When Canonero II won the 1971 Kentucky Derby, he generated a rather modest return for a $2 win ticket. Yet that $19.40 winning ticket on the "Caracas Cannonball" had nothing to do with the Venezuelan shipper’s merits and everything to do with his inclusion in a gargantuan six-horse mutuel field. Based on his form and a star-crossed trip to the United States, Canonero probably would have been dismissed at 100-1 odds in the 97th Kentucky Derby. Maybe even 200-1, but nothing even remotely close to his 8-1 odds.
Tag: The Sport
An Early Look at the Probable Field for the 2026 Preakness Stakes
The opening leg of the 2026 Triple Crown delivered an unforgettable finish and a historic moment as 23-1 longshot Golden Tempo surged to victory in the closing strides of the 1 ¼-mile Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, making trainer Cherie DeVaux the first woman to train a Derby winner.
Derby Winner Golden Tempo to Skip Preakness and Target Belmont Stakes
Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve winner Golden Tempo will not run in the May 16 Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park and will instead await the June 6
By the Numbers: The 2026 Preakness Stakes
On May 16, Laurel Park will host for the first time the second jewel of North American horse racing’s Triple Crown.
