Kentucky Derby Trivia -- 135th "Run for the Roses"

[Bluerauder]

When the Marauders visited Churchill Downs/Louisville, KY back at the end of March 2009, I found the following bit of "trivia" to be interesting ....

In 134 prior runnings of the Kentucky Derby, there have only been 3 horses to run the race in under 2 minutes. Can you name them? The Derby is often called the "Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports". Answer below ......

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1. Secretariat (1973), 1:59 and 2/5 (1:59:40)
2. Sham (1973), 1:59 and 4/5 (1:59:80)
3. Monarchos (2001), 1:59:97

Few people even remember "Sham" with the 2nd fastest time in Derby History. Sham ran 2 1/2 lengths behind the fastest horse in Derby History (Secretariat) and came in 2nd in 1973. At the time, winning times were recorded in 5ths of a second. Digital timing to 1/100 of a second didn't take place until later.

Here's the field for today's (2 May 2009) 135th running of the Kentucky Derby (odds are constantly changing up until Post Time -reflects final odds):

1 West Side Bernie 32-1
2 Musket Man 20-1 THIRD
3 Mr. Hot Stuff 27-1
4 Advice 48-1
5 Hold Me Back 12-1
6 Friesan Fire 7-2 Finished in 18th
7 Papa Clem 13-1 FOURTH
8 Mine That Bird 50-1 FIRST 2:02 AND 3/5 Seconds (2:02:66) (2nd biggest upset in Derby History)
9 Join in the Dance 50-1
10 Regal Ransom 22-1
11 Chocolate Candy 9-1
12 General Quarters 9-1
13 I Want Revenge SCR (Favorite Scratched on the morning of the race)
14 Atomic Rain 53-1
15 Dunkirk 5-1
16 Pioneer of the Nile 6-1 SECOND -- about 6-7 lengths back
17 Summer Bird 42-1
18 Nowhere to Hide 43-1
19 Desert Party 14-1
20 Flying Private 44-1

Wonder if I can get a $50 bet in on "West Side Bernie". I've got a hunch on that horse. ;)

[justbob]

Charlie, I wish I had HALF of your memory!

[SC Cheesehead]

I love trivia! Thanks for posting, Charlie.

BTW, who's the better half gonna place her bet on, "Mr. Hot Stuff"? ;)

[Bluerauder]

Post time in about an hour. Still time to get your bets down. :D

[Ms. Denmark]

I like Mr. Hot Stuff myself.;) Going kick back with my Pimms Cup and enjoy.

[SC Cheesehead]

Mine That Bird, whoda thunk it?

[Bluerauder]

Mine That Bird, whoda thunk it?
MINE THAT BIRD

The second biggest upset in Derby History at 50-1 odds.

That horse was flying at the end of the race ... He was 14th going into the final turn and passed 'em all like they were standing still. At the FINISH, there were no other horses in the frame -- they were back nearly 10 lengths.

2:02 and 3/5 seconds (2:02:66) on a muddy track.

Post number 1 updated.

[SC Cheesehead]

MINE THAT BIRD

The second biggest upset in Derby History at 48-1/50-1 odds.

That horse was flying at the end of the race ... He was 14th going into the final turn and passed 'em all like they were standing still. At the FINISH, there were no other horses in the frame -- they were back nearly 10 lengths.

2:02 and 3/5 seconds on a muddy track.

Post number 1 updated.

Yeah, after he pulled ahead coming out of the last turn looked like he hit the bottle..... :nos:

[Embassy]

It's a good time of year to be in Louisville.

Thanks for posting up the trivia.