Kentucky Derby 2012: Another tough spot for Daddy Long Legs

Daddy Long Legs, the Aidan O’Brien-trained Irish invader for the Kentucky Derby, arrived at Churchill Downs about 4:30 a.m. Wednesday. He was heartily welcomed later in the day by being awarded dreaded post 1 at the Derby post position draw.

This is Daddy Long Legs’s second trip from Ireland to Louisville in six months. On Nov. 5, he finished 12th of 13 in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile after breaking from post 11, an unfavorable outside draw.

“We went from one extreme to the other,” said T.J. Comerford, an assistant to trainer Aidan O’Brien, who will be in England for the 2000 Guineas on Saturday rather than at Churchill for the Derby.

Comerford said Daddy Long Legs is “bigger, stronger, and faster” now than when he came for the BC Juvenile. The colt was to get out of quarantine Thursday and will get in one morning training session for the Derby on Friday. Comerford said Daddy Long Legs would gallop rather than merely jog around the track.

“We’re not here for trotting race,” Comerford joked.