Lukas, American Promise Next ‘Derby’ Move

American Promise scoring the Virginia Derby. (Coady Media/Kurtis Coady)

Derby Dispatch

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—The Road to the 151^st Kentucky Derby kicks into high gear Saturday with the season’s first 100-point qualifying races – the $1 million TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (Grade II) and $777,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII).

One week ago, American Promise put himself into the Derby conversation with a determined victory in the VirginiaDerby, giving Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas a legitimate contender at age 89.

The Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds features a competitive field of 10, led by Sam F. Davis Stakes winner John Hancock. Meanwhile, Turfway Park hosts the $777,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII), headlined by Remsen (GII) winner Poster, who will square off against John Battaglia Memorial victor California Burrito in an over-subscribed field of 12 with one also-eligible.

With just six weeks remaining until Derby Day, preparations are ramping up at Churchill Downs. On Tuesday, the backstretch reopened, and horses have begun settling into their spring home ahead of the Spring Meet, which kicks off Saturday, April 26.

Key Races To Watch To Watch 

This weekend there are several races around the world that could have implications on the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. Here are some of the key races:

Saturday

TP, R8 (4:13 p.m.), $250,000 Rushaway, 3yo, 1 1/16 M

TP, R11 (5:43 p.m.), $300,000 Bourbonette Oaks (Listed), 3yo f, 1 1/16 M

FG, R11 (6:08 p.m.), $400,000 Fasig-Tipton Fair Grounds Oaks (GII), 3yo f, 1 1/16 M

TP, R12 (6:25 p.m.), $777,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII), 3yo, 1 1/8 M

FG, R12 (6:42 p.m.), $1 million TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (GII), 3yo, 1 3/16 M

DOWN THE STRETCH … … …… …..

The Road to the Kentucky Oaks continues Saturday at Fair Grounds with the $400,000 Fasig-Tipton Fair Grounds Oaks (GII) and Turfway Park’s $300,000 Bourbonette Oaks (Listed). The Fair Grounds Oaks, featuring undefeated Good Cheer, will award the top five finishers qualifying points on a 100-50-25-15-10 scale toward a spot in the $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) on Friday, May 2 at Churchill Downs. The Bourbonette Oaks awards qualifying points to the top five on a 50-25-15-10-5 scale. …

Tampa Bay Derby (GIII) winner Owen Almighty is set to prep for the Kentucky Derby in the April 5 Blue Grass Stakes (GI), according to trainer Brian Lynch. Jose Ortiz, who rode Owen Almighty in his debut victory, will have the call. …

Owner Mike Repole reported on X that impressive maiden special weight winner Disruptor would run in the March 29 Florida Derby (GI) while allowance-winning stablemate Grande would run in the April 5 Wood Memorial (GII). …

About 200 horses arrived back at Churchill Downs on Tuesday morning following annual winter renovations. The first trainer to arrive was Cherie DeVaux followed by Mike Maker and Kelsey Danner. 

Upcoming Road To Kentucky Derby Races

March 29 (five weeks out) – $1 million Florida Derby (GI), 1 1/8 miles, Gulfstream Park (Top 5 points: 100-50-25-15-10): Known possible starters (with trainer): Disruptor (Todd Pletcher); Jimmy’s Dailys (Brian Lynch); Neoequos (Saffie Joseph Jr.); Sovereignty (Bill Mott);Tappan Street (Brad Cox)

March 29 (five weeks out) – $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (GI), 1 1/8 miles, Oaklawn (Top 5 points: 100-50-25-15-10): Known possible starters (with trainer): Coal Battle (Lonnie Briley); Getaway Car (Bob Baffert); Sandman (Mark Casse); Speed King (Ron Moquett)

April 5 (four weeks out) – $1.25 million Blue Grass (GI), 1 1/8 miles, Keeneland (Top 5 points: 100-50-25-15-10): Known possible starters (with trainer): Burnham Square (Ian Wilkes); Coal Battle (Lonnie Briley); East Avenue (Brendan Walsh);Hill Road (Chad Brown);Owen Almighty (Brian Lynch); River Thames (Todd Pletcher)

April 5 (four weeks out) – $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (GI), 1 1/8 miles, Santa Anita (Top 5 points: 100-50-25-15-10): Known possible starters (with trainer): Baeza (John Shirreffs); Barnes (Bob Baffert); Citizen Bull (Bob Baffert); Journalism (Michael McCarthy)

April 5 (four weeks out) – $750,000 Wood Memorial (GII), 1 1/8 miles, Aqueduct (Top 5 points: 100-50-25-15-10): Known possible starters (with trainer): Captain Cook (Rick Dutrow Jr.);Chancer McPatrick (Chad Brown);Grande (Todd Pletcher); Hill Road (Chad Brown); Sand Devil (Linda Rice);

April 12 (three weeks out) – $400,000 Lexington (GIII), 1 1/16 miles, Keeneland (Top 5 points: 20-10-6-4-2)

Note: The possible fields for upcoming Kentucky Derby Championship Series races are fluid as owners and trainers vie for points. Known possible horses mentioned to be under consideration for each race are based on published news reports and other sources. Horses listed in italics are possible for multiple races.

ROAD TO KENTUCKY DERBY LEADERBOARD –