Horse Racing News

Rain pummeled Churchill Downs early Saturday, turning the historic track into a soggy mess for the Kentucky Derby, the latest wild card in a week full of them.

Score another one for the Giant Killer.

Advance wagering into the 136th Kentucky Derby suggests the race could produce the longest-priced favorite in Derby history, with Super Saver being the 7-1 choice after $340,544 was bet into the win pool Friday.

All 20 Kentucky Derby starters were on the grounds Thursday and being fine-tuned for what their connections hope will prove to be a winning run Saturday.

In the last couple of years, Czechers has been sent to Turf Paradise to win two stakes.

Layoffs and pace are central handicapping issues in Saturday's Beaugay and Fort Marcy, a pair of Grade 3, $100,000 stakes scheduled, respectively, for the inner and Widener turf courses at 1 1/16 miles.

Informed Decision won the Vinery Madison Stakes at Keeneland in her 2009 debut, and three weeks later won the Humana Distaff Handicap on Derby Day.

Just as an off track could affect the outcome of Saturday's Kentucky Derby, forecasted heavy rainfall Saturday may play a role in deciding the Grade 1 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic in the race preceding the Derby.

The best thing about the Kentucky Derby is that you never know what's going to happen.

With the Breeders' Cup Sprint and Dirt Mile to be run later this year at Churchill Downs, it's little wonder that trainers with long-term prospects for those events are getting in a race over the track when they can.