2012 Kentucky Derby Attracts Formidable Field
As the most important Gr 1 horse race in the United States, and arguably one of the important in the world, the prestigious Kentucky Derby run at Churchill Downs Racecourse in Louisville, Kentucky never fails to attract the best horses, trainers and jockeys from the US and abroad, and this year's event set for Saturday, May 5 is no different.
Here is the current field of the 2012 Kentucky Derby, as well as owners, trainers and jockeys:
Runner | Owner | Trainer | Jockey |
Alpha | Godolphin | Kiaran McLaughlin | Ramon Dominguez |
Bodemeister | Zayat Stables | Bob Baffert | Mike Smith |
Creative Cause | Heinz Steinmann | Mike Harrington | Joel Rosario |
Daddy Long Legs | Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier & Michael Tabor | Aidan O'Brien | Colm O'Donoghue |
Daddy Nose Best | Cathy and Bob Zollars | Steve Asmussen | Garrett Gomez |
Done Talking | Skeedattle Stables | Hamilton Smith | Sheldon Russell |
Dullahan | Donegal Racing | Dale Romans | Kent Desormeaux |
El Padrino | Let's Go Stable | Todd Pletcher | Rafael Bejarano |
Gemologist | WinStar Farm LLC | Todd Pletcher | Javier Castellano |
Hansen | Dr. Kendall Hansen & Sky Chai Racing | Mike Maker | Ramon Dominguez |
I'll Have Another | J. Paul Reddam | Doug O'Neill | Mario Gutierrez |
Liaison | Arnold Zetcher | Bob Baffert | Martin Garcia |
Mark Valeski | Brereton C. Jones | Larry Jones | Anna "Rosie" Napravnik |
Optimizer | Bluegrass Hall LLC | D. Wayne Lukas | Jon Court |
Prospective | John C. Oxley | Mark Casse | Luis Contreras |
Rousing Sermon | Larry and Marianne Williams, Tree Top Ranches | Jerry Hollendorfer | Jose Lezcano |
Sabercat | Winchell Thoroughbreds | Steve Asmussen | Corey Nakatani |
Take Charge Indy | Chuck & Maribeth Sandford | Patrick Byrne | Calvin Borel |
Trinniberg | Shivananda Racing | Bisnath Parboo | Willie Martinez |
Union Rags | Chadds Ford Stable | Michael Matz | Julien Leparoux |
Went The Day Well | Team Valor International | H. Graham Motion | John Velazquez |
Every year racehorse owners from the United States strive to get their best three-year-olds in this epic 1 1/4 mile outing on dirt. Not only for the chance of winning the race's enormous million dollar plus purse, but for the kudos that comes with winning such an auspicious race that attracts viewers and Kentucky Derby betting fans from all over the world.
Worthy Kentucky Derby Contenders
Last year the H. Graham Motion-trained Animal Kingdom romped home first in the Kentucky Derby with John Velazquez aboard for Team Valor. This year Motion,Velazquez and Team Valor will return as they attempt to win the big race for the second straight, but this time with Went The Day Well.
An unexpected Kentucky Derby contender, Went The Day Well snagged a coveted place in Saturday's race when he delivered an extremely impressive win on March 24 in the Spiral Stakes (Gr 3).
Another runner to look out for is Daddy Long Legs, who pulled out a magnificent victory in the prestigious UAE Derby (Gr 2) on March 31, earning his connecting a $1.2 million payday. Trained by undoubtedly Ireland's finest trainer Aidan O'Brien, the son of the highly respected son of Scat Daddy is definitely be worth a wager.
Dullahan Should also be a Goer on Saturday
Dullahan should also be a goer, considering he's just come off a victory in the Blue Grass Stakes (Gr 1), the all-important final prep race leading up to the Derby. He will be ridden by champion jockey Kent Desormeaux, who is certainly no stranger to this race having won it in 1998, 2000 and 2008.
Check in with leading online sportsbook Bodog for the latest 2012 Kentucky Derby odds and betting lines.