Super Saver Takes the Derby

by KatyM, Community News

Super Saver, ridden by Calvin Borel, got up for the win in the 136th Kentucky Derby presented by Yum Brands. Super Saver, a son of Maria's Mon out of Supercharger by APIndy, is a lightly raced colt (6 starts-2 wins-2place-1 show) and was co-favorite in the betting with Luckin at Lucky going off at 7-1. Jockey Calvin Borel set a record in winning the last three out of four Kentucky Derbies. It was the first Derby win out of 24 attempts for trainer Peter Pletcher.

Borel is known for winning on the rail and he did it again in this race despite earlier torrential rains which tend to make the rail at Churchill Downs very sloppy. There had been over 1.3 inches of rain earlier in the day. Borel had won an earlier race on the rail so he knew it was possible. The sun managed to come out just in time for the post parade which certainly helped.

Borel was able to rate Super Saver back off the pace even though the horse had previously done most his running from in front of the pack. Borel held his position until coming around the last turn into the stretch when he began his move. He only had to come off the rail once to pass one tiring runner, then he charged into the lead with plenty of horse left to hold off the late closing Ice Box who finished in second. Paddy O'Prado held on for third. Lookin for Lucky had a difficult trip and finished fifth.

Complete order of Finish:

1st: Super Saver

2nd: Ice Box

3rd: Paddy O'Prado

4th: Make Music for Me
5th: Noble's Promise
6th: Lookin at Lucky
7th: Dublin
8th: Stately Victor
9th: Mission Impazible
10th: Devil May Care
11th: American Lion
12th: Jackson Bend
13th: Discreetly Mine

14th: Dean's Kitten

15th: Conveyance

16th: Homeboy Kris

17th: Sidney's Candy

18th: Line of David

19th: Awesome Act

20th: Backtalk