Although the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby takes place on May 2nd 2015, it’s never too early to start handicapping the horses that will likely make the field. The Kentucky derby is always the first Saturday in May and is the first race towards the Triple Crown.
The Kentucky Derby field is determined by a series of preliminary races in which horses gain points depending upon their finish. These preliminary races have just begun as tracks all across North America gear up to begin their spring meets. Some of the more popular preliminary races are the Santa Anita Derby, the Louisiana Derby and the Florida Derby.
Derby 141: Horses to Watch
Although the Kentucky Derby field is far from being settled, it is important to take note of the following horses as they will begin to get more media coverage as the Run for the Roses draws nearer.
International Star
A 3 year old colt named International Star has emerged as one of the early favorites for the Kentucky Derby. International Star, who was bred in New York, is trained by Michael J. Maker. Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey own International Star and they have selected Miguel Mena as the jockey of their horse.
International Star beat a competitive field to win the Lecomte Stakes in mid January. The win awarded International Star enough points to currently take the lead in the Kentucky Derby point standings. Jockey Miguel Mena and trainer Michael J. Maker have not previously won the Kentucky Derby; could this be the year that the team puts it all together?
Dortmund
Legendary thoroughbred trainer Bob Baffert looks to capture another Kentucky Derby victory as he and jockey Martin Garcia are early favorites to win the Kentucky Derby aboard their thoroughbred Dortmund. Dortmund was bred in Kentucky and the horse is owned by Kaleem Shah.
Dortmund recently won the Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita Park back in January. The win pushed Dortmund into the top 5 of the Kentucky Derby point standings. Dortmund will most likely run in the Santa Anita Derby in April. It’s been several years since Baffert has brought a horse into the winner’s circle at the Kentucky Derby. Since Dortmund is directly related to former Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown, many thoroughbred handicappers feel confident placing a wager on this horse in the big race.
Carpe Diem
Carpe Diem will certainly be a force to be reckoned with as many believe the 3 year old thoroughbred has the class and poise to run away from the field. Carpe Diem is trained by Todd Pletcher and the horse is owned by WinStar Farms. This colt will likely be ridden by John Velazquez.
Carpe Diem had a solid 2nd place showing at the Breeder’s Cup back in November. The horse has also won its other two races beating out horses such as Mr. Z and other likely Kentucky Derby contenders. WinStar Farms and trainer Todd Pletcher have enjoyed a successful relationship over the years.
Pletcher and WinStar were responsible for producing Super Saver, the eventual winner of the Kentucky Derby in 2010. Jockey John Velazquez has also tasted success at the Derby winning in 2011 aboard Animal Kingdom. With so much experience and horse racing expertise behind Carpe Diem, it wouldn’t be surprising to see this horse pull off a win at this year’s Kentucky Derby.
Derby Betting Lines
Want to learn more about betting the Kentucky Derby? Check out out How to bet on Horse Racing page.
