All Equine All The Time

Last weekend was a big one for racing on both sides of the Atlantic as the first major classic races of the year took place in England and the United States. As is usually the case, the classics weren’t the only stakes races on their respective cards with 20 blacktype events taking place over the three days of racing between Churchill Downs and Newmarket. As is often the case in these weekends, some pedigrees looked familiar no matter where you were so s it back and enjoy the show as we take you through some of the bigger points of the weekend. Sire Lines – First, let’s get the overall numbers out on the table. Sixty horses sired by 48 different stallions placed finished in the top three in the stakes over the weekend with those 48 stallions hailing from seven different sire lines. Not surprisingly, Northern Dancer led everyone with 28 placers, including six winners (21.4%), followed by Mr. Prospector with 14 (six winners – 42.8%), and A.P. Indy with seven – including two win...

With the first Saturday in May quickly approaching, the field has been drawn with 20 horses in the main body and one also eligible who will get into the field if a runner scratches early Friday. This year, three stallions have two or more entries led by Scat Daddy with four with 15 stallions overall having entries in the race. However, showing how hard it is to get one Derby entry - let alone four – only one of the stallions this century to sire a Kentucky Derby winner also has a runner this year (Malibu Moon with Magnum Moon). From homebreds to $3 million purchases and well-seasoned horses to those who just started running a few months ago, this year’s Derby has something for everyone. To get you ready for Saturday’s race (running at 6:50p.m. ET), here are 18 facts as we head to one of the biggest races of the year. Bargain Mares – While it’s undoubtedly hard to breed a Derby runner, it would have been relatively inexpensive to buy many of the dams of this year’s Derby run...