LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jeff Mullins pulled I Want Revenge out of California this winter, sending him to run on dirt in New York. Bob Baffert stayed put on the synthetic surface with Pioneerof the Nile, and the colt racked up four consecutive victories.
Now the West Coast’s two top horses are headed toward a showdown in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.
Coming off eye-catching victories in the Gotham Stakes and Wood Memorial at Aqueduct, I Want Revenge was made the early 3-1 favorite for the 1¼-mile Derby after drawing the No. 13 post position Wednesday.
The last of four Derby winners from the 13th spot was Smarty Jones in 2004.
“It ended up perfect,” I Want Revenge’s 19-year-old jockey Joe Talamo said. “It’s just what we wanted — to be outside of the early speed. I think it worked out great.”
Pioneerof the Nile and Dunkirk were named the co-second favorites at 4-1. Santa Anita Derby winner Pioneerof the Nile drew the No. 16 post, while lightly raced Dunkirk will be next door in 15.
Win Willy out of Derby
Rebel Stakes winner Win Willy is out of the Kentucky Derby.
Trainer Mac Robertson scratched the 3-year-old colt from Saturday’s Run for the Roses after X-rays revealed a possible crack in the horse’s left front ankle.
Breeders’ Cup to remain at Santa Anita
Breeders’ Cup officials say horse racing’s year-end world championships will go on as planned at Santa Anita in November despite the track’s owner filing for bankruptcy.
Breeders’ Cup president Greg Avioli said that a Delaware bankruptcy court affirmed Oak Tree Racing Association’s lease with Santa Anita through the end of the year.
As a result, the Breeders’ Cup will be staged as planned Nov. 6-7.
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