Just like his sire, Big Brown, DORTMUND comes into the Kentucky Derby undefeated, and it is difficult to find any chinks in his armor. While it’s true that the big-framed horse needs to avoid getting stopped in traffic, he has gained valuable seasoning through a number of different situations and has proven capable of making his own luck.
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DRF Past Performances
On paper, this is the best Kentucky Derby field in years. The five favorites (American Pharoah, Dortmund, Carpe Diem, International Star, and Materiality) are a combined 13 for 13 this year.
1. Materiality
2. Dortmund
3. American Pharoah
4. International Star
More so than any other horse race, the Kentucky Derby is handicapped by many based on historical rules. And one of those chief rules, “The Curse of Apollo,” says that MATERIALITY is highly unlikely to win the Derby because no unraced 2-year-old has won the race since, guess who, Apollo in 1882.
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.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – 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.
The post, though quite wide, was viewed favorably by trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Victor Espinoza, both of whom said they preferred having the opportunity for a clear run to the first turn.
“That’s not a bad spot. He’ll be able to see what’s inside him,” Baffert said, referring to Espinoza.
Espinoza agreed, saying, “He’ll be in the clear.”
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.
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. – By his own admission, Rick Violette has a big mouth. But he does know when to keep it closed.
Case in point: Last July, while walking the streets of Delray Beach, Fla., with two daughters of a longtime employee, Violette and the women were held up at gunpoint. Violette knew this was no time to play hero.
“There’s no being brave,” Violette said. “Once the gun went to the young lady’s head, it was ‘Don’t screw this up.’ ”
Though money and documents were stolen, Violette and the two women came away from the episode unharmed.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – 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.