Eight Belles Kentucky Derby
The Smooth Air team has been riding various waves of emotion this week, as can be expected when participating in the Kentucky Derby for the first time. Stutts, 70, and his wife Dianne attended the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners?1
Eight Belles went :58-1/5 on the same day, and she stretched her legs for seven furlongs in 1:25. She will likely take on the boys in the Derby.2
Out of the Dixieland band mare Away, Eight Belles entered the 1 1/16-mile Fantasy off three straight scores, all in convincing fashion. Her last victory came in the March 16 Honeybee (gr.3
Unlike those two, Eight Belles has never faced males or traveled 1 1/8 miles. However, her speed figures have been comparable to the colts, which prompted her connections to try the Derby instead of the Oaks.4
Jones talked with Hall of Famers D. Wayne Lukas and LeRoy Jolley, the last two trainers who won the Derby with a filly. Both of them encouraged Jones to give Eight Belles a shot at the boys.5
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