The 151st Running of the Kentucky Derby, Preview/Prediction
After experiencing some tragedy at his home in California, trainer Michael McCarthy resets at the Derby with his thoroughbred Journalism. (Photo courtesy of Thoroughbred Daily News).
The 151st edition of the Kentucky Derby transpires today with a 5:57 P.M. Central Post time. Nineteen horses will compete in the Run for the Roses and the coveted Derby crown. Here’s a look at the horses that are competing, led off by their post positions, and followed by their odds, their trainers and their jockeys.
1. Citizen Bull, 20/1, Bob Baffert (back after a three year suspension for doping, 6 time Derby champion and giant in horse racing), Martin Garcia.
2. Neoquos, 30/1, Saffie Joseph Jr (always a contender), Flavien Prat.
3. Final Gambit, 30/1, Brad H. Cox (on the verge as well), Luan Machado
4. Rodriguez- scratched
5. American Promise, 30/1, D. Wayne Lucas (living legend at 89, four Derbys), Nik Juarez
6. Admire Daytona, 30/1, Yukihiro Kato, Christopher Lemaire
7.Luxor Cafe, 15/1, Noriyuki Hori, Joao Moreira, Sire, American Pharaoh, triple crown winning horse in 2015
8. Journalism, 3/1, Michael W. McCarthy, Umberto Rispoli
9. Burnham Square, 12/1, Ian R. Wilkes, Brian Hernandez Jr.
10. Grande- scratched.
11. Flying Mohawk, 30/1, D. Whitworth Beckman, Joe Ramos
12. East Avenue (Freeze out?), 20/1, Brendan P. Walsh, Manny Franco
13. Publisher, 20/1, Steven M. Asmussen, Irad Ortiz Jr. (good team)
14. Tiztastic, 20/1, Asmussen, Joel Rosario (another very good team)
15. Render Judgment, 30/1, Kenny McPeek, Julien Leparoux
16. Coal Battle, 30/1, Lonnie Briley, Juan Vargas
17. Sandman, 6/1, Mark E. Casse, Jose Ortiz (experienced, savvy jockey)
18. Sovereignty, 5/1,William I. Mott, Junior Alvarado
19. Chunk of Gold, 30/1, Ethan W. West, Jareth Loveberry
20. Owen Almighty, 30/1, Brian A Lynch, Javier Castellano
21. Baeza, 12/1, John Shirreffs, Flavien Prat, he’ll ride Baeza or Neoquos.
Winner/ Predictions
I’m going to take the favorite. Like the trainer of the favorite, Michael McCarthy. He went through the Eaton Fires in Los Angeles, and while his home was left standing in Altadena, a suburb of LA, his neighbors’ houses were destroyed. He’s stayed focused and his horse has been impressive with three straight victories including the Santa Anita Derby. I’ll take:
Journalism
Place: Luxor Cafe, with a good run till the end.
Show: Sovereignty
