Kentucky Derby 2014; Hoppertunity

Kentucky Derby 2014; Hoppertunity: With 95 points on the Kentucky Derby leader board, Hoppertunity is a hot contender for the Kentucky Derby taking place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday, May 3, 2014. Hoppertunity not only wowed the crowds with his Rebel Stakes victory, the three-year-old colt pleases the masses with an informative witty twitter account that is managed by “direct connections” to the Derby contender. UPDATE: HOPPERTUNITY SCRATCHED

After Hoppertunity’s final work on Monday, April 28, 2014, trainer Bob Baffert reported that he was grateful for the chance to work the colt before the track renovation and the chance of more rain. Bob Baffert stated, “It was a good work. I’m glad I got the work in. He (Hoppertunity) looked great. He was reaching out well. Got it in and got it out of the way. I can relax now, sit around and go buy my tickets.”

Hoppertunity teams up with jockey Mike E. Smith for the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby and is trained by Hall of Fame trainer and three time Kentucky Derby winner Bob Baffert. Hoppertunity is owned by Karl Watson, Michael E. Pegram, and Paul Weitman.

Hoppertunity was foaled on May 7th, 2011. He was sired by Any Given Sunday, who also was a Kentucky Derby contender in 2007. Hoppertunity’s dam is Refugee. Hoppertunity is the great grand-horse of Davona Dale, who won the Kentucky Oaks, Black Eyed-Susan Stakes, and six other stakes races in 1979.

Kentucky Derby contender Hoppertunity is currently ranked number seven out of 29, 347 horses. Hoppertunity is a graded stakes winner and has had 5 starts this year including 2 firsts, 1 second, and 0 thirds. Hoppertunity has earned $610,720 this year, with #122,144 earnings per start this year.

Hoppertunity has had a busy racing season to qualify for the Kentucky Derby. Hoppertunity raced on February 22nd, 2014 at the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds. Hoppertunity came in 4th place ath the grade 2 1 1/16 mile race. In March, on the 15th, Hoppertunity raced in the 2014 Rebel Stakes (watch Rebel Stakes replay) at Oaklawn Park and won first place in the grade 2 1 1/16 mile race. Finally on April 5th, 2014, Hoppertunity raced in the 2014 Santa Anita Derby (watch SA Derby replay) held at Santa Anita Park and came in second place in the grade 1 1 1/8 mile race behind California Chrome.

Hoppertunity has had a pretty positive racing season on the 2014 Kentucky Derby Trail. Closer to race day it will be interesting to see where Hoppertunity ranks among the handicappers. So far, some experts worry about Hoppertunity breaking from the gate and gaining the lead. They say if he gets ahead of the pack early his chances at winning the Derby are great.

Kentucky Derby 2014 Odds and Post Positions
1 Vicar’s In Trouble 30-1 and Rosie Napravnik
2 Harry’s Holiday 50-1 and Corey Lanerie
3 Uncle Sigh 30-1 and Irad Ortiz, Jr.
4 Danza 10-1 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
12 Dance With Fate 20-1 and Corey Nakatani
13 Chitu 20-1 and Martin Garcia
14 Medal Count 20-1 and Robby Albarado
15 Tapiture 15-1 and Ricardo Santana Jr.
16 Intense Holiday 12-1 and John Velazquez
17 Commanding Curve 50-1 Shaun Bridgmohan
18 Candy Boy 20-1 and Gary Stevens
19 Ride On Curlin 15-1 and Calvin Borel
20 Wicked Strong 8-1 and Rajiv Maragh

Kentucky Oaks 2014 Post Positions and Odds