The Road to Derby

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Kentucky Derby 143 is Saturday race fans.

The draw is set for midweek.

20 horses will run for roses; or at least be in the mix by the time the weekend hits.

Trainer Steve Asmussen has a trio of horses in this year”s event.

Untrapped and Lookin at Lee two of the three, but it’s fair to say both are trending downward.

The one many are looking to as a possible contender is Hence.

He took the Sunland Derby and so far at Churchill Downs in prep, so good.

While Lookin at Lee may be a long shot to stand in the winner’s circle wearing roses Saturday, he’s truly in the hunt like any of the others.

Todd Pletcher’s Malagacy is out, that’s why the spot opened up for Lookin at Lee.

And while he’s never won a race, his performance as a two-year old at Churchill, Keeneland and Santa Anita was solid.  He just needs the one break to come at the right time is Asmussen’s eyes.

Many would call it the most difficult race to handicap.

There’s nothing quite like the 1 1/4 mil run for roses on the first Saturday in May in Louisville.

Asmussen knows it.  He’ll have 3/20th’s of the contenders.  While he believes it’s a little more wide open than the last four times out, the favorite winning each of those, Asmussen knows the first leg of the Triple Crown will show which horse is ready for a test.

Check out the video to hear from the trainer with the most Derby starters (15) and no winner.