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Welcome to TheDerbyTrail.com!
On this site you can learn all about the Kentucky Derby 2008; the race, the contenders, Churchill Downs, ways to get tickets, info on hats, and of course placing bets! You can also check out some trivia and learn about throwing a Kentucky Derby party! |
"The most exciting two minutes in sports" will happen again on May 3, 2008 at Churchill Downs for the 134th time. Over 150,000 people will attend the track and many more will be watching thru TV and simulcast throughout the world.
Churchill Downs is of course the track that hosts the Derby. Located in Louisville Kentucky, CD officially opened in 1875 and has been running the Derby and the Oaks every year since. However, many of the symbols associated with the Derby came later; primarily in 1895 with the commissioning of the famous "twin spires" and the introduction of roses for the winner.
Getting a ticket to party in the infield may not be too difficult, but if you want to see the Kentucky Derby it may be a bit tough, and Louisville hotels make a small fortune on the days around the Derby. Tickets start at $350 and quickly go up from there. Many tickets cost well over $1,000. DerbyBox is one site where you can get tickets and packages and use a pretty cool interactive seat map.
The Entries
The field, by their post position from the rail out...
Cool Coal Man (20-1)
Tale of Ekati (15-1)
Anak Nakal (30-1)
Court Vision (20-1)
Eight Belles (20-1)
Z Fortune (15-1)
Big Truck (50-1)
Visionaire (20-1)
Pyro (6-1)
Colonel John (4-1)
Z Humor (30-1)
Smooth Air (20-1)
Bob Black Jack (20-1)
Monba (15-1)
Adriano (30-1)
Denis of Cork (20-1)
Cowboy Cal (20-1)
Recapturetheglory (20-1)
Gayego (15-1)
Big Brown (3-1)
Here were the top contenders based on the Futures Pool 3 odds.
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Adriano 20-1 |
Liberty Bull 50-1 |
Previous Favorites
These were the favorites from the Futures Pool 2. See the differences from above!
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War Pass 5-1 |
Georgie Boy 20-1 |
A set of races that occurs before the Derby. Derby contenders will run in these races to show their qualification for the Kentucky Derby. There is no official list. Below is one version. If you want to get handicapping information to bet on just these races you can visit Case The Race.
Turfway Park - Lane's End (G2) 03/22
Gulfstream Park - Florida Derby (G1) 03/29
Aqueduct - Wood Memorial (G1) 04/05
Hawthorne - Illinois Derby (G2) 04/05
Santa Anita - Santa Anita Derby (G1) 04/05
Gulfstream Park - Holy Bull Stakes (G3) 04/12
Keeneland - Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1) 04/12
Oaklawn Park - Arkansas Derby (G2) 04/12
Keeneland - Coolmore Lexington Stakes (G2) 04/19
Churchill Downs - Kentucky Oaks (G1) 05/02
Churchill Downs - Kentucky Derby (G1) 05/03
Pimlico - Preakness Stakes (G1) 05/17
Belmont - Belmont Stakes (G1) 06/07
Depending on the tickets you’re holding, the Derby experience can vary widely. If you’re fortunate enough to be seated in a luxury box, expect a few celebrity sightings, an elegant ambiance, formal dress code, great views of the track, and no lines for the restrooms. At the other extreme, is the infamous infield experience. Expect an unforgettable day of partying with a casually dressed or partially undressed crowd (pray for sun). The infield is packed with flowing beer taps, bountiful bourbon trucks, and lots of good barbecue. You’ll wait in long lines to use the portable bathrooms and will probably see the races only via the big screen. But, after two or three mint juleps, you won’t even care!
The Derby Futures allow you to bet on the outcome of the Derby months before the race is run. See the list above for a few entries in the pool. If you want to place a bet you can use TwinSpires.com.
Of course you will want to bet on the Derby! It’s half the fun! There are many on-track and off-track betting locations and you can open a wagering account with various on-line companies if you don’t already have one. You can use TwinSpires.com for betting on races at Churchill Downs. You could pick the horse with the best name, but in order to make the most informed decision you should rely on good handicapping information. Case The Race offers new handicapping data and has several Derby packages that are easy to use and will give you an advantage.
Q. What was is the fastest Derby time?
A. Secretariat, 1973 1:58, the only horse to break the 2 minute barrier. Secretariat went on to win the Triple Crown that year.
Q. What was the slowest Derby time?
A. Stone Street (1908) 2:15 (only looking at mile and a quarter distances).
Q. Has any male ever sired multiple Derby winners?
A. Reviewing data back to 1940 there have been a couple, but Bull Lea has the most with three Citation (1948), Hill Gail (1952), and Iron Liege (1957)
Q. Who was the first triple crown winner?
A. Sir Barton in 1919.
Q. Who is the most recent triple crown winner?
A. Affirmed, in 1978. The last to get close was Real Quiet who only lost the Belmont Stakes by a nose in 1998.
Q. Has the Derby always been a mile and a quarter?
A. No, it was changed from a mile and a half in 1896.
Q. What was the most bizarre Derby incident?
A. In 1957 Willie “The Shoe” Shoemaker was riding Gallant Man. In the lead and sure to win, Willie misjudged the finish line and stood up, where upon he was passed by Bill Hartack riding Iron Liege. However, in 1986 Willie came back and won the Derby aboard Ferdinand, and became the oldest jockey to win the race at age 54.
Q. Has a jockey won the Derby more than once?
A. Yes a few have, but Bill Hartack and Eddie Arcaro share the top spot honor with 5 wins each.
Q. What should you drink on Derby day?
A. A mint Julep!
4 fresh mint sprigs
2 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
1 tsp powdered sugar
2 tsp water
Muddle mint leaves, powdered sugar, and water in a collins glass. Fill the glass with shaved or crushed ice and add bourbon. Top with more ice and garnish with a mint sprig. Serve with a straw.