In The Know : Derby and Oaks Contenders

 

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Who Are the Contenders? 

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See below for the current list and click through for more information on each contender!

Kentucky Derby Contenders Kentucky Oaks Contenders

 

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The contenders list contains many potential Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks horses but only a small portion of them will actually run the race. Horses can be disqualified by the race secretaries or drawn out by trainers and owners due to unsuitable racing conditions.

Check out our Expert Picks and Derby blogs! 

Kentucky Derby Contenders

Last Updated 5-3-2013 12:45pm EST

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Kentucky Oaks Contenders 

Princess of Sylmar Wins the 139th Running of the Kentucky Oaks!

Last Updated 5-3-2013 12:45pm EST

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Odds of Becoming a Contender:

  •  Approximately 30,000 thoroughbred foals born in the US

  • 15,000 ( Half!) will make it in a race but their careers will end before they have a victory

  • 10,000 will be good enough to run in an allowance race

  • 450 will run in a graded stakes race but not have enough earnings to make it into the Kentucky Derby

  • 20 will run

  • And, only 1 will win

Contender Conditions

  • The Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks equines must be proven to be a direct descendant of three stallions, Darley Arabian, Godolphin Arabian or Byerly Turk, from the General Stud Book of England, bred back in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
    Thoroughbreds have a well chiseled head, long neck, high withers, a deep chest, short back, good depth in the hindquarters, a lean body and long legs. Most Thoroughbreds stand over 16 hands high and are usually brown, chestnut, black or gray.
     
  • All horses must be 3 year old thoroughbred horses leveled at grade 1, at the top of their form with sufficient group 1 winnings in past performance to ensure the horse is fit for the race’s level.
     
  • On course weight allocation: 126 lb (57.2 kg) for colts and geldings and 121 lb (54.9 kg) for fillies.
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