Road to the Kentucky Derby – More Prep Races Coming This Weekend
Prep Races: The end of 2020 and the start of the New Year are going to be big in the Road to the Kentucky Derby, as we have a trio of prep races set to go this weekend. It all begins on Friday at Aqueduct with the running of the Jerome.
Trio of Derby Prep Races
That is then followed by two races on Saturday, which are the Sham at Santa Anita Park and the Mucho Macho Man at Gulfstream Park. The latter of the three races does not have points up for grabs, but it is still part of the 36 prep races in the Road to the Kentucky Derby. We will have more information on these races, as well as the other graded stakes races this weekend, a little later in the week, but for now, let’s take a brief look at the prep races.
Friday, January 1 – 2021 Jerome at Aqueduct
A talented group of 3-year-olds is expected to hit the track on Friday, racing a mile for a share of a $150,000 purse. The current field of six will also be looking to claim some points in the quest to be a part of the 2021 Kentucky Derby, with the top four all picking up points (10-4-2-1). Eagle Orb, who picked up a win at the Notebook Stakes is expected to run and will likely be among the favorites. We might also see Swill, the winner of the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2).
Saturday, January 2 – 2021 Sham Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita
This was the race that Authentic won for Bob Baffert last year and the trainer is expected to be back with another contender on Saturday. Life is Good is expected to be among the field for the mile race this weekend. This is another one where we have points (10-4-2-1) up for grabs for the top four. Uncle Boogie, who finished second to Red Flag at the Bob Hope Stakes, is another who might get a start here.
Saturday, January 2 – 2021 Mucho Macho Man at Gulfstream Park
The final weekend prep race in the Road to the Kentucky Derby foes on Saturday at Gulfstream Park, although there are no points available in this one. There are several possible who could get the start here, including Smiley Sobotka, who finished second at the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2), and Mutasaabeq, who could potentially move to dirt after a pair of turf races that included a win at the Bourbon Stakes (G2).
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