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Long shot rallies to win Oaks

By DAWN REISS, Times wires
Published May 6, 2006

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Lemons Forever, a 47-1 shot who trailed by 14 lengths down the backside, won the $685,900 Kentucky Oaks in the biggest upset in the race's 132-year history Friday. Balance, the 8-5 favorite, finished 11th.

Ridden by Mark Guidry, Lemons Forever won by 11/2 lengths. The 3-year-old filly covered 11/8 miles in 1:50.07 and paid $96.20, $37 and $18 as the longest shot in the all-filly field. The previous biggest upset was Lemco, at 40-1, in 1903.

Ermine returned $11.20 and $7.80 at 10-1 odds. Bushfire was disqualified from third and placed sixth for interfering with Red Cherries Spin near the wire.

Wait a While was moved up to third and paid $6.40. The $2 trifecta paid $12,186.60.

Guidry has a chance to pull off the first Oaks-Derby double since Jerry Bailey in 1993. He will ride Sharp Humor today.

FLASHY FLYER: The Stanley Cup made a surprise appearance in the media press box along with Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Chris Therien.

"I hope it'll bring some luck," Therien said.

Therien is one of 17 people who make up the West Point Thoroughbreds, a diverse group from 13 states, including Stephen Lewinstein, part owner of the NBA's Boston Celtics, and Tommy Thompson, former Health and Human Services Secretary and governor of Wisconsin.

Company president Terry Finley, a West Point graduate and former Army captain, started West Point Thoroughbreds more than 15 years ago with the dream of running in the Kentucky Derby. Therien, who has owned several horses, said Flashy Bull is by far the best.

"During a playoff game, there is a lot of pressure on yourself," said Therien, who attended the Derby for the first time last year when a lockout wiped out the season. The Flyers were eliminated Tuesday. "But having a horse is a whole different thing. You just sit back and watch. There's not a whole lot you can do."

NOT SINCE NEEDLES: If Barbaro wins, it will be the first time since Needles in 1956 that a horse has won after a five-week layoff. Barbaro won the 11/8-mile Florida Derby on April 1 at Gulfstream.

FOUR IN A ROW? First-time Derby trainers have won 29 times, including the past three: John Shirreffs ( Giacomo), John Servis ( Smarty Jones) and Barclay Tagg ( Funny Cide). Seven trainers will make their first start: Dan Hendricks ( Brother Derek), Michael Matz ( Barbaro), Michael Trombetta ( Sweetnorthernsaint), Dale Romans ( Sharp Humor), Daniel Peitz ( Steppenwolfer), Thomas Albertrani ( Deputy Glitters) and Mark Casse ( Seaside Retreat).

LATE SHIPPER: Tagg and colt Showing Up were the last to arrive Thursday afternoon: "If I could come in a helicopter in the infield the morning of the race, it would be perfect."

FIRST TIMERS: There are four first-time jockeys: Shaun Bridgmohan ( Private Vow), Jose Lezcano (Deputy Glitters), Patrick Husbands (Seaside Retreat) and Fernando Jara ( Jazil). Thirty-nine have won on their first mount, most recently Stewart Elliott on Smarty Jones.

1-2 PUNCH: The last time a trainer's horses finished first and second was Ben Jones' Citation and Coaltown in 1948. Four trainers have that chance today: Steve Asmussen (Private Vow- Storm Treasure), Bob Baffert ( Bob and John- Sinister Minister- Point Determined), Kiaran McLaughlin (Jazil-Flashy Bull) and Todd Pletcher ( Bluegrass Cat- Keyed Entry).

[Last modified May 6, 2006, 02:15:18]