Always dreaming blasts Kentucky Derby's run for the roses
Churchill gets to the winning post in front of Barney Roy, Al Wukair and Lancaster Bomber in the Kentucky Derby on May 6, 2017. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- He actually stayed up front most of the way, with Irish War Cry, facing little resistance from anything else.
- Few horses were hotter than Always Dreaming, having hat-ticked previously, including the Florida Derby.
Always Dreaming (John Velazquez), pulled away from nineteen rivals, to win the 2017 Kentucky Derby on a muddy track Saturday evening.
He actually stayed up front most of the way, with Irish War Cry, facing little resistance from anything else.
It was the fastest two minutes in sports. Few horses were hotter than Always Dreaming, having hat-ticked previously, including the Florida Derby.
This momentum brought him a first leg of the momentous Triple Crown.
Also, a second double Kentucky for Velazquez and trainer, Todd Pletcher.
Irish War Cry faded abruptly to tenth position. Lookin at Lee (Corey Lanerie), Battle of Midway (Flarian Prat), and, co-favourite, Classic Empire, filled place positions.
HEAVIER CONDITIONS
Patch, the one-eyed wonder jewel, did not fairy-tale as hoped, unable to cope with heavier conditions. Still he ran a game race, with millions of supporters egging him on.
Always Dreaming (second right) on his way to winning the 2017 Kentucky Derby on May 6, 2017. PHOTO | COURTESY
Meanwhile, up the Qipco 2,000 Guineas Rowley Mile in Newmarket, Churchill (Ryan Moore 6-4), sped past Barney Roy (James Doyle 7-2), and, Al Wukair (Gregory Benoist 11-2), defending his title as last season's Champion 2 year-old.
Barney Roy was rather too keen, appearing to stumble slightly in the dip.
Al Wukair took time to find his feet, roaring home from a long distance behind.
Churchill, son of Galileo, named after the greatest of all World Leaders, is now 5-2 for next month's Epsom Classic. Will he stay?
