KEE meet, SUN Derby cancelled; KY Derby to September 5th..

[Betsy]

Here’s something:

According to multiple sources, all close to the situation, “The Pressbox” has learned that the 146th Kentucky Derby — which has been scheduled for May 2, 2020 — will be moved to Saturday, Sept. 5 due to complications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Pressbox” has also learned that Churchill Downs will hold a teleconference on Tuesday, March 17 at 9 a.m. ET to announce the news and begin official preparations for the sport’s longest-running and most historic Grade 1 Stakes event.

https://twitter.com/thepressboxlts/stat ... 4766267392

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

With a quick scan of the past 30-odd Derby winners the phrase "sturdy enough" does not come to mind.

At this point it is strictly a test for precocity. Stamina or sturdiness hardly factor into it at all despite the 10 furlong distance.


Run it after the BC Classic on Thanksgiving weekend the same day as the Kentucky Jockey Club to double up on promotion for the 2021 Derby. Would be a better barometer of champion 3yo that way. Might draw a South American or two...

Keeneland can run the Blue Grass as a prep race on the BC undercard.


New York Triple Crown. Withers, Peter Pan, Belmont Stakes. Keep it rolling with the Dwyer. Add a points system with some bonus money.

Maybe sturdy isn’t the right word....my point was that the race is a test of more than just talent. Some horses aren’t ready for the distance in May, some never will be. I don’t think it’s strictly a test of precocity or else we’d have a multitude of winners who broke their maidens at 5 furlongs.

That’s not a bad idea at all - I much prefer it to September. Still, these colts will be even more like 4 year olds then..,it almost shouldn’t be called a Derby.

I like the N.Y Triple Crown idea...