Calvin Borel Will Ride Take Charge Indy to Top-3 Finish at Kentucky Derby

Calvin Borel is the most famous jockey in the world right now, and he will take center stage again at the Kentucky Derby on the back of Take Charge Indy. While there might be better horses in the race, it can't be understated just how important the jockey is to winning the race. 

Take Charge Indy is not a bad horse or even a long shot—currently his odds are at 12-1, according to Bovada—he is just not getting the attention that horses like Bodemeister, Union Rags or horses of that ilk are receiving as we approach race day. 

Borel knows the challenge in front of him, but he has been in this position before and come out of it smelling like roses

To his credit, Borel has not gotten full of himself despite winning three Derby titles since 2007 because he believes the horses are doing the brunt of the work. 

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When you ride those kind of horses, it makes you look good. It picks up your confidence. There's not many good horses in this world. They come few and far apart.

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It is true that Street Sense (2007), Mine That Bird (2009) and Super Saver (2010) were tremendously talented, but Borel knew how to control them perfectly. 

Take Charge Indy is going to need that kind of leadership and guidance on Saturday as he gets ready for the biggest moment of his young life. 

With such a crowded field, the work of the jockey is going to play a huge role in determining which horses shine and which ones fall apart. 

Borel understands this stage and situation so well that it would be an upset if Take Charge Indy did not finish in the top three. 

So while Union Rags, Bodemeister, et al. are busy grabbing the headlines in the hours leading up to the Derby, it will be Take Charge Indy, under the guidance of Borel, who is going to emerge from the pack as a superstar. 

Not that Borel needs another brilliant performance at the Derby to validate himself, but it is hard to dismiss how great he has been in the spotlight. Even if he is 45 years old, Borel still has the zest and enthusiasm for the sport, with the smarts to guide his horse to victory on the biggest stage the sport has to offer. 

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