The Kentucky Derby winner's circle is no stanger to longshots and trainer Mike Maker is hopeful that his colt, Derby Kitten, can join the likes of Mine That Bird, Giacoma, and Charismatic with a victorious run tomorrow at Churchill Downs. Derby Kitten, who needed five races to break his maiden, is listed at 40 to 1 to win Saturday's race in the latest 2011 Kentucky Derby Odds.
Derby Kitten, a product of Kitten's Joy and Blush, did not appear to be a Derby horse last year as he struggled to break his 
maiden; however, since getting that out of the way in early January the horse has recorded two second place finishes as well as one win.
Derby Kitten last participated in the Grade 3 Coolmore Lexington Stakes at Keeneland on April 23rd, where he bested the six horse field in the 1 1/16 miles run. That result helped Kitten become the last entry into the field thanks to Toby's Corner being scratched earlier this week.
Derby Kitten, who has competed in just one dirt race, enters tomorrow's proceedings as one of the longest shots in the field, but trainer Mike Maker hopes the colt can benefit from a solid starting spot.
Kitten drew the nine post on Wednesday afternoon, a position that has not garnered a win since Riva Ridge took first in the 1972 Derby, however, historically gates five through 10 have fared well at Churchill Downs.
"We're happy with the draw for both horses (Maker also trains Twinspired) next to each other in the nine and 10," Maker said. "We were hoping to draw something around 10 and farther out, and pretty much got that with both horses."
Derby Kitten 2011 Kentucky Derby Odds:
To Win +4000
To Finish in the Top Three +1000
