Registration open for 'Road to the Roses'

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.