So, like, Michael Kipness, who goes by “The Wizard,” has been doing this horse racing thing since 1986. He’s out here analyzing the 20-horse crew for the 151st Kentucky Derby happening on Saturday. He’s basically saying which horses are contenders and which ones are pretenders, you know?
If you wanna check out the full scoop and his betting strategies for Friday’s Oaks Day and Saturday’s Derby Day, hit up Wizardraceandsports.com. They got all the deets for you.
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. We got these horses, their jockeys, and the morning-line odds, all lined up nice and pretty for ya:
1. Citizen Bull, Martin Garcia, 20-1
This speed demon shocked everyone last time by leading the pack in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. But The Wizard thinks he’s gonna get outpaced this time around. Pretender.
2. Neoequos, Flavien Prat, 30-1
Another horse that likes to lead the race, but he ain’t gonna last long. Pretender.
3. Final Gambit, Luan Machado, 30-1
This guy’s a closer and might benefit from a fast pace. Could surprise us with a good finish, but The Wizard ain’t seeing a win. Pretender.
4. Rodriguez, Mike Smith, 12-1
Similar to Citizen Bull, this one’s gonna get pushed too hard and burn out. Pretender.
5. American Promise, Nik Juarez, 30-1
Speed, speed, speed. But he’s gonna fizzle out. Pretender.
6. Admire Daytona, Christophe Lemaire, 30-1
This Japanese horse won in Dubai recently, but The Wizard ain’t sold on him taking the win. Pretender.
7. Luxor Cafe, Joao Moreira, 15-1
This Japanese horse has been on fire lately, winning all his races this year. He’s got a sweet post position and a killer late kick. Definitely a contender in The Wizard’s book.
8. Journalism, Umberto Rispoli, 3-1
The favorite in this race has been on a winning streak. But The Wizard thinks he’s a bit vulnerable at such short odds. Could still win, though. Contender.
9. Burnham Square, Brian Hernandez Jr., 12-1
Coming off a huge win, this gelding is looking good to close late. Watch out for him. Contender.
10. Grande, John Velazquez, 20-1
This one’s still green, but he’s showing some promise. Might do better in the future, though. Pretender.
11. Flying Mohawk, Joe Ramos, 30-1
With a trainer who didn’t do so hot last year, this horse ain’t looking too promising. Pretender.
12. East Avenue, Manny Franco, 20-1
Needs a clear path to show off his speed. But The Wizard ain’t feeling it for him. Pretender.
13. Publisher, Irad Ortiz Jr., 20-1
Still hasn’t won a race. Could sneak in for a place, but not a win. Pretender.
14. Tiztastic, Joel Rosario, 20-1
Coming off a big win, this guy’s got a shot at making some noise. Contender.
15. Render Judgment, Julien Leparoux, 30-1
Not in great form and still looking for his first win. Pretender.
16. Coal Battle, Juan Vargas, 30-1
Consistent, but probably not cut out for this distance. Pretender.
17. Sandman, Jose Ortiz, 6-1
A strong contender who knows how to close well. Could be a major player. Contender.
18. Sovereignty, Junior Alvarado, 5-1
With a solid late kick and a Hall of Fame trainer, this horse is a top pick for The Wizard. Contender.
19. Chunk of Gold, Jareth Loveberry, 30-1
Showing some improvement lately, this one could surprise us. Contender.
20. Owen Almighty, Javier Castellano, 30-1
Needs a good start but might struggle with his outside post position. Pretender.
Also in the mix is Baeza, who could snag a spot if someone drops out. The Wizard sees him as a potential contender.
If you wanna reach out to the reporter, Todd Dewey, hit him up at tdewey@reviewjournal.com or give him a follow @tdewey33.
And that’s a wrap, folks! Get ready for the Kentucky Derby and may the best horse win.
