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).
No trainer in North American history is close to Steve Asmussen's victory total, which is approaching 10,900. Yet it's a race he hasn't won that haunts him. The Hall of Famer is 0-for-26 in the Kentucky Derby (G1), including a brutal beat three years ago.
His star colt Epicenter was caught in the final strides by 80-1 shot Rich Strike in Asmussen's career lowlight. Epicenter went on to become the champion 3-year-old male, and Rich Strike never won again, which, in retrospect, made the shocker even more painful.
“I thought he was home free, and you get nailed by the horse that scratched in (the day before)," he said. Disney couldn't have written that story. I was unbelievably disappointed. I thought it was ours this year. I really did.”
Asmussen is back with Louisiana Derby (G2) hero Tiztastic and the maiden Publisher. Tiztastic raised Asmussen's spirits with his 2 1/2-length score at Fair Grounds, his first win on dirt in six career tries. The son of 2020 Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Tiz the Law rallied from far back to dominate under Joel Rosario. Asmussen thought stretching from 1 1/16 miles to 1 3/16 miles was a key.
“Enough distance finally for him, and he stepped up when he needed to,” he said. “I think there's more in him.”
Stamina isn't an issue for Tiztastic, although he is rather light on speed figures. He'll need a quick pace to do his best, and he'll get one if frontrunners Rodriguez, Citizen Bull, East Avenue, and American Promise go at it early.
Betting advice: Tiztastic's odds will be tempting, and unlike many of his rivals, he projects to handle 1 1/4 miles. If you're intrigued, a small across-the-board play wouldn't be the worst stab.
Contender Information Card
Post position: 12
Odds: 20-1
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Owners: Winchell Thoroughbreds, Mrs. John Magnier, Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor
Career record: 8-3-1-2
Career earnings: $1,549,800
Last race: Louisiana Derby (G2), March 22, 1st
Top Equibase speed figure: 99
Pedigree: Tiz the Law-Keesha, by Tapit
Color: Dark bay
Running style: Closer
Notes: Asmussen's two Derby prospects, Tiztastic and Publisher, breezed 5 furlongs together in 59.60 seconds April 19 at Churchill Downs ... Aside from Epicenter, Asmussen ran second in the Derby with Nehro (2011) and Lookin At Lee (2017) ... Rosario is 1-for-13, winning it with Orb in 2013. He's Tiztastic's sixth jockey in eight career races ... Tiztastic's co-owner, Ron Winchell, is 0-for-12 in the Derby. He also owned Epicenter.
US Racing is not a racebook or ADW, and does not accept or place wagers of any type. This website does not endorse or encourage illegal gambling. All information provided by this website is for entertainment purposes only. This website assumes no responsibility for the actions by and makes no representation or endorsement of any activities offered by any reviewed racebook or ADW. Please confirm the wagering regulations in your jurisdiction as they vary from state to state, province to province and country to country. Any use of this information in violation of federal, state, provincial or local laws is strictly prohibited.