Great White: Derby's Newest Longshot?

Great White, a sizable gray gelding weighing over 1,300 pounds, has secured a spot in the Kentucky Derby field. This entry came on Wednesday following the withdrawal of Silent Tactic, placing Great White in the race. The horse's connections hope he can achieve a surprising victory, mirroring Rich Strike's 2022 upset. Great White began his career with two wins on synthetic surfaces, including the John Battaglia Memorial. His trainer opted for a dirt race in the Blue Grass Stakes, where he finished poorly, but the trainer attributes this to the horse being "flat" beforehand. The horse's pedigree suggests potential struggles on dirt surfaces, as offspring of Volatile have a lower win rate on dirt compared to synthetic tracks. Great White will start from post position 20, the far outside, which could lead to him losing significant ground on the turns. This draw presents a considerable obstacle for his chances in the prestigious race.