3 horses to watch at the Kentucky Derby
With a wide-open field expected for the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby, here are three horses to keep an eye on Saturday evening:
Classic Empire (4-1, post position 14)
Dubbed the ‘Bad Boy of Racing’ by his barn, Classic Empire is considered by many as the most talented horse in the field.
He is the lukewarm favorite - but he has his quirks. In last summer’s Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga, he jumped from the gate, stopped, and wheeled to the right, throwing his rider and failing to finish the race.
The antics have continued this year; it was reported that the colt refused to train in the mornings, putting his participation in the Derby in jeopardy. He also suffered an abscess in the sole of his hoof over the winter, which may or may not have led to his erratic behavior. Still, any roadblocks on the Derby trail should viewed as a red flag.
His most recent win in the Arkansas Derby showed that he’s back in business, so here’s hoping he keeps his attitude in check on Saturday.
Irish War Cry (6-1, post position 17)
Irish War Cry has generated plenty of buzz around Churchill Downs this week - mostly for good reason.
The big chestnut colt was an impressive winner of the Wood Memorial in April after running a clunker in the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park and finishing seventh. Trainer Graham Motion, who won in Derby in 2011 with Animal Kingdom, is drawing a line through that race and is confident that Irish War Cry is sitting on a big performance.
Rajiv Maragh is in the saddle and really seems to suit the horse.
Practical Joke (20-1, post position 19)
This colt has not won a race since last October, which is concerning - but he always picks up a check.
He looked impressive in a second-place showing at the Blue Grass Stakes, finishing three-quarters of a length behind winner Irap, who stole the race on the lead. Practical Joke has class; he is a dual Grade 1 winner. His jockey is Joel Rosario, who won the Derby in 2013 and is a great stretch-run rider.
He’ll have to use that expertise to help Practical Joke navigate the perfect trip from the 19-hole.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)