The Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve is where lifelong dreams are made for anyone who has ever aspired to a career in racing. For the jockeys, making it to the Derby starting gate just once is considered a major accomplishment.
The two top choices on the morning-line will start from posts at different sides of the gate when an expected field of 20 horses lines up for the 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve at about 6:57 p.m. Saturday, May 4 at Churchill Downs.
Since first teaming to win a maiden claiming race at Aqueduct in April 1996 during the early part of their careers, trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez have combined to win another 1,865 races together. Among these is a victory in the 2017 Kentucky Derby with Always Dreaming.
Much has been made of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2024, but the same historical marker applies to its companion race for 3-year-old fillies, the $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks.
Long known for his skill in training turf horses, Phil D’Amato is making the most of an opportunity with the 3-year-old dirt horse Stronghold, winner of the Santa Anita Derby and pointed to the May 4 Kentucky Derby Pre
.JPG?itok=-o33Bv0t&c=c0e8f700f224c592e6a49bcad194c9d5 "Fierceness, John Velazquez, Mike Repole Stable, Todd Pletcher")
