By Jarrod Horak
The UAE Derby, Florida Derby, and Arkansas Derby were the latest road to Kentucky Derby 2024 points races on Saturday, March 30. In this article, I will look back at those events and update my “Exceptional 11” Kentucky Derby contenders. The Grade 2 Wood Memorial, Grade 1 Blue Grass, and Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby are the next points races on April 6.
Kentucky Derby 2024 Points Race Recaps
UAE Derby – March 30 (Meydan)
Final Time: 1:57.89
Top 5 Finishers: Forever Young, Auto Bahn, Pandagate, Mendelssohn Bay, Navy Seal
Oasis Boy and Auto Bahn made the running in this 1 3/16 miles Derby prep, and strong favorite Forever Young was stalking wide from the outside post. The latter had to work early to establish position from his tough draw. He settle nicely on the backside and was by himself in fifth for a stretch. Oasis Boy was on the fence and Auto Bahn was to his outside and waiting to pounce. Auto Bahn hit the front approaching the home stretch and Forever Young moved up to confront the leader. It was a two-horse race from there and they separated themselves from the rest. Auto Bahn had the lead and tried to spurt away, but Forever Young straightened up in midstretch and kept on coming, and he was too much late and won by two lengths. Auto Bahn was clearly second best. The winner picked up 100 Derby points and will bring a perfect 5-for-5 record to Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.
