Two horses have been scratched from the Kentucky Derby.
On Thursday RODRIGUEZ opted out and on Friday we learned that GRANDE won’t be going into the gate.
So with two dropping out and only one Alternate Entry available, that leaves the 151st edition of the Kentucky Derby with 19 runners.
Here is a look at the final 7 entrants in the field including the alternate- #21.
15. RENDER JUDGEMENT [ML 30-1] Jockey: Julien Leparoux. Trainer: Ken McPeek. Ran 5th in the Blue Grass Stakes and while he ran 2nd in the Virginia Derby, he was beaten by nearly eight lengths. Not much to see here, let’s move along.
16. COAL BATTLE [ML 30-1] Jockey: Juan Vargas. Trainer: Lonnie Briley. Won four straight Stakes before being stretched to a mile and an eighth in the Arkansas Derby where he finished 3rd, seven lengths behind. Seems like this distance might be a bit too long for him. He is 2-2 in the slop, albeit at shorter distances.
17. SANDMAN [ML 6-1] Jockey: Jose Ortiz. Trainer: Mark Casse. Starting being considered a KD Win candidate with a sharp, rallying Victory in the Arkansas Derby. SANDMAN is the son of TAPIT so he has some good wet-track bloodlines. He has gotten better at the right time and if he can avoid traffic issues, he will be threat down the stretch.
18. SOVEREIGNTY [ML 5-1] Jockey: Junior Alvarado. Trainer: Bill Mott. A highly consistent runner who rallied wide for 2nd in the Florida Derby after Winning the Fountain of Youth. He’s trained by one of the best in the business and appears ready for another big effort.
19. CHUNK OF GOLD [ML 30-1] Jockey: Jareth Loveberry. Trainer: Ethan West. Could add some Value to the exotics after placing 2nd in both the Louisiana Derby and Risen Star Stakes.
20. OWEN ALMIGHTY [ML 30-1] Jockey: Javier Castellano. Trainer: Brian Lynch. He was in the Kentucky Derby, then out and then back in it after his owners gave in to Derby Fever. After running 6th in the Blue Grass his trainer stated this colt is better suited for a one-turn mile. An easier spot would have been optimal.
21. BAEZA [ML 12-1] Jockey: Flavien Prat. Trainer: John Shirreffs. This one gained entry into the Kentucky Derby May 1st when RODRIGUEZ was withdrawn. He was 2nd in the Santa Anita Derby. The buzziest of buzz horses, BAEZA now has a chance to become a major player in the outcome of Derby 151 where he will break from the far outside post position.
The Kentucky Derby is slated as race 12 on a massive card of 14 races, with a scheduled Post Time of 6:55.
Best of luck however you play it and don’t forget to bet your birthday numbers.
