Field of 20 for the Derby? I seem to remember, several years ago, some discussion online or on TV that “they” were thinking of cutting down the fields.
So, guess that didn’t go over with the owners? Trainers? ???
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CDI (Churchill Downs) decides how many horses they want in the Derby. Regardless of discussion online or on TV, CDI has no intention of changing that any time soon.
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If someone doesn’t mind catching us up re Churchill Downs … there was a big splash story last year that Churchill Downs was closing.
Apparently it came back?
Anyone know what happened?
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IIRC there was no talk of permanently closing the track, just fixing whatever the problems were perceived with the track surface.
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@OverandOnward, you may be thinking of last summer when racing stopped at Churchill Downs and CDI moved the remainder of their meet to Ellis Park a few weeks earlier than usual while they worked on their surface.
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They did get the new starting gate that is used for the KD.
Each stall is slightly narrower, which allows for them to fit the 20 horses in one gate rather than having to use the main gate & the auxiliary gate.
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boy that is nice! (sarc) squeezing a nervous horse into a narrower stall so they can get more on the track for ONE race. They shouldn’t allow 20 anyway, it is too many on an oval track.
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I’ve looked, but haven’t found anything official…
I’ve seen it being posted on social media by a few different people, that there is a “rule” in place that any horse entered into the KD is not permitted to cross enter for the Pat Day.
Looking for confirmation & reason behind this.
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Oh boy. The crazy has begun.
MRH’s Seize the Grey is now 23rd on the list for starters.
People are gagging over it, hoping he gets in.
God forbid you say anything against them & that train of thought 
The horse isn’t good enough (at THIS point in his career) & he’s proven it in his last two races.
Of course MRH & The Coach will run him if he draws in…
Is it bad/wrong that I just don’t see the Derby to be all that & a bag of chips.
I won’t lie. IF he draws in & IF he miraculously runs well to place in the top 3, of course I would be thrilled. (& gladly eat crow)
I just don’t see it happening no matter how much racing luck he has.
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I hope he does not get in, because I don’t think he is good enough (yet) be competitive. I think he has the potential to be a good horse and I wish he had a different trainer.
I do not like Lukas. Not after Union City broke down in the Preakness in 1993 and not since.
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That’s my opinion, too. I don’t see him being even remotely competitive in the KD, based on that last race. He’s a super cool horse and I’m happy to have a share, but this race is not even remotely the right place for his next start.
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Does Louisville still shut down the schools for the excitement of Derby week? 
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Encino is scratched. Epic Ride has now drawn in.
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Saw this on twitter derby emoji list
https://x.com/a_evers/status/1786028118819377229?s=46&t=eegdnadSv-I7CrvIMmjZ3Q
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Tap it Jenallie is out & Our Pretty Woman is in.
I haven’t made a Derby pick yet. I am leaning towards Sierra Leone but think his chances will very much depend on the early fractions.
But I just want to say I have big love for D. Wayne Lukas’ pony. 
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Barbara Livingston’s Oaks picture on twitter this morning
Pink is the reflection from the tote board
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that is stunning
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