Back Yourself!
Sign-up and start betting with Ladbrokes in 2 minutes!
Back A Winner with Neds!
Sign-up and start betting with Neds in 2 minutes!
Daily Racing Specials!
Sign-up and bet with Australia's best new bookmaker!
#1 Ranked New Bookie
Sign-up and bet with Australia's #1 ranked new bookmaker!
Best Of The Best Odds!
Bet With Palmerbet and get Paid Top Fluc or Top Tote!
Massive Odds on All Races!
Sign-up and start betting with PlayUp in 2 minutes!
What are you prepared to lose today?
Set a deposit limit.
Search
 

A day after storms drenched Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby contenders Mor Spirit, Gun Runner and stablemate Creator have enjoyed solid footing in their final work-outs for racing’s marquee event.

All three came through Monday’s gallops in good order as a result, with newly elected Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen particularly encouraged by the showings of Gun Runner and Creator ahead of Saturday’s 142nd Run for the Roses.

“They’re cooling out extremely well and we’re very excited for the Derby,” Asmussen said.

Fellow Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert was just as confident about Mor Spirit, his lone Derby entrant this year.

The colt covered five furlongs (1000m) in 59.80 with race jockey Gary Stevens aboard.

“It went just as planned,” Baffert said. “Gary was happy with him. He loves the surface. He goes over it much better than Santa Anita. That’s half the battle, if they like it.”

Baffert has tempered expectations of Mor Spirit following former stablemate American Pharoah as a Triple Crown champion.

Stevens was just as cautious and pointed out Saturday’s challenge would be trying to knock off unbeaten Nyquist, the likely favourite in the 1-1/4 mile (2000m) Derby.

But he suggested anything was possible with the colt’s impressive record – three wins and four seconds in seven starts – and his progress toward the Derby after a runner-up finish to Exaggerator in the Santa Anita Derby.

“Like Bob has said, he’s no American Pharoah, but we don’t know that yet,” Stevens, who was second in last year’s Derby aboard Firing Line,” said.

Most important on Monday was the absence of lightning and any threatening weather on a mostly sunny morning.

 
*Existing customers only. 2nd Racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
What are you prepared to lose today?
Set a deposit limit.
Featured News

FREE BETS – Claim $1000’s in Bonus Bets at the TOP Betting Sites

We take a look at the BIGGEST and BEST Free Daily Racing Offers and Betting Promotions from Australia’s leading online...

Golden Slipper Likely Field – 2024

The biggest two-year-old race of the year will jump this Saturday in arguably one of the best fields in recent...

Former trainer handed a five-year ban for pulling stewards pants down

Former trainer Todd Balfour has been handed a five-year disqualification by Racing SA stewards after a misconduct incident at the...

Melbourne Cup champion Verry Elleegant passes away

Verry Elleegant, one of the great mares in the history of Australian racing, has died while giving birth to her...

Watch 📺 Jockey banned from all racing premises over ride

Jockey Dylan Kitts has been penalised with a disciplinary officer exclusion directive due to non-compliance with an inquiry regarding his...

Group 1 winner returns positive swab

Racing Victoria stewards are investigating a positive swab from Group 1-winning mare Prowess, the racehorse trained by Roger James and...

Alligator Blood injured, career in doubt

Cult galloper Alligator Blood may have run his last race, with trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott confirming the star galloper had...

Nikita Beriman returns to the saddle

July 1, 2023 to January 26, 2024 … that period represents the just shy of seven months that Nikita Beriman...

Australia's Best Betting Sites

New Betting Sites Australia + Top List Bookmaker Apps $$$

Betting in Australia has never been more popular thanks to a large increase in new betting Agencies and Apps available...

Top 10 – Funniest Race Horse Names

Horse racing. Known as the ‘Sport Of Kings’, an industry worth billions, a very serious business…but to some, it’s a...

Best Horse Betting Sites in Australia

Best Horse Racing Betting Apps and Betting Sites – March 2024

We take a look at the best online betting apps to bet on horse racing in Australia for the month...

Golden Slipper

The Golden Slipper is one of the biggest and most prestigious horse races in Australia. Taking place each April at...

Australian Bookmaker Reviews – Online Bookie Ratings $$

Which bookmaker should you bet with? We Review each of the leading online Australian Bookmakers and rate them in order...

 
 
What are you prepared to lose today?
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au