Certain sports records are controversial (60, 61*, 70 or 73*). Others are impressive in that the represent consistent above-average performance over time (Ripken's 2,632). But, some are truly special. They are the result of an awe-inspiring performance that we mortals cannot fathom seeing repeated (DiMaggio's 56 game hitting streak, Wilt's 100 point night, Larson's perfect game). Among the last set of records, is Secretariat's 2:24 world record time at the 1973 Belmont Stakes. The race is legendary and his 31-length victory remains unparalleled in horseracing history.
What is less commonly known is that Secretariat also holds the Kentucky Derby record at 1:59 and 2/5s. In the 112 years since the 3-year olds have been running 1-¼ miles, only one other horse has broken the 2-minute mark (Monarches-1:59.97). Less than 1 second separates the two and yet it is an eternity. The paradox of time.
This year, the first Saturday in May brings with it the start of the 134th Kentucky Derby and another field anxious to challenge the bar set by Secretariat. At the end of the day, the record will still be intact, but no one will speak of it. Instead, all will focus on the horse standing in the winner's circle wearing the blanket of roses. They will laud the new Champion. However, before the first petal begins to wither, they will question his ability. Is he fast enough for the Preakness? Will he have the stamina for the Belmont? Does he have the desire, heart, pedigree, upbringing, to join Secretariat as a Triple Crown winner and as a Legend? The paradox of success.
The challengers....
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
| 1 | Cool Coal Man | Julian Leparoux | Nick Zito | 20-1 |
| 2 | Tale of Ekati | Eibar Coa | Barclay Tagg | 15-1 |
| 3 | Anak Nakal | Rafael Bejarano | Nick Zito | 30-1 |
| 4 | Court Vision | Garrett Gomez | Bill Mott | 20-1 |
| 5 | Eight Belles | Gabriel Saez | Larry Jones | 20-1 |
| 6 | Z Fortune | Robby Albarado | Steve Asmussen | 15-1 |
| 7 | Big Truck | Javier Castellano | Barclay Tagg | 50-1 |
| 8 | Visionaire | Jose Lezcano | Micahel Matz | 20-1 |
| 9 | Pyro | Shawn Bridgmohan | Steve Asmussen | 6-1 |
| 10 | Colonel John | Corey Nakatani | Eoin Harty | 4-1 |
| 11 | Z Humor | Rene Douglas | Bill Mott | 30-1 |
| 12 | Smooth Air | Manoel Cruz | Bennie Stutts, Jr. | 20-1 |
| 13 | Bob Black Jack | Richard Migliorie | James Kasparoff | 20-1 |
| 14 | Monba | Ramon Dominguez | Todd Pletcher | 15-1 |
| 15 | Adriano | Edgar Prado | Graham Motion | 30-1 |
| 16 | Denis of Cork | Calvin Borel | David Carol | 20-1 |
| 17 | Cowboy Cal | John Velazquez | Todd Pletcher | 20-1 |
| 18 | Recapturetheglory | E.T. Baird | Louie Roussel III | 20-1 |
| 19 | Gayego | Mike Smith | Paulo Lobo | 15-1 |
| 20 | Big Brown | Kent Desormeaux | Rick Dutrow, Jr. | 3-1 |
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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliance in Louisville. If you need a Louisville Real Estate agent please email me or call 502.921.3989.
I specialize in the following areas of the Metro Louisville Area: Prospect, Middletown, Jeffersontown (J-Town), Fern Creek, Okolona, Shepherdsville, Mt Washington, Hillview, Brooks and Pewee Valley. Click the following links to learn more about Louisville and Bullitt County Real Estate or to Search for Louisville Homes
