The track was slop but it wasn't uniformly so and only someone intimately familiar with the way Churchill Downs drains would know the channels to the finish line that held firmer ground.  The race is a cavalry charge at the beginning and one key to winning is to avoid getting too banged up or boxed during the early going (sorry Luckin At Lucky and Stately Victor) to be unable to recover.  The early pace was a killer and anyone who went out with Conveyance and Sidney's Candy was cooked after the first half just as they were.


So, how was I so wrong in leaving Super Saver out?  I stupidly discounted the Calvin Borel factor.  Super Saver had shown nothing leading up to the Derby to indicate that he could win this race.  He had only won one race.  His sire, the late Maria's Mon, had given us a Derby winner, Monarchos, and there was distance and class all over his pedigree.  Again, why did I miss him - it was those prior performances, that measly single win.

So, ok, I blew it and forgot about Calvin.  If ever there was a jockey for a course, it's Calvin and Churchill Downs.  It's his home track and he performs at his absolute peak here.  Three of the last four Derbies is only the beginning.  This horse went off at 9-1 and probably should have been about 25-1, a testament to the fans faith in Calvin.  He rode this race about as nearly perfectly as a rider can, saving ground along the rail where the trip is shorter and he knew the ground was firmer, until he saw a bit of daylight heading into the stretch and headed out just a bit to find a way through to the lead.  It was then back to the rail and on to the finish with nothing in front of him but roses.  Calvin, I promise never to overlook you again.

In case you missed the race, here's a replay: