The Kentucky Derby, the Run for the Roses, is America’s great race. Known by American sporting enthusiasts as the “most exciting two minutes in sport”, it is a great occasion. It is legendary – from the crowd’s stirring rendition of My Old Kentucky Home to the customary mint juleps, it is one of the world’s most famous racedays on and off the track. But as always, much of the action revolves around which three year old will prove his mettle in this race of much importance.
I’m not a huge American racing fan. I think there are a lot of flaws with their industry and I don’t know if they have a sustainable model moving into the future. Nevertheless, I’m still in awe of the Kentucky Derby. I cannot wait to stand trackside at Churchill Downs one day.
Anyway, to this year’s race – as usual, how open!!! The Racing Post is calling this “the most accomplished field for at least a decade” while ESPN says “a compelling case can probably be made for half the field”. Bodemeister, who did not run as a two year old, is the current favourite following his thumping victory in the Arkansas Derby. However, the horse I was really taken with in the lead ups was Blue Grass Stakes winner DULLAHAN. His effort to come from a long way back to gun down Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Hansen, showing a tremendous turn of foot, was very commendable. I think he has the ideal style for a Kentucky Derby and I’m keen to back him. His main danger to my eyes is UNION RAGS. I was with a few American journos in Dubai when he ran third to Take Charge Indy and they believed he was hard done by. He certainly lost no admirers that day. He’s being touted as a potential contender for the Triple Crown, so I’d love to see him win here. The ghostly grey HANSEN, I have to include given I rank Dullahan so highly. He beat Union Rags in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile on this track last year but I’m not sure if he’s at his best. However, the connections are supremely confident. And BODEMEISTER comes in next best, but he’s under the odds in my opinion. At each way value, UAE Derby winner Daddy Long Legs (for Aidan O’Brien and Ireland) and Creative Cause look the next best. But I’m very keen on the prospects of Dullahan!
5 – DULLAHAN
4 – UNION RAGS
14 – HANSEN
6 – BODEMEISTER
