What's it going to take to make the Derby?

[MrLucky]

I have had 2 previous derby horses but haven't placed yet, what will it take to do it?

I have a pony that really surprised me today in the Equinics and right now he has 113 stake points.
Let me know your thoughts on him.

Lucky's Howie

[kiddman]

Ah, Derby Fever!

I've got it, too! For comparison, here's my best hope, Marty And Rome. I haven't had a Derby runner in my 10+ years in the Sim, but I could get there with this filly. If not, the Oaks would be nice

Because I've never been in the Derby hunt, I don't really know what level of points a runner will need to make the field, but your 113 is better than my 74. I have an idea that you'll need another graded win to insure a spot (or win a "win and you're in" race), but at least placing in another graded race would get you close and MAYBE in... As far as what happens once he's made the field, I'd have my doubts regarding the 10 furlongs, but wouldn't consider Howie an "automatic toss" when handicapping.

In Marty And Rome's case, she's almost certain to need another G1 win or two, or a "win and you're in" success. I do think that she'd deal with the 10 furlongs well if she did make the field, though.

Actually distance is the main reason I'm looking at the Derby for my filly... Not a lot of 9+-furlong races for the fillies out there. Besides, the colt races have much larger purses, more prestige...