Godolphin
not nominated
Young Ireland
3
$12,833
Jim Bolger
Mrs. Jim S. Bolger
not nominated
Shartash
2
$160,989
Johnny Murtagh
Aga Khan
not nominated
Dancing Magic
2
$26,226
Roger Teal
Fishdance
4
Greenland
2
$9,011
Aidan O'Brien
Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier , Michael Tabor & Westerburg
Notes:
brown highlight – qualified
grey highlight – did not qualify
Notes
^ See the following list[ 1] for details
^ Earnings from non-restricted stakes prior to the running of the Kentucky Derby serve as a tie-breaker.
^ Derby favorite Forte was scratched on the day of the event after the regulatory veterinarian had concerns relating to a mending foot bruise in his right front leg[ 4]
^ Practical Move was drawn into the event but showed an elevated temperature on Thursday, May 4th and trainer Tim Yakteen indicated that he plans to scratch the entry[ 6]
^ Lord Miles was scratched by order of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, which announced that all horses trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. would be scratched until further notice after two of them collapsed and died following races run at Churchill on April 29 and May 2. The scratch of Lord Miles allowed Japanese horse Mandarin Hero to draw in to the race.[ 11]
^ Originally Wild On Ice was not nominated for the Triple Crown events, but after his victory in the Sunland Derby connections paid the late nomination fee and hence, he is eligible for the Kentucky Derby.[ 21]
^ On the day before the Derby, John Shirreffs scratched Skinner after that horse developed a temperature.[ 26]
^ Continuar was scratched by trainer Yoshito Yahagi who regarded that the horse did not reach peak fitness for the race[ 28]
^ Originally, Continuar (JPN) qualified and was drawn into the starting field after accepting an invitation to compete in the Kentucky Derby for accruing 40 points in the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby series.[ 3]
^ Cyclone Mischief was drawn as an also eligible into the event, but with the scratching of Practical Move he was moved into the starting field.[ 6]
^ Mandarin Hero (JPN) was drawn as an also eligible into the event, but with the scratching of Lord Miles he was moved into the starting field.[ 11]
^ Connections of Major Dude did not enter the horse for the event, instead they entered him in the G2 American Turf Stakes on the same racecard as the Kentucky Derby[ 30]
^ Originally King Russell was not nominated for the Triple Crown events, but connections paid the late nomination fee and hence, he is eligible for the Kentucky Derby[ 32] King Russell was drawn as an also eligible into the event, but with the scratching of Continuar (JPN) he was moved into the starting field.[ 28]
^ In 2022 the Champagne Stakes was moved to Aqueduct due to track construction at Belmont Park[ 65]
^ a b c d e f g Horse trained by an individual suspended from the 2022 Kentucky Derby does not receive any qualification points. Cave Rock, National Treasure, Hejazi, Gandolfini and Newgate are trained by Bob Baffert who is suspended by Churchill Downs Inc. through 2023.[ 66]
^ a b c Horse trained by an individual suspended from the 2022 Kentucky Derby does not receive any qualification points. Carmel Road, Fort Bragg and Arabian Lion are trained by Bob Baffert who is suspended by Churchill Downs Inc. through 2023.[ 68]
^ a b Horses that ran with medication (Lasix ) do not receive any points towards qualification. Wildatlanticstorm and Giant Mischief received no points from the Springboard Mile.[ 69]
^ a b c Horse trained by an individual suspended from the 2022 Kentucky Derby does not receive any qualification points. Reincarnate, Newgate and National Treasure are trained by Bob Baffert who is suspended by Churchill Downs Inc. through 2023.
^ Spun Intended the fifth starter in the Sham Stakes was pulled up during the event and was vanned off not completing the race
^ a b Horse trained by an individual suspended from the 2022 Kentucky Derby does not receive any qualification points. Gilmore and Nullarbor are trained by Bob Baffert who is suspended by Churchill Downs Inc. through 2023.
^ Horse trained by an individual suspended from the 2022 Kentucky Derby does not receive any qualification points. Arabian Knight is trained by Bob Baffert who is suspended by Churchill Downs Inc. through 2023.[ 70]
^ All the entries in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes were trained by Bob Baffert who is suspended by Churchill Downs Inc. through 2023. Hence, none of the finishers earned any qualification points.[ 71]
^ Originally the Withers Stakes was scheduled for February 4, 2023 but NYRA canceled the meeting due to high winds and frigid temperatures forecast to impact the New York metropolitan area [ 73]
^ Continuar (JPN) has accepted an invitation to compete in the Kentucky Derby accruing 40 points in the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby series.[ 3]
^ There were only four starters in the Royal Lodge Stakes
References
^ "2022/23 Kentucky Derby Prep Races" (PDF) . Churchill Downs Inc . September 2022. Retrieved 16 September 2022 .
^ "Churchill Downs Adjusts Derby-Qualifying Points System Horses trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert remain ineligible this year for points" . Churchill Downs Inc. 16 September 2022. Retrieved 16 September 2022 .
^ a b c d "Road to the Kentucky Derby 149" (PDF) . www.kentuckyderby.com . 27 April 2023. Retrieved 27 April 2023 .
^ Perez, Joe; King, Byron (6 May 2023). "Kentucky Derby Favorite Forte Scratched; The 2022 champion juvenile male had been the expected favorite" . Bloodhorse.com . Retrieved 6 May 2023 .
^ a b c d e "2022 Claiborne Breeders' Futurity Grade 1 – (race 9)" . Equibase . 8 October 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2022 .
^ a b Perez, Joe (4 May 2023). "Kentucky Derby With the scratch, Cyclone Mischief will make it into the Kentucky Derby (G1) field" . Bloodhorse.com . Retrieved 4 May 2023 .
^ a b c "2022 Los Alamitos Futurity Grade 2 – (race 4)" . Equibase . 17 December 2022. Retrieved 17 December 2022 .
^ a b c d e "2023 Smarty Jones Stakes Listed – (race 10)" . Equibase . 1 January 2023. Retrieved 2 January 2023 .
^ a b c d "2023 Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby Grade 3 (race 11)" . Equibase . 11 March 2023. Retrieved 12 March 2023 .
^ a b c "2023 Lecomte Stakes Grade 3 – (race 14)" . Equibase . 21 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2023 .
^ a b Vogt, Dustin; Stevens, Mark (4 May 2023). "Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. suspended from Churchill Downs, Lord Miles scratched from Derby" . wave3.com . WAVE . Retrieved 4 May 2023 .
^ a b c d e f "2023 UAE Derby sponsored by Atlantis The Royal (Group 2)" . Racing Post . 25 March 2023. Retrieved 25 March 2023 .
^ a b c d "2023 Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby Grade 2 – (race 12)" . Equibase . 25 March 2023. Retrieved 25 March 2023 .
^ a b c d "2022 Gun Runner Stakes Black type – (race 11)" . Equibase . 26 December 2022. Retrieved 26 December 2022 .
^ a b c d e f "2023 Holy Bull Stakes - Grade 3 (race 12)" . Equibase . 4 February 2023. Retrieved 6 February 2023 .
^ a b c "2023 Withers Stakes - Grade 3 (race 9)" . Equibase . 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 .
^ a b c d e f "2022 Iroquois Stakes Grade 3 – (race 9)" . Equibase . 17 September 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2022 .
^ a b c d e f "2022 Champagne Stakes Grade 1 – (race 10)" . Equibase . 1 October 2022. Retrieved 2 October 2022 .
^ a b c "2023 Southwest Stakes - Grade 3 (race 10)" . Equibase . Retrieved 29 January 2023 .
^ Mitchell, Eric (27 April 2023). "Report: Wild On Ice Euthanized Following Derby Work; El Paso Times reports Wild On Ice euthanized after suffering left hind leg fracture" . Bloodhorse.com . Retrieved 27 April 2023 .
^ Rampellini, Mary (27 March 2023). "2023 Kentucky Derby: Sunland Derby winner Wild On Ice made eligible to Triple Crown" . Daily Racing Form .
^ a b c d e "2023 Sunland Park Derby Grade 3 (race 10)" . Equibase . 26 March 2023. Retrieved 27 March 2023 .
^ a b c "2023 Fountain of Youth Stakes Grade 2 (race 14)" . Equibase . 4 March 2023. Retrieved 5 March 2023 .
^ Perez, Joe (23 April 2023). "Blazing Sevens Out of Derby, Shidabhuti Skipping Oaks; Blazing Sevens was 17th in the Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard with 46 points" . bloodhorse.com . Retrieved 23 April 2023 .
^ a b c "2023 Rebel Stakes Grade 2 – (race 11)" . Equibase . 25 February 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2023 .
^ Grening, David (5 May 2023). "Kentucky Derby: Skinner scratched due to temperature" . Daily Racing Form. Retrieved 5 May 2023 .
^ a b c d e "2023 San Felipe Stakes Grade 2 (race 6)" . Equibase . 4 March 2023. Retrieved 5 March 2023 .
^ a b Kerstein, Kevin (4 May 2023). "Continuar (JPN) to scratch from Kentucky Derby 149" (PDF) (Press release). Louisville, KY: Churchill Downs. Retrieved 4 May 2023 .
^ a b c "2023 RUNHAPPY Santa Anita Derby Grade 1 – (race 6)" . Equibase . 8 April 2023. Retrieved 9 April 2023 .
^ King, Byron (1 May 2023). "Favored Forte Avoids Unfavorable Draw in Kentucky Derby The son of Violence will start from post 15" . bloodhorse.com . Retrieved 2 May 2023 .
^ a b c d e "2023 Jeff Ruby Steaks Grade 3 – (race 12)" . Equibase . 25 March 2023. Retrieved 25 March 2023 .
^ "Wild On Ice Among a Dozen Late Nominees to Triple Crown" . BloodHorse.com . Churchill Downs Press Release. 28 March 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023 .
^ a b c "2023 Arkansas Derby Grade 1 – (race 12)" . Equibase . 1 April 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023 .
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar Bypass
^ a b c d e f "2022 Remsen Stakes Grade 2 – (race 7)" . Equibase . 3 December 2022. Retrieved 3 December 2022 .
^ a b c "2023 Wood Memorial Stakes Presented by Resorts World Casino Grade 2 – (race 11)" . Equibase . 8 April 2023. Retrieved 9 April 2023 .
^ a b c d e f "2023 Sam F. Davis Stakes - Grade 3 (race 10)" . Equibase . 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 .
^ a b c d "2023 Jerome Stakes Listed – (race 8)" . Equibase . Retrieved 7 January 2023 .
^ Bypass
^ a b c "2023 Stonestreet Lexington Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)" . Equibase . 15 April 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2022 .
^ a b c d e "2023 John Battaglia Memorial Stakes Listed (race 8)" . Equibase . 4 March 2023. Retrieved 5 March 2023 .
^ "Litigate For Pletcher Off The Derby Trail" . Thoroughbed Daily News . 16 March 2023. Retrieved 20 March 2023 .
^ a b c d "2023 Gotham Stakes Grade 3 (race 9)" . Equibase . 4 March 2023. Retrieved 5 March 2023 .
^ a b "2023 Curlin Florida Derby Presented by Hill 'n' Dale Farms at Xalapa Grade 1 – (race 14)" . Equibase . 1 April 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023 .
^ a b "2022 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes Grade 2 – (race 11)" . Equibase . 26 November 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022 .
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "2023 Triple Crown Nominations" . TheTripleCrown.com . BloodHorse. February 2023.
^ Bypass
^ Bypass
^ a b c d "2023 El Camino Real Derby Listed – (race 8)" . Equibase . 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 .
^ a b c "2023 Risen Star Stakes presented by Lamarque Lincoln and Lamarque Crescent City Ford Grade 2 – (race 13)" . Equibase . 18 February 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2023 .
^ Bypass
^ Bypass
^ Bypass
^ "Breeders' Futurity Runner Up Loggins Off Derby Trail" . Thoroughbed Daily News . 20 February 2023. Retrieved 12 March 2023 .
^ Bypass
^ Bypass
^ Bypass
^ Bypass
^ Bypass
^ a b c d "2022 Remington Springboard Mile Stakes Listed – (race 12)" . Equibase . 17 December 2022. Retrieved 18 December 2022 .
^ a b "2023 Sham Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)" . Equibase . 8 January 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2023 .
^ Bypass
^ Bypass
^ a b "2022 American Pharoah Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8)" . Equibase . 8 October 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2022 .
^ Ehalt, Bob (28 July 2022). "NYRA Shifts Belmont Fall Meet to Aqueduct Change will allow construction of infield tunnel, redevelopment plan to begin" . Retrieved 22 August 2022 .
^ King, Byron (1 October 2021). "Corniche Delivers as Heavy Favorite in American Pharoah" . BloodHorse.com . Retrieved 2 October 2021 .
^ "Breeders' Cup Juvenile (Grade 1 - race 9)" . equibase.com . 4 November 2022. Retrieved 4 November 2022 .
^ Tracy, Gantz (17 December 2022). "CPractical Move Upsets Baffert Trio in Los Al Futurity; The victory earned the Practical Joke colt 10 Kentucky Derby (G1) qualifying points" . BloodHorse.com . Retrieved 18 December 2022 .
^ Day, Dale (18 December 2022). "Local Wildcatlanticstorm Upsets in Springboard Mile; Third time in the past five years, locally-based horse took on all shippers and won" . BloodHorse.com . Retrieved 19 December 2021 .
^ "Arabian Knight Exits Southwest in 'Great' Condition; Next-race plans are pending for the impressive Southwest Stakes (G3) winner" . BloodHorse.com . Oaklawn Park. 29 January 2023. Retrieved 30 January 2023 .
^ Rollins, Molly (4 February 2023). "Newgate Triumphs in Battle of the Bafferts; Into Mischief colt landed first stakes win in the Feb. 4 Robert B. Lewis (G3)" . BloodHorse.com . Retrieved 6 February 2023 .
^ "2023 Robert B. Lewis Stakes - Grade 3 (race 3)" . Equibase . 4 February 2023. Retrieved 6 February 2023 .
^ "Aqueduct Racing Canceled Feb. 3-4 Due to Weather; High winds, frigid temperatures forecast to impact New York metropolitan area" . BloodHorse.com . NYRA . 2 February 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2023 .
^ "2023 Blue Grass Stakes Grade 1 – (race 9)" . Equibase . 8 April 2023. Retrieved 9 April 2023 .
^ "Saturday, November 26, 2022, 5th TOKYO 7-day Race 9: CATTLEYA STAKES" . Japan Bloodhorse Breeders' Association . 26 November 2022. Retrieved 22 December 2022 .
^ "December 14, 2022 (Wednesday) Kawasaki 11th Race Dirt 1600 m (Left) Race 11: ZENNIPPON NISAI YUSHUN" . Japan Bloodhorse Breeders' Association . 14 December 2022. Retrieved 22 December 2022 .
^ "Hyacinth (Result) " . Umanity – Japan Racing English results site . Retrieved 19 February 2023 .
^ "Fukuryu Stakes (Result) " . Umanity – Japan Racing English results site . Retrieved 25 March 2023 .
^ "Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes (Group 2)" . SportingLife.com . 24 September 2022. Retrieved 24 September 2022 .
^ "Alan Smurfit Memorial Beresford Stakes (Group 2)" . SportingLife.com . 24 September 2022. Retrieved 24 September 2022 .
^ "Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (Grand Criterium) (Group 1)" . SportingLife.com . 2 October 2022. Retrieved 2 October 2022 .
^ "Vertem Futurity Trophy Stakes (Group 1)" . SportingLife.com . 22 October 2022. Retrieved 22 October 2022 .
^ "Patton Stakes (Listed)" . SportingLife.com . 3 March 2023. Retrieved 4 March 2023 .
^ " 'Road To The Kentucky Derby' Conditions Stakes (GBB Race)" . SportingLife.com . 15 March 2023. Retrieved 20 March 2023 .
^ "Woodford Reserve Cardinal Conditions Stakes (The Road To The Kentucky Derby) (GBB Race)" . racingpost.com . 15 April 2023. Retrieved 1 April 2023 .
Season Standings 100-50-25-15-10 Point Races 50-25-15-10-5 Point Races 30-15-9-6-3 Point Races 20-10-6-4-2 Point Races 10-5-3-2-1 Point Races Euro/Mideast Point Races Japan Point Races Former Point Races