The final weekend of March is shaping up to be perhaps the biggest in the world of horse racing so far in 2021. Two Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve qualifying races each offering a total of 170 points are scheduled for Saturday in the U.S., and another one will be run in the United Arab Emirates along with a smorgasbord of top-class racing as part of the Dubai World Cup card.

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.