Massive controversy gave reporters much to write about at the draw for this year’s Gr 1 Kentucky Derby.
On two fronts.
Firstly, the raging hot odds on favourite TIZ THE LAW (Constitution-Tizfiz) came up with the 17 marble in the Kentucky Derby field of 18.
Difficult to win when drawn wide? Yes. Impossible from gate 17? Double yes.
That would be because of history. You see, of all the Kentucky Derby’s run down through the ages, no horse has EVER won from this gate.
But Tiz The Law remained odds on simply because he just looks head and shoulders better than his rivals. And it must be noted that American Pharaoh won from 18.
The horse with one eye, FINNICK THE FIERCE (Dialed In-Southern Classic) who is a $51 chance, came up with the rails draw. He is blind in his right eye, so will not see the field.
STORM THE COURT (Court Vision-My Tejana Storm) who brilliantly won the Gr 1 Breeders Cup Juvenile as a $51 shot, is in the field in gate 4, and he is again a $51 chance.
But the draw wasn’t the only fare on the plate for conversation.
Barclay Tagg, the trainer of Tiz The Law was asked various things to do with his horse, one of them was about the recent protesters who have blocked passageway to Churchill Downs.
“I don’t know what these guys are going to do, these rioters, Who knows? All I know is you’re not allowed to shoot them and they’re allowed to shoot at you.
“That’s what it looks like to me.”
You decide for yourself if those words are divisive, upsetting, accurate or whatever.
But the radical Left on social media have come together condemning Tagg’s words and threatening to dismiss the Derby altogether….because of his words.
Radical reaction..yes.
The race, worth US$1.25million this year, is run this Sunday morning, Australian time.
