Orbit is proud to announce that it has acquired exclusive satellite broadcast rights to thoroughbred racing's most prestigious competition, the Visa Triple Crown® - America's exciting premier horseracing series and one of the world’s most sought after sporting events. In the last nine years, six magnificent horses have nearly swept the series: Silver Charm 1997, Real Quiet 1998, Charismatic 1999, War Emblem 2002, Funny Cide 2003 before last year's bid made by Smarty Jones.
With three fashionable destinations for the rich and famous, excitement builds up every year with the prospect of a Triple Crown champion claiming Visa's $5 million dollar bonus, which is one of the largest payouts in sports and represents the supreme test of a thoroughbred's speed and endurance. The Triple Crown achievement has only been accomplished by eleven champions throughout history, and the last occasion was in 1978. The 2005 Triple Crown consists of 3 races: The 131st Kentucky Derby (May 7), The 130th Preakness Stakes (May 21), and The 137th Belmont Stakes (June 11).
The 131st Kentucky Derby - LIVE on Orbit-ESPN (Sat, May 7 at 21:00 GMT).
Churchill Downs has doubled the size of the Kentucky Derby's purse this year, increasing the total prize for the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown to a whopping $2 million. The Derby purse has been $1 million since 1996. All contenders are currently stabled at Churchill Downs and some have already completed their preparations for the final race.
There were three preparations on Monday morning, but the biggest revelation came when Bandini strolled onto the track. Although he was only out for a jog, spectators were convinced that the colt is sitting on another huge effort on Saturday. Reports from Elmont suggest that Bandini, who used to spend most of his time on his rear legs, has matured considerably over the past few months, and has become much more professional in everything he does. Having had a lively jog, he appeared on the track to be full of life, with a real bounce to his step. Although coiled when coming back, he always seemed in control. And just before leaving the track, he lashed back with one wicked kick. Right now, he looks to be as solid a contender as any horse in the race.
The story of the road to the 2005 Kentucky Derby has not been about a horse, but rather a man from Brooklyn. Two-time Derby winning trainer Nick Zito is poised to do this year what to many seems almost inconceivable—that is have five starters, or exactly one-quarter of the maximum field of 20, in this year's Run for the Roses. Zito's assault on the 2005 Kentucky Derby will be led by Bellamy Road, who is owned by New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, has won the Wood Memorial April 9 by an eye-popping 17 ½ lengths in his second start for Zito. Three of the top four betting choices in the future wager pool for the 2005 Kentucky Derby hail from the Zito barn. They include Tampa Bay Derby winner Sun King, Florida Derby winner High Fly, Noble Causeway, and Andromeda’s Hero.
The leading contender among horses not trained by Zito appeared to be the blazing Consolidator, winner of the 2004 (grade I) Lane's End Breeders' Futurity and the 2005 San Felipe. Disappointingly, Bob and Beverly Lewis' $1.25 million Consolidator -son of Storm Cat- has just been withdrawn from the Kentucky Derby after suffering a fractured sesamoid in his right front ankle. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas confirmed the situation on Monday, and stated that Consolidator has been retired. The Lewises had previously won the Kentucky Derby in 1997 with Silver Charm and in 1999 with Charismatic.
There were 21 horses trying to fit into 20 Derby starting spots. Therefore the withdrawal of Consolidator opens the way for Greeley's Galaxy, whose owner, B. Wayne Hughes, must pay a $200,000 supplement because the colt was not nominated to the Triple Crown.
Arkansas Derby (grade II) winner Afleet put in his final workout on Tuesday, and the son of Northern Afleet again showed his fitness by breezing a half-mile in 00:48 2/5. The earner of more than $1.3 million gleaned from six wins and two seconds in nine starts, Afleet Alex is the likely Derby second choice following Consolidator.
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