Calvin Borel at Kentucky Derby: Win Would Solidify Jockey as One of Best Ever

Calvin Borel already belongs in the discussion of best jockeys ever, but if he leads Take Charge Indy to a win today at the Kentucky Derby, it will be official. 

And considering his recent success at the Derby (Borel and the Kentucky Derby go together like peanut butter and jelly), it would be silly to bet against him.

His success started in 2007 atop Street Sense. Borel led James Tafel's horse to a two-and-a-half length victory at Churchill and went on to finish second at the Preakness that year.

That was just the beginning. 

In 2009, Borel further established himself as one of the best jockeys when he proved it wasn't all about the horse.

Borel won the Kentucky Derby on Mine That Bird, a 50-to-1 (50-to-1!) long shot, just a day after winning the Kentucky Oaks on Rachel Alexandra. It was just the first time a jockey had won that combo in the same year since 1993.

Then, at the Preakness, Borel rode Rachel Alexandra to victory. That feat—winning the first two legs of the Triple Crown on two different horses—had never been accomplished by anyone else.

At the Belmont Stakes, Borel failed to secure the Triple Crown as he finished third, but history was made nonetheless. 

Just one year later, Borel, on top of Super Saver, won his third Kentucky Derby in four years, again making history as the first every jockey to do so. Later that year, Borel became just the second jockey to win 1,000 career races at Churchill Downs, joining Hall of Famer Pat Day. 

So, essentially, Borel, who is known by Bo-rail because of his propensity to ride the inside to victory, made significant history about five times in four years.

He has a significant wins at the Arkansas Derby.

At the Super Derby.

Bourbon Stakes.

Florida Derby.

His accomplishments and wins, which have now totaled over 4,900, just go on and on.

Borel, in my opinion, is already one of the best jockeys in history. When he leads Take Charge Indy to a semi-upset today, he'll finally enter that conversation without doubts.