For Super Saver, it was a smooth run without many obstructions; the only problem he faced was the thick mud and that too did not stop him at all as he ran all the way, winning the 136th Kentucky Derby.
From the start, Super Saver was lined by Calvin Borel on the right rail, providing the shortest route to the podium and a clear path was what he got throughout the race.
Apart from the thick mud made by the heavy rain, the only obstacle Saver encountered was with Conveyance and that too seemed like a minute problem for him as Borel rode him with ease. The fact of the matter is this was not supposed to be a lopsided Derby race with everybody knowing the result before the start of the race. It happened to be one of the closest races in recent times.
The wonderful chemistry and magnificence that Borel and Saver managed was notable indeed. The exuberant and self-confident jockey told at the end, “I knew nothing was going to run him down”, in reference to his mare.
Trainer Todd Pletcher was excited and exhilarated with the performance too. After the victory spot had eluded the trainer in 12 races, his first Derby victory was late but sweet. He later complimented Borel by saying, “Calvin Borel is a great rider anywhere he goes, but at Churchill Downs he’s even five lengths better.
It seems that Saver and Borel have a unique understanding together. The way they rode at the practices and then at the Derby were ample proof of that. On Borel's chemistry with Saver, Pletcher said, “He knows how to ride this track and gets along with his colt beautifully.”
They definitely seem in form and with their current show; they are now headed for Baltimore where they will go for the Preakness Race on May 15. The team seemed confident about the decision and trainer Pletcher said, “Calvin already said he’s going to win the Triple Crown, so I guess we’d better go there.”
The Triple Crown was won by Affirmed about 33 years ago. Borel did prove a stunner last year when he nearly accomplished this feat. Mine-That-Bird won the Derby that time round and Borel rode Rachel Alexandra to win the Preakness. Mine-That-Bird went on to win the Belmont Stakes and break the record of three consecutive wins in the American Derby season.
At the Kentucky Derby Borel has his work cut out. He knew Saver’s run was good during the early stages of the race. The 19 horses were going to prove it difficult to run freely on the tracks, so Borel's decision to run the horse on the right rail from the beginning was correct. Jokingly Borel said after the race, “I was just taught it’s the shortest way around.”
Borel’s strategy paid off and he clocked at time of 20 minutes and 4.45 seconds. Looking-At-Lucky finished at second place, which definitely had no luck in this race.
It was heavily predicted that Lucky would be at the podium but Saver proved it wrong. Now all eyes all glued to the Preakness Stakes where Saver won the last race. However, can he prove his form again, only time will tell?
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