Always Dreaming makes win a reality
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky — Always Dreaming splashed through the slop to win the Kentucky Derby by 23⁄4 lengths on Saturday, giving trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez their second victories in the race, but their first together.
Pletcher and Velazquez have teamed up often over the years and are horse racing’s leading money winners. The combination proved unbeatable on a cool and rainy Churchill Downs.
At 9-2, Always Dreaming made it the fifth straight year that a Derby favourite has won, the longest such stretch since the 1970s. Always Dreaming covered the two kilometres in two minuttes 3.59 seconds and was followed across the finish line by a pair of longshots, 33-1 Lookin At Lee and 40-1 Battle of Midway.
Pletcher won his first Derby in 2010 with Super Saver and Velazquez won the following year with Animal Kingdom.
Going into his 17th Derby, Pletcher saddled the post-time favourite for the first time. Much had been made of his 1 for 45 Derby record.
Velazquez used his colt’s speed out of the gate to get good position early in a chaotic start that saw several horses, including Classic Empire, get sandwiched. He steered Always Dreaming into an ideal trip behind pacesetter State of Honor, with mud flying in all directions.
On the final turn, Always Dreaming took command as State of Honor faded. Despite chasing a quick early pace, Always Dreaming was still full of running. No other horses threatened him down the stretch and Velazquez pumped his right arm as they crossed the finish line.
Pletcher had his hands full in the days leading up to the Derby when the colt’s behaviour was less than a dream. He had been fractious in the morning, refusing to relax. “I was nervous watching him gallop,” the trainer said.
Turns out the dark brown colt knew best. He channelled his aggression into a determined effort on a track turned into goo by on and off rain before the race.
“I think he really came in here and knew it was game time, and he was ready to go,” Pletcher said.
“The most important thing to do is bring the best horse to the Derby, and that’s what we were able to do.”