Trainer Ken McPeek, a runner-up once in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve and three more times in the Kentucky Oaks, ended decades of frustration when Thorpedo Anna rolled by 4 ¾ lengths the 150th
When the field breaks from the starting gate in the May 4 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve at Churchill Downs, as many as 20 still-developing 3-year-olds will race the classic distance of 1 1/4 miles while finishing on one of the longest main-track stretches in North America.
Pace could make the race, just as it did last year.
The memory is nearly 45 years old now, but still vivid. In anticipating his son Keith’s debut in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve May 4, Steve Asmussen recalls the excitement surrounding his older brother Cash’s first run for the roses in 1979.
Bob Ehalt and Tom Pedulla became fast friends when they met on their first day at Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx, N.Y., in 1970. Bob soon introduced Tom to the joys of Thoroughbred racing.
They have endured some rough moments at the track, with Tom taking exception when Bob repeatedly smacks him on the back with a program as one of their horses launches an all-out drive. Much to Tom’s chagrin and the amusement of onlookers, Bob has been known to call for security as he proceeds to cash a $27 triple.
For the third consecutive year, Japan-based horses will participate in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve. As talented runners continue to arrive each year from Japan, the same statement can be heard Derby week on the Churchill Downs backstretch: “Japan is going to win one eventually.”
