No Opportunity for Hoppertunity

No Opportunity for Hoppertunity, By Michael Fenrich: Thoroughbreds are majestic and powerful when they run. They can be very fragile as well and one bad step can change the dreams of running in the prestigious Kentucky Derby.

Only two days away from the big race Hoppertunity who ran second in the Santa Anita Derby to California Chrome and was named second betting choice at 6-1 behind 5-2 favorite California Chrome got a minor foot injury and had to be scratched.

Hall of Fame conditioner Bob Baffert had to make the decision about Hoppertunity on Thursday May 1 towards the end of training. Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith was supposed to ride Hoppertunity. All is not lost because Baffert and Smith will team up on Friday May 2 in the Filly Derby the Kentucky Oaks with Ria Antonia.

Baffert does have another horse in the Kentucky Derby Chitu.

Hoppertunity was trying to make history as well, he was going to try to join Apollo as the only horses to win the run for the roses not to run as a two year old.
Even though there is no opportunity for Hoppertunity to try to win the 140th Kentucky Derby, there will be more opportunities in the days to come so in a way there is still opportunity for future success.

Michael Fenrich is a guest contributor for Lady and The Track and has been featured on publications such as USA Today and Blood-Horse. 

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 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 15-1 and Ricardo Santana Jr.
15 Intense Holiday 12-1 and John Velazquez
16 Commanding Curve 50-1 Shaun Bridgmohan
17 Candy Boy 20-1 and Gary Stevens
18 Ride On Curlin 15-1 and Calvin Borel
19 Wicked Strong 8-1 and Rajiv Maragh

Kentucky Oaks 2014 Post Positions and Odds