Like to know that as well. Is it just a mossy old tradition from back when women’s sports were afterthoughts nobody ever thought to change? From when 3yo fillies should be barefoot and pregnant?
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Yes, probably. I don’t know the real answer, but my guess would be that the Derby (insert trumpets here!!) is such a big deal, both betting-wise and attendance-wise that CDI is willing to compromise safety concerns in order to maximize their returns.
Another thought: because the Derby has stallion-making value, there are always plenty of owners willing to pay to enter in the hope that their horse gets lucky. With the Oaks, there isn’t nearly as much chance of future earnings on the line. It probably seldom overfills.
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I read somewhere that filly & mare races don’t get as much betting activity as races that aren’t restricted by sex. The Oaks no doubt draws a bigger handle than a $12,500 maiden claimer for mares 3 & up, but in the article I read there was a racing secretary complaining about filly races being terrible business betting wise.
Maybe they are a victim of the hysterical female explanation for a disappointing performance from losing bettors looking for something to blame for their bad handicapping losses? Besides the jockey, the footing, the wind, bad karma etc.
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Owen Almighty wins the Tampa Bay Derby, securing 50 points, putting him at 65 total now.
Things are still (slightly) up in the air for Caldera’s next start, but looks like Lukas is still going to give his other 2 another shot at getting derby points.
https://paulickreport.com/news/triple-crown/wayne-lukas-reveals-derby-prep-plans-for-trio
Santa Anita Derby contenders.
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I’m just glad Baffert didn’t win the San Felipe…with 2 entries in a 5-horse field no less. < heh heh heh > Go Journalism!
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American Promise set a new track record while easily winning the VA Derby & securing his place in the KD.
Luka’s has 2 more horses running in prep races.
Caldera in the LA Derby & Innovator in the Jeff Ruby.
Fingers crossed Caldera brings his A game on Saturday 
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The commentators kept saying how huge American Promise is. He certainly looked big, I’d like to know how tall he is.
He was impressive in his win.
(Would love to love this horse, but can’t stand his trainer. I know, that makes no senses, but that is the way I feel.)
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I totally understand. Age has done Lukas some favors in terms of softening his image. But many of us have not forgotten how he burned through horses at the height of his fame.
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Final Gambit (by Not This Time) won the Jeff Ruby Stakes (I refuse to call it “steaks”). And Tiztastic (by Tiz the Law) won the Louisiana Derby. Both out of Tapit mares. Tapit already has a legacy as a great sire of runners, now is confirming a legacy as a great broodmare sire.
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Sorry about derailing the Triple Crown thread, but also yesterday Red Route One (five years old now) won the Essex Stakes at Oaklawn–by Gun Runner out of a Tapit mare.
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California Burrito (awful name) had an eventful race:
Excerpts:
“He took an awkward step and stumbled as the field approached the eighth pole”
“For a split second your heart’s in your throat,” Drury Jr. said. “You’re not sure what happened and it scares you to death. I’m glad he’s home safe…”
“they believe the incident was caused by California Burrito spooking at tire tracks left over from the starting gate’s removal.”
“He had locked onto the tire track well before he got to it. Anybody that’s ridden horses; you can feel them sucking back on you,” Drury Jr. said. “(Moncada) said all of a sudden the head came up and (California Burrito) just kind of shut off. When he got to the tire tracks, he couldn’t decide if he wanted to jump it or duck away from it. He ended up just kind of halfway stumbling over it.”
"“This is where Irving is a little bit ahead of his time,” [the trainer] said of the apprentice. "He came back and said, ‘Tommy, I didn’t know if he grabbed a quarter, I didn’t know if he pulled a shoe off, I didn’t want to take any chances with a horse of this caliber. At that point I just put him away.’ Job well done.
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Hoping for great results for Coal Battle this weekend!
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cute interview with Coal Battle. He has a pretty head and a super fun temperament.
COAL BATTLE the day after his win in the Rebel Stakes (G2)
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He is so cute and personable. 
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Thanks for posting these. Hard keep track of multiple races at different tracks.
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Looking forward to watching the Arkansas Derby!
