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.
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.
