This weekend is the first Saturday of May, and if you’re a horse person, you know what that means: The annual Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs – more famously known as the Kentucky Derby. You may have heard of it. If you live in Ocala, you’d have to live underground not to know about the “Fastest Two Minutes in Sports”. Even people who don’t follow horse racing or even like horses will don boutonnieres, wide-brimmed hats, and head to Kentucky, with racing forms clutched in gloved hands and betting money burning holes in pockets.
It’s a big day for all equestrian lovers. For Ocala, where the equine industry is arguably the bedrock of our economic strength, infrastructure, and identity, it’s something like Mardi Gras and St. Paddy’s rolled into one. Invariably each year, there are several horses running in the Derby who have either been bred, raised, or trained in Ocala, so it’s a source of pride for us. Outside of Louisville or Wellington, the heightened anticipation and communal party atmosphere during Derby week is unmatched in its enthusiasm. Our big Derby blog last year explored some of the investment, economic and emotional impact the race has on our community, as well as the long and storied history of our connections to the Derby.
“Typically more than around half of the horses who compete in the Derby annually come were bred, raised, or trained here in Marion County. In recent years, as much as three-quarters of the field has passed through here,” Brock Sheridan, Editor-in-Chief of Florida Equine Communications told us last year. “There are a lot of horses on the Derby trail that started their training in Ocala, which is the premier training ground probably anywhere in the world.”
There’s an enormous emotional and professional investment in breeding, raising, and training these horses in the hope of one day competing in the Derby, and on the day financial payoff can be staggering; bets at the Derby alone have topped out at over $209 million, while online wagers generate up to $32 million. The horse who wins the top prize canters off with a purse of $3 million – the highest in the Triple Crown series – and is generally an odds-on favorite for the subsequent Preakness Stakes two weeks later – and then the Belmont Stakes in early June. This year there are thirteen noble steeds with Ocala roots who are contenders at Churchill Downs – same as there were in 2022 – so we’re well-represented. In fact, it would be unusual not to see an Ocala-bred or trained horse on the contender’s list; that’s how strong the blood is here. This year Forte, Practical Move (whose grandsire, Afleet Alex, was featured in our recent blog about Breyer Horse Connections), and Angel of Empire – all of whom received early training in Ocala – are respectively 1st, 2nd and 3rd on the Leaderboard ranks.
Angel of Empire
Kentucky Derby Qualifying Points: 154
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Owner: Albaugh Family Stables LLC
Jockey:
Breeder: Forgotten Land Investment Inc. & Black Diamond Equine Corp. (Kentucky)
Breeding: Classic Empire – Armony’s Angel, by To Honor and Serve
Auction History:
- 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale: Purchased by current owners for $70,000 from Warrendale Sales consignment.
- 2020 Keeneland November Sale: $32,000 RNA
Last Race:
- Won Grade 1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park on April 1
Record: 6-4-1-0
Earnings: $1,069,375
Ocala/Marion County Connection:
- Received early training at Barry Berkelhammer’s AbraCadabra Farm, Ocala
Forte
Color Sex: Dark bay or brown colt
Kentucky Derby Qualifying Points: 190
Trainer: Todd Pletcher (HOF)
Owner: Repole Racing (Mike Repole) and St. Elias Stable (Vincent Viola)
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Breeder: South Gate Farm (Kentucky)
Breeding: Violence – Queen Caroline, by Blame
Auction History:
- 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale: Purchased by Repole Stable and St. Elias for $110,000 from Eaton Sales consignment
- 2020 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale: Purchased by Silver Hill Farm for $80,000 out of Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services consignment
Last Race:
- Won Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park on April 1
Record: 7-6-0-0
Earnings: $2,409,830
Ocala/Marion County Connection:
- Received early training at Ocala Stud
Other Notes:
- Co-owner Vincent Viola is also the owner of the Florida Panthers
Kingsbarns
Kentucky Derby Qualifying Points: 100
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher (HOF)
Owner: Spendthrift Farm LLC
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Breeder: Parks Investment Group LLC (Kentucky)
Breeding: Uncle Mo – Lady Tapit, by Tapit
Auction History:
- 2022 Fasig-Tipton 2-Year-Old in Training Gulfstream Sale: Purchased by current owners for $800,000 from Tom McCrocklin consignment
- 2021 Fasig-Tipton August Yearling Sale: Purchased by Tom McCrocklin, agent for Champion Equine for $250,000
Last Races: Won the Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds on March 25
Record: 3-3-0-0
Earnings: $657,300
Ocala/Marion County Connection:
- Received early training from Tom McCrocklin, of Ocala.
Lord Miles
**Scratched**
Color Sex: Bay colt
Kentucky Derby Qualifying Points: 105
Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr.
Owner: Vegso Racing Stable
Jockey: Paco Lopez
Breeder: Vegso Racing Stable (Kentucky)
Breeding: Curlin – Lady Esme (Fla.), by Majestic Warrior
Auction History: Did not sell at public auction
Last Races:
- Won Wood Memorial (Grade 2) at Aqueduct on April 8
Record: 5-2-0-1
Earnings: $451,100
Ocala/Marion County Connection:
- Owned and bred by Peter Vegso of Ocala
- Dam Lady Esme is a Florida-bred bred by Vegso Racing Stable
Mage
- Purchased by OGMA Investments for $290,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Timonium 2-year-old sale where he was consignmed by Sequel Bloodstock
- Purchased by New Team for $235,000 at Keenleand September Yearling Sale from Runnymede Farm consignment.
Last Races:
- Second to Forte in Florida Derby (Grade 1) at Gulfstream Park on April 1
Record: 3-1-1-0 Earnings: $247,200 Ocala/Marion County Connection:
- Received early training from Becky Thomas at Sequel Bloodstock in Ocala
Practical Move
**Scratched**
Color Sex: bay colt
Kentucky Derby Qualifying Points: 160
Trainer: Tim Yakteen
Owner: Leslie Amestory, Pierre Jean Amestory Jr., Roger K. Beasley
Jockey: Ramon Vazquez
Breeder: Chad Brown and Head of Plains Partners
Breeding: Practical Joke – Ack Naughty, by Afleet Alex (Fla.)
Auction History:
- Purchased by current owners at OBS Spring Sale for $230,000. Consigned by Eisaman Equine.
- $90,000 RNA at Keeneland September Yearling Sale
Last Race:
- Won the Santa Anita Derby (G1) at Santa Anita on April 8
Record: 7-4-1-1
Earnings: $884,200
Ocala/Marion County Connection:
- Received early training and was consigned by Barry Eisaman at his Eisaman Equine in Williston, Fla
Raise Cain
Trainer: Ben Colebrook
Owner: Andrew N. Warren and Rania Warren
Jockey: Gerardo Corrales
Breeder: Rock Ridge Thoroughbreds LLC (Kentucky)
Breeding: Violence – Lemon Belle (Fla.), by Lemon Drop Kid
Auction History:
- 2022 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Open Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training: $65,000 RNA from Eisaman Equine consignment
- 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale: Purchased by Andrew Warren for $180,000 out of Warrendale Sales consignment
Last Race:
- Fifth in Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland on April 8
Record: 7-2-1-1
Earnings: $296,328
Ocala/Marion County Connection:
- Received early training and was consigned by Barry Eisaman at his Eisaman Equine in Williston, Fla. (352) 529-0060
- Dam Lemon Belle was bred in Florida by Gary Seidler and Peter Vegso
Rocket Can
Kentucky Derby Qualifying Points: 60
Trainer: William I. Mott (HOF)
Owner: Frank Fletcher Racing Operations Inc.
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Breeder: Woodford Thoroughbreds (Kentucky)
Breeding: Into Mischief – Tension, by Tapit
Auction History:
- 2021 Fasig-Tipton New York Saratoga Select Yearling Sale: RNA for $245,000 RNA out of Woodford Thoroughbreds consignment
Last Race:
- Fourth in the Arkansas Derby (G1) won by Kingsbarns at Oaklawn Park on April 1
Record: 7-2-2-0
Earnings: $383,413
Ocala/Marion County Connection:
- Received early training at Woodford Thoroughbreds in Ocala, Fla.
Skinner
Color Sex: Bay colt
Kentucky Derby Qualifying Points: 45
Trainer: John Shirreffs
Owner: CRK Stable LLC
Jockey: Juan Hernandez
Breeder: Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holding (Kentucky)
Breeding: Curlin – Winding Way, by Malibu Moon
Auction History:
- 2022 OBS Spring Sale: Purchased by Mayberry Farm for $510,000 from de Meric Sales consignment
- 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale: Purchased for $40,000 by First Finds out of Warrendale Sales consignment
Last Races:
- Third in the Santa Anita Derby (Grade 1) won by Practical Move at Santa Anita on April 8
Record: 6-1-0-3
Earnings: $216,300
Ocala/Marion County Connection:
- Received early training from Nick and Jaqui de Meric at their Manuden Farm in Ocala
Sun Thunder
Kentucky Derby Qualifying Points: 54
Trainer: Kenneth G. McPeek
Owner: R.T. Racing Stable and Cypress Creek Equine
Jockey: Brain Hernandez Jr.
Breeder: Southern Equine Stables LLC (Kentucky)
Breeding: Into Mischief – Greenfield d’Oro, by Medaglia d’Oro
Auction History:
- 2021 Fasig Tipton New York Saratoga Select Yearling Sale: RNA for $495,000 at where he was consigned by Bluewater Sales
- 2020 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Mixed Sale: Purchased by Jess Amorella as agent at the for $400,000 out of the Bluewater Sales consignment
Last Race:
- Fourth in the Blue Grass (Grade 1) won by Tapit Trice at Keeneland on April 8
Record: 6-1-1-1
Earnings: $247,500
Ocala/Marion County Connection:
- Received early training at trainer Ken McPeek’s Silverleaf Hills Training Center in Summerfield.
Tapit Trice
Kentucky Derby Qualifying Points: 150
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher (HOF)
Owner: Whisper Hill Farm LLC and Gainesway Stable (Anthony Beck)
Jockey: Luis Saez
Breeder: Gainesway Thoroughbreds Ltd. (Kentucky)
Breeding: Tapit – Danzatrice, by Dunkirk
Auction History:
- 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale: Purchased for $1.3 million by Whisper Hill Farm from Gainesway consignment
Last Race:
- Won the Toyota Blue Grass (Grade 1) at Keeneland on April 8.
Record: 5-4-0-1
Earnings: $883,650
Ocala/Marion County Connection:
- Trained at Whisper Hill Training Center, Citra Florida
Two Phil's
Kentucky Derby Qualifying Points: 123
Trainer: Larry Rivelli
Owner: Patricia Hope LLC and Phillip Sagan
Jockey: Jareth Loveberry
Breeder: Phillip Sagan (Kentucky)
Breeding: Hard Spun – Mia Torri (Fla), by General Quarters
Auction History:
- 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale: $150,000 RNA out of the Ballysax Bloodstock consignment
Last Race:
- Won Jeff Ruby Steaks (Grade 3) at Turfway Park on March 25
Record: 10-4-4-1
Earnings: $374,720
Ocala/Marion County Connection:
- Out of the Florida-bred mare Mia Torri, who was bred by Shadybrook Farm Inc.
Verifying
Kentucky Derby Qualifying Points: 54
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Owner: Westerburg, Mrs. John Magnier, Jonathan Poulin, Derrick Smith and Michael B. Tabor
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Breeder: Hunter Valley and Mountmellick Farm LLC
Breeding: Justify – Diva Delinte (Fla), by Repent
Auction History:
- 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale: Purchased by M.V. Magnier for $775,000 from Hunter Valley Farm consignment
Last Race:
- Second to Tapit Trice in the Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland on April 8
Record: 6-2-2-0
Earnings: $489,900
Ocala/Marion County Connection:
- Received early training from David Scanlon at Scanlon Training and Sales near Williston
- Out of the Florida-bred mare Diva Delite bred by Clover Leaf Farms II Inc.
The 149th Kentucky Derby starts Saturday, May 6 at 9:00 am, when the gates open up and let the colorfully swarming crowds in to find their seats before first post at 10:30. The Horse Talk Show is providing coverage of the weekend’s activities, with show host (and Showcase agent) Louisa Barton live from Churchill Downs. Louisa, who has covered the Derby for nearly a decade, is already hard at work interviewing owners, winners, and spectators, as well as getting up early for the breathtaking morning workouts. Coverage will also stream on Equus TV, where her show is also regularly featured. Showcase Properties is proud to be a sponsor of Horse Talk Show’s Derby coverage again this year. “We’re already doing the interviews and posting four times a day in the runup to the Derby,” Barton says.“We cover the pre-race local connections to the top horses, so we can really concentrate on their stories and achievements. We’ve been here since the start of the week, and you could already feel the Derby vibe here. I love it; it’s always such a wonderful experience to come and do this every year.”
UPDATE – 05.05.2023
Due to injury or illness, some of the horses have been replaced in the Derby. New horses in the Leaderboard are Cyclone Mischief, Mandarin Hero, and King Russell. There may be other changes to the lineup between now and Post time, so to view the current and confirmed list of competitors, go to the official Kentucky Derby Leaderboard for all updated information.
If you can’t be in Kentucky, you can join the Hat Party at World Equestrian Center’s main terrace and watch everything on the huge Jumbotron, while sipping a refreshing mint julep with fellow racing fans and horse lovers. If they’re not in Louisville, this is probably the highest local concentration of hats, betting forms and boutonnieres you can find. You can have your own watch party and screen national broadcast and streaming coverage on NBC or Peacock, which will continue Triple Crown coverage with the Preakness Stakes on May 21 and Belmont Stakes June 10.
Additional Resources
https://www.facebook.com/thehorsetalkshow/
(Special coverage 10 am Wed-Fri and 2pm Sat)