Welcome to the first edition of the National HBPA's Quest for the Crown, a weekly look at the major prep races on the road to the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.
Below you will find a variety of links to previews, analysis, video, free PPs and more for the $200,000 El Camino Real Derby (G3) at Golden Gate Fields on Saturday, February 16, and the $300,000 Southwest Stakes on Monday, February 18, at Oaklawn Park.
After the links for both races, you will also find useful information about the Kentucky Derby prep race schedule, points standings and leading contenders.
If you have a link to suggest, please email hj@hbpa.org. You may also post your comments or selections to this blog by clicking the comment link at the bottom of this posting.
$200,000 El Camino Real Derby (G3) * Golden Gate * 2/16 * Approx. Post - 4:22 PT
Hollendorfer Seeks Sixth El Camino Real with Cal Derby Champ - The Miami Herald
El Camino Real Derby Handicapping Analysis (with free PPs) - Downthestretchs blog
Golden Gate Barn Notes - GoldenGateFields.com
Comcast SportsNet Bay Area to Televise El Camino Real Derby Live - GoldenGateFields.com
El Camino Real Derby Preview - San Francisco Chronicle
Video Preview of El Camino Real Derby (with free PPs) - DailyRacingForm.com
Analysis of All El Camino Real Derby Runners - Thoroughbred Horse Racing blog
Video: "That Handicapping Show" with Pete Denk and Frank Angst - BloodHorse.com
Brisnet's El Camino Real Handicapping Preview - Brisnet.com
Jennie Rees' Weekend Preview - Louisville Courier-Journal
$300,000 Southwest Stakes (G3) * Oaklawn Park * 2/18 * Approx. Post - 5:09 CT
Oaklawn Park Barn Notes - OaklawnPark.com
Southwest Stakes Handicapping Preview - And Down the Stretch They Come blog
Solid Field of 10 to Contest Southwest Stakes - BloodHorse.com
Southwest Stakes Selections and Analysis (with free PPs) - Downthestretchs blog
A Heart the Size of Texas: Texas Bling - BloodHorse.com
Analysis of Projected Southwest Stakes Starters - Thoroughbred Horse Racing blog
Helpful Links:
Complete Kentucky Derby Prep Schedule with Point Values - KentuckyDerby.com
Road to the Kentucky Derby Points Leaderboard - KentuckyDerby.com
Kentucky Derby Future Wager Info - KentuckyDerby.com
Kentucky Derby Power Rankings from Leading Handicappers - KentuckyDerby.com
Profiles of Leading Kentucky Derby Contenders - KentuckyDerby.com
Daily Racing Form's Derby Top 20 - DailyRacingForm.com
The Paulick Report's Bullet Train presents Derby Dreams - PaulickReport.com
Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen - BloodHorse.com