OCALA, FL (352today.com) – This year’s 151st running of the $5 Million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve, takes place this Saturday at Churchill Downs – and this year’s field is packed with local connections.
Beyond the iconic hats and mint juleps, 20 talented horses are set to compete in the Run for the Roses, with several ties to Ocala and Marion County.
One standout is Render Judgment, co-owned by Dream Walkin’ Farms – the late country music legend Toby Keith’s operation. The colt’s early training took place in Summerfield at Ken McPeek’s Silverleaf Hills Training Center. Though Keith won’t be there to see it, his lifelong dream of having a Derby contender lives on.
Another local link is Sandman, trained by Hall of Famer Mark Casse, who has called Ocala home for nearly six decades. The horse, sold through the 2024 Ocala Breeders’ Sales March 2-Year-Olds Sale by Tom McCrocklin, is known for closing strong from the back of the pack. His name is inspired by Metallica’s Enter Sandman and Yankees legend Mariano Rivera.
Bob Baffert, chasing his record-setting seventh Derby win, sends out Citizen Bull, last year’s top 2-year-old. The colt was broken and trained in Ocala by Eddie Woods and is partially owned by Ocala’s Stonestreet Stable.
Florida also has a true homegrown contender: Neoeqous, bred by Joe and Helen Barbazon of Pleasant Acres in Morriston and Matalona Thoroughbreds, LLC. This is the first Florida-bred horse in the Derby since 2022 and the 121st overall. He’s trained by Saffie Joseph Jr.
There’s also American Promise, trained in Fort McCoy by Bryan and Holley Rice of Woodside Ranch. Legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas, now 89, will saddle the colt as he aims for his fifth Derby win. Fun fact: Bryan Rice was once Lukas’ assistant.
And don’t overlook race favorite Journalism, who won the Santa Anita Derby and is owned in part by Ocala’s Bridlewood Farm. The colt is trained by Michael McCarthy.
Where to Watch Locally:
Television coverage begins Saturday, May 3:
- 10:30 a.m. on FanDuel TV
- 12 p.m. on USA Network and Peacock
- 2:30 p.m. on NBC and Peacock
Free Watch Party at the World Equestrian Center, starting at 5 p.m., with Jumbotron viewing at the Grand Outdoor Arena.
Hat Party at The Equestrian Hotel Terrace, 5-7:30 p.m. | $265 per person | Tickets at showclix.com
Betting? Head to OcalaBets, located at 1781 SW 60th Ave., open 10 a.m.-4 a.m.
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