Derby Legends' Long Shots: Can Baffert & O'Neill Win?

Kentucky Derby winning trainers Bob Baffert and Doug O'Neill are preparing their entries for Saturday's race, despite their horses carrying long odds. Combined, these two Southern Californians have secured eight Kentucky Derby victories, yet their starters are listed at 20-1 and 30-1. Both trainers emphasized that the horse's performance is paramount in this sport, regardless of the trainer's reputation.

Baffert, who has trained multiple Triple Crown winners, compared his current long shots to lesser contenders than his past champions. O'Neill also noted the statistical challenge of a 20-horse race, where the odds are stacked against any single horse. However, both have a history of success with unexpected winners.

O'Neill's 2012 victory came with a 15-1 long shot, and Baffert's 2002 win was with a 20-1 horse. Baffert's expensive colts, Potente ($2.4 million) and Litmus Test ($875,000), will need significant improvement to contend. O'Neill's Pavlovian, a Cal-bred, faces similar challenges but has shown promise in recent races.

Meanwhile, Fulleffort was scratched from the Derby on Thursday due to injury. The Kentucky Oaks, the filly equivalent, is scheduled for Friday, featuring Pletcher's favorite Zany and strong contenders from Southern California.