The Road to the Kentucky Derby

As I'm sure most of you reading this are already aware, qualifying for next year's Kentucky Derby is going to be somewhat different than it has been in years past.  Actually, it's going to be a lot different.

Previously, entrants to the Kentucky Derby (of which there are a maximum of twenty) were determined based upon who had the most graded-stakes earnings.  Starting in 2013, qualifying entrants will be determined based upon a new system that rewards points to the top four finishers in thirty-six designated races.  Included among the three dozen designated races are every graded-stakes scheduled to be run in 2013 for three year olds on a dirt track, at a distance of a mile or more, prior to the first Saturday in May.  Well, not every race in that category.  Can you guess who got screwed?

Anyway, the chase for the Kentucky Derby has already begun, with last month's running of Royal Lodge Stakes in Newmarket, England, along with the race formerly known as the Norfolk Stakes at Santa Anita.  Current standings in the chase can be found here.

OK; the new system was announced this summer; the chase races began last month: so why am I blogging about this today?  Well, it's because I just stumbled upon what I think is a pretty neat graphic of The Road to the Kentucky Derby, which I'm going to try to share here.  So here goes:


Road to the Kentucky Derby - Infographic

And let's not forget the ladies:


Road to the Kentucky Oaks - Infographic

Hopefully the above show up OK.  If not, please let me know.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo