The countdown is on for the 147th Kentucky Derby, the most prestigious thoroughbred horse race in the US racing calendar. The eyes of the racing world will be fixed firmly on Churchill Downs racetrack on May 1, for what American racing fans call “the greatest two minutes in sport”.
With less than 100 days until the next Kentucky Downs, the leading handicappers and tipsters are already looking to pull together the best Kentucky Derby picks, underpinned by detailed analysis from those with decades of experience as bettors and sportswriters.
The latest president of Churchill Downs racetrack has spoken of his excitement about 2021’s Kentucky Derby returning to its rightful place in the calendar as the first weekend in May. In 2020, the issues with the pandemic forced the racetrack to close its doors, with the race eventually staged during the Roses to Labor Day weekend in the fall. Only essential personnel and close family were permitted to enter Churchill Downs last year, but President Mike Anderson is hopeful that a limited number of spectators will be permitted to enter in 2021, which he estimates at 40% of normal capacity.
Anderson said that it’s likely no general admission tickets will be distributed for 2021’s race either, with spectators required to sit in pre-assigned seats at the racetrack. Anderson warned the racetrack is experiencing “similar challenges” to last year, but insisted it was looking to “learn from the knowledge and the experience” of staging 2020’s race.
There’s no doubt that 2021’s Kentucky Derby will be somewhat less acrimonious. Last year, the racetrack fielded significant protestations outside in the week leading up to the event, with demonstrators making their voices heard on the streets. Anderson was quick to gloss over the issues that plagued last year’s event but insisted that Churchill Downs would always “listen to [its] community” and “adjust as necessary” in future years.
Churchill Downs looking to forge ahead with multi-million-dollar redevelopment
Despite the setbacks of the last 12 months at Churchill Downs, the racetrack is working hard to pursue its ambitious redevelopment plans, which are projected to cost a total of $300 million. The capital investment is geared towards creating a world-leading racetrack, centred around new race experiences for its VIP guests, as well as the launch of a new on-site 156-room hotel, additional racetrack seating, a “historical racing machine” facility and an $11m upgrade to Millionaires Row; the latter of which is being overseen by President, Mike Anderson.
The sixth-floor Millionaires Row is to receive a long-awaited upgrade in its facilities, delivering upscale entertainment for guests and delegates, with an unrivalled panoramic view of the finish line for up to 350 people. Millionaires Row will benefit from a redefined culinary experience, with a new and exclusive dining menu, drinks packages and concierge services to create the best possible hospitality experiences.
In addition, the hospitality area of Millionaires Row will also give guests the option of having their very own in-room handicapper, who they can use to discuss and take wagers ahead of the race.
Who are the handicappers likely to plump for in the 2021 Kentucky Derby?
Essential Quality is one horse on the lips of many tipsters and handicappers at present. The horse has won every single race he’s been entered into thus far and looks a fine specimen. He won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile with relative ease, suggesting that he is more than capable of winning regularly in Grade 1 company.
A lot of handicappers are also taking a keen eye on Life is Good, the colt trained by Bob Baffert. Baffert has one of the best recent win records in the biggest events of US horse racing, having overseen Authentic’s victories in the Kentucky Derby as well as the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
It would also be foolhardy to discount the winning potential of Jackie’s Warrior, who is a proven winner at five, six, and seven furlongs, as well as a mile. The only blot on his copybook is a poor showing at the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, which was eventually won by Essential Quality. One thing is for sure, it’s great to see the Kentucky Derby back at the front and center of this year’s global racing calendar.
Categories: News
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
