Tag: brad cox

Aunt Pearl Returns in Edgewood

Unbeaten 'TDN Rising Star' Aunt Pearl (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) makes her sophomore debut at what figures to be a very short price in Churchill's GII Edgewood S. Friday. The 280,000gns Tattersalls October yearling bested her competition by five lengths first out here Sept. 1, and dominated both the GII JPMorgan Jessamine S. Oct. 7 and the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf Nov. 6 at Keeneland on the front end. She was second in the voting for the champion 2-year-old filly Eclipse. The bay's profile looks almost identical to that of Newspaperofrecord (Ire), who came into the 2019 Edgewood off of three wins including a BC Juvenile Fillies Turf romp, but was run down in the Edgewood at 1-5 by future Grade I winner Concrete Rose (Twirling Candy).

There don't appear to be any Concrete Roses waiting in the wings here, but Gift List (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}) is the most likely upsetter. She was second in her Stateside debut for Amerman Racing and Brian Lynch in the Apr. 3 GII Appalachian S. at Keeneland behind speedy 'Rising Star' Jouster (Noble Mission {GB}).

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‘Quality’ Team Behind Unbeaten Derby Favorite

LOUISVILLE, KY – Two years ago, Brad Cox got the phone call that every trainer wants to receive.

“I got a call one day from Jimmy Bell and he said that he'd like to meet me at Churchill one morning,” Cox said of his initial conversation with the Godolphin USA president. “It was an honor to get a call like that. We met in my office and he said that they'd like to send us some 2-year-olds. You knew there were gonna be runners in that group and that they'd all have pedigree. There was no doubt about it.”

From the second crop of juveniles sent Cox's way, a gray son of leading sire Tapit quickly began to stand out from the rest at the 41- year-old's Keeneland division.

“I remember the first time we breezed him,” Cox said. “I looked at my assistant and said, 'Wow, this horse acts like he can win the Belmont.' He just never stopped. He just kept going and going and you're like, 'Woah, we did too much with him.' Then he walks off the track like he did nothing. He gave us a lot of confidence when we led him over there the first time and he's continued to do so every time we've run him.”

He, of course, is unbeaten 2-year-old champion and GI Kentucky Derby 2-1 morning-line favorite Essential Quality (Tapit). Sporting a five-for-five record, led by wins in last year's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile and GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity, the versatile Godolphin homebred and 'TDN Rising Star' remained perfect following a hard-fought decision in the GII Toyota Blue Grass S. at Keeneland Apr. 3. He previously kicked off his sophomore campaign with a visually impressive performance in the slop in Oaklawn's GIII Southwest S.

“He's moved forward from two to three,” Cox said. “I think he needs to move forward again to win the Derby and I think he can.”

Bell added, “What he's done, it's been a tremendous morale booster for our overall operation. Given the fact that he's a homebred, it just adds so much more to it. We know how special this is and embrace just really what he's accomplished. He's taken us all on such an incredible ride. You've got to dream a little bit in this business.”

Essential Quality's graded stakes placed-dam Delightful Quality (Elusive Quality) is a daughter of the unraced Contrive (Storm Cat). The latter produced champion Folklore (Tiznow), heroine of the 2005 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Contrive was purchased by Sheikh Mohammed's operation for $3 million in foal to Pleasantly Perfect at the 2005 Fasig-Tipton November Sale. Delightful Quality, also represented by a 2-year-old filly by Uncle Mo, was barren for 2020-21. She was covered again by Tapit this spring.

“We have a collaborative, team effort there [to plan matings] and it was a very good, physical match,” Bell said of the Tapit–Delightful Quality pairing that produced Essential Quality. “She had plenty of speed and Tapit gives you plenty of stamina. The Gone West mares go well with Tapit as well. Each had a little something that maybe you'd like to see in the other.”

The Cox and Godolphin tandem, born in 2019, have also been represented thus far by 2020 GIII Indiana Derby and GIII Oklahoma Derby winner Shared Sense (Street Sense); this term's Bourbonette Oaks heroine Adventuring (Pioneerof the Nile); multiple stakes winner Hieronymus (Girolamo); and the stakes-placed Amongst (Into Mischief). Cox currently has approximately eight head for Godolphin, and in a couple of weeks, will receive another shipment of 15 juveniles.

“I'm really proud to train for them,” Cox said. “Just a class act all the way around. Their outfit is a power in the Thoroughbred industry throughout the world.”

Formed in 1994, Godolphin–recognized three times at the Eclipse Awards as outstanding owner (2009, 2012 & 2020)–has won no fewer than a staggering 255 Grade/Group 1 races worldwide. In 2015, Godolphin merged with Darley Stud to form one company and racing stable in the U.S. As Godolphin began expanding its training roster in search of more of a midwest presence, trainers like Michael Stidham, Cox and Brendan Walsh were easy choices to join the team, per Bell.

“That sort of opened up a different roster,” Bell said. “Brad had just won an Oaks [with Monomoy Girl], showing adept handling of a top filly like that, and obviously bigger things were yet to come. He really was what we were looking for–a young trainer, like himself, as well as Brendan, in that Midwest area.”

Bell continued, “Like all things, it's a bit of an evolutionary process. Initially, early days the primary goal was to compete in New York. That's the top racing circuit and that's obviously where we aspire to compete. As the numbers grew and not everything fit, it gave us an opportunity sort of to step back and really look at the overall geographic spread. Racetracks like the Fair Grounds and Oaklawn, as well as the racing in Kentucky, have improved dramatically, and that trio right there [Stidham, Cox and Walsh] really covered a lot of racing opportunities.”

With a deep U.S. training roster that also includes Hall of Famer Bill Mott, any particular reason why Essential Quality headed Cox's way after learning his early lessons with Niall Brennan in Ocala, Florida?

“The short answer: fortuitous,” Bell replied with a laugh.

“Longer answer is: we have a process we go through. We work very closely with our pre-trainers–David Scanlon, Niall Brennan, Eddie Woods and Meda Murphy at Bridlewood. [Chief Operating Officer, Godolphin USA] Dan Pride and all of us go down there [to Florida] and see a good three-eighths breeze, and, as scientific as you can be, basically get into three baskets of A's, B's and C's. And from there, we sit down and try to divide them up equally and accordingly.”

In addition to the horse to beat on the first Saturday in May, Godolphin's well-spread 'A team' of 3-year-olds this year also included: the Stidham-trained GII Risen Star S. and GIII Lecomte S. runner-up Proxy (Tapit); 'TDN Rising Star' Prevalence (Medaglia d'Oro), who lines up for Walsh in Saturday's GII Pat Day Mile S. on the Derby undercard; and the highly regarded 2-year-old key race maiden winner Speaker's Corner (Street Sense), currently on the comeback trail for Mott.

Two of the top older handicap horses in the country, meanwhile, Godolphin's 2021 G1 Dubai World Cup winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Mystic Guide (Ghostzapper) and Maxfield (Street Sense), winner of the 2019 GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity and 2021 GI Santa Anita H. third, are trained by Stidham and Walsh, respectively. Maxfield is entered in Friday's GII Alysheba S. on the GI Kentucky Oaks program.

“Having the good fortune of having more than one good 3-year-old, 2-year-old or older horse, you really would like to have it work out that way that they all end up in each one of their operations,” Bell said.

Cox can certainly relate. This will be the first year that the native of Louisville is represented in the Kentucky Derby. He will also lead over Juddmonte homebred and 'TDN Rising Star' Mandaloun (Into Mischief), winner of the GII Risen Star S.

Last year's Eclipse Award-winning trainer's rapidly growing highlight reel is topped by a pair of GI Kentucky Oaks victories and seven Breeders' Cup wins. He also has two chances for an Oaks hat trick with the race's co-second choice and 'TDN Rising Star' Travel Column (Frosted) and longshot Coach (Commissioner).

Cox, a former assistant to Dallas Stewart, struck out on his own in 2004.

“We walked over for Dollar Bill in the Monarchos year in 2001,” Cox said of the former Stewart trainee. “So, I've done a walkover, but looking forward to this one for sure. I grew up by the track and the first Derby I was at was Lil E. Tee–Pat Day's first Derby winner [in 1992].”

He continued, “It's always been the goal to get to the Derby. I've always said I just don't want to be in the Derby, I want to win the Derby. I'm a competitive person. I know the Derby and the Oaks are not races you show up and just win year in and year out. Horse racing is tough. Even if you're doing well and winning at 25% of the time, you're getting beat 75% of the time. To be in a position we're in, I feel very fortunate and thankful. But our team is competitive and we want to execute. I always believed that we could get here and win it. I'm hopeful that this is the year with one of these colts.”

Believe it or not, a native of Louisville has never saddled the winner of the Kentucky Derby in 146 previous renewals. Cox grew up just blocks from Churchill Downs on Euclid Avenue in the south end of Louisville.

“I would never use the words stress, worried or pressure,” said Cox, who is proudly assisted by his two sons, Bryson and Blake. “I honestly don't feel that. I really don't. We obviously have a large stable and stay busy. Not all of my attention is on Essential Quality winning the Kentucky Derby. We have plenty on our plate to keep us busy and occupied.”

Cox continued with a laugh, “Honestly, I think I'll get a little nervous. But once I leg up the riders and the horses are on the track, it could be a long 10 minutes. We'll see how it goes.”

During a December 2015 interview in TDN, Cox said that his goal for the following season was to win his first Grade I race. With that mission accomplished in spades, he has a new target these days. And it's right in front of him for the taking.

“That chase for that Derby,” Cox said. “I'm hopeful that we can pick one off this year. And I have a strong feeling that if we were able to do that, you know, number two would be something we would be after next. These good horses. When you have good horses, it's easy to get up in the morning. We're very blessed.”

Sheikh Mohammed, meanwhile, has certainly been here before, but never with a hand quite like this.

Godolphin is winless in 11 prior attempts in the Derby. Frosted's fourth-place finish in 2015 was the ruler of Dubai's best finish to date. Godolphin's other Derby starters include: Worldly Manner (seventh, 1999); China Visit (sixth) and Curule (seventh, 2000); Express Tour (eighth, 2001); Essence of Dubai (ninth, 2002); Regal Ransom (eighth) and Desert Party (14th, 2009); Alpha (12th, 2012); Thunder Snow (Ire) (DNF, 2017); and Enticed (14th, 2018). Sheikh Mohammed was also represented by a pair of starters in the 1992 Derby–eighth-place finisher Arazi (co-owned with Allen Paulson) and 13th-place finisher Thyer.

“First and foremost, he enjoys and embraces competition, especially on the world stage,” Bell concluded. “There's no question about it, winning the Derby is a passion of his and a pursuit of his. He's very philosophical about this, and if it's meant to be, it will be. He believes so much in the power of positivity. If there's any pressure, it's self-inflicted. And I think you see that throughout the whole operation, it really comes from the top. He understands it and we're all in this together.”

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Derby Notes: Rock Your World Makes Favorable Impression, Final Contenders Arrive On Backstretch

Godolphin's undefeated Essential Quality was made the 2-1 morning line favorite in a field of 20 horses entered Tuesday morning for Saturday's 147th running of the $3 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve.

Earlier Tuesday morning, the cast for Derby 147 became fully assembled with the 6 o'clock arrival from Parx of Brooklyn Strong, and a later arrival from Keeneland by Hidden Stash and Like the King, both of whom galloped early Tuesday morning at the Lexington, Ky. track.

BOURBONIC, DYNAMIC ONE, KNOWN AGENDA, SAINTHOOD – The Kentucky Derby quartet that calls the barn of trainer Todd Pletcher their headquarters moved another step closer to the 147th edition of America's Greatest Race Tuesday morning with solid gallops around the Churchill Downs oval.

Three of the colts were prominent for the 7:30-7:45 special Derby/Oaks training period that clears the track of all morning horses with the exception of those pointing to the two big races. Dynamic One was partnered by Carlos Perez Quevedo, Known Agenda had Hector Ramos at the controls and Sainthood was handled by Amelia Green.

At approximately 7:50, the last Pletcher horse – Bourbonic with Ramos up – went through his exercises.

The seven-time Eclipse Award winning trainer Pletcher noted their progress.

“They all galloped a mile and one quarter and they all visited the gate,” he said. It was exactly what the doctor – or an ultra-steady conditioner like Pletcher – ordered.

On Saturday, Bourbonic will team up with rider Kendrick Carmouche; Dynamic One will have the saddle services of Jose Ortiz; Known Agenda gets Irad Ortiz, Jr, and Sainthood will be handled by Corey Lanerie.

BROOKLYN STRONG – Trainer Danny Velazquez reported that Mark Schwartz's Brooklyn Strong, who arrived at Churchill Downs at 6 a.m. Tuesday, shipped in well and looks good. The 37-year-old trainer is expected to arrive in Louisville for his first Kentucky Derby starter on Wednesday afternoon.

Brooklyn Strong, a late addition to the filed, drew post 3 and was installed at odds of 50-1 on the morning line.

“It's deep inside, but it's O.K.,” Velazquez said. “(Owner) Mark (Schwartz) says three is his lucky number and he's won from there before. Hopefully, he gets a good break and can settle into third or fourth early.”

ESSENTIAL QUALITY, MANDALOUN – Godolphin's Essential Quality and Juddmonte Farm's Mandaloun were two of the first horses on the track early Tuesday morning for trainer Brad Cox.

Essential Quality, with Edvin Vargas up, galloped 1 ½ miles while stablemate Mandaloun followed with Fernando Espinoza aboard.

Essential Quality drew post 14 in the Derby while Mandaloun will break from post seven.

HELIUM, SOUP AND SANDWICH – D J Stable's Helium and Live Oak Plantation's homebred Soup and Sandwich both galloped 1 ¼ miles Tuesday morning, according to trainer Mark Casse's assistant David Carroll, and schooled in the paddock prior to today's first race. While Helium has been on the muscle every morning, Carroll was particularly impressed with Soup and Sandwich, who has much more of a laid-back demeanor than his stablemate.

“I thought it was his best day of training so far,” Carroll said. “Helium is always wanting to do more but Soup and Sandwich doesn't want to give too much, that's just who is he is. But we're really happy with him and how he's progressing along, especially after this morning.”

HIDDEN STASH – BBN Racing's Hidden Stash galloped at 5:30 over a fast track at Keeneland before vanning to Churchill Downs where he arrived mid-morning for trainer Vicki Oliver.

HIGHLY MOTIVATED – Klaravich Stables' Highly Motivated galloped 1 3/8 miles Tuesday morning during the 7:30-7:45 allotted training time for Derby and Oaks horses. Trainer Chad Brown indicated the son of Into Mischief will likely school during the races on Wednesday.

“I'm going to get with my assistants and watch the weather and figure that out, but I'm leaning towards Wednesday,” Brown said. “I prefer to school during the races, so we'll sign up for some sort of spot where we can take him up during the races and get that done.”

HOT ROD CHARLIE – As he had the day before in his first morning at Churchill Downs, the Oxbow colt Hot Rod Charlie only jogged a mile around the Churchill Downs strip Tuesday morning under exercise rider Jonny Garcia. The well-built sophomore continued to show a sparkle in his coat and a pop in his step even though he wasn't really allowed to show all his stuff on a sunny morning in Louisville.

“We'll go to gallop with him tomorrow,” said trainer Doug O'Neill, the two-time Derby winner who is back with a very live chance to go for the hat trick in Saturday's Kentucky Derby 147.

“Charlie,” a “bargain” $110,000 yearling buy, now has won $1,005,700 by way of two victories, a second and two thirds, notably in the last year's Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (second at 94-1) and most recently as the winner of the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby.

He'll be handled for the first time Saturday by California's leading rider, Flavien Prat, who has been aboard the dark youngster in several of his most recent works at his Santa Anita base

KEEPMEINMIND – Trainer Robertino Diodoro is hoping to put a line through Keepmeinmind's first two starts of the year and that his horse makes amends for those poor starts with a strong run in the Kentucky Derby.

Keepmeinmind, who was sixth in the Rebel Stakes and fifth in the Blue Grass Stakes (G2), made the Derby field by virtue of his third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) and win in Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) last year as a 2-year-old.

“I don't like to make excuses for horses, but I think he has some excuses,” Diodoro said. “I think his last race in the Blue Grass was our fault. We took him out of his element, trying to stay closer to the front, and when they started to run, he had nothing left for the finish. We need to get him back to his old way of relaxing early and making one run.

“On paper it may not look like he belongs, but talent wise, he definitely belongs, I think.”

Keepmeinmind drew post position four and was installed at odds of 50-1.

“I'm very happy with it,” said Diodoro, who before the draw said anywhere between post three and 10 would be perfect.

Keepmeinmind will train at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday.

KING FURY – Fern Circle Stables, Three Chimneys Farm and Magdalena Racing's King Fury spent a little time on the track minutes after a brilliant sunrise Tuesday morning. During the period reserved for Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses, the colt put in a maintenance 1 ½-mile gallop with exercise rider Lalo Jose Quiroz aboard. King Fury had his final work for the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.

“No problems,” said Greg Geier, assistant to trainer Kenny McPeek.

LIKE THE KING – M Racing Group's Like the King galloped early Tuesday morning at Keeneland under exercise rider Jose Hernandez for trainer Wesley Ward.

Winner of the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) in his most recent start, King Fury arrived at 9:43 a.m. at Churchill Downs.

MEDINA SPIRIT – Zedan Racing Stables' Medina Spirit continued to make a favorable impression as he galloped 1 1/2 miles with exercise rider Humberto Gomez on board during the special 7:30 a.m. training time.

“He looks great,” said Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, who is looking for his record seventh Kentucky Derby victory. “He's happy. A lot of our horses come off the deep surface at Santa Anita and do really well here. He's doing really well, but to me it's Essential Quality's race.”

MIDNIGHT BOURBON, SUPER STOCK –. Winchell Thoroughbreds' Midnight Bourbon walked the shedrow Tuesday morning, a day after he put in his final Derby breeze. The Tiznow colt went five furlongs in 1:02.40 for trainer Steve Asmussen, who indicated he'll school during the Tuesday card.

Erv Woolsey's and Asmussen's father Keith's Super Stock schooled in the gate Tuesday morning and galloped 1 1/8 miles and will school in the paddock during Tuesday's races.

O BESOS – Bernard Racing, Tagg Team Racing, West Point Thoroughbreds and Terry L. Stephens' O Besos jogged one mile and galloped about one mile Tuesday morning around 6 a.m.

ROCK YOUR WORLD – Hronis Racing and David Talla's Rock Your World was one of the stars of the special 7:30-7:45 Derby/Oaks training session Tuesday morning, cutting a dashing figure as he took exercise rider Javier Meza on a nifty spin around the big Churchill Downs oval.

His conditioner, the California veteran John Sadler, looked on approvingly.

“He galloped a mile and a quarter today,” the trainer noted after having his charge merely jog a mile Monday on his first day trackside in Kentucky for his date in Saturday's Kentucky Derby 147. “We'll have a progression with him as the week goes along. A bit farther each day as we go.”

Back at his Barn 43 location, Sadler was asked by a horse admirer how his charge was doing. “He looks pretty good,” was his low-key reply.

In fact, not only does the son of Candy Ride “look pretty good” on the racetrack, he looks darn good just standing. When he held still outside his barn after his exercise and took his bath, there appeared to be about 50 photographers clicking away.

If the Derby was a beauty contest, they might not have to take a vote. The tall, near-black 3-year-old out of the Empire Maker mare Charm the Maker – bred by Hall of Fame trainer Ron McAnally and his wife Debby – fetched $650,000 as a yearling at Keeneland's September Sale in 2019 and has simply grown better and better along the way. He's got an athlete's body and a smooth way of going over the track, as well as a rapid turn of foot that just might see him on the lead early in the $3 million Run for the Roses.

Joel Rosario, currently the second-leading rider in the country and a long-time favorite of Sadler's was a late addition to the Rock Your World team and all involved believe things are better for that.

THE FIELD FOR THE $3 MILLION KENTUCKY DERBY PRESENTED BY WOODFORD RESERVE (G1)

  1. Known Agenda (Irad Ortiz Jr., 6-1),
  2. Like the King (Drayden Van Dyke, 50-1),
  3. Brooklyn Strong (Umberto Rispoli, 50-1),
  4. Keepmeinmind (David Cohen, 50-1),
  5. Sainthood (Corey Lanerie, 50-1),
  6. O Besos (Marcelino Pedroza, 20-1),
  7. Mandaloun (Florent Geroux, 15-1),
  8. Medina Spirit (John Velazquez, 15-1),
  9. Hot Rod Charlie (Flavien Prat, 8-1),
  10. Midnight Bourbon (Mike Smith, 20-1),
  11. Dynamic One (Jose Ortiz, 20-1),
  12. Helium (Julien Leparoux, 50-1),
  13. Hidden Stash (Rafael Bejarano, 50-1),
  14. Essential Quality (Luis Saez, 2-1),
  15. Rock Your World (Joel Rosario, 5-1),
  16. King Fury (Brian Hernandez Jr., 20-1),
  17. Highly Motivated (Javier Castellano, 10-1),
  18. Super Stock (Ricardo Santana Jr., 30-1),
  19. Soup and Sandwich (Tyler Gaffalione, 30-1),
  20. Bourbonic (Kendrick Carmouche, 30-1).

All starters will carry 126 pounds

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Unbeaten Champion Essential Quality Favored for Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, KY – Unbeaten champion Essential Quality (Tapit) was assigned post 14 in a full field of 20 assembled for Saturday's GI Kentucky Derby at Tuesday's post position draw held at Churchill Downs.

The Godolphin homebred and 'TDN Rising Star,' tabbed as the 2-1 favorite on Mike Battaglia's morning line, made it a perfect five-for-five for trainer Brad Cox with a hard-fought, neck decision over Highly Motivated (Into Mischief) in the GII Blue Grass S. at Keeneland Apr. 3. Luis Saez, disqualified from first aboard Maximum Security in 2019, has the call.

Cox will also be represented by fellow 'Rising Star' and GII Risen Star S. winner Mandaloun (Into Mischief) (post seven). These will be the first Derby starters for the native of Louisville.

“It got a little nerve wracking with both horses still to go and the rail still being out there,” Cox said. [Essential Quality's] got good, tactical speed that he'll be able to get into a good position from there.”

Cox added, “He can adapt to no pace or there being pace in front of him. He's not a one-dimensional horse. He's able to adapt. I've always felt like he's a horse that the further they go, the better he'll get. We're gonna get an extra eighth of a mile Saturday that he's never had before.”

Unbeaten, front-running GI Runhappy Santa Anita Derby winner Rock Your World (Candy Ride {Arg}) was made the second choice on the morning line at 5-1. The $650,000 KEESEP yearling purchase exits from post 15 with Joel Rosario aboard and figures to be prominent early. Rosario piloted 2013 Derby winner Orb.

“He has a good, high-cruising speed,” trainer John Sadler said of the Hronis Racing and Talla Racing colorbearer. “He's fast and he can carry it a long distance. I imagine he'll be forwardly placed. I can see him sitting second or third depending on what the pace is. We have a great rider with Rosario, he'll determine what the pace is and put the horse in the right spot, hopefully. We're generally pretty happy with the post.”

The connections of Hot Rod Charlie (Oxbow) let out a nice roar in the Aristides Lounge after the GII Louisiana Derby winner drew post nine. The dark bay's ownership group of Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing, LLC and William Strauss includes Doug and Dennis O'Neill's nephew Patrick.

“We got a great group of guys,” two-time Kentucky Derby winning-trainer Doug O'Neill said. “They were gonna be excited no matter what number we got. These horses reflect our energy, and win, lose or draw, we're bringing great energy to 'Charlie' and he's giving it back to us. It's a great post, you're right in the middle of the pack. We've got so much confidence in Flavien Prat. He's such a great rider. I think the nine is a great spot for us. If the pace is slow, and nobody else goes, at least we showed in the Louisiana Derby that we could go to the front. I think Flavien is gonna go in with an open mind and just play the break.”

Fellow two-time Kentucky Derby winning-trainer Todd Pletcher will saddle four–GI Curlin Florida Derby winner Known Agenda (Curlin) (post one), GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks second Sainthood (Mshawish) (post five), GII Wood Memorial S. second Dynamic One (Union Rags) (post 11); and Wood Memorial upsetter Bourbonic (Bernardini) (post 20). Pletcher also trains GI Kentucky Oaks morning-line favorite and 'TDN Rising Star' Malathaat (Curlin).

“It certainly wasn't the one we were hoping for,” Pletcher said of Known Agenda's rail draw. “But I've often said sometimes you get bad trips from good posts and good trips from bad posts. I think hopefully with the new starting gate that will make a little bit of a difference.

Pletcher continued, “I was kind of hoping for Sainthood and Bourbonic to draw inside and Dynamic One and Known Agenda to draw in the middle towards the outside. I thought we did OK with two of them. Nothing we could do about it. We'll focus on the things we can control.”

Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen brings the formidable pair of GI Arkansas Derby winner Super Stock (Dialed In) (post 18) and GIII Lecomte hero Midnight Bourbon (Tiznow) (post 10) in search of his first Derby victory.

“It's definitely on the bucket list,” Asmussen said. “We've been given tremendous opportunities and the two horses this year are great examples of that.”

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, currently tied with Ben Jones for most Kentucky Derby victories with six, will be represented by Santa Anita Derby runner-up Medina Spirit (Protonico) (post eight).

Saturday, Churchill Downs, post time: 6:57 p.m ET
GI Kentucky Derby, $3,000,000, 3yo, 1 1/4m
1-Known Agenda (Curlin) 6-1
2-Like The King (Palace Malice) 50-1
3-Brooklyn Strong (Wicked Strong) 50-1
4-Keepmeinmind (Laoban) 50-1
5-Sainthood (Mshawish) 50-1
6-O Besos (Orb) 20-1
7-Mandaloun (Into Mischief) 15-1
8-Medina Spirit (Protonico) 15-1
9-Hot Rod Charlie (Oxbow) 8-1
10-Midnight Bourbon (Tiznow) 20-1
11-Dynamic One (Union Rags) 20-1
12-Helium (Ironicus) 50-1
13-Hidden Stash (Constitution) 50-1
14-Essential Quality (Tapit) 2-1
15-Rock Your World (Candy Ride {Arg}) 5-1
16-King Fury (Curlin) 20-1
17-Highly Motivated (Into Mischief) 10-1
18-Super Stock (Dialed In) 30-1
19-Soup and Sandwich (Into Mischief) 30-1
20-Bourbonic (Bernardini) 30-1

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