Looking at Luck the Odds on Favorite
This Saturday, May 1st is the 136th “Run for the Roses” in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville. This is the first and most prestigious crown jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown which consists of this race along with the Preakness and the Belmont. A field of 20 of the top three year old Thoroughbreds as determined by their graded stakes race earnings as been assembled and is ready to take part in the most exciting two minutes in sports. Here is a look at some of the horses that have the best chance to win.
The Favorites
Lookin at Lucky +200
With Eskendereya out of the race with fillings in his leg, Lookin at Lucky assumed the role of the odds-on-favorite for this race. As last year’s Eclipse Award Champion 2-year old male, this horse came into this season with high expectations. In 2010 he won the Rebel Stakes and finished third in the Santa Anita Derby. He is trained by Bob Baffert.
Sidney’s Candy +300
Most likely going off as the second favorite, this horse has what it takes to not only win this race but compete for the elusive Triple Crown. In three starts this season he won the San Vicente Stakes, the San Felipe Stakes, and the Santa Anita Derby. He is trained by John Sadler.
The Contenders
Ice Box +1000
After finishing a disappointing fifth is his stakes race debut in the Fountain of Youth Stakes on February 20th, he put himself squarely in contention for the Derby with a win in the grade I Florida Derby in late March. He is trained by Nick Zito.
Dublin +1000
So far this season as a three year old, he has finished second the Southwest Stakes in February, second in the Rebel Stakes in March and third in the grade I Arkansas Derby earlier this month. He is trained by D. Wayne Lucas.
Super Saver +1000
After a strong campaign as a two year old, he started his three year old season with a third place finish in the Tampa Bay Derby, a race he was favored to win. He followed this up with a second place finish in the grade 1 Arkansas Derby on April 10th. He is trained by Todd Pletcher.
Mission Impazible +1200
After an extended layoff starting in May of last year, this horse finished fourth in his first major stakes race as a three year old; the Southwest Stakes. In his only other prep race this season he won the Louisiana Derby on March 27th. He is also trained by Todd Pletcher.
The Long Shots
Paddy O’Prado +2500
He won his first time out as a three year old, crossing the finish line first in the Palm Beach Stakes on March 6th. In his final prep race before the Derby he finished a strong second in the Blue Grass Stakes just a few weeks ago. He is trained by Dale Romans
Stately Victor +2500
This horse is definitely one to watch on Saturday. After finishing off the board in his previous four starts he burst onto the scene with an upset win in the Blue Grass Stakes as a 40-1 long shot with his new jockey; Alan Garcia. He is trained by Mike Maker.
Everyone remembers when Calvin Borel rode 50-1 long shot Mine That Bird to a stunning victory in last year’s Kentucky Derby but I do not see that happening again. In a very close, tight race I like:
Sidney’s Candy – Win
Lookin at Lucky – Place
Mission Impazible – Show
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