The Shanghai Race Club

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This 137th running of the Kentucky Derby was billed as being one of the most open for years and that was how it played out, with Animal Kingdom (16) – relatively unconsidered in the lead up to the race, landing the prize under jockey Johnny Velasquez.

One could call it the race of ironies. Johnny Velasquez had seen his huge Kentucky Derby hope in 2009, Quality Road withdrawn late through injury -  and his dreams appeared to be in tatters again this year as long time winter favourite for the Derby, Uncle Mo, was scratched on the eve of the contest. However, Robby Alborado, who was the intended jockey for Animal Kingdom broke his nose during the week and the owners of Animal Kingdom (Team Valor) took the decision to replace him with Velasquez for the big race.

It was also a roller coaster week for British born trainer, Graham Motion. What appeared to be his main Derby hope, Toby’s Corner was forced to scratch earlier in the week with a leg problem leaving the trainer distraught.

However, for both Motion (below) and Velasquez, the story had a happy ending as Animal Kingdom ran out a convincing winner of the Derby surging clear of Nehro, Mucho Macho Man and longtime leader Shackleford in the straight. From a tactical perspective, the race was notable for lack of mid-race pace, which didn’t help hold up horses like Master Of Hounds and Dialed In, who probably both ran a lot better than their finishing position suggests.

Now attention will inevitably turn to a Triple Crown bid for Animal Kingdom and I would say his prospects of entering the history books by landing this notoriously difficult treble look very good.

The main thing in his favour is the fact that he is a relatively fresh horse and the easy fractions of the Kentucky Derby mean that his run at Churchill Downs should not have taken too much out of him. He also possesses a pedigree that would suggest that the 12 furlongs of the Belmont should not prove beyond him. Before that, there is the Preakness to win and Animal Kingdom can expect to renew rivalry with Mucho Macho Man, Shackleford and Dialed In at Pimlico on Saturday week. Given the way he powered clear of those rivals in Louisville, there are no solid grounds for thinking that he should not win that contest. Then there will be three weeks before the Belmont – and America could be holding its breath as Animal Kingdom bids to become the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to land the Triple Crown

Next week: The first preview for the next Shanghrai Racing Club Trophy Day – The Ascot Gold Cup takes a look at Coolmore’s main hope for the race – Fame And Glory

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