Updated profiles, with post positions and track odds for the 20 3-year-olds entered for the 151st running of the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs is Saturday (May 3).
His sire, American Pharoah, swept the 2015 Triple Crown, and his trainer, Steve Asmussen, has won the most races in North American history. Judging from his first seven tries, don't expect Publisher to do anything special. He hasn't made it to the winner's circle yet, with his career highlight a not-close second in the Arkansas Derby (G1). The 50 points he earned there gave him enough to qualify for the Kentucky Derby.
Only three maidens have won the Kentucky Derby -- Buchanan (1884), Sir Barton (1919), and Brokers Tip (1933). Asmussen is 0-for-26 in the race and had a good line about Publisher.
“Maybe both of us can break our maiden in the Derby.”
To his credit, Publisher has been worse than fourth only once, with a pair of seconds and three third-place finishes. He also has a mellow temperament.
“He is going to be the easiest horse that we've ever saddled in the Derby, as far as how he takes the surroundings. It's just his personality,” Asmussen said. “He's not going to waste an ounce of energy.”
That's a plus, but he's never come close to beating much weaker fields than he'll face on the first Saturday in May. Looks like a vanity entry by owners who want to see their silks in the post parade.
If there's a pace meltdown, Publisher might be able to beat half the field, but that's the best-case scenario for him. No bet.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
