2012 Kentucky Derby Spotlight: Daddy Long Legs

by Horstradamus

posted on May 1, 2012 in General Discussion, Horse Racing, Kentucky Derby, WinningPonies.com | No Comments >>

(Photo: Mathea Kelley)

 

Scat Daddy–Dreamy Maiden

Trainer:  Aidan O’Brien
Jockey:  Colm O’Donoghue
Owner:  Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier & Michael Tabor
Record:  5 – 3 – 0 – 0
Earnings:  $1,308,752
Last Race:  UAE Derby, 1st

 

 

Churchill Downs was not kind to Daddy Long Legs last November in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, where he was second to last and never a threat.  Since then he rebounded to win the UAE Derby at 1 3/16 miles, giving him a leg up on the rest of the field who have not raced beyond 1 1/8 miles.

Daddy Long Legs will be aiming to do better in the Kentucky Derby than his sire Scat Daddy and grand sire Johannesburg, who finished 18th and 8th, in their respective Derbies.  The traffic congestion from a field of 20 presents a multitude of problems for a horse who will likely run from mid-pack.  A poor post position on top of that would be the kiss of death for this runner.