Churchill Downs’ popular “Road to the Roses” Kentucky Derby Fantasy Challenge
is back for the 14th consecutive year. Registration is now open at
RoadToTheRoses.com
to compete in the free online contest that allows horse racing fans to manage a
stable of contenders during the 10-week buildup to the $2 million Kentucky Derby
on Saturday, May 5.
“Road to the Roses” participants are challenged to build a fantasy stable of
15 horses nominated to the Triple Crown — up from 10 in previous years — plus
two trainers and two jockeys. Points will be earned in a series of designated
Kentucky Derby prep races, starting with Fair Grounds’ $300,000 Risen Star (G2)
on Saturday, February 25, and continuing through Kentucky Derby 138 on the first
Saturday in May.
The grand prize winner will receive a VIP trip for two to the 139th runnings
of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks in 2013 with an estimated retail value
of $5,000. The prize package includes airfare and accommodations; a private
backstretch tour on Kentucky Oaks Day; trip to the paddock on Kentucky Derby
Day; $500 betting voucher; $500 credit to
KentuckyDerbyStore.com; limited edition gold-leafed Kentucky Derby mint
julep glass; Kentucky Derby jacket; and official Kentucky Derby print.
Prizes will be awarded to the top 25 finishers, the leaders after Stage 1
(through March 19) and Stage 2 (through April 16) and weekly winners.
Each participant can create up to three fantasy stables. All horses in the
stable will remain active and eligible to earn points throughout the duration of
the game, but three “power” horses can be designated at any time to earn double
points if they finish first, second or third in prep races. Players may change
their designated “power” horses to maximize scoring opportunities as many times
as they wish (except on scoring race days).
Also, players will be permitted to grow their stable by five later in the
season. Three additional horses can be added to their roster starting March 19,
plus two others on April 16. The additional horses can be added to their stables
through April 28 — one week before Kentucky Derby 138.
A popular returning element is the ability to create your own league to
compete against friends and co-workers. Theoretically, if a stable is far
removed from first place in the overall standings, they could still be in the
hunt for top honors and bragging rights within their own league. A private,
league-only chat room has been added to the mix for trash-talking.
For more information, official rules and a complete list of prizes for the
“Road to the Roses” Kentucky Derby Fantasy Challenge, visit the Web site
RoadToTheRoses.com or the game’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/RoadToTheRoses.