Nineteen horses will be in the starting gate on the first Saturday in May to compete in “greatest two minutes in sports,” whittled down from a foal crop of more than 23,000. Here the America's Best Racing Brand Ambassadors give you a quick rundown or “cheat sheet” of the Derby entrants to help you decide who to root for.
This list is organized in post-position order-- not saddle cloths -- with morning-line odds in parentheses. There will be no horse wearing sadlde cloth 11. With Pablo Del Monte being withdrawn Friday from the event, post position No. 1 will be empty, with the 19 remaining entrants breaking from posts 2-20. Without further ado, here are your current Kentucky Derby entrants:
1. Vicar's in Trouble (30-1)
Jockey: Rosie Napravnik
Trainer: Michael J. Maker
Owner: Kenneth & Sarah Ramsey
Career Record: 5 Starts- 3 Firsts-0 Seconds-2 Thirds
Career Earnings: $788,900
Earnings Per Start: $157,780
Pedigree: Into Mischief - Vibrant by Vicar
Color: Dark Bay or Brown
Running Style: Pacesetter/Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Vicar’s in Trouble won the $1-million, Grade 2 Louisiana Derby and the $200,000, Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds. He is attempting to become the first horse bred in Louisiana to win the Kentucky Derby, and he is one of two 2014 Derby horses for his owners, Ken and Sarah Ramsey.
2. Harry's Holiday (50-1)
Jockey: Corey Lanerie
Trainer: Michael J. Maker
Owner: Skychai Racing, Sand Dollar Stables, Raymond, T. and Wagner, J.
Career Record: 8 Starts-3 Firsts-2 Seconds-1 Third
Career Earnings: $186,882
Earnings per Start: $23,360
Pedigree: Harlan's Holiday - Daisy Mason by Orientate
Color: Bay
Running Style: Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Harry’s Holiday lost the Grade 3 Spiral Stakes at Turfway Park by a mere nose to We Miss Artie. He has won three races in his career, which began with a victory in his career debut at Churchill Downs last September.
[h=4]AMERICA'S BEST RACING[/h]
3. Uncle Sigh (30-1)
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Trainer: Gary Contessa
Owner: Wounded Warrior Stables and Robertson, Anthony C.
Career Record: 5 Starts-1 Win-3 Seconds-0 Thirds
Career Earnings: $231,000
Earnings Per Start: $46,200
Pedigree: Indian Charlie - Cradlesong by Pine Bluff
Color: Bay
Running Style: Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Uncle Sigh is named for Uncle Si Robertson from A&E’s hit reality TV show "Duck Dynasty". Wounded Warrior Stable pledged to donate 10-percent of his earnings to various charities supporting injured veterans.
4. Danza (10-1)
Jockey: Joe Bravo
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners
Career Record: 4 Starts-2 Wins-0 Seconds-2 Thirds
Career Earnings: $666,428
Earnings Per Start: $166,607
Pedigree: Street Boss - Champagne Royale by French Deputy
Color: Chestnut
Running Style: Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Danza won the $1-million, Grade 1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park at odds of 41-to-1. He was named after the "Who's the Boss" actor Tony Danza in a naming contest.
5. California Chrome (5-2)
Jockey: Victor Espinoza
Trainer: Art Sherman
Owner: Steven Coburn and Perry Martin
Career Record: 10 Starts-6 Firsts-1 Second-0 Thirds
Career Earnings: $1,134,850
Earnings Per Start: $113,485
Pedigree: Lucky Pulpit - Love the Chase, by Not For Love
Color: Chestnut
Running Style: Pacesetter/Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: California Chrome rides a 4-race, all-stakes win streak that includes the $1-million, Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby and $300,000, Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes, both at Santa Anita Park. California Chrome, or CC for short, was bred in California. Only three “Cal-breds” have won the Kentucky Derby and none since Decidedly in 1962.
6. Samraat (15-1)
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Trainer: Rick Violette
Owner: My Meadowview Farm
Career Record: 6 Starts-5 Firsts-1 Second-0 Thirds
Career Earnings: $773,200
Earning Per Start: $128,867
Pedigree: Noble Causeway - Little Indian Girl by Indian Charlie
Color: Dark Bay or Brown
Running Style: Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Samraat won his first five career races, including Kentucky Derby prep races the Withers and Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack in New York. Samraat is an Ancient Indian word which translates into “Emperor.”
[h=4]HATS OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY[/h]
7. WeMiss Artie (50-1)
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Kenneth & Sarah Ramsey
Career Record: 8 Starts-3 Wins-2 Seconds-0 Thirds
Career Earnings: $609,000
Earnings Per Start: $76,125
Pedigree: Artie Schiller - Athena's Gift by Fusaichi Pegasus
Color: Dark bay or brown
Running Style: Closer
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: We Miss Artie won the Spiral Stakes in a three-way photo finish. He finished seventh (Breeders’ Cup Juvenile) and eighth (Fountain of Youth Stakes) in his only two dirt tries. The colt will attempt to join Northern Dancer (1964) and Mine That Bird (2009) as winners of the Kentucky Derby that were born “north of the border” in Canada.
8. General a Rod(15-1)
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Trainer: Michael J. Maker
Owner: Skychai Racing LLC and Starlight Racing
Career Record: 5 Starts-2 Firsts-2 Seconds-1 Third
Career Earnings: $283,200
Earning Per Start: $56,440
Pedigree: Roman Ruler - Dynamite Eyes by Dynaformer
Color: Dark Bay or Brown
Running Style: Pacesetter/Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: General a Rod won the Gulfstream Park Derby, finished a close second in the Fountain of Youth (to Wildcat Red) and ran third in Florida Derby. General a Rod’s namesake is his former owner, Armando Rodriguez. Skychai Racing and Starlight Racing partnered to buy General a Rod from Rodriguez just days before the Derby. Jockey Joel Rosario won the Kentucky Derby last year aboard Orb.
9. Vinceremos (30-1)
Jockey: Joe Rocco, Jr.
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Winstar Farm & Twin Creeks Racing Stables
Career Record: 5 Starts-2 Firsts-2 Seconds-0 Thirds
Career Earnings: $225,266
Earnings Per Start: $45,053
Pedigree: Pioneerof the Nile - Kettle’s Sister, by More Than Ready
Color: Dark Bay or Brown
Running Style: Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Vinceremos won the Sam F. Davis Stakes and finished second in the Tampa Bay Derby. He is named after a therapeutic horse riding clinic in Loxahatchee, Fla.
10. Wildcat Red (15-1)
Jockey: Luis Saez
Trainer: Jose Garoffalo
Owner: Honors Stable Corporation
Career Record: 7 starts-4 wins-3 seconds-0 thirds
Career Earnings: $690,850
Earnings Per Start: $96,693
Pedigree: D'wildcat - Racene by Miner's Mark
Color: Bay
Running Style: Pacesetter
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Wildcat Red has never finished worse than second in his career. In his three defeats, he’s been disqualified from first, beaten by a head, and beaten by a neck. In other words, he’s been very close to having a perfect 7-for-7 career record. Wildcat Red’s owners reside in Venezuela and they routinely fly to Miami, where they also keep a residence, to see Wildcat Red run his races. Trainer Jose Garoffalo also is a native of Venezuela.
OUT. Hoppertunity (SCRATCHED)
Jockey: Mike Smith
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Paul Weitman, Michael Pegram, Karl Watson
Career Record: 5 Starts-2 Wins-1 Second-0 Thirds
Career Earnings: $610,720
Earnings Per Start: $122,144
Pedigree: Any Given Saturday - Refugee by Unaccounted For
Color: Bay
Running Style: Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Hoppertunity secured himself a spot in the Kentucky Derby by winning Oaklawn Park’s Rebel Stakes. He then finished second to California Chrome in the Santa Anita Derby. Hoppertunity is owned in part by Mike Pegram, who owned Real Quiet, winner of the 1998 Kentucky Derby and Preakness who came up a nose short of Triple Crown glory in the Belmont Stakes.
12. Dance With Fate (20-1)
Jockey: Corey Nakatani
Trainer: Peter Eurton
Owner: Alesia, Sharon, Bran Jam Stable & Ciaglia Racing LLC
Career Record: 8 Starts-3 Firsts-3 Seconds-0 Thirds
Career Earnings: $680,050
Earnings Per Start: $85,006
Pedigree: Two Step Salsa - Flirting With Fate by Saint Ballado
Color: Dark Bay or Brown
Running Style: Closer
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Dance With Fate won the $750,000, Grade 1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. He has developed a reputation as a synthetic course specialist but the colt has finished worse than second only once in his last seven starts, on turf, dirt and synthetic surfaces. Jockey Corey Nakatani will be riding in his 17th Kentucky Derby, but is still searching for his first win in the race.
13. Chitu (20-1)
Jockey: Martin Garcia
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Tanma Corporation
Career Record: 4 Starts- 3 Wins-1 Second-0 Thirds
Career Earnings: $501,800
Earnings Per Start: $ 125,450
Pedigree: Henny Hughes - Sea Gift by A.P. Indy
Color: Chestnut
Running Style: Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Chitu would have a perfect record if it wasn’t for running second behind Candy Boy in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes. He is attempting to win the Kentucky Derby after running in New Mexico’s Sunland Derby, just like Mine That Bird did in 2009. If he runs in the Kentucky Derby it could be off only a week’s rest, as he is entered to run in the Derby Trial Stakes on April 26 at Churchill Downs. Chitu's status for the Derby Trial remains up in the air.
14. Medal Count (20-1)
Jockey: Robby Albarado
Trainer: Dale Romans
Owner: Spendthrift Farm
Career Record: 7 Starts-3 Wins-1 Second-0 Thirds
Career Earnings: $261,600
Earnings Per Start: $33,371
Pedigree: Dynaformer - Brisquette by Unbridled's Song
Color: Bay
Running Style: Closer
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Medal Count finished second in the Grade 1, $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland just eight days after winning the Transylvania Stakes. “I think this is a throwback horse,” trainer Dale Romans said of the short rest that is very unusual for today’s equine athletes. Medal Count will not celebrate his third birthday until two days before the Kentucky Derby, making him a youngin’ in the race. This is Spendthrift Farm’s fifth Derby starter and its first since 2005.
15. Tapiture (15-1)
Jockey: Ricardo Santana
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Owner: Ron Winchell
Career Record: 7 Starts-2 Wins-2 Seconds-2 Thirds
Career Earnings: $490,838
Earnings Per Start: $70,120
Pedigree: Tapit - Free Spin by Olympio
Color: Chestnut
Running Style: Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Tapiture shares the same sire as Tampa Bay Derby winner Ring Weekend. They are both by Tapit. The colt already has one win on the Churchill surface - the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes in November. He followed that victory with a win over a deep field in the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park. Trainer Steve Asmussen has won two editions of the Preakness and one Kentucky Oaks but is still in search of an elusive Kentucky Derby victory.
16. Intense Holiday (12-1)
Jockey: John Velazquez
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Starlight Racing
Career Record: 8 Starts-2 Firsts-1 Second-1 Third
Career Earnings: $551,900
Earnings Per Start: $68,988
Pedigree: Harlan's Holiday - Intensify by Unbridled's Song
Color: Dark Bay or Brown
Running Style: Closer
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Intense Holiday won the Risen Star Stakes, a Kentucky Derby prep race in Louisiana. His sire (father), Harlan’s Holiday, was a multiple graded stakes winner but his dam (mother), Intensify, never won a race in five career races. Harlan’s Holiday also sired 2014 Derby contender Harry’s Holiday. Intense Holiday’s owner, Starlight Racing, also owned Harlan’s Holiday. Jockey John Velazquez won the Kentucky Derby in 2011 aboard Animal Kingdom.
17. Commanding Curve (50-1)
Jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan
Trainer: Dallas Stewart
Owner: West Point Thoroughbreds
Career Record: 6 Starts-1 Win-1 Second-2 Thirds
Career Earnings: $142,434
Earnings Per Start: $23,739
Pedigree: Master Command - Mother by Lion Hearted
Color: Bay
Running Style: Closer
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Commanding Curve has a win, one second, and one third in three starts at Churchill Downs. His trainer, Dallas Stewart, saddled 2013 Kentucky Derby runner-up Golden Soul.
18. Candy Boy (20-1)
Jockey: Gary Stevens
Trainer: John Sadler
Owner: C R K Stable LLC (Lee and Susan Searing)
Career Record: 7 Starts-2 Wins-2 Seconds-1 Third
Career Earnings: $425,600
Earnings Per Start: $60,800
Pedigree: Candy Ride - She's An Eleven by In Excess (IRE)
Color: Bay
Running Style: Stalker/Closer
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Candy Boy descends from the same family as 1948 Triple Crown legend Citation. His win in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes began his Kentucky Derby dreams. He would later finish third behind California Chrome and Hoppertunity in the Santa Anita Derby.
19. Ride On Curlin (15-1)
Jockey: Calvin Borel
Trainer: William Gowan
Owner: Daniel Dougherty
Career Record: 9 Starts-2 Firsts-2 Seconds-4 Thirds
Career Earnings: $414,687
Earning Per Start: $46,076
Pedigree: Curlin - Magical Ride by Storm Cat
Color: Bay
Running Style: Pacesetter/Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Ride On Curlin has not won a Kentucky Derby prep race or any stakes races but has finished no worse than third in eight of his nine career starts. Jockey Calvin Borel has won the Kentucky Derby three times, most recently on Super Saver in 2010. Ride On Curlin’s sire (father),Curlin, finished third in the Kentucky Derby in 2007 (a race won by Borel aboard Street Sense) and then came back to win the Preakness Stakes and finish second in the Belmont Stakes. Ride On Curlin’s morning exercise rider, Bryan Beccia, also was an exercise rider for 2001 Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos.
20. Wicked Strong (8-1)
Jockey: Rajiv Maragh
Trainer: James A. Jerkens
Owner: Centennial Farms
Career Record: 6 Starts-2 Firsts-1 Second-1 Third
Career Earnings: $704,610
Earnings Per Start: $117,435
Pedigree: Hard Spun - Moyne Abbey by Charismatic
Color: Bay
Running Style: Closer
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Wicked Strong won the $1-million Grade 1 Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct. He was named to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings, and his owner, Centennial Farms, will donate 5% of the Triple Crown winnings for Wicked Strong toOne Fund Boston.
OUT. Pablo Del Monte (NOT RUNNING)
Jockey: Victor Espinoza
Trainer: Wesley Ward
Owner: Wesley Ward, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier
Career Record: 6 Starts-2 Wins-0 Seconds-2 Thirds
Career Earnings: $158,700
Earnings Per Start: $26,450
Pedigree: Giant's Causeway - One Hot Wish by Bring the Heat
Color: Chestnut
Running Style: Pacesetter/Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Pablo Del Monte began his career 2-for-2 and hasn’t finished worse than fifth in six starts. After those first two impressive wins at Keeneland, Irish Thoroughbred owners Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, and Susan Magnier purchased an interest in the horse. Trainer Wesley Ward retained a share in Pablo Del Monte.
This list is organized in post-position order-- not saddle cloths -- with morning-line odds in parentheses. There will be no horse wearing sadlde cloth 11. With Pablo Del Monte being withdrawn Friday from the event, post position No. 1 will be empty, with the 19 remaining entrants breaking from posts 2-20. Without further ado, here are your current Kentucky Derby entrants:
1. Vicar's in Trouble (30-1)
Jockey: Rosie Napravnik
Trainer: Michael J. Maker
Owner: Kenneth & Sarah Ramsey
Career Record: 5 Starts- 3 Firsts-0 Seconds-2 Thirds
Career Earnings: $788,900
Earnings Per Start: $157,780
Pedigree: Into Mischief - Vibrant by Vicar
Color: Dark Bay or Brown
Running Style: Pacesetter/Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Vicar’s in Trouble won the $1-million, Grade 2 Louisiana Derby and the $200,000, Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds. He is attempting to become the first horse bred in Louisiana to win the Kentucky Derby, and he is one of two 2014 Derby horses for his owners, Ken and Sarah Ramsey.
2. Harry's Holiday (50-1)
Jockey: Corey Lanerie
Trainer: Michael J. Maker
Owner: Skychai Racing, Sand Dollar Stables, Raymond, T. and Wagner, J.
Career Record: 8 Starts-3 Firsts-2 Seconds-1 Third
Career Earnings: $186,882
Earnings per Start: $23,360
Pedigree: Harlan's Holiday - Daisy Mason by Orientate
Color: Bay
Running Style: Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Harry’s Holiday lost the Grade 3 Spiral Stakes at Turfway Park by a mere nose to We Miss Artie. He has won three races in his career, which began with a victory in his career debut at Churchill Downs last September.
[h=4]AMERICA'S BEST RACING[/h]
3. Uncle Sigh (30-1)
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Trainer: Gary Contessa
Owner: Wounded Warrior Stables and Robertson, Anthony C.
Career Record: 5 Starts-1 Win-3 Seconds-0 Thirds
Career Earnings: $231,000
Earnings Per Start: $46,200
Pedigree: Indian Charlie - Cradlesong by Pine Bluff
Color: Bay
Running Style: Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Uncle Sigh is named for Uncle Si Robertson from A&E’s hit reality TV show "Duck Dynasty". Wounded Warrior Stable pledged to donate 10-percent of his earnings to various charities supporting injured veterans.
4. Danza (10-1)
Jockey: Joe Bravo
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners
Career Record: 4 Starts-2 Wins-0 Seconds-2 Thirds
Career Earnings: $666,428
Earnings Per Start: $166,607
Pedigree: Street Boss - Champagne Royale by French Deputy
Color: Chestnut
Running Style: Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Danza won the $1-million, Grade 1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park at odds of 41-to-1. He was named after the "Who's the Boss" actor Tony Danza in a naming contest.
5. California Chrome (5-2)
Jockey: Victor Espinoza
Trainer: Art Sherman
Owner: Steven Coburn and Perry Martin
Career Record: 10 Starts-6 Firsts-1 Second-0 Thirds
Career Earnings: $1,134,850
Earnings Per Start: $113,485
Pedigree: Lucky Pulpit - Love the Chase, by Not For Love
Color: Chestnut
Running Style: Pacesetter/Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: California Chrome rides a 4-race, all-stakes win streak that includes the $1-million, Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby and $300,000, Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes, both at Santa Anita Park. California Chrome, or CC for short, was bred in California. Only three “Cal-breds” have won the Kentucky Derby and none since Decidedly in 1962.
6. Samraat (15-1)
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Trainer: Rick Violette
Owner: My Meadowview Farm
Career Record: 6 Starts-5 Firsts-1 Second-0 Thirds
Career Earnings: $773,200
Earning Per Start: $128,867
Pedigree: Noble Causeway - Little Indian Girl by Indian Charlie
Color: Dark Bay or Brown
Running Style: Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Samraat won his first five career races, including Kentucky Derby prep races the Withers and Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack in New York. Samraat is an Ancient Indian word which translates into “Emperor.”
[h=4]HATS OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY[/h]
7. WeMiss Artie (50-1)
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Kenneth & Sarah Ramsey
Career Record: 8 Starts-3 Wins-2 Seconds-0 Thirds
Career Earnings: $609,000
Earnings Per Start: $76,125
Pedigree: Artie Schiller - Athena's Gift by Fusaichi Pegasus
Color: Dark bay or brown
Running Style: Closer
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: We Miss Artie won the Spiral Stakes in a three-way photo finish. He finished seventh (Breeders’ Cup Juvenile) and eighth (Fountain of Youth Stakes) in his only two dirt tries. The colt will attempt to join Northern Dancer (1964) and Mine That Bird (2009) as winners of the Kentucky Derby that were born “north of the border” in Canada.
8. General a Rod(15-1)
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Trainer: Michael J. Maker
Owner: Skychai Racing LLC and Starlight Racing
Career Record: 5 Starts-2 Firsts-2 Seconds-1 Third
Career Earnings: $283,200
Earning Per Start: $56,440
Pedigree: Roman Ruler - Dynamite Eyes by Dynaformer
Color: Dark Bay or Brown
Running Style: Pacesetter/Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: General a Rod won the Gulfstream Park Derby, finished a close second in the Fountain of Youth (to Wildcat Red) and ran third in Florida Derby. General a Rod’s namesake is his former owner, Armando Rodriguez. Skychai Racing and Starlight Racing partnered to buy General a Rod from Rodriguez just days before the Derby. Jockey Joel Rosario won the Kentucky Derby last year aboard Orb.
9. Vinceremos (30-1)
Jockey: Joe Rocco, Jr.
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Winstar Farm & Twin Creeks Racing Stables
Career Record: 5 Starts-2 Firsts-2 Seconds-0 Thirds
Career Earnings: $225,266
Earnings Per Start: $45,053
Pedigree: Pioneerof the Nile - Kettle’s Sister, by More Than Ready
Color: Dark Bay or Brown
Running Style: Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Vinceremos won the Sam F. Davis Stakes and finished second in the Tampa Bay Derby. He is named after a therapeutic horse riding clinic in Loxahatchee, Fla.
10. Wildcat Red (15-1)
Jockey: Luis Saez
Trainer: Jose Garoffalo
Owner: Honors Stable Corporation
Career Record: 7 starts-4 wins-3 seconds-0 thirds
Career Earnings: $690,850
Earnings Per Start: $96,693
Pedigree: D'wildcat - Racene by Miner's Mark
Color: Bay
Running Style: Pacesetter
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Wildcat Red has never finished worse than second in his career. In his three defeats, he’s been disqualified from first, beaten by a head, and beaten by a neck. In other words, he’s been very close to having a perfect 7-for-7 career record. Wildcat Red’s owners reside in Venezuela and they routinely fly to Miami, where they also keep a residence, to see Wildcat Red run his races. Trainer Jose Garoffalo also is a native of Venezuela.
OUT. Hoppertunity (SCRATCHED)
Jockey: Mike Smith
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Paul Weitman, Michael Pegram, Karl Watson
Career Record: 5 Starts-2 Wins-1 Second-0 Thirds
Career Earnings: $610,720
Earnings Per Start: $122,144
Pedigree: Any Given Saturday - Refugee by Unaccounted For
Color: Bay
Running Style: Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Hoppertunity secured himself a spot in the Kentucky Derby by winning Oaklawn Park’s Rebel Stakes. He then finished second to California Chrome in the Santa Anita Derby. Hoppertunity is owned in part by Mike Pegram, who owned Real Quiet, winner of the 1998 Kentucky Derby and Preakness who came up a nose short of Triple Crown glory in the Belmont Stakes.
12. Dance With Fate (20-1)
Jockey: Corey Nakatani
Trainer: Peter Eurton
Owner: Alesia, Sharon, Bran Jam Stable & Ciaglia Racing LLC
Career Record: 8 Starts-3 Firsts-3 Seconds-0 Thirds
Career Earnings: $680,050
Earnings Per Start: $85,006
Pedigree: Two Step Salsa - Flirting With Fate by Saint Ballado
Color: Dark Bay or Brown
Running Style: Closer
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Dance With Fate won the $750,000, Grade 1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. He has developed a reputation as a synthetic course specialist but the colt has finished worse than second only once in his last seven starts, on turf, dirt and synthetic surfaces. Jockey Corey Nakatani will be riding in his 17th Kentucky Derby, but is still searching for his first win in the race.
13. Chitu (20-1)
Jockey: Martin Garcia
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Tanma Corporation
Career Record: 4 Starts- 3 Wins-1 Second-0 Thirds
Career Earnings: $501,800
Earnings Per Start: $ 125,450
Pedigree: Henny Hughes - Sea Gift by A.P. Indy
Color: Chestnut
Running Style: Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Chitu would have a perfect record if it wasn’t for running second behind Candy Boy in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes. He is attempting to win the Kentucky Derby after running in New Mexico’s Sunland Derby, just like Mine That Bird did in 2009. If he runs in the Kentucky Derby it could be off only a week’s rest, as he is entered to run in the Derby Trial Stakes on April 26 at Churchill Downs. Chitu's status for the Derby Trial remains up in the air.
14. Medal Count (20-1)
Jockey: Robby Albarado
Trainer: Dale Romans
Owner: Spendthrift Farm
Career Record: 7 Starts-3 Wins-1 Second-0 Thirds
Career Earnings: $261,600
Earnings Per Start: $33,371
Pedigree: Dynaformer - Brisquette by Unbridled's Song
Color: Bay
Running Style: Closer
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Medal Count finished second in the Grade 1, $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland just eight days after winning the Transylvania Stakes. “I think this is a throwback horse,” trainer Dale Romans said of the short rest that is very unusual for today’s equine athletes. Medal Count will not celebrate his third birthday until two days before the Kentucky Derby, making him a youngin’ in the race. This is Spendthrift Farm’s fifth Derby starter and its first since 2005.
15. Tapiture (15-1)
Jockey: Ricardo Santana
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Owner: Ron Winchell
Career Record: 7 Starts-2 Wins-2 Seconds-2 Thirds
Career Earnings: $490,838
Earnings Per Start: $70,120
Pedigree: Tapit - Free Spin by Olympio
Color: Chestnut
Running Style: Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Tapiture shares the same sire as Tampa Bay Derby winner Ring Weekend. They are both by Tapit. The colt already has one win on the Churchill surface - the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes in November. He followed that victory with a win over a deep field in the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park. Trainer Steve Asmussen has won two editions of the Preakness and one Kentucky Oaks but is still in search of an elusive Kentucky Derby victory.
16. Intense Holiday (12-1)
Jockey: John Velazquez
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Starlight Racing
Career Record: 8 Starts-2 Firsts-1 Second-1 Third
Career Earnings: $551,900
Earnings Per Start: $68,988
Pedigree: Harlan's Holiday - Intensify by Unbridled's Song
Color: Dark Bay or Brown
Running Style: Closer
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Intense Holiday won the Risen Star Stakes, a Kentucky Derby prep race in Louisiana. His sire (father), Harlan’s Holiday, was a multiple graded stakes winner but his dam (mother), Intensify, never won a race in five career races. Harlan’s Holiday also sired 2014 Derby contender Harry’s Holiday. Intense Holiday’s owner, Starlight Racing, also owned Harlan’s Holiday. Jockey John Velazquez won the Kentucky Derby in 2011 aboard Animal Kingdom.
17. Commanding Curve (50-1)
Jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan
Trainer: Dallas Stewart
Owner: West Point Thoroughbreds
Career Record: 6 Starts-1 Win-1 Second-2 Thirds
Career Earnings: $142,434
Earnings Per Start: $23,739
Pedigree: Master Command - Mother by Lion Hearted
Color: Bay
Running Style: Closer
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Commanding Curve has a win, one second, and one third in three starts at Churchill Downs. His trainer, Dallas Stewart, saddled 2013 Kentucky Derby runner-up Golden Soul.
18. Candy Boy (20-1)
Jockey: Gary Stevens
Trainer: John Sadler
Owner: C R K Stable LLC (Lee and Susan Searing)
Career Record: 7 Starts-2 Wins-2 Seconds-1 Third
Career Earnings: $425,600
Earnings Per Start: $60,800
Pedigree: Candy Ride - She's An Eleven by In Excess (IRE)
Color: Bay
Running Style: Stalker/Closer
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Candy Boy descends from the same family as 1948 Triple Crown legend Citation. His win in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes began his Kentucky Derby dreams. He would later finish third behind California Chrome and Hoppertunity in the Santa Anita Derby.
19. Ride On Curlin (15-1)
Jockey: Calvin Borel
Trainer: William Gowan
Owner: Daniel Dougherty
Career Record: 9 Starts-2 Firsts-2 Seconds-4 Thirds
Career Earnings: $414,687
Earning Per Start: $46,076
Pedigree: Curlin - Magical Ride by Storm Cat
Color: Bay
Running Style: Pacesetter/Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Ride On Curlin has not won a Kentucky Derby prep race or any stakes races but has finished no worse than third in eight of his nine career starts. Jockey Calvin Borel has won the Kentucky Derby three times, most recently on Super Saver in 2010. Ride On Curlin’s sire (father),Curlin, finished third in the Kentucky Derby in 2007 (a race won by Borel aboard Street Sense) and then came back to win the Preakness Stakes and finish second in the Belmont Stakes. Ride On Curlin’s morning exercise rider, Bryan Beccia, also was an exercise rider for 2001 Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos.
20. Wicked Strong (8-1)
Jockey: Rajiv Maragh
Trainer: James A. Jerkens
Owner: Centennial Farms
Career Record: 6 Starts-2 Firsts-1 Second-1 Third
Career Earnings: $704,610
Earnings Per Start: $117,435
Pedigree: Hard Spun - Moyne Abbey by Charismatic
Color: Bay
Running Style: Closer
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Wicked Strong won the $1-million Grade 1 Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct. He was named to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings, and his owner, Centennial Farms, will donate 5% of the Triple Crown winnings for Wicked Strong toOne Fund Boston.
OUT. Pablo Del Monte (NOT RUNNING)
Jockey: Victor Espinoza
Trainer: Wesley Ward
Owner: Wesley Ward, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier
Career Record: 6 Starts-2 Wins-0 Seconds-2 Thirds
Career Earnings: $158,700
Earnings Per Start: $26,450
Pedigree: Giant's Causeway - One Hot Wish by Bring the Heat
Color: Chestnut
Running Style: Pacesetter/Stalker
Notable Achievements and Interesting Facts: Pablo Del Monte began his career 2-for-2 and hasn’t finished worse than fifth in six starts. After those first two impressive wins at Keeneland, Irish Thoroughbred owners Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, and Susan Magnier purchased an interest in the horse. Trainer Wesley Ward retained a share in Pablo Del Monte.
