Stone set to call first Kentucky Derby

Travis Stone has been acclimating himself to the announcer’s booth at Churchill, where he became the regular caller when the spring meet opened Saturday night.

“It’s a terrific booth with great sight lines,” said Stone. “I’m going to be as prepared as I can possibly be.”

Stone, 30, will be calling his first Kentucky Derby. He replaced Larry Collmus, who moved on to the New York Racing Association while maintaining his duties as the caller of the Triple Crown events for millions of television viewers on NBC Sports. Stone’s call will be heard on track and on the simulcast feed at tracks and simulcast outlets throughout North America.

** Churchill is offering a $1 million pool guarantee on the Derby Day pick six, which runs from races 6-11 and ends with the Derby. There are no pool guarantees on any other multi-race wagers, although the pools will be huge anyway. In 2014, pool totals ending with the Derby were: pick three, $1,277,653; pick four, $2,911,605; pick five, $1,448,930; and pick six, $1,285,653.

Fans are reminded that superfectas are a $1 minimum (and not a dime) on Oaks and Derby Days.