all in Triple Crown

This feature provides a capsule look at three horses who are heating up on the Triple Crown trail and three horses whose chances for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve are not quite as strong as they were a week or two ago.

In this edition, the focus is the previous week of prep races. With the action on the Derby trail heating up, this column will now appear regularly to analyze the biggest movers approaching the first leg of the Triple Crown.

Saturday’s $1 million Rebel Stakes is the third of four qualifying points preps at Oaklawn Park for the May 1 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve and it has an influential history on the road to the Derby.

Horse racing action continues coast to coast this upcoming weekend, highlighted by a $1 million prep race for the Kentucky Derby at Oaklawn Park.

Making the Grade, which will run through the 2021 Triple Crown races, focuses on the winners or top performers of the key races, usually from the previous weekend, who could make an impact on the Triple Crown. We’ll be taking a close look at impressive winners and evaluating their chances to win classic races based upon ability, running style, connections (owner, trainer, jockey), and pedigree.

Rebel Stakes day — the second-biggest day of racing at Oaklawn Park — is Saturday. Only Arkansas Derby day offers higher purses and bigger races at the Hot Springs, Ark. track.

newsletter sign-up

Stay up-to-date with the best from America's Best Racing!

Request Information

Please fill out the form below to request information about race horse ownership.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram TikTok YouTube
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram TikTok YouTube