151st Kentucky Derby Post Time Set for 6:57 PM; 19-Horse Field to Vie Under the Twin Spires
By Randy Brungard
The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby is scheduled to go Post Time at 6:57 p.m. NBC will once again telecast the most exciting two minutes in sports. The field size (number of horses allowed in the race) is limited to 20, and due to some last minute decisions, there are only 19 that will enter the starting gate as of the time this article is being written.
Only thoroughbreds born in 2022 are eligible to compete, and entries are determined based on points earned in qualifying races over the past 8 months. The Ky Derby is held in Louisville, where the iconic Twin Spires sit atop of the grandstand, looking out over the mile dirt race track. Approximately 150,000 people will be in attendance, with NBC providing coverage of some earlier races starting at 2:30 p.m.
Since the race track is only a mile in circumference and the race is 1 1/4 miles, the horses will start 1/4 of a mile from the finish line, race past it initially, trying to establish good early position, before going around the club house turn before heading down the backstretch. They will then enter the far turn, about 1/2 mile from the finish. Once they hit the top of the home stretch, look for most of the front runners to fade, and horses from the middle and back of the pack to come flying, trying to win the most recognized horse race in the entire World.
Look for horses like Citizen Bull from post #1, Neoequos out of post #2, possibly American Promise (#5), East Avenue (#12), and Owen Almighty (#20) to try and be near the front early on. If the first 1/4 mile is run under 23 seconds, and the half under 47, it will be tough for the front runners to last the entire race.
Likely favorite, Journalism (#8) and Luxor Cafe (#8) should be somewhere in mid pack, as should Baeza (#21) and several others. If I were to pick a winner, it could easily be one of these 3.
Late closers who will probably be near the back early include Sandman (#17) and Final Gambit (#3), both grays who will stick out compared to the darker bays and chestnuts.
Sovereignty (#18) should be seriously considered, and Coal Battle (#16) will be a huge story if he wins for his little known, but highly respected 72 year old trainer, Lonnie Briley. Another feel good story would be Chunk of Gold (#19), who was purchased for just $2500, and whose trainer is also his exercise rider. Considering that several of this years entries cost over One Million Dollars, it would prove the point that a good horse can come from anywhere.
Another interesting entry is Burnham Square (#9), who could be a factor if he can keep his anxiety level under control before the race. Remember that none of these 3 year old horses have ever raced in front of this many people or against this many horses, so composure is a huge factor.
The rest of the field includes Admire Daytona (#6), Flying Mohawk (#11), Publisher (#13), Tiztastic (#14) and Render Judgment (#15).
“And Down The Stretch They Come”!!!
