Share your thoughts to the world! What do you think of the new derby point system this year?
Iām actually a bit divided on this. I like that it has reduced the importance of the Breeders Cup Juvenile (a race that was an automatic-in and, letās be honest, usually produced some pretty horrid Derby contenders) and other 2-year-old stakes races. However, Iām frustrated that fillies are basically eliminated from the field. What sane trainer would risk a race against stallions when thereās plenty of (much safer) money in the female division? In my opinion, the races that fillies compete in for Kentucky Oaks points should still count toward Kentucky Derby points, though perhaps not as many. I think a fair system would allow a filly to earn half as many points for the Derby as she earns for the Oaks while entered in the Oaks prep races. That way there are still fewer fillies than colts in the field (because colts can only compete in the Derby), but the top fillies have the option in competing in either.Ā
To sum it up, I think this system has potential (and appears to work better as far as filtering the CURRENT best 3-year-olds, who often arenāt great at 2), but still needs some tinkering. Hopefully they can get things right for next year ;)
