Top 5 Editions of the Toyota Blue Grass

1. Spectacular Bid (1979)

Hawksworth Farm’s Spectacular Bid lived up to his 1-20 favoritism by romping to a 7-length victory that he used as a springboard to victory in the Kentucky Derby nine days later. A four-time Eclipse Award winner and Horse of the Year in 1980, Spectacular Bid was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982.

2. Alydar (1978)

Calumet Farm’s Alydar, with elderly owners Admiral Gene Markey and wife Lucille watching from trackside, coasted to a 13-length victory. Runner-up to archrival Affirmed in all three Triple Crown races, Alydar was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989.

3. Arts and Letters (1969)

Rokeby Stable’s Arts and Letters posted the largest winning margin in the race with a 15-length triumph. Runner-up in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness before winning the Belmont, Arts and Letters was named Horse of the Year in 1969 and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994.

4. Northern Dancer (1964)

Windfields Farm’s Northern Dancer cemented his status as the top 3-year-old in the East with a half-length victory that he followed with victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. Named Horse of the Year in 1964, Northern Dancer was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1976 and became one of the most influential sires of the late 20^th century.

5. Round Table (1957)

Kerr Stable’s Round Table, winner of Keeneland’s Breeders’ Futurity six months earlier, posted a 6-length victory. A six-time champion and Horse of the Year in 1958, Round Table was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

NOTE: The Blue Grass was a Grade 1 from 1973-1989 and 1999-2016. Grade 2 from 1990-1998 and 2017 to present.