Mike Watchmaker's Derby analysis
I’ve been on DORTMUND’s bandwagon since his win in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes in his first start this year, and I am not getting off now.
Mike WatchmakerApr 29, 2015
I’ve been on DORTMUND’s bandwagon since his win in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes in his first start this year, and I am not getting off now.
American Pharoah on Wednesday night drew post 18 in a field of 20 for the 141st Kentucky Derby, in which he will start as the favorite on Saturday here at Churchill Downs.
It’s a bit of an understatement to say that the Kentucky Derby is unlike any other race in North America. Even the most casual of fans have their Derby horse, and it’s the one day of the year that can get even non-racing fans to watch horse racing.
When it comes to issues involving racing, trainer Rick Violette knows the importance of speaking up. Violette, who began training horses in 1977, has been a vocal advocate for horses, horsemen and the industry as a whole, and on Saturday he will saddle Upstart in the Kentucky Derby.
The jockey Christophe Soumillon never has ridden in the Kentucky Derby. He will do so for the first time Saturday when he gets astride Mubtaahij. Do not expect Soumillon to be overwhelmed. Do not expect mistakes.
There was finally an El Kabeir sighting on the track Wednesday at Churchill Downs, but even that didn’t quell whispers that the gray colt might not be running in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.
The following is a brief assessment of some of the Kentucky Oaks contenders based on impressions from their workouts and gallops here over the past 10 days.
While a majority of the runners in this year’s Kentucky Derby will indeed be returning to “My Old Kentucky Home” when they step onto the track for the post parade, a handful of colts serve as standard-bearers for state and regional breeding programs looking to add to their history or add international flavor to America’s most storied race.
The remarkable comeback of Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens continues on Saturday, when he rides in the Kentucky Derby for the 21st time, seeking his fourth win.
Mubtaahij and his trainer Michael de Kock have spanned the globe on their way to the 141st Kentucky Derby.