No clear favourite and plenty of contenders at Kentucky Derby
The 152nd Kentucky Derby features a wide-open field with no clear favorite among the 20 horses competing. Trainers and analysts note that several contenders have a legitimate chance to win, making handicapping the race particularly challenging. Factors such as post positions, regional training differences, and the absence of a dominant 'super horse' contribute to the uncertainty.
- ▪Renegade is the morning-line favorite at 4-1 but drew the unfavorable No. 1 post position, from which no horse has won since 1986.
- ▪Brad Cox has two strong contenders in Commandment and Further Ado, while Bob Baffert seeks a record-breaking Derby win with long shot Potente.
- ▪Japan is represented by Danon Bourbon and Wonder Dean, aiming for its first Kentucky Derby victory after Forever Young's near-miss in 2023.
- ▪Chad Brown, trainer of Emerging Market, stated there is no standout horse like American Pharoah or Justify in this year's field.
- ▪Due to Pimlico's reconstruction, the Preakness Stakes will be held at Laurel Park, adding uncertainty about Triple Crown participation.
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Open this photo in gallery:Kentucky Derby entrant Renegade works out at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Thursday.Charlie Riedel/The Associated PressShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountThe chaos at the start of the Kentucky Derby sometimes decides the most exciting two minutes in sports in a matter of seconds. Twenty horses bursting out of the starting gate to varying degrees of success makes it a mad dash to the turn.Calling the race on television for NBC, Larry Collmus typically focuses on the favourite. This year presents a challenge.“I don’t know who the favourite is going to be,” Collmus said. “I guess we’ll find out.
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