Juvenile Derby Points in Breeders Cup, Other Races Passed
The “Road to the Kentucky Derby,” a series of races that award points for each year’s GI Kentucky Derby, will feature modifications for the upcoming season, including a score increase for the GI Breeders’ Cup. Juvenile from 20-8-4-2 to 30-12-9-6-3.
Additionally, other preseason races have been raised from 10-4-2-1 to 20-8-6-4-2 to increase the importance of those races. These include GIII Lecomte S. at Fair Grounds, GIII Southwest S. at Oaklawn Park, GIII Withers S. at Aqueduct, GIII Holy Bull S. at Gulfstream Park, GIII Robert B. Lewis S. at Santa Anita, GIII Sam F. Davis S. at Tampa Bay Downs, and John Battaglia Memorial S. at Turfway Park.
Churchill Downs officials also increased the score to be awarded for the top five finishes in most qualifying races on a 10-4-3-2-1 sliding scale. Previously, those races were valued at 10-4-2-1.
Mike Ziegler said: “We believe these modifications adhere to and amplify our goal of putting together the best group of 3-year-olds at the starting gate for a classic 1 1/4 race. miles on the first Saturday in May,” said Mike Ziegler, Vice President and General Manager at Churchill Downs.
The first qualifying points system has been established for the 2013 Derby. Churchill Downs will run the 149th edition of the sport’s signature race on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Road to the Kentucky Derby will be. kicks off Saturday with a $300,000 GIII Iroquois S. prize for 2-year-olds at 1/16 mile on the opening weekend of Churchill’s 14-day September Encounter.
The same changes made to the Road to the Kentucky Derby were made to the Road to the Kentucky Oaks series, which awards qualifying points for the GI Kentucky Oaks, to be held Friday, May 5. May 2023 in this year.
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This story was posted in Top News and tagged Breeders ‘Cup Juvenile, Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Derby Score, Kentucky Oaks, Road to the Kentucky Derby, Road to Kentucky Oaks.