California Chrome is being tabbed as the horse to beat in the 2014 Kentucky Derby. The odds-on favorite to win the race leads the 2014 Kentucky Derby Contenders on this day before the race. The Kentucky Derby will begin at 6:24pm EST Saturday from Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Current Odds: 2-to-1
Morning Line: 5-to-2
California Chrome has been tabbed as the fastest horse in the field for this year's Kentucky Derby. The horse has posted Beyer Speed Figures of 107 and 108 in the last two performances, making California Chrome the only horse in the field with more than one triple-digit figure coming into the Derby. He also has 10 starts so far in his career, making California Chrome the most veteran horse in the lineup.
The Kentucky Derby is the biggest horse race in the world and is the opening leg for the Triple Crown. California Chrome has the strength and the pedigree to put together a run at the Triple Crown, which hasn't been clinched by a horse since Affirmed in 1978.
California Chrome has won four straight races coming into this weekend's event. An Art Sherman trained horse that will be rode by jockey Victor Espinoza, California Chrome has picked up victories in the Santa Anita Derby, the California Cup Derby, the San Felipe Stakes and the King Glorious Stakes. With those four straight victories, it's clear to see this horse is one of the best. But does momentum actually exist in horse racing?
Churchill Downs is 1 1/4 miles in length, which is a long race and a length that California Chrome has not completed. With the projected fast surface and very solid weather, California Chrome should be able to distance itself with his speed.
Kentucky Derby Preview: California Chrome
What horse racing bettors need to know about betting California Chrome in the Kentucky Derby, which takes place on Saturday (5/03/14)- With insight from Pregame.com's Chuck Edel & host Marco D'Angelo.
Kentucky Derby Facts
— The biggest "longshot" was in 1913 when Donerail paid out at 91.45-1 odds.
— The highest attendance ever was in 1974 with 163,628 people (2009 was 153,563).
— An "official" Mint Julip at the Kentucky Derby is made with "Early Times" whiskey.
— New York sports columnist Bill Corum coined the phrase "Run for the Roses."
Kentucky Derby Records
Winning Jockey: Both Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack have recorded five wins each. For Arcaro you need to travel back to 1938 (final win was in 1952) for his first of five wins and for Hartack back to 1957 (final win was in 1969).
Winning Trainer: Ben A Jones worked together with jockey Eddie Arcaro spanning from 1938 to 1952 and collected a total of six wins at the Kentucky Derby.
Winning Owner: Over a course of 27 years, Calumet Farm had a total of eight Derby wins (1941, 1944, 1948, 1949, 1952, 1957, 1958).
Winning Length: There is a tie between two horses from the 1940s, Whirlaway and Assault. Both captured the Kentucky Derby with a margin of eight lengths (1941 for Whirlaway and 1946 for Assault).
Winning Time: Probably one of the most famous horses in history, Secretariat, is the holder of this record. In 1973 he ran the Derby in 1:59:40 and is the only horse to ever run the 11/4 mile race in under two minutes.
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