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| Sumita Pawar |
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Scott Jordan, the head starter for the Kentucky Derby, is responsible for ensuring that the race starts in a safe and fair manner. He is optimistic that Sierra Leone, despite delaying the Blue Grass Stakes in April, will not pose any problems during the Kentucky Derby on 4th May.
Sierra Leone was reluctant to load from his outside post position but ultimately rallied to victory. Since arriving at Churchill Downs on 21st April, Sierra Leone has twice schooled with Jordan's crew at the gate and has shown improvement.
Sierra Leone, who won the Risen Star Stakes and the Blue Grass Stakes, is the expected second favorite in the Kentucky Derby. Scott Jordan and trainer Chad Brown believe that Sierra Leone will be able to load into the gate without any issues. The field will be loaded two at a time, starting from the inside and middle of the field and continuing outward.
Jordan noted that the continuous 20-horse starting gate, which was first used in 2020, is working well, and assistant starters are more comfortable with it after modifications were made to widen areas where they stand. The gate crew will take notes on each Derby horse in preparation for race day.
On Derby day, Jordan's usual gate crew of about 13 will grow to between 24 and 26, and much of his additional staff will come from out of town.
With the Kentucky Derby just around the corner, the connections of Epic Ride and Mugatu are hopeful for a chance to follow in the footsteps of Rich Strike's unlikely victory. Rich Strike's Cinderella story from two years ago, as the race's first alternate, serves as inspiration for these hopefuls.
Epic Ride and Mugatu, currently listed as horses 21 and 22 respectively, remain on standby, eagerly anticipating any opportunity to join the Derby field. Trainer John Ennis of Epic Ride and Jeff Engler of Mugatu maintain a positive outlook amidst the uncertainty.
While the odds may seem slim, history suggests that last-minute entries are not out of the question. However, the final decision hinges on potential scratches from the main field by the deadline on 3rd May.
Both horses have undergone rigorous training and preparation, ready to seize the opportunity if it arises. Whether or not they make it into the Derby, their connections remain committed to their future racing endeavors.
Regardless of the outcome, Epic Ride and Mugatu epitomize the spirit of perseverance and hope that defines the Kentucky Derby.