Baffert won the coveted roses for a record seventh time when Medina Spirit, his lone starter in a field of 19 3-year-olds, led throughout in the 1 1/4-mile race under Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, turning back a sustained stretch bid from Mandaloun to win a dramatic 147th running of the Derby by a half-length.
As of 7:15 p.m. Eastern on Friday, Essential Quality was the even-money Kentucky Derby favorite in a prospective field reduced to 19 with the Friday scratch of King Fury.
King Fury will be scratched from Saturday’s Kentucky Derby after spiking a fever, trainer Ken McPeek said on Friday afternoon.
There are five trainers and four jockeys contesting their first Derby this year. Since 2000, eight trainers have won the Derby in their first attempt, most recently Art Sherman with California Chrome in 2014. Only two first-time Derby riders have won the Derby in that same span, most recently Mario Gutierrez on I'll Have Another in 2012.
World heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury will attend Saturday's Kentucky Derby to watch his namesake, King Fury, run for the roses.
Even though this is his first time with a horse in the Kentucky Derby, Brad Cox is hardly your typical rookie. The native of Louisville sends out favorite Essential Quality and contender Mandaloun.
Daily Racing Form handicapper Mike Welsch's picks and analysis for the 147th Kentucky Derby.
Daily Racing Form handicapper Dan Illman's picks and analysis for the 147th Kentucky Derby.
Daily Racing Form handicapper Marcus Hersh's picks and analysis for the 147th Kentucky Derby.
Daily Racing Form handicapper Brad Free's picks and analysis for the 147th Kentucky Derby.
