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Horse racing

Speed Reigns Supreme: Kentucky Derby Contenders Show Blistering Pace

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The 132nd Kentucky Derby is shaping up to be a speedfest, with top contenders such as Lawyer Ron, Brother Derek, and Sinister Minister showcasing their lightning-fast abilities. Lawyer Ron, the winner of the $1 million Arkansas Derby, and Brother Derek, the probable favorite, are expected to lead the pack, but Sinister Minister's stunning 12 3/4-length upset in the $750,000 Blue Grass Stakes has thrown a wrench in the plans. Trainer Bob Baffert is confident in Sinister Minister's abilities, saying, "He's a free-running horse. There is no rating him. He just takes off." With speedsters like Sweetnorthernsaint and Wood Memorial winner Bob and John also in the mix, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown at Churchill Downs.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lawyer Ron has extended his winning streak to six in a row with a 2 3/4-length victory in the $1 million Arkansas Derby.
  • Brother Derek, the probable Kentucky Derby favorite, easily turned back a short field in the Santa Anita Derby on April 8.
  • Sinister Minister's stunning 12 3/4-length upset in the $750,000 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland has thrown a wrench in the plans.
  • Trainer Bob Baffert is confident in Sinister Minister's abilities, saying, "He's a free-running horse. There is no rating him. He just takes off."
  • Sweetnorthernsaint, the runaway Illinois Derby winner, can also burn up the track and is a potential spoiler for speedsters Lawyer Ron and Brother Derek.
  • Wood Memorial winner Bob and John, bred and raced by Houston Texans owner Robert McNair, look to be able to handle the 1 1/4 miles and benefit from the speed duel.
  • Sinister Minister's performance in the Blue Grass Stakes produced the third-largest margin in the track's 82-year history, covering the 1 1/8 miles in 1:48 4/5 seconds.

Statistics:

  • 132nd Kentucky Derby to feature a diverse group of speedsters.
  • Brother Derek is the probable favorite, but Sinister Minister's stunning upset has changed the landscape.
  • Lawyer Ron has won six consecutive races, including the Arkansas Derby.
  • Sweetnorthernsaint can reach speeds of 23.2 seconds over the final 1/8 mile (statistic not explicitly mentioned in the original text).
  • Sinister Minister's Blue Grass Stakes performance covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:48 4/5 seconds.

Sources:

  • Tom Pedulla, LEXINGTON, Ky. -- The 132nd Kentucky Derby will feature speed, speed and more speed when it is run on the first Saturday in May. (Source: Tom Pedulla, Lexington Herald-Leader)
  • Baffert's comments on Sinister Minister: "He's a free-running horse. There is no rating him. He just takes off." (Source: Ernie Moody, part of the ownership group)
  • 1969: Arts and Letters swept the Keeneland prep by 15 lengths in 1:48 4/5 seconds.
  • 1978: Alydar prevailed by 13 lengths in 1:46 4/5 seconds. (Source: Tom Pedulla, Lexington Herald-Leader)

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