Kentucky Derby favorite Nyquist will get to drink from the NHL’s coveted Stanley Cup on Saturday before he sets off on his bid to win racing’s symbol of excellence in the Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs. Brands (GI) at Churchill Downs. I acknowledge all the reservations mentioned above, but horses this dominant in their division’s biggest events should not be taken lightly, especially in a year short on stars.
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The son of Curlin relished the sloppy track on a rare, wet day in Southern California (the forecast for Louisville for Saturday is mid-80s and sun) and looks to be heading into the race in top form.
At the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, Nyquist begins the pursuit of the Triple Crown in Louisville.
“No matter if we drew the one or the 20, the thought is we were going to leave there with the intent of being forwardly placed and just play it by ear”, O’Neill said Wednesday after the post-position draw. Runner-up finishes to Songbird in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies and Weep No More in the Ashland followed as a 3-year-old.
Nyquist, owned by J. Paul Reddam, drew the 13th position.
If you’re not an avid horse racing fan, we’re here to help. Exaggerator is trained by Keith Desormeaux, Kent’s brother. He is coming off a win in the Santa Anita Derby.
My reluctant selection this year is going to be Mor Spirit.
Baffert won the Derby for the fourth time past year with American Pharoah, who went on to sweep the Triple Crown. He has also sent out Derby winners Silver Charm (1997), Real Quiet (1998), and War Emblem (2002). “I started chatting with some of the girls about the Derby and we all said…” Mor Spirit will likely sit in the second flight of horses early and avoid traffic late. Four horses have won from there since 1900, most recently Smarty Jones in 2004. Tom’s Ready (30-1) has only a maiden win in nine starts.
Twin Creeks Racing Stables’ Destin took the Sam F. Davis (GIII) at Tampa Bay Downs as well as the Tampa Bay Derby.
“We’re all good”, Baffert said.
The last horse I’ll mention is Mohaymen (10-1).
Adding global flavor to this year’s Derby is Koji Maeda’s Lani. He was listed, along with Oscar Nominated (7) at 50-1.
The race shape of this Derby does not look at all like those preps. Four of those victories came in Grade II races, the Nashua and Remsen last November at Aqueduct and the Holy Bull and Fountain of Youth this winter at Gulfstream Park. Mohaymen drew the No. 14 post for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin.
“It’s not that bad, it’s better than having one, two or three”, said Danzing Candy trainer Cliff Sise. After that, he was third in the Rebel and won the Arkansas Derby.
In terms of pedigree, six of the last seven Derby winners had either Raise a Native or Bold Ruler in their direct sire line. He won the Spiral at Turfway, which is run on Polytrack and usually doesn’t attract top runners. Both have Exaggerator the distant second choice at 8-1. Shagaf (Joel Rosario), 20-1; 17.
But that doesn’t mean the Kentucky Derby favorite won’t be getting some support from a very special National Hockey League guest. Whitmore (Victor Espinoza), 20-1; 11.
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The 2016 Kentucky Derby is nearly here, and anyone looking to lay down a few dollars (or a bit more) can find a complete betting guide here along with odds for all 20 horses making up this year’s field and instructions on how to bet on the Kentucky Derby online. Colts and geldings in the race carry 126 pounds (57 kg), and fillies in the race carry 121 pounds (55 kg).
