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Racing Archive

Harthill’s Legacy

Take a break from handicapping tomorrow’s Churchill Downs card and read this fascinating story by Ryan Goldberg about veterinarian Alex Harthill, the 1964 Kentucky Derby, and the origins of the modern drug culture in racing:

It is unclear if Northern Dancer was a true bleeder. His performances on the track — except for a third-place finish against weaker company in early 1964 — suggest he may not have bled badly, and Harthill had other reasons for administering it. Veitch said Harthill had told him that Northern Dancer was hot-blooded and that the diuretic would lower his blood pressure and calm his volatility. He wouldn’t leave his race in the paddock, as horsemen say.

Posted in Racing on May 2, 2014 / Tagged Dr. Alex Harthill, Drugs in Racing, Kentucky Derby, Lasix, Northern Dancer, Racing History

Wicked Pick

The Boston Globe backs Wicked Strong in the Kentucky Derby, win or lose:

… even if the colt fails to place in one race, he’s keeping the spirit of charity and concern for the Marathon bombing victims alive.

Wicked Strong is also Andrew Beyer’s #1 pick.

Pablo Del Monte, who drew in on Friday after Hoppertunity scratched, was declared out this morning. He’ll point to the Preakness instead. Gate #1 will remain open, the stewards ruled, and horses #1-10 will move over one spot.

Posted in Racing on May 2, 2014 / Tagged Kentucky Derby

Chrome Draws #5

The 5-2 morning line favorite will break from stall #5. Now that Kentucky Derby post positions have been drawn, the 2014 Derby historical criteria spreadsheet is ready for your handicapping reference. View the field for 2014, plus full fields going back to 2003; the winners and top three finishers going back to 1998; or the last 16 winners’ prep schedules (including workouts).

The 2014 Kentucky Derby prep schedule and results, with replays, charts, and prep winners’ Beyer speed figures, can be found here. You can see which Derby starters are exiting the four most productive preps on Hello Race Fans.

5/1/14 Update: Trainer Bob Baffert scratches Hoppertunity due to a foot issue, and Pablo Del Monte draws in. He’s a maybe for Saturday, tweets Jonathan Linter: “Trainer Wesley Ward says no guarantees Pablo Del Monte runs in the #kyderby Saturday because it would mean breaking from the outside post.”

More links: Jon White’s Derby Strikes column is up … get free Kentucky Derby past performances from Brisnet … watch Mike Welsch’s Derby clocker reports.

Posted in Racing on April 30, 2014 / Tagged Derby Contenders, Derby Handicapping, Derby History, Kentucky Derby, Spreadsheets