Derby Contenders Run in Trials at Churchill Downs

A horse is ridden back to the stable after exercising at first light at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Monday, April 30. (AP Images)

With more than 20 3-year-olds still under consideration for the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs had the feel of the Kentucky Derby already as potential starters were getting some major final preps in this morning. Top contenders like Curlin and Zanjero ran nearly carbon copies of each other in their workouts from start to finish, both looking strong. While one of the most talked about horses in the Derby, Hard Spun a 12-1 favorite, had one hell of a workout today flying through five furlongs in 57.60 seconds, the fastest of 26 drills.

This Saturday’s Derby field is limited to 20 starters, with the criteria being earnings in graded stakes races, all entries are due this Wednesday morning at which point the field will be determined and a blind draw will be held to determine a draft order for post positions at the Churchill Downs racing office. On Wednesday night the post position will be chosen by a representative of each horse during a live telecast on ESPN2, beginning at 5 p.m. Eastern.

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