View from the Grandstand

By Bob Hill, TSV Staff Writer —- In 2012, the criteria for qualifying Kentucky Derby entrants was altered. Prior to that time total earnings in graded stakes races were used as the means for determining the ranking of Derby hopefuls. The system was widely criticized due to...

By Bob Hill, TSV Turf Writer —- Derby Day at Churchill Downs offers up seven different Pick-4 or Pick-5 opportunities. That many races will challenge any handicapper’s wallet, so I advise that you play the ones that look most appealing to you. Of course, partnering up with...

By Bob Hill, TSV Staff Writer (Editor’s Note: join Bob and Senior Writer Ron Correll Saturday morning on radio station WFMB 1450 AM at 9:20 am for a complete Derby breakdown) Rain if forecast for Thursday and Friday of this week. For that reason, I am providing Pick 4...

By Bob Hill, TSV Staff Writer —- With apologies to Lauren Stitch and Laurie Ross, both of whom have forgotten more about the pedigrees of thoroughbred horse than I’ve ever known, I’m hoping this layman’s look at sire lines of this year’s Kentucky Derby contenders offers...

By Matt Pappis TSV Staff Writer —- Favorites Classic Empire was a champion at 2-years-old winning the Breeders Cup Juvenile over Not This Time who unfortunately was forced to retire. He has won 5-of-7 career starts only losing when he tossed jockey Irad Ortiz in the Hopeful...

Joan Lawrence/NTRA —- Classic Empire; Coady Photography CLASSIC EMPIRE TAKES FIRST PLACE, NTRA TOP 3-YEAR-OLD POLL ARROGATE REMAINS IN FIRST PLACE & UNANIMOUS CHOICE, NTRA TOP THOROUGHBRED POLL (Receives all 41 first-place votes) Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (Monday, April...