Saturday marks the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby, commonly referred to as the "most exciting two minutes in sports".
For those of you out there that do not follow the Sport of Kings, here is a breakdown of the field of 20, and what each horse will need to win the coveted blanket of roses.
1. Cool Coal Man (Jockey: J. Leparoux, Trainer: Nick Zito), Odds: 20-1
This Mineshaft colt comes into the Derby off of a disappointing effort in the Blue Grass at Keeneland, where he finished a distant 9th. Cool Coal Man should be close to the lead, but will need to run back to his Fountain of Youth win to have a chance.
2. Tale of Ekati (Jockey: E. Coa, Trainer: Barclay Tagg), Odds: 15-1
Tale of Ekati comes into the Derby following an upset win over 2 Year Old champion War Pass in the Wood Memorial. He has the perfect running style for the frantic Derby, as he likes to hang back towards the back of the pack and make a big, late run. Upset possibility.
3. Anak Nakal (Jockey: R. Bejarano, Trainer: Nick Zito), Odds: 30-1
Anak Nakal is a late-running colt like his dad, Victory Gallop. His most recent win came in November of 2007, making him the most unlikely winner in the field. He'll need a complete speed meltdown to have a chance.
4. Court Vision (Jockey: G. Gomez, Trainer: Bill Mott), Odds: 20-1
Court Vision could not beat two others in this race his last two times out, Take of Ekati in the Wood Memorial and Cool Coal Man in the Fountain of Youth. Another horse with a late-running style, Court Vision will need a speed battle the entire race to get to the wire first.
5. Eight Belles (Jockey: G. Saez, Trainer: Larry Jones), Odds: 20-1
A girl running against the boys, Eight Belles figures to get plenty of public support. After her stable-mate Proud Spell ran off with the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, the support could be warranted. She's worked well at Churchill Downs, and figures to get a perfect stalking trip. It's her first time against the boys, though, in a race that's only produced three female winners.
6. Z Fortune (Jockey: R. Albarado, Trainer: Steve Assmussen), Odds: 15-1
Z's race in the Arkansas Derby was sneaky-good. He was four-wide around both turns, and only lost to winner Gayego by 3/4 of a length. Hasn't visited the winners circle since the LeComte Stakes in January, and hasn't worked out well over the Churchill surface since coming to Louisville. Still, a horse to keep an eye on.
7. Big Truck (Jockey: J. Castellano, Trainer: Barclay Tagg), Odds: 50-1
Big Truck will deliver a semi-truck load of money if he crosses the wire first Saturday. This colt has little done little to excite. His lone Graded Stakes win came against questionable competition in the Tampa Derby.
8. Visionaire (Jockey: J. Lezcano, Trainer: Michael Matz), Odds: 20-1
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8 months ago
It will never happen, dude. gayegi is a proven winner and the 19th post will never stop him cause that jockey is the best looking jockey in the entire derby.
8 months ago
Number 5 Eight Bells (Jockey: G. Saez, Trainer: Larry Jones), and her owners. I just want to say how sorry I am for her loss.
8 months ago
To lovely Eight Bells, the First Place "Winner of Hearts" on this sad day ... Rest in peace, little angel girl ... you ran your heart and soul out.
8 months ago
A tragic end to a beautifully run race. Big Brown proved what he was made of, and Eight Bells showed us true heart and ability. It is so sad that this cloud of tradegy placed gloom over such great acheivements by both horses. I have been involved in and followed racing all of my life but have never seen an injury like this one. No chance for this brave filly.
I fear the repercussions that this highly watched race will have on the sport of racing. This, along with other tragedies in recent years will have many people questioning the Sport of Kings. A good hard look needs to taken at racetrack footing, training methods and nutrition. How can we improve and look out for the welfare of these beautiful athletes?
Still, for those who may doubt it, horses run for the joy of it, they love the competition, and revel in the win. Unfortunately some give more than they can give and suffer for it. Horses, for all their power and majesty are fragile creatures.
My heart goes out to the owners of both these great horses. One for their awful loss, and one for the sadness that will forever taint their victory.
8 months ago
Keeneland Racing? That is eerily similar to my last name...
from 8 months ago
I worked for Tom Caldwell who used to be the Keeneland auctioneer.
from 8 months ago
Eight Belles ran in vain -- her jockey was inexperienced (did he pull her up too soon?) What an athlete she was, and she deserved better. She is yet another victim of man's greed (let's not forget Barbaro's demise!) Wake up people, and stop buying into an industry full of greed and inhumane treatment of horses.
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