ROAD TO DERBY – Jan. 1 Graded Stakes Sneak Preview
Road to the Derby Grades Stakes Preview: We are not wasting any time in 2021 getting back to the Road to the Derby. There are three races on tap this weekend that are derby preps; although only two of the three come with points available to the top four finishers. We will take a quick sneak peek at those races; as well as the other graded stakes races set to go this weekend.
Santa Anita
It’s another busy weekend at Santa Anita and it begins on Friday with the Joe Hernandez Stakes (G2). 11 horses will run 6 ½F on turf for a purse of $200,000.
There are a pair of graded stakes races set to go on the Saturday card; including one that is a Kentucky Derby prep race. The San Gabriel Stakes (G2) is the first to go; with 7 horses set to compete over 1 1/8 on the turf for a purse of $200,000).
The biggest race of the day, though; is the Sham Stakes, which is a Derby prep that will have a small field of five going a mile on the dirt. The top four horses will pick up points (10-4-2-1) that count towards Kentucky Derby qualification.
On Sunday, we have the Santa Ynez Stakes (G3); which will have a seven horse field going 7F over the dirt for a purse of $200,000.
Aqueduct
Of all the horse racing cards over the weekend at Aqueduct; it is the Friday card that stands out; as that is where we will find the Jerome Stakes; another race that is part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby. There are 10-4-2-1 points up for grabs for the top four finishers; with 5 horses set to go a mile over the dirt for a $150,000 purse.
Gulfstream Park
The last of the horse racing cards to feature a major stakes race is at Gulfstream Park on Saturday. While the Mucho Macho Man Stakes is considered a Derby prep race, there are no points available in this one. Still, it is a huge race for the 10 horses going a mile over the dirt.
Be sure to check JAZZ Horse Racing for all the latest horse racing news; previews, and results, as well as up to the minute reports on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
