The most compelling Emerald Downs-related story line in Saturday's Kentucky Derby will revolve around jockey Kevin Krigger, a former leading rider at Emerald who will make his first Kentucky Derby appearance as the rider on Goldencents.
What was scheduled to be an easy day for Normandy Invasion turned a little more eventful when the Kentucky Derby candidate ran off with his exercise rider Javier Herrera during his morning gallop at Churchill Downs.
Vyjack blew out three furlongs in 37.13 seconds under his trainer Rudy Rodriguez on Thursday in his final preparation for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.
No horse since Apollo in 1882 has been able to win the Kentucky Derby without racing as a 2-year-old, something Verrazano will be trying to accomplish on Saturday in the 139th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
Florida Derby winner Orb drew post 16 and was pegged as the 7-2 morning-line favorite as the field for the 139th Kentucky Derby was finalized Wednesday evening at Churchill Downs.
In the midst of a year with career-defining accomplishments, Louisville head coach Rick Pitino enters Saturday's Kentucky Derby with a live contender in Goldencents.
All 18 of the 20 prospective Kentucky Derby starters on the grounds at Churchill Downs on Wednesday went to the track almost simultaneously after the renovation break, many taking the opportunity to visit the starting gate at the top of the stretch for brief schooling sessions.
A large crowd of owners, their entourages, and scores of fans who are granted access to the backstretch Derby Week gathered outside Todd Pletcher’s barn on Wednesday morning and heard the trainer get off a one-liner.
Orb, the morning-line favorite for the Kentucky Derby, became spooked in the paddock while schooling before Wednesday’s first race at Churchill Downs, but he did not dislodge any of his shoes and was walking fine minutes later.
This is the first time in many years that the nearby Trackside simulcast annex will not be open for fans wishing to avoid the hassles of attending the Oaks and Derby at Churchill.
