Twenty horses are set to run in tomorrow’s Kentucky Derby. Three-time Derby winning trainer Bob Baffert has the morning line favorite in this year’s race. Bodemeister, named for Baffert’s son, drew post position six in the crowded gate. The second early favorite is Union Rags, trained by Michael Matz (pictured), who’s back with his first serious contender since Derby winner Barbaro in 2006.“To think I might have a second one, it’s a great opportunity, and it’s a great feeling. It’s what we work for,” he said this week.
Other top Derby contenders include Gemologist, Dullahan and Hansen.
Hansen, at 10-1, is the nearly all-white colt named for his colorful owner, northern Kentucky pain management Dr. Kendall Hansen.
Dr. Hansen drew a warning from stewards at Keeneland last month when he dyed the horse’s tail blue just before the Bluegrass Stakes. The tail was restored to its original color.
Now Hansen says he’s made plans to have the Derby champion’s name spelled out by a skywriter during the trophy presentation.
A crowd of more than 140,000 is expected at Churchill Downs.
Post time for the Kentucky Derby is approximately 6:24pm Eastern time tomorrow.
