The 141st run for the roses is takes place this Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Kentucky Derby official start time is 6:24 pm ET. There are several Contenders in the event, including Carpe Diem, who has been installed as 8/1 Odds to win the Derby.
Carpe Diem's Record: 4-1-0 in 5 Races. Trainer: Todd Pletcher. Jockey: John Velazquez. Sire: Giant's Causeway. Dam: Rebridled Dreams. Best Beyer Speed: 98
Carpe Diem drew the 2nd position and is undefeated in 2 races so far in 2015. He is trained under Todd Pletcher, who did win the Kentucky Derby with Super Saver back in 2010. Pletcher ranks second by Kentucky Derby starters with 40, trailing only living-legend D. Wayne Lukas and he has five horses in this race. Pletcher has won 7 Eclipse Awards (Top Trainer) and has been the top money winner by conditioner 9 times since 2004. This year he is ranked 4th in wins by a trainer with 74 and overall in his career he has 3373 wins overall in his career.
John Velazquez will be riding Carpe Diem and this will be his 14th Kentucky Derby that he has ridden in. He did win it back in 2011 while riding Animal Kingdom. John was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011 and was twice awarded the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey. He has 5305 career wins and this year is ranked 41st of 1073 jockeys with 51 wins. John also has 2 victories at the Belmont Stakes and 10 at the Breeders Cup.
Carpe Diem did not get a good draw at the 2nd position and his odds were downgraded slightly because many feel he may get caught up against the rail. Carpe Diem has won some big races, but vs medium competition and that could hurt him in this race. Also we note that Todd Pletcher has not really had great success in the derby. THis may not end up being a good race for Carpe Diem.
INFO TAKEN FROM KENTUCKYDERBY.COM AND BLEACHER REPORT
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