April 30, 2010

Kentucky Derby 2010

By Stephen Lars

Mark your calendar: the Kentucky Derby is taking place on May 1st. The first race in the internationally acclaimed Triple Crown is one of the most important horse races in the world. This event brings together the best horses and the most talented jockeys from around the globe who give it their very best for one of the industry’s finest purses.

The competition, which has become a classic in the world of horse racing, has been organized since 1875 in the renowned Churchill Downs racetrack.

The Kentucky Derby, which consists of 1 ¼ mile away (about 2 KM approximately), is the first race that starts the traditional Triple Crown. The Triple Crown is a series of three events: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. In these three events, only thoroughbred horses participate.

The Kentucky race is recognized worldwide. Generally the racetrack is attended by approximately 150 thousand people. Oddly enough, this race does not last more than two minutes, hence "the most exciting two minutes in sport." It’s also known for its striking rose crown for the winner, becoming “the run for roses."

Three-year-old thoroughbreds compete in the Kentucky Derby, and only the best in the US manage to secure a place in the starting line. Preparations for this event become a real party, mixing the international tourists captivated by the event, real fans and even famous figures recognized throughout the world. The grand prize of two million dollars is the motivating factor for the competitors.

This year, in the 136th edition, preparations for the Kentucky Derby are as they always have been – almost. The only thing that has changed a bit is the expectations for the race.

This is because "Eskenderaya," one of the favorite horses to win the Kentucky Derby, will not be participating.

"Eskenderaya,” ridden by jockey John Velazquez in Fountain of Youth and Wood Memorial, was declared by the experts as the favorite.

This excited both Velasquez and his team. It seemed that it would be a great opportunity for this rider to be the second Venezuelan to win the most important horse race in the United States, but then the situation took a complete turn.

Todd Pletcher, Eskenderaya’s trainer, reported that the horse was not completely prepared to run due to a problem in one of his forelegs. For this reason he will not be in the list of participants.

Not wanting to aggrieve the horse’s injury, Pletcher decided not to take Eskenderaya on Sunday to train at Churchill Downs. Pletcher also had problems with "Rule," another of the horses he has under his care.

With Eskenderaya out of the race, betting has changed completely. Now there are several horses that are presented as favorites to win the race. These include: Mission Impazible, Discreetly Mine, Interactif, Super Saver and Devil May Care.

All these horses have had good performances in previous races; each is a potential winner of the Kentucky Derby. Above all these horses is Endorsement, who now has become the favorite to win, because of the strength and power with which he moves, and his rider’s good management. Less conspicuously, Mine appears to be the second favorite.

About the Author
Stephen Lars has been a prominent writer on Horse Racing; sports news and the sportsbook industry for many exceptional sport web sites. You may reprint this article in its full content, please note no modifications to it are accepted.