Javier Castellano, shown here giving Gemologist a kiss, was involved in a spill at Churchill today
Welcome to the final installment of the 2012 Daily Derby News Blitz. It has been a fun pre-Derby season, with many talented colts graduating from major races all across the United States set to converge in Louisville tomorrow.
The Derby boys will have to wait though, because today was all about the ladies. The Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks was the highlight at Churchill Downs Friday. Threats of rain didn’t deter a large crowd from packing in under the Twin Spires. The weather took a more dangerous turn right near Oaks time, and the infield had to be evacuated. Even this didn’t dampen the mood, and once the fillies were cleared to come to the paddock, the day brightened instantly. Jockey Javier Castellano, who was set to ride favored Grace Hall in the Oaks, suffered a frightening spill in the previous race. However, once back in the jockey’s room, the rider declared he was alright to ride and was soon given the leg up on the favorite. However, it just wasn’t her day. It was all about girl power as Believe You Can, with female rider Rosie Napravnik aboard, crossed the finish line first after a gutty stretch duel with Broadway’s Alibi. Grace Hall ended up 3rd. With the victory, Napravnik became the first female jockey to ever win the Kentucky Oaks. It was also the first Grade 1 win for the 24-year-old rider. The charismatic cowboy Larry Jones, who also trained the Kentucky Oaks winner in 2008 (Proud Spell), was all smiles in the winner’s circle this evening.
For those who pegged Believe You Can in the Kentucky Oaks, take a look at the payouts for the Oaks/Derby Double for a $2 bet!
1. Daddy Long Legs, $1,788
2. Optimizer, $2,415
3. Take Charge Indy, $617
4. Union Rags, $208
5. Dullahan, $370
6. Bodemeister, $276
7. Rousing Sermon, $2,436
8. Creative Cause, $389
9. Trinniberg, $2,239
10. Daddy Nose Best, $483
11. Alpha, $537
12. Prospective, $2,588
13. Went the Day Well, $867
14. Hansen, $662
15. Gemologist, $338
16. El Padrino, $637
17. Done Talking, $2,735
18. Sabercat, $1,676
19. I’ll Have Another, $731
20. Liaison, $3,224
The track could end up muddy or sloppy for the Derby tomorrow. Throughout the entire day, a 40% chance of rain is slated for Louisville.
There were no horses scratched from the Kentucky Derby today, despite swirling rumors about Creative Cause. The odds have changed somewhat throughout the day, as bettors finally get a chance to wager on the horses they like. The current favorite is now Union Rags at 6-1. Bodemeister, the morning-line favorite, has drifted up to 8-1. Lots of money has been coming in on Take Charge Indy with Calvin Borel set to ride him, lowering his odds all the way down to 8-1 off a 15-1 morning-line. Below is the full field, with morning-line odds next to them followed by their odds at 6:35 this evening.
1. Daddy Long Legs, 30-1, 26-1
2. Optimizer, 50-1, 31-1
3. Take Charge Indy, 15-1, 8-1
4. Union Rags, 9-2, 6-1
5. Dullahan, 8-1, 10-1
6. Bodemeister, 4-1, 8-1
7. Rousing Sermon, 50-1, 20-1
8. Creative Cause, 12-1, 12-1
9. Trinniberg, 50-1, 41-1
10. Daddy Nose Best, 15-1, 14-1
11. Alpha, 15-1, 22-1
12. Prospective, 30-1, 69-1
13.Went The Day Well, 20-1, 20-1
14. Hansen, 10-1, 7-1
15. Gemologist, 6-1, 8-1
16. El Padrino, 20-1, 34-1
17. Done Talking, 50-1, 34-1
18. Sabercat, 30-1, 38-1
19. I’ll Have Another, 12-1, 17-1
20. Liaison, 50-1, 60-1
Thank you for following all the excitement leading to the Kentucky Derby with the Daily Derby News Blitz at Gradedstakes.com! Good luck to all the horses and their connections, and may they all return safely from their run in the 138th Kentucky Derby.
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