American Pharoah Rolls; Many Clouds Flies

American Pharoah opened some eyes today as he won the Arkansas Derby by eight lengths.  Far Right just edged past Mr. Z for second, while Madefromlucky finished in fourth place.  Victor Espinoza was in the irons of the son of Pioneerof the Nile, and they finished the 1 and1/8 miles slowing down on a fast track in 1:48:52.   Bridget's Big Luvy set the pace until the final turn, when American Pharoah  put himself in another gear and never looked back.  It was an impressive win for the former 2-year-old champion, If nothing happens to the colt, he's assured to be the betting favorite for the Kentucky Derby on 2 May.

American Pharoah winning the Arkansas Derby

   In the Lexington Stakes in Kentucky, Divining Rod won nicely; while Danworth nosed out Fame and Power for second place.
   The Grand National at Aintree, was, as usual, a wide open event.  Thirty-nine horses began the race that covers a course four and a half miles long, with 30 jumps on the course.  Nineteen horses finished the race; three lost their riders, eight horses fell, and nine were pulled up by their jockeys.  Balthazar King fell heavily, and was then run over by another horse; it's reported that he might have three fractured ribs, but, otherwise, all the jockeys and horses were unhurt. Many Clouds, an 8-year-old gelded son of Cloudings (Ire), won the race.  He was carrying one of the highest weights assigned - 11 stone 9 - or 163 pounds.  One British newspaper says that Many Clouds ran as a 33 to 1 shot, but another says he ran at 25 to 1...  I don't know which it was, but the horse is incredible.  Saint Re ran second at 25 to 1, Monbeg Dude finished third at 40 to 1, and Alvarado was fourth at 20 to 1.

Many Clouds crosses the Grand National at Aintree finish line