In one of the most unbelievable races in Kentucky Derby history, Rich Strike, the longest odds on the board, ran down favorite Epicenter and Zandon in deep stretch to win the 148th Kentucky Derby on Saturday.
The horse was lucky to even be in the race. He got in Friday morning when Ethereal Road scratched out. Rich Strike was the first also eligible. He carried the saddle cloth of the 21 in the 20-horse race. It was only his second win in eight starts. He hadn't won since his second race, a maiden, at Churchill Downs on Sept. 17. It was only his second time at Churchill Downs. So, he clearly likes this track.
The race started with Summer Is Tomorrow and Crown Pride going to the front with blistering fractions pf 21.48 seconds for the first quarter and 45.36 for the half. Messier was in a comfortable position right off the lead. By the head of the stretch Messier moved to the front as Epicenter made a bold move on the outside with Zandon not far behind.
