May 4, 2025
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
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A dogged effort over difficult conditions earned Sovereignty the noble distinction of Kentucky Derby (G1) champion.
On a rainy Saturday afternoon at Churchill Downs in Louisville, the one question on everyone’s mind was, ‘How might the weather, and sloppy track conditions, impact each horse in this race?’
Sovereignty was happy to provide an answer. Lined up in post 16 for the $5 million main event, the 3-year-old colt shrugged off some early bumps before settling in around the back of the 19-horse pack.
Thus began a remarkable comeback from the Junior Alvarado mount, who fought valiantly through the muck to steal the Derby in a commanding 1 ½-length decision.
The 7-1 winner paid a healthy $17.96.
Gateway to the Winner’s Circle
The leadup to the 151st Kentucky Derby was equally exhilarating due in part to a heart-pounding finish in the race prior, the $1 million Turf Classic (G1T).
The horse responsible for providing that spark, Spirit of St Louis, pulled off a jaw-dropping comeback to steal the 1 1/8-mile contest after idling from second-last in the 10-horse affair.
Manuel Franco, the rider on board for the raucous rebound, showed incredible poise to get his horse in position to strike.
Spirit of St Louis’ victory by three-quarters-of-a-length at 3-1, marked his second career Grade 1 score, and paid $8.24.
Dethrone This
Derby Day’s string of standout showings also included a grand dash to the finish line from Zulu Kingdom (IRE) in race nine, the $1 million American Turf (G1T).
Teaming up with top rider Flavien Prat, the 3-year-old ridgling hovered around the front of the 14-horse pack, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
A bid wide opened a lane for the duo, who took full advantage of the opportunity for the uncontested 1 ¼-length triumph.
The American Turf result was the latest in a long line of impressive outings for Zulu Kingdom. Overall, the Chad Brown charge is 5-for-6 lifetime, with his only blemish coming in November’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1T).
At 2-1 on Saturday, Zulu Kingdom paid $6.34.
Think Big and Execute
Don’t blink, otherwise you might have missed Think Big flying down the stretch in the $600,000 Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G2T).
The 5 ½-furlong Derby Day dash, which moved at a rapid pace despite a crowded field (10 horses), worked to Think Big’s advantage, as the 4-year-old gelding was able to secure career graded stakes win number two by three-quarters-of-a-length.
While it may have been closer than the 2-1 choice had hoped, it still counted the same towards his overall total. The Michael Stidham trainee now sits at 5-0-1 from nine lifetime starts.
For taking care of business Saturday, Think Big paid $6.84.
Onwards and Upwards
Churchill Downs was the epicenter of a renowned racing weekend, but it wasn’t the only oval hosting high stakes tilts.
On Sunday, about 770 miles northeast of Louisville, Aqueduct held its own slate of action-packed battles, including the $175,000 Beaugay (G3T).
The 1 1/16-mile affair for fillies and mares 4-years-old and up was claimed by a horse in need of a win, Dynamic Pricing (IRE).
Entering the Beaugay amidst a three-race winless streak, the Irad Ortiz Jr. mount was not prepared to come up empty yet again.
After a slow start, Dynamic Pricing surged ahead for the come from behind half-length tally over 27-1 dart throw Edict (ARG).
The move that got her back in the win column paid $9 flat.
