Gemologist: Javier Castellano Will Ride His Luck to Victory at Kentucky Derby

Javier Castellano is one lucky jockey, and he will proudly carry his luck with him on his way to victory when Gemologist routs the field at the Kentucky Derby later today.

Per the Washington Post, Castellano almost lost out on the opportunity when he took a spill in Friday's American Turf Stakes while aboard Star Channel. The horse inexplicably swerved on the final turn, launching Castellano onto the turf. Luckily for him, the ground was soft from all the rain, and his wounds were only superficial.

Castellano was taken off the field on a stretcher as a precaution, but he returned later on with a bandage underneath his left eye to finish third in the $1 million Kentucky Oaks race atop Grace Hall.

There's no way his injuries are going to keep him from riding undefeated Gemologist today at the Derby.

Per The Saratogian, Gemologist has the best stats of any horse in the upcoming Derby in races of comparable lengths. He's also trained by Todd Pletcher and WinStar Farm—a proven commodity in the racing community and winner of the Derby two years ago with Super Saver.

Horses are proud beasts, and Gemologist is surely aware of his undefeated status. Still, he isn't the favorite in this race—a notion that will grind on his owners, trainers and Castellano.

Combined with Castellano's good luck, the duo is a lock to upset heavy favorites Union Rags and Bodemeister on their way to victory this Saturday at Churchill Downs.

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