LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A hot pace, a muggy day, and one of the deepest, most talented fields in years all add up to an unpredictable 138th Kentucky Derby.
The 20-horse field is so stacked that unbeaten Gemologist was no better than the third choice on the morning line Friday.
In other years, he would be the talk of the Derby. Not this time, with early favorites Bodemeister and Union Rags dominating the spotlight for Saturday’s race.
Some very talented colts could go off at big odds — I’ll Have Another at 12-1 or Take Charge Indy at 15-1. Take Charge Indy’s jockey, Calvin Borel, has brought home long-shot winners twice in five years.
Some of the strongest contenders — Bodemeister and Hansen — have had their most success running at or near the pace.
