On the Steve Byk radio show today, Jeremy Plonk offered an interesting stat. Over the last 10 years, horses that won the derby were a combined 17/23 in March. His hypothesis being that March preps were more important than April. More food for thought..........
I checked this out and they were a combined 6 for 10. The 17 for 23 just didn\'t seem right.
Thanks for the update. I am a regular listener so I enjoy the info/opinions of you and the guests. 60% isn\'t a bad hit rate, very small sample though.
based on the the derby from 2006-2013, a small sample of 8 derby\'s, 5 won the prior race, 2 lost in a photo (street sense & super saver) and mine that bird. if we use the derby data from 2001-2013, 11 of the 13 derby winners came in first or second in the final prep. the 2 exceptions were mine that bird and giacomo.
based on the current derby top 20, 13 out of the 20 ran 1st or 2nd in their last prep. not a great stat in this derby. years ago it was better when you had 2 yo earnings qualify some horses that didn\'t run well as a 3yo qualify.
Racing silks go high-tech
The aerodynamic Speed Silks are colored by dye sublimation rather than the traditional sewn-on patchwork.
Clothing technology has galloped up to the racing world and four riders in the upcoming Kentucky Derby will be wearing an innovative new type of racing wear.
The developer of Speed Silks, Matt Darby, says having aerodynamically engineered fabric surrounding the jockey that reduces drag, can make all the difference between going down in history or simply being a runner up. They are made from Aero Dimplex material, and the line also includes helmet covers, jockey pants and boot sleeves.
Darby, of Darby Racing Technology LLC, says the fabric is textured much like a golf ball with dimpling that moves air across it with minimal resistance. Drag is as important in horse racing as it is in auto racing or cycling, he says.
Four riders will go to the post wearing Speed Silks at the historic oval at Churchill Downs on May 3 for this year's Kentucky Derby. They are Hoppertunity, with Mike Smith; Vicar's in Trouble with Rosie Napravnik; Chitu with Martin Garcia; and We Miss Artie ridden by Javier Castellano.
A Speed Silks helmet cover.
"When race outcomes like the Kentucky Derby can be determined by a nose or neck, having an aerodynamically engineered fabric surrounding the jockey that reduces drag, can make all the difference between going down in history or simply being a runner up," Darby said.
Speed Silks also offer owners some creative graphic options as they are colored by dye sublimation rather than the traditional sewn-on patchwork. This further reduces weight and drag caused by seams.
"The entire team at Darby Racing Technology is thrilled that our Speed Silks jockey wear will be featured in the Kentucky Derby –and possibly be in the winner's circle– within a year of their introduction," said Darby. "The first Saturday in May can't get here quickly enough."
@DRFWelsch: California Chrome gallops 1 1/2 miles, certainly not the prettiest mover will be interested to see if he goes better on fast track tomorrow
Hmmmm, what happened to the long, fluid stride? Welsch needs to keep this info to himself!
there goes another stat to keep track of. at least I now have my superfecta ticket.
Another clocker just told me he was \"fine\" and noted the surface was wet and chewed up.he said he never saw CC gallop on that type of surface in Cali where he observes him often. Always possible CC will hate the CD surface period.
His long fluid stride is apparent to anyone who watches his races,if they have a clue.