Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert expressed disappointment at drawing the first hole in the starting gate for his colt Lookin At Lucky [4], but the horse remains the 3-1 morning line favorite in Saturday's Kentucky Derby 136.
"This horse, he can't catch a break," said Baffert. "We named him wrong."
While tied with the five hole for most Derby wins with 12, the first position has not produced a victor in the Run for the Roses since Ferdinand in 1986.
"The one hole is probably for a deep closer," said Baffert. "I don't remember a horse of this caliber being in the one hole."
The connections remain optimistic, however.
Co-owner Mike Pegram said, "It's better to have a good trip than a good post position."
"If we get a good trip, there is no reason why this horse should not run his race, he added. "We'll find out if he's good enough to win."
Photo: Courtesy Horsephotos/NTRA