Animal Kingdom Wins Kentucky Derby

Animal Kingdom pulled off the upset victory in the 137th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Animal Kingdom went off as a 20-1 long-shot but still was able to cross the finish line first. Animal Kingdom was initially a 30-1 morning line long-shot but was bet down to 20-1.

So how exactly did Animal Kingdom pull off the stunner?

On Friday the favorite on paper was Uncle Mo. Unfortunately Uncle Mo was scratched due to a gastro intestinal issue. The jockey who was supposed to be aboard Uncle Mo on Saturday was John Velazquez, the highly successful jockey who has won a handful of jockey titles up at Saratoga Race Course. Due to the scratch of Uncle Mo, John Velazquez was available to take a mount for someone else in the derby field.

Velazquez then opted to take the mount for Animal Kingdom as a result. With the improved rider and the scratch of Uncle Mo, Animal Kingdom was bet down from 30-1 to 20-1.

Animal Kingdom ended up winning by 2 3/4 lengths over Nehro, who finished second (place), and in third (show) was Mucho Macho Man.

Animal Kingdom paid $43.80 for the $2 win ticket. The winning $2 exacta paid $329.80 and the trifecta paid $3946.00.