2011 Kentucky Derby Results: 10 Things We're Excited to See Next
The 2011 Kentucky Derby is now over. There was no shortage of storylines this year, between seeing if Calvin Borel could win again, to seeing whether or not a female jockey or trainer could win, to figure out exactly who to bet on.
Animal Kingdom came out of the Derby as the surprise winner, seemingly coming out of nowhere in the final stretch. Shackleford seemed to have the match won when Animal Kingdom shot through all the horses and pulled off the win.
Now that the mint juleps and atmosphere are over, what is next in store? There's another month of exciting horse racing ahead, and here are ten things to keep an eye on.
10. Belmont Stakes
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Okay, so perhaps it's too early to be thinking about the Belmont Stakes. After all, that's not for another five weeks. That being said, whenever a horse wins the Kentucky Derby they are put in the running for the Triple Crown.
If Animal Kingdom can pull off a Preakness win, then this will be a huge race this year, but even if that doesn't happen, Belmont is one of the big three races for a reason.
9. Archarcharch
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Not everything to keep an eye on is necessarily good. Archarcharch, the horse that was in first position to start the race, pulled up lame and was taken in an ambulance to the stables.
It's never fun to see a horse end up hurt from the races, and while it's unknown what his state is right now, he will hopefully be fine. He hurt his leg seemingly at the start of the race but went through the whole thing, so ideally it's nothing serious.
8. Better Weather
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The Kentucky Derby ended up being delayed due to rain, not going until nearly 6:30 EST. Beyond that, the weather throughout the United States has left much to be desired of late.
Ideally, Baltimore will be great in two weeks, and the Preakness will have ideal weather. If nothing else, it should be warmer since summer will be approaching.
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7. Soldat
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Soldat is one of two horses in this year's Kentucky Derby that has already been confirmed for the Preakness Stakes. He started strong in the Derby, staying in the top five most of the way, but fell out of it down the final stretch.
Will the solid effort be enough to keep his odds low, or is the horse likely to have higher odds after having a disappointing outing, since he was expected to finish high? Time will tell.
6. Dialed In
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Dialed In is one of two horses in this year's Kentucky Derby that has already been confirmed for the Preakness Stakes. He was one of the favorites to win, but instead had a poor performance, never seriously contending for the win.
One would have to think the odds will be much higher next time around. After all, he was last at one point. Can Dialed In have a much better performance in the Preakness? I'd have to believe so after what we saw today.
5. Uncle Mo
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Uncle Mo was one of the frontrunners to win the Kentucky Derby, but was scratched from the lineup yesterday. The gastrointestinal issues are not something that may necessarily clear, but if they do, then I'd have to think he would want to race in the Preakness.
Uncle Mo has a lot of star power behind him, more than the others the Derby, so if he can race in the Preakness then he would be the favorite to play Triple Crown spoiler. Waiting to see if he can go will be interesting.
4. Betting Lines
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There were not really any frontrunners in this year's Kentucky Derby on the betting line. Sure, Dialed In and Uncle Mo had decent odds, but nothing that caught my eye. Many had rather high odds. That will all change during the Preakness?
The presumption is that the Kentucky Derby winner will have the best odds at the Preakness, but depending on how other horses fare, those who have kept a close eye on the races may be able to see who could surprise in the Preakness.
3. Calvin Borel
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Calvin Borel won three Kentucky Derbies in four tries entering the Derby, and after today's race, his record is now 3 for 5. With his great track record, whichever horse he races at the Preakness, whether it is Twice the Appeal or a different horse, should have great odds.
Borel has the star power that was mostly lacking in the Derby, and watching him continue in the Preakness will keep casual fans watching.
2. Preakness Stakes
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The Kentucky Derby is noted not just for the race, but the atmosphere. The mint juleps, the large bets, the celebrity appearances, and of course the attendance figures well over 150,000. It's an event that does well beyond just the race itself.
The Preakness, however, I consider more of a race that is for the horses themselves. The festivities are not nearly as large, but the race is still great. Plus, the Preakness always raises one major question in everyone's mind. That is, of course...
1. Triple Crown
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Every year after the Kentucky Derby is over, everyone begins to raise the question of whether or not the winner can win the Triple Crown. It's been over 30 years since we've seen one, as the last winner was Affirmed in 1978.
That's not to say that we have not been teased about the possibility. Since 2000, four horses that won the Kentucky Derby went on to win the Preakness, and it could definitely happen again this year. That possibility will keep everyone on their toes, since it's been so long since it happened.
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