LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — There was a brief moment three weeks ago when trainer Chad Brown’s Kentucky Derby outlook was jolted as one of his hopefuls resisted multiple attempts to enter the gate in a major qualifying race and then started slowly.
Things turned out way better than Brown could have guessed as that testy colt, Sierra Leone, put any concerns to rest by storming from the back to win the Grade 1 Blue Grass by 1½ lengths at Keeneland. That stirring rally not only gave Brown two Derby contenders along with Domestic Product entering Saturday’s milestone 150th Derby at Churchill Downs, but the points leader coming into the race.
And as Brown seeks his long-awaited Derby breakthrough in the $5 million race, having multiple chances certainly helps against 18 other horses.
“We’ve come in with some good shots, but we’ve yet to win the race,” said Brown, who is winless in seven starts with a second and third since 2018. “So, hopefully it’s our year this year.”
Siblings trying to make US water polo teams for Paris Olympics
Mike Trout decided having surgery was better option than being only a DH
Prince William rocks his shades as he visits a surf beach in Cornwall
Colton Herta hopes to protect narrow points lead through IndyCar's biggest month
How Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could make the first debate stage
Woman who grew up in polygamist Mormon CULT lays bare horrifying truth about INCEST inside the sect
Drake shares cryptic post amid ugly feud with Kendrick Lamar
No sign of widespread lead exposure from Maui wildfires, Hawaii health officials say
National Television Awards 2024 nominations: Michelle Keegan and Leo Woodall go head
Brewers LHP Robert Gasser expected to make MLB debut against Cardinals on Friday