The 137th Kentucky Derby, which is slated for this Saturday, May 7th at Churchill Downs, will feature a 20 horse field that includes the Live Oak Plantation colt Brilliant Speed. 2011 Kentucky Derby Odds currently have the Dynaformer sired three year old listed at +2500 on the moneyline to win this weekend's 1 1/4 mile race.
Brilliant Speed needed several attempts to brake his maiden, but the horse finally pulled it off in December of last year. Since
getting that first win under his belt, the dark bay colt placed second at the Dania Beach Stakes in January, second at the Hallandale Stakes in February, and first at the Grade I Toyota Blue Grass Stakes last month.
All of those races took place on turf, which makes Brilliant Speed somewhat of a gamble on the legendary dirt surface at Churchill Downs. The colt has great stamina in his pedigree having been sired by the same stallion that produced 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, but his history would suggest he may have difficulty navigating a potentially sloppy dirt track.
Brilliant Speed will also start the race near the rail in post position 2, not a great spot for a horse lacking in tactical speed.
Trainer Tom Albertrani was not overly worried about the draw, though, recognizing that the two hole has produced at least a couple notable Derby winners in Affirmed (1978) and Assault (1946).
"It's not the worst thing in the world," Albertrani said. "I think he'll find a good stalking position, get behind some speed and hope for the best. We need a good trip. I'm looking to see him run kind of the same style that he did in the Blue Grass. Maybe not last, but maybe the same distance-wise off the front. That worked out last time. I hope it works out again."
Riding Brilliant Speed will be jockey Joel Rosario. Rosario, who had his first Derby mount last year in Make Music for Me (fourth), was aboard the colt for his winning run at the Blue Grass Stakes last month.
Brilliant Speed 2011 Kentucky Derby Odds:
To Win +2500
To Finish in the Top Three +500
