Nearly took the Holy Bull in dominating fashion on Saturday, Coglianese Photo
Past The Wire TV
The Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks trails took shape this weekend at Gulfstream Park, and there was plenty to unpack.
On this episode of Sunday Morning Coffee, Big Race Jim details the Holy Bull Stakes and Forward Gal Stakes, two key early-season preps that gave us new clues — and new questions — on the Road to the Derby and Oaks.
Topics covered in this episode include:
-A trip and pace breakdown of the Holy Bull Stakes
-Why Nearly’s performance demands attention on the Derby trail
-What went wrong for Cannoneer and others chasing fast fractions
-A smart, tactical ride by Irad Ortiz Jr. in the Forward Gal
-Early thoughts on Oaks contenders coming out of Gulfstream
-How Pace Points fits into Derby and Oaks prep handicapping
-Updates on Tracking Trips and new analysis tools at Past The Wire
This is not just reaction — it’s process-driven analysis designed to help handicappers understand how races were run, not just who won.
👉 Learn more about Pace Points and Tracking Trips at PastTheWire.com
👍 Like the video, subscribe to Past The Wire TV, and join the conversation in the comments.
00:00 Welcome Back & Sunday Morning Coffee Intro
01:45 Weather, Ice Storm & Return to the Show
03:10 Derby & Oaks Trail Update (Schedule Changes)
05:20 Forward Gal Stakes Breakdown
07:40 Irad Ortiz Jr.’s Winning Ride Explained
11:10 What the Forward Gal Means for the Oaks Trail
13:45 Holy Bull Stakes Setup & Early Pace
16:30 Nearly vs. Cannoneer: Where the Race Was Decided
20:10 Is Nearly a Legit Derby Contender?
22:45 Pace Points, Tracking Trips & New Tools
25:30 Industry Talk: CAWs, Odds & Perception
27:20 Final Thoughts & Next Week’s Preps
🏇 Proudly Sponsored By:
☕ Sure Bet Coffee – https://surebetcoffee.com
💰 AmWager – https://amwager.com
🐎 Pleasant Acres Stallions – https://pleasantacresstallions.com
🏆 Spendthrift Farm – https://spendthriftfarm.com
🎉 Tampa Bay Downs – https://tampabaydowns.com
