Can Danza be “The Boss” of the Kentucky Derby?

Can Danza be “The Boss” of the Kentucky Derby: Race horse Danza recently competed in the April 12th, 2014 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park and Danza took home the win in the grade 1 1/8 mile race. Danza will also be competing in early May at the 2014 140th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Danza, who is said to be named after actor Tony Danza, ranks in the 6th place position on the official Kentucky Derby leader board going into the race with 100 points.

Danza is trained by famed trainer Todd Pletcher. Todd Pletcher won the Kentucky Derby in 2010 with horse Super Saver and Pletcher also trained Rags to Riches, who won the 2007 Kentucky oaks. Pletcher is also an Eclipse award winner.

Danza is owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners are known for owning and training horses that have experience on the track, hoping to help these horses gain “blue sky” status.

Danza was foaled on April 17th, 2011 with high class sprinter Street Boss and dam Champagne Royale. Dam Champagne Royale placed in short distance stakes, but was considered a long distance runner. Danza was bred by Liberation Farm and Brandywine Farm.

So far this year, Danza has had 2 starts with 1 first, 0 seconds and 1 third. Danza has won $604,428 this year and has had $302,214 earnings per start. Over the course of Danza’s career Danza has had 4 career starts with 2 firsts, 0 seconds, and 2 thirds. Danza’s total career earnings are $666,428 with $166,607 earnings per start. Danza is currently ranked in tenth place out of 29,304 horses so far this year.

Jockey Joe Bravo was aboard Danza for the 41-1 upset in the Arkansas Derby (see recap) and teams up with the colt again for the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at Churchill Downs.

The question still remains if Tony Danza, star of 80’s sitcom Who’s The Boss, will attend the 2014 Kentucky Derby. “I have no direct knowledge, but with today’s social media, it doesn’t surprise me that he was made aware of the horse being named for him,” reported Aron Wellman, president of Del Mar-based Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. Wellman added, “It would be cool to see him. We’d welcome him with open arms the First Saturday in May.”

Follow Tony Danza’s tweets about Danza here.

Kentucky Derby 2014 Odds and Post Positions
1 Vicar’s In Trouble 20-1 and Rosie Napravnik
2 Harry’s Holiday 50-1 and Corey Lanerie
3 Uncle Sigh 30-1 and Irad Ortiz, Jr.
4 Danza 8-1 and Joe Bravo
5 California Chrome 5-2 and Victor Espinoza
6 Samraat 15-1 and Jose Ortiz
7 We Miss Artie 50-1 and Javier Castellano
8 General A Rod 15-1 and Joel Rosario
9 Vinceremos 30-1 and Joe Rocco, Jr.
10 Wildcat Red 15-1 and Luis Saez
11 Hoppertunity 6-1 and Mike Smith SCRATCHED
11 Dance With Fate 20-1 and Corey Nakatani
12 Chitu 20-1 and Martin Garcia
13 Medal Count 20-1 and Robby Albarado
14 Tapiture 12-1 and Ricardo Santana Jr.
15 Intense Holiday 8-1 and John Velazquez
16 Commanding Curve 50-1 Shaun Bridgmohan
17 Candy Boy 15-1 and Gary Stevens
18 Ride On Curlin 15-1 and Calvin Borel
19 Wicked Strong 6-1 and Rajiv Maragh
20 Pablo Del Monte 50-1 and Jeffrey Sanchez

Kentucky Oaks 2014 Post Positions and Odds