By Times Staff and Wire Reports
Published April 29, 2004
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - It wasn't so much a half-full, half-empty day for trainer Nick Zito. But it was a little surprising.
The Cliff's Edge, winner of the Grade I Blue Grass Stakes, was installed as the 4-1 morning-line favorite for Saturday's 130th Kentucky Derby after Zito selected the 11th post for him in Wednesday's derby draw. That one was not such a stunner, though undefeated Smarty Jones entered as the buzz horse.
But when The Cliff's Edge's stablemate, Birdstone, was made the 50-1 shot after taking the 13th spot, Zito could not contain his surprise.
"I love (Churchill Downs oddsmaker) Mike (Battaglia)," Zito said, "but come on. 50-1? That's insane. He must be trying to bankroll his future grandchildren through college."
Smarty Jones, who will break from the 15th position, was second choice at 9-2 with Tapit (18th) next at 8-1.
Ultimately, the betting public will decide the odds.
"I don't think there is going to be a clear-cut favorite," Zito said. "This might be the best betting Derby ever."
Connections were able to choose their posts in a draft-style process again this year. Selection order was determined randomly Wednesday morning.
Just three horses have won from the 11th post, recently Winning Colors in 1988.
WALKOUT: Some riders are threatening to boycott Saturday's race if a Kentucky law that prohibits advertising on their riding clothes is not suspended. The jockeys want to wear corporate logos on their pants during races and went to federal court in Louisville trying to get the rule overturned.
Shane Sellers, who is scheduled to ride The Cliff's Edge, said he is negotiating a sponsorship deal that could net him a $30,000 endorsement fee in the Derby.
Zito suggested jockey's should have the right to solicit endorsements. "It's America," he said.
A ruling is expected today.
f,8.5,ux0 SCHOOL'S IN: New York-bred Friends Lake, upset winner of the Grade I Florida Derby, was schooled in the starting gate three times after galloping a mile and three-eighths. Then he unwound by bucking near his pen and rolling his shiny chestnut coat in the dirt.
"He's very pleased with everything," trainer John Kimmel said. "He seems very fit, and he's a happy horse.
"The key is to get them relaxed. The more anxious and nervous they are, the more it compromises their ability to get a mile and a quarter."
f,8.5,ux0 POUR IT ON: Forecasts call for rain or thundershowers Saturday in Louisville, and trainer Kristin Mulhall has no problem with that. Few in the 20-horse field have experience on messy tracks, but Imperialism has shown an affinity for them. The son of Langfuhr has run on tracks listed as "sloppy" three times, winning the last two, recently at Calder in November. He also worked well over an off track on Sunday.
"When he galloped over the slop, he loved it," she said. "I'm kind of hoping it rains."
Mulhall, 21, could become the first woman and youngest trainer to win a Kentucky Derby.
f,8.5,ux0 HANDS-ON BOSS: Frank Lyons, co-owner of Irish-bred Santa Anita Derby winner Castledale, filled in for trainer Jeff Mullins by having his colt jog a mile and gallop another 11/2. Mullins was due in Wednesday afternoon.
