The Kentucky Derby field is official.
Just getting a contender into the 20-horse starting gate is a tall order, much less winning the race.
For most, just making it there is the culmination of years of dreams and determination. For some, having a big bank account and keeping select company can make all of the difference. And it certainly doesn’t hurt to have a bit of all of that and more to make a run for the roses on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
Some of this year’s owners already have a Derby victory under their belts, and they’re hoping to add to their trophy cases and résumés. And there are several who had horses in last year’s field yet came up short. For others, this could be their one and only shot at making history.
Here’s a look at the owners of each Thoroughbred who’ll compete in the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
1. Hit Show (30-1)
Owners:Gary and Mary West.
Trainer:Brad Cox.
Breeding:In Kentucky by Gary and Mary West Stables Inc.
Auction history:None.
Earnings to date:$404,375.
Last time out:Second in Grade 2 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 8.
Other graded stakes results:First in Grade 3 Withers Stakes at Aqueduct on Feb. 11.
Churchill Downs results:Fourth in allowance optional claiming race on Nov. 26, 2022.
About the owners:They founded West Corporation, a technology-driven communications company based in Omaha, Nebraska, more than 30 years ago, according to West Health’s website. “After retiring, the Wests turned their passion and energy to philanthropic initiatives dedicated to making a significant, lasting impact on lowering the cost of healthcare and improving care for older adults — specifically low-income seniors,” the website says. Their Gary and Mary West Foundation, established in 2006, “is solely focused on addressing the needs of vulnerable seniors.” The San Diego Union-Tribune reported in 2019 that, “according to Securities and Exchange Commission records analyzed by the Omaha World-Herald, the Wests received $1.45 billion for their stake when the company went private in 2006.” The Wests were the would-be Kentucky Derby winning owners in 2019, but Maximum Security, who had crossed the finish line first, was disqualified for impeding the progress of other horses.
2. Verifying (15-1)
Owners:Jonathan Poulin, Westerberg Limited (Michael Kussner), Mrs. John Magnier, Derrick Smith and Michael B. Tabor.
Trainer:Brad Cox.
Breeding:In Kentucky by Hunter Valley and Mountmellick Farm LLC.
Auction history:$775,000 to M.V. Magnier at 2021 Keeneland Association September Yearling Sale.
Earnings to date:$489,900.
Last time out:Second in Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on April 8.
Other graded stakes results:Second in Grade 1 Champagne Stakes at Belmont at the Big A on Oct. 1, 2022. Sixth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland on Nov. 4, 2022. Fourth in the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Feb. 25.
Churchill Downs results:None.
About the owners:The partnership includes Michael Tabor, who got into horse racing in the mid-1990s after selling his betting company, Price Arthur, and then becoming a partner in Coolmore Stud, according to America’s Best Racing. Tabor won the 1995 Derby with Thunder Gulch. John Magnier owns Ashford Stud, the home of Coolmore Stud. His wife, Susan, is the daughter of legendary Irish trainer Vincent O’Brien. Derrick Smith has worked in property and currency trading.
3. Two Phil’s (12-1)
Owners:Patricia’s Hope LLC (Vince Foglia) and Phillip Sagan.
Trainer:Larry Rivelli.
Breeding:In Kentucky by Phillip Sagan.
Auction history:Reserve not attained at 2021 Keeneland Association September Yearling Sale.
Earnings to date:$683,450.
Last time out:First in Grade 3 Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park on March 25.
Other graded stakes results:Seventh in Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland on Oct. 8, 2022. First in Grade 3 Street Sense Stakes at Churchill Downs on Oct. 30, 2022. Second in Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds on Jan. 21. Third in Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds on Feb. 18.
Other Churchill Downs results:Fifth in maiden special weight race on June 23, 2022.
About the owners:Patricia’s Hope, owned by Vince Foglia Jr. and his mother, Pat, has an 80% percent stake in Two Phil’s while breeder Phil Sagan has the other 20%, according to the Daily Herald of suburban Chicago. Vince Foglia Sr. co-founded a medical tech company called Sage Products LLC. The Daily Herald reported that Michigan-based Stryker Corporation purchased Sage for a reported $2.7 billion. The family keeps a primary focus on its The Foglia Family Foundation. Vincent Jr. and trainer Larry Rivelli work together often. “He’s the brother I never had,” Rivelli told the Daily Herald. “There was an instant connect. We’re one or two years apart in age, now live near each other, golf together, go to OTBs with some other Italians, just have some very good times. The entire family has been a great blessing in my life. They’re remarkable people.” Sagan’s background is in advertising.
Two Phil’s path to the Kentucky Derby is the result of Sagan’s first Thoroughbred purchase, a filly named Mia Torri, and the colt was her second live foal (the first didn’t make it),” BloodHorse reported. The breeders tried and failed to sell Two Phil’s at sales in both his yearling and juvenile years. “The horse is not supposed to do what he’s done, he’s progressively gotten better and better and he’s kind of a freak to be honest,” Anthony Sagan, Phillip’s son, told BloodHorse. “My father started with one horse in this game and out came Two Phil’s. … Horse racing is a crazy game and that’s why people play it. If only the best horses and best breeds won, the little guys wouldn’t play.”
4. Confidence Game (20-1)
Owner:Don’t Tell My Wife Stables and and Ocean Reef Racing.
Trainer:Keith Desormeaux.
Breeding:In Kentucky by Summer Wind Equine LLC.
Auction history:$25,000 to J. Keith Desormeaux at 2021 Keeneland Association September Yearling Sale.
Earnings to date:$785,525.
Last time out:First in Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Feb. 25.
Other graded stakes results:Fifth in Grade 3 Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs on Sept. 17, 2022. Third in Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds on Jan. 21.
Churchill Downs results:Third in maiden special weight race on July 2, 2022. First in maiden special weight race on Aug. 13, 2022.
About the owners:Don’t Tell My Wife Stables is based in Fort Worth, Texas, and the ownership group’s co-founders are Kirk Godby and Rob Slack. Godby, who followed his father into the horse racing business and started a courier logistics company in Fort Worth, worked as a groom at Louisiana Downs in 1992, according to the stable’s website. Slack worked summers as a mutuel clerk at Saratoga Race Course. Don’t Tell My Wife Stables’ My Boy Jack finished fifth, behind Triple Crown winner Justify, in the 2018 Kentucky Derby. “It was just five years ago that we had My Boy Jack run in the Derby and it’s truly incredible to be back again,” Godby told the Thoroughbred Daily News.
Ocean Reef Racing, a Florida-based syndicate, bought an interest in Confidence Game, the Thoroughbred Daily News reported in early April. Louisville native William “Billy” Paynter heads Ocean Reef. “Our stable has only been in racing for about three years and never in a million years did I think we could have a horse in the Derby in our first three years,” Paynter told the Thoroughbred Daily News. “I can’t even imagine what might happen. I’m going to be a nervous wreck until they come out of the starting gate on Derby day. It’s very exciting for myself, my family and all my partners. It gives me goose bumps just thinking about it.”
5. Tapit Trice (5-1)
Owner:Whisper Hill Farm (Amanda Pope) and Gainesway Stable (Antony Beck).
Trainer:Todd Pletcher.
Breeding:In Kentucky by Gainesway Thoroughbreds Ltd.
Auction history:$1,300,000 to Whisper Hill Farm at 2021 Keeneland Association September Yearling Sale.
Earnings to date:$883,650.
Last time out:First in Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on April 8.
Other graded stakes results:First in Grade 3 Tampa Bay Derby at Tampa Bay Downs on March 11.
Churchill Downs results:None.
About the owners:The Florida-based Whisper Hill Farm is owned by Mandy Pope. Her family owns Variety Wholesalers, a company based in Henderson, North Carolina, which owns more than 380 retail stores in the southeast including the Roses and Maxway stores. Pope has a background in show jumping, then worked with Thoroughbreds with Kinsman Stud and Heather Hill Farm before starting Whisper Hill Farm with her late father, John Pope. Whisper Hill Farm finished fifth in the 2013 Kentucky Derby with Mylute and 17th in 2022 with Charge It.
After breeding and selling Tapit Trice, Gainesway Stable is again part of the colt’s ownership. “(Gainesway general manager) Brian Graves is a very good judge of horses, and he always felt that Tapit Trice was one of their best yearlings that year. For them to buy back into him gave us a lot of confidence and makes it more fun,” Whisper Hill manager Todd Quast said in a report by the Daily Racing Form. Gainesway’s CEO is Antony Beck. The 1,500-acre farm along Paris Pike also encompasses the former Greentree Stud and Whitney Farm. It is the home of Tapit, whose 2023 stud fee is $185,000. Beck’s father, Graham Beck, was a South African business magnate (particularly coal) who purchased Gainesway Farm in 1989.
6. Kingsbarns (12-1)
Owner:Spendthrift Farm LLC (Eric P. Gustavason).
Trainer:Todd Pletcher.
Breeding:In Kentucky by Parks Investment Group LLC.
Auction history:$250,000 to Tom McCrocklin/Agent For Champion Equine at 2021 Fasig-Tipton New York Saratoga Select Yearling Sale; $800,000 to Spendthrift Farm at 2022 Fasig-Tipton Florida Select (Gulfstream) 2-Year-Olds in Training sale.
Earnings to date:$657,300.
Last time out:First in Grade 2 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds on March 25.
Other graded stakes results:None.
Churchill Downs results:None.
About the owner:Spendthrift Farm is owned by by Eric and Tammy Gustavson. Tammy is the daughter of the late B. Wayne Hughes, a billionaire and longtime horse owner. Hughes was the founder and chairman of Public Storage. As a co-owner, Spendthrift’s Authentic won the 2020 Kentucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Spendthrift was also a part owner of Keepmeinmind, which finished sixth in the 2021 Derby.
7. Reincarnate (50-1)
Owners:SF Racing LLC (Gavin Murphy), Starlight Racing (Jack Wolf), Madaket Stables LLC (Sol Kumin and Jason Monteleone), Robert E. Masterson, Stonestreet Stables LLC (Barbara Banke), Jay A. Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital LLC (W. Gregg Slager) and Catherine Donovan.
Trainer:Tim Yakteen.
Breeding:In Kentucky by Woods Edge Farm LLC.
Auction history:$775,000 to SF Bloodstock/Starlight Racing/Madaket Stables at 2021 Keeneland Association September Yearling Sale.
Earnings to date:$345,650.
Last time out:Third in Grade 1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park on April 1.
Other graded stakes results:First in Grade 3 Sham Stakes at Santa Anita on Jan. 8. Third in Grade 2 Rebel Stakes on Feb. 25.
Churchill Downs results:None.
About the owners: The ownership, which campaigned Messier to a 15th-place finish in the 2022 Kentucky Derby, is a consortium led by SF Racing, Starlight Racing and Madaket Stables, who have been dubbed “The Avengers,” according to the Kentucky Derby’s website. SF Racing’s Tom Ryan, who is from Ireland, is based in Lexington and his wife, Katie, is the daughter of former Edmonton Oilers forward Pat Hughes, who won three Stanley Cups. Reincarnate is Starlight Racing’s 14th Derby runner, and it was a part owner of Derby winners Justify and Authentic. Starlight Racing was founded in 2000 by the husband and wife team of Jack and Laurie Wolf, BloodHorse reports. Madaket Stables is run by Sol Kumin, founder and chief executive officer of Folger Hill Asset Management. He was a part owner of 2018 Kentucky Derby winner Justify, 2018 Kentucky Oaks winner Monomoy Girl and 2020 Kentucky Derby winner Authentic.
8. Mage (15-1)
Owners:OGMA Investments LLC, Ramiro Restrepo, Sterling Racing LLC and CMNWLTH.
Trainer:Gustavo Delgado.
Breeding:In Kentucky by Grandview Equine.
Auction history:$235,000 to New Team at 2021 Keeneland Association September Yearling Sale. $290,000 to OGMA Investments at 2022 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale.
Earnings to date:$247,200.
Last time out:Second in Grade 1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park on April 1.
Other graded stakes results:Fourth in Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park on March 4.
Churchill Downs results:None.
About the owners:Mage’s large group of owners includes Ramiro Restrepo, a Miami native who grew up going to horse races at Gulfstream Park in Florida. “This is home. I’ve been coming to this track since 1989 when they allowed children to come here,” he said ahead of Mage’s second-place finish there in the Florida Derby, according to a report by the Paulick Report. “I took the first winner’s circle that they allowed children to take pictures in. To say that you have involvement in a horse that’s running in a race of this caliber, the history, the winners in the past, to have your name in the program and have a horse that can hit the board or maybe hit a miracle win — it’s the greatest feeling of all time.”
Trainer Gustavo Delgado, a native of Venezuela, heads up OGMA Investments, a horse racing partnership. CMNWLTH is a company that sells shares to back an athlete’s or horse’s career.
9. Skinner (20-1)
Owner: CRK Stable LLC (Lee and Susan Searing).
Trainer: John Shirreffs.
Breeding:In Kentucky by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC
Auction history:$40,000 to First Finds at 2021 Keeneland Association September Yearling Sale. $510,000 to Mayberry Farm at 2022 Ocala Breeders’ Sale Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training.
Earnings to date:$216,300.
Last time out:Third in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 8.
Other graded stakes results:Third in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity at Del Mar on Sept. 11, 2022. Sixth in the Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes at Santa Anita on Oct. 8, 2022. Third in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita on March 4.
Churchill Downs results:None.
About the owners:CRK Stable is named for Lee and Susan Searing’s children — Christina, Richard and Katherine. Honor A. P. ran fourth for CRK in the 2020 Kentucky Derby. Lee Searing started Searing Industries, a steel tube and pipe supplier, with his father and brother. It moved from Los Angeles to Rancho Cucamonga, California, and then expanded to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Lee Searing’s love of horse racing originated with trips with family to Hollywood Park, Santa Anita Park and Del Mar. His father owned Thoroughbreds, too, and a report on Lane’s End’s website says that Lee Searing bought his first horse, Secret Touch, when he was 18. “We won our first three races with Secret Touch and I was off and running,” he said.
10. Practical Move (10-1)
Owners:Pierre Jean Amestoy Jr., Leslie A. Amestoy and Roger K. Beasley.
Trainer:Tim Yakteen.
Breeding:In Kentucky by Chad Brown and Head of Plains Partners.
Auction history:Reserve not attained at 2021 Keeneland Association September Yearling Sale; $230,000 to Pierre Amestoy, Leslie Amestoy and Roger Beasley at 2021 Ocala Breeders’ Sale Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training.
Earnings to date:$884,200.
Last time out:First in Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 8.
Other graded stakes results:Third in Grade 3 Bob Hope Stakes at Del Mar on Nov. 20, 2022. First in Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity on Dec. 17, 2022. First in Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes on March 4.
Churchill Downs results:None.
About the owners:The Amestoys have never been to a Kentucky Derby before, not even as spectators, the Thoroughbred Daily News reported. The Amestoys’ base is a five-acre farm in Albuquerque, New Mexico, though they purchased Lobo Farm in Paris, Kentucky, following their marriage in 1988, and then sold it in 2011. They are known for campaigning champion Quarter Horses, including First to Flash (2002) and First Moonflash (2009). “We have done very well in the Quarter Horse industry,” Pierre Jean Amestoy told the Thoroughbred Daily News. “We’ve had two champions, lots of graded and Grade 1 wins, but Thoroughbreds have always been our first play.” Pierre Amestoy also operates a drywall, stucco and land development company, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Beasley and the Amestoys previously bought Quarter Horses together. Beasley owns car dealerships in Austin, Texas, the Los Angeles Times reported.
11. Disarm (30-1)
Owner:Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC (Ron Winchell).
Trainer:Steve Asmussen.
Breeding:In Kentucky by Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC.
Auction history:None.
Earnings to date:$327,850.
Last time out:Third in Grade 3 Stonestreet Lexington Stakes at Keeneland on April 15.
Other graded stakes results:Second in Grade 2 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds on March 25.
Churchill Downs results:Third in maiden special weight race on June 19, 2022.
About the owners: Winchell Thoroughbreds, a racing and breeding operation, was started by Verne Winchell, who died in 2002. The Illinois native founded the doughnut company Winchell’s. That company merged with Denny’s in 1967. Winchell Thoroughbreds is now a partnership of Joan Winchell and her son, Ron. They campaigned 2004 Wood Memorial winner Tapit, now one of the world’s leading stallions who stands at Gainesway Farm in Kentucky. Winchell Thoroughbreds owns a 50% share of both Tapit and Gun Runner, another one of the sport’s top stallions. The Winchells own 320-acre Corinthia Farm near Lexington.
Ron Winchell is involved in gaming bars/restaurants, construction, and real estate development. In partnership, Winchell purchased Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Kentucky, in November 2018. It campaigned Epicenter, last year’s second-place Kentucky Derby finisher. It had Midnight Bourbon, which was sixth in 2021.
“I have been going to races for as long as I can remember,” Ron Winchell told BloodHorse ahead of last year’s Derby. “I have a lot of memories of going to Santa Anita Park with my dad. As I got older, he treated me more like a partner than a son. We did everything together, especially in the latter part of his life. We went to sales together. He was very impactful on my life. He chased the Kentucky Derby for probably 50 years and since he passed away in 2002 (at the age of 87), I’ve picked up the chase for him.”
12. Jace’s Road (50-1)
Owner:West Point Thoroughbreds (Terry Finley) and Albaugh Family Stables LLC (Dennis Albaugh).
Trainer:Brad Cox.
Breeding:In Kentucky by Colts Neck Stables LLC.
Auction history:$510,000 to Albaugh Family/West Point Thoroughbreds at 2021 Keeneland Association September Yearling Sale.
Earnings to date:$238,050.
Last time out:Third in Grade 2 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds on March 25.
Other graded stakes results:Third in Grade 3 Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs on Sept. 17, 2022. Eighth in Grade 3 Street Sense Stakes at Churchill Downs on Oct. 30, 2022. Fifth in Grade 3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Jan. 28.
Other Churchill Downs results:None.
About the owners:West Point Thoroughbreds, which campaigned O Besos to a fourth-place finish in 2021, is another horse racing syndicate, this one founded by president and CEO Terry Finley. He’s a West Point graduate. West Point Thoroughbreds was part of the ownership of 2017 Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming. For more on Albaugh Family Stables, refer to Angel of Empire.
13. Sun Thunder (50-1)
Owners:RT Racing Stable (Ramon Tallaj) and Cypress Creek Equine (Kevin Moody).
Trainer:Kenny McPeek.
Breeding:In Kentucky by Southern Equine Stables LLC.
Auction history:$400,000 to Jess Amorella (agent) at 2020 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Mixed Sale. Reserve not attained at 2021 Fasig-Tipton New York Saratoga Select Yearling Sale.
Earnings to date:$247,500.
Last time out:Fourth in Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on April 8.
Other graded stakes results:Fourth in Grade 3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Jan. 28. Second in Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds on Feb. 18. Fifth in Grade 2 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds on March 25.
Churchill Downs results:Third in maiden special weight race on Nov. 26, 2022.
About the owners:Cypress Creek Equine, which is based in Lafayette, Louisiana, campaigned Keepmeinmind — as a part owner — to a sixth-place finish in the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Cypress Creek Equine, which has a farm near Midway, was also a part owner of Un Ojo, the one-eyed horse who was at one time on the Derby trail for 2022. Ramon Tallaj, born in the Dominican Republic, is a doctor specializing in internal medicine who is based in New York City. He founded SOMOS Community Care, a “physician-led network of 2,500 healthcare providers serving over 1 million Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries in New York City’s immigrant communities,” according to that organization’s website.
14. Angel of Empire (8-1)
Owner:Albaugh Family Stables LLC (Dennis Albaugh).
Trainer:Brad Cox.
Breeding:In Pennsylvania by Forgotten Land Investment Inc. and Black Diamond Equine Corp.
Auction history:Reserve not attained at 2020 Keeneland Association November Breeding Stock Sale. $70,000 to Albaugh Family Stables at 2021 Keeneland Association September Yearling Sale.
Earnings to date:$1,069,375.
Last time out:First in Grade 1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park on April 1.
Other graded stakes results:First in Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds on Feb. 18.
Churchill Downs results:None.
About the owners:Albaugh Family Stables, based in Des Moines, Iowa, is a racing operation run by Jason Loutsch and father-in-law Dennis Albaugh, who also owns a pesticide company called Albaugh Inc., which is headquartered in Ankeny, Iowa. One of the stable’s notable horses is Brody’s Cause, which won the 2015 Breeders’ Futurity and 2016 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland and went on to finish seventh in the 2016 Kentucky Derby. Albaugh is known for his large car collection, particularly Chevrolets. Loutsch is also a co-owner of Iowa-based home builder MJ Properties.
15. Forte (3-1)
Owners:Repole Stable (Mike Repole) and St. Elias Stable (Vincent Viola).
Trainer:Todd Pletcher.
Breeding:In Kentucky by South Gate Farm.
Auction history:$80,000 to Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services at 2020 Keeneland Association November Breeding Stock Sale. $100,000 to Eaton Sales at 2021 Keeneland Association September Yearling Sale.
Earnings to date:$2,409,830.
Last time out:First in Grade 1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park on April 1.
Other graded stakes results:Fourth in Grade 3 Sanford Stakes at Saratoga on July 16, 2022. First in Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga on Sept. 5, 2022. First in Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland on Oct. 8, 2022. First in Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland on Nov. 4, 2022. First in Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park on March 4.
Churchill Downs results:None.
About the owners:Repole Stable is owned by Mike Repole, who is known for co-founding Glacéau (maker of Vitaminwater), which sold to Coca-Cola for $4.1 billion, and BodyArmor SuperDrink, a sports drink manufacturer now partially owned by Coca-Cola. He was the owner for Uncle Mo, who was the 2010 Eclipse Award winner for 2-year old colts and has gone on to be a top stallion. In 2022, Repole Stable teamed with Donegal Racing as owners of fifth-place Derby finisher Mo Donegal. Repole Stable’s best Derby finish among seven prior starters was ninth in 2018 with Vino Rosso, who went on to win the 2019 Breeders’ Cup Classic.
St. Elias Stable is owned by Vincent Viola, founder and executive chairman of Virtu Financial (providers of financial services, trading products and market making services) and former chairman of the New York Mercantile Exchange. The New York native graduated from the United States Military Academy. Viola also owns the NHL’s Florida Panthers. He was a co-owner of 2017 Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming and previously teamed with Repole Stable on the ownership of 2019 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Vino Rosso. Forbes estimates his net worth at $3.3 billion.
16. Raise Cain (50-1)
Owners:Andrew N. Warren and Rania Warren.
Trainer:Ben Colebrook.
Breeding:In Kentucky by Rock Ridge Thoroughbreds LLC.
Auction history:$180,000 to Andrew N. Warren at 2021 Keeneland Association September Yearling Sale. Reserve not attained at 2022 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company June 2-Year-Olds & Horses of Racing Age Sale.
Earnings to date:$296,328.
Last time out:Fifth in Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on April 8.
Other graded stakes results:First in Grade 3 Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct on March 4.
Churchill Downs results:Eighth in maiden special weight races on Sept. 17, 2022.
About the owners:Raise Cain’s Gotham Stakes score was the first graded stakes victory of the Warrens’ short time as Thoroughbred owners. The Thoroughbred Daily News reported that Andrew Warren is following in the footsteps of his parents, William and Suzanne Warren, who campaigned 2005 Horse of the Year Saint Liam and 2018 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner City of Light.
“I was intrigued by the breeding aspect of the game and how horses could sell for astronomical prices at the sales,” Warren told the Thoroughbred Daily News. “I wanted to buy one filly, race her, and then breed her to City of Light and get a really nice foal. … The plan changed a bit and I ended up buying a few more horses than I anticipated. I became intrigued with the talent selection process and with trying to find that needle in the haystack.”
Warren’s parents had two Kentucky Derby starters, Knockadoon, who finished seventh in 1995, and Denis of Cork, who was third in 2008. “We got to experience those thrills, those highs, as a family,” Andrew Warren told Trainer Magazine. “I was 13 in 1995. It was a great time to be a kid and go to the Derby.”
William Warren founded what became known as the Warren Petroleum Corporation. At one point, the company had the world’s largest privately owned fleet of railroad tank cars, according to the Oklahoma Historical Society. That organization also says the William K. Warren Foundation was instrumental in the establishment of Tulsa’s St. Francis Hospital in 1960.
17. Derma Sotogake (10-1)
Owner:Hiroyuki Asanuma.
Trainer:Hidetaka Otonashi.
Breeding:In Japan by Shadai Farm.
Auction history:$163,397 to Hiroyuki Asanuma at 2021 JRHA Yearling and Foal Sale.
Earnings to date:$1,162,164.
Last time out:First in Grade 2 UAE Derby at Meydan Racecourse on March 25.
Other graded stakes results:Third in Grade 3 Saudi Derby at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Feb. 25.
Churchill Downs results:None.
About the owner:Asanuma has a direct connection to Derma Sotogake’s breeder, Shadai Farm. Asanuma’s daughter is married to the son of Shadai’s owner, Teruya Yoshida, the Thoroughbred Daily News reported. According to the Kentucky Derby website, Asanuma’s runners are identifiable by their “Derma” names, a reference to his profession as a dermatologist.
18. Rocket Can (30-1)
Owner:Frank Fletcher Racing Operations Inc.
Trainer:Bill Mott.
Breeding:In Kentucky by Woodford Thoroughbreds LLC.
Auction history:Reserve not attained at 2021 Fasig-Tipton New York Saratoga Select Yearling Sale.
Earnings to date:$383,413.
Last time out:Fourth in Grade 1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park on April 1.
Other graded stakes results:First in Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 4. Second in Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park on March 4.
Churchill Downs results:First in maiden special weight race on Oct. 30, 2022. Second in allowance optional claiming race on Nov. 26, 2022.
About the owner:Frank Fletcher, 80 as of the end of March, is an Arkansas native and University of Arkansas alumnus who is a highly successful businessman in the state, with interests ranging from furs to restaurants, hotels to automobile dealerships, according to a report by his home track, Oaklawn Park. Winning the Arkansas Derby is actually Fletcher’s ultimate goal, but he has yet to do so in three attempts, including Rocket Can’s fourth-place finish in early April. Fletcher worked with and for Walmart founder Sam Walton early in his career. According to his biography on the Fletcher Auto Group’s website, that is part of the reason he has been involved in numerous business ventures: “Why so much diversity? Mr. Walton taught me to never have all your marbles in one bag.”
19. Lord Miles (30-1)
Owner:Vegso Racing Stable.
Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr.
Breeding:In Kentucky by Vegso Racing Stable.
Auction history:None.
Earnings to date:$451,100.
Last time out:First in Grade 2 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 8.
Other graded stakes results:Sixth in Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 4. Fifth in Grade 3 Tampa Bay Derby at Tampa Bay Downs on March 11.
Churchill Downs results:None.
About the owners:Vegso Racing Stable is a family farm owned by Peter and Anne Vegso, who bred Lord Miles. Peter Vegso owned a small health and wellness publishing company (HCI) in Florida that made it big when it took a chance on the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series’ creators. He purchased what is now Vegso Racing Stable’s farm in Ocala, Florida, in 1993. Vesgo thought he had a Kentucky Derby contender in 1994 with Bay Street Star, but that horse had to be scratched from the Wood Memorial after an accident exiting the van before that race.
20. Continuar (50-1)
Owner: Lion Race Horse Co. Ltd.
Trainer:Yoshito Yahagi.
Breeding:In Japan by Lake Villa Farm.
Auction history:$635,432 to Toshihiko Tabata at 2021 JRHA Yearling and Foal Sale.
Earnings to date:$337,889.
Last time out:Third in Grade 2 UAE Derby at Meydan Racecourse.
Other graded stakes results:Fifth in Grade 3 Saudi Derby at King Abdulaziz Racecourse.
Churchill Downs results:None.
About Lion Race Horse: It is one of the smaller racing organizations in Japan, the Thoroughbred Daily News reported in an interview with Kate Hunter, who is based in Japan as the founder of Marugai Racing and is the country’s representative for Churchill Downs.
Note: Also-eligibles for the Kentucky Derby field are 21. Cyclone Mischief (30-1); 22. Mandarin Hero (20-1); and 23. King Russell (50-1). Horses listed as also-eligible only gain entry to the Kentucky Derby field if one of the primary 20 is scratched before 9 a.m. Friday, May 5.
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