Fiercenessand Sierra Leone Lead Early Favorites as Kentucky Derby Faces Wet Track

The 150th Kentucky Derby is set to take place this Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, amidst a 60% chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms. The oldest continuously held major sports event in the United States, dating back to 1875, will see a field of top three-year-old thoroughbreds compete for the $5 million purse and a chance at Triple Crown glory.

Early favorites for the 1 1/4-mile race include Florida Derby winner Fierceness, trained by eight-time Eclipse Award winner Todd Pletcher, and Sierra Leone, the second choice at 3-1 odds, trained by Chad Brown. Fierceness, ridden by John Velazquez, is the current favorite at 5/2 after an impressive 13 1/2-length victory in his last outing. Owner Mike Repole, who is 0 for 7 in the Derby, believes in his horse, stating, "The horse is just a different kind. He does everything so easy, so calm, so cool."

Sierra Leone, the priciest horse in the field at $2.3 million, is known for his closing speed. Co-owner Peter Brandt acknowledges the risk in expensive horses, saying, "A lot of times you buy an expensive horse like that and they can't run." However, he remains optimistic about Sierra Leone's future, adding, "We've very, very lucky he's made it this far. We're looking forward to this race, but also looking forward to the future of taking care of this horse."

Other notable contenders include Brad Cox-trained Catching Freedom and Just a Touch, Danny Gargan's Dornoch and Society Man, and West Saratoga, trained by Larry Demeritte, the second Black trainer since 1951 to take a shot at winning the Derby. Demeritte expressed his amazement at reaching this position, stating, "This is truly amazing how we got to this position with this horse."

Japan also has two entries in the race, Forever Young and T O Password, though the country has never won the Kentucky Derby. Other experienced jockeys and trainers in the field include 88-year-old D. Wayne Lukas, who has four Derby wins and is saddling Just Steel, and 53-year-old Italian jockey Frankie Dettori, riding Society Man after a 24-year absence from the event.

The potential for a wet track has raised interest in horses with experience on messy surfaces, such as Dornoch, Just a Touch, Mystik Dan, and Society Man. However, the forecast has not dampened the spirits of those involved, with Todd Pletcher, trainer of Fierceness and in the Derby for the 24th year, admitting, "If anything, it just becomes more nerve-wracking."

The Kentucky Derby, a significant economic driver for Louisville, remains steeped in tradition, with the iconic Twin Spires of Churchill Downs lending an aura of majesty to the event. Last year's tracked wagers reached $189 million, and despite safety concerns following the deaths of 12 horses during the 2023 spring meet, organizers have implemented enhanced safety protocols and an antidoping regime to ensure the well-being of the horses.

As the 150th Kentucky Derby approaches, the excitement builds for the most prestigiouseventin American horse racing. With a talented field of contenders, experienced jockeys and trainers, and the potential for a wet track, the stage is set for a thrilling and unpredictable Run for the Roses. The post time for the Kentucky Derby is set for 6:57 p.m. EDT, with an expected crowd of 150,000 ready to witness history in the making.

Key Takeaways

• The 150th Kentucky Derby takes place on Saturday at Churchill Downs with a 60% chance of scattered showers.
• Fierceness and Sierra Leone are early favorites, with Fierceness at 5/2 odds and Sierra Leone at 3-1 odds.
• The field includes top three-year-old thoroughbreds competing for a $5 million purse and a chance at Triple Crown glory.
• The potential for a wet track has raised interest in horses with experience on messy surfaces.
• The post time is set for 6:57 p.m. EDT, with an expected crowd of 150,000.