Congratulations to trainer Graham Motion, who certainly earned his way to the winner’s circle. It was a shame not to see Toby’s Corner out there, but Animal Kingdom came through for Motion anyway. Jockey John Velasquez won his first Derby in 13 attempts– I bet he’s happy he had the chance to ride for someone other than Todd Pletcher! It must be bittersweet for Robby Albarado, though…just getting well enough to ride, only to watch his horse win the Derby with another rider. It sucks, but that’s racing.
Nehro battled with Animal Kingdom to finish second, followed by the highly-hyped Mucho Macho Man. I have to give a big pat to Shackleford, who set the pace the whole way ’round, and still fought his guts out for a game fourth. Dialed In, the favorite, finished in seventh. Archarcharch was vanned off after he pulled up lame beyond the finish linet; reports say that it is a lateral condylar fracture. It will require surgery, a few screws in the ankle, but it is not life-threatening.
Full order of finish:
Animal Kingdom, Nehro, Mucho Macho Man, Shackleford, Master of Hounds, Santiva, Brilliant Speed, Dialed In, Pants on Fire, Twice the Appeal, Soldat, Stay Thirsty, Derby Kitten, Decisive Moment, Archarcharch, Midnight Interlude, Twinspired, Watch Me Go, and Comma To The Top.
Friday was a beautiful day for the Kentucky Oaks…a Plum Pretty day, actually. Bob Baffert’s filly held on to win by a neck over St. John’s River in the 1-1/8 mile race for the Lilies. Heavy favorite Joyful Victory finished fourth, behind Zazu. Zazu is owned by Zenyatta’s royal family, Jerry and Ann Moss. (I was lucky enough to sit in a box right behind them yesterday at the finish line…very cool!)
My darling Daisy just didn’t have it in her. She rallied around the turn, but jostled a bit and faded to finish seventh. Still, I’m just thrilled she made it into the Oaks! She still has a very bright future ahead.
I’m still suffering from Derby hangover… y’all have no idea how to party unless you’ve been in Kentucky on the first Saturday in May. The Superbowl has nothing on us!
