California Chrome Wins The Kentucky Derby

May 3, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Victor Espinoza aboard California Chrome (5) celebrates after winning the 2014 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

The favorite won the race. California Chrome posted at 2-1 odds to win the Kentucky Derby and he did it walking away down the stretch winning by nearly two lengths in front of the second largest crowd in the history of Churchill Downs.

Coming out of the 5 post California Chrome became the 13th horse to win from the draw, the most ever. Jockey Victor Espinoza bided his time until the final corner where he made his move down the stretch.

California Chrome is the product of am $8,000 mare and a $2,500 stallion. In a sport dominated by million dollar owners and horses the little guys won big on Sunday. Not to mention the horse was trained by a 77 year old trainer who hadn’t been to Churchill Downs since he was 19.

Chasing California Chrome to the line Saturday was Commanding Curve coming home second an Danza came home third. Commanding Curve was catching California Chrome as they came to the line. Look for him to be a favorite come the Preakness in three weeks.

Horse racing is all about the story lines and California Chrome has a storyline unlike any other in the field. Owned by two men who have named their organization DAP Racing, standing for Dumb Ass Partners. Perry Martin and Steve Coburn bought Chrome and started their operation on a handshake. Both work full time regular jobs in Reno, Nevada and the other in California just across the border. They hired the oldest trainer to ever win the Derby. They did everything you’re not supposed to do and they won.

California Chrome has now won the last five races he was entered in including the Santa Anita Derby and now the Kentucky Derby. California Chrome is now America’s favorite horse as he looks to become the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to win the famed Triple Crown.

Watch for California Chrome go for the win in the 138th running of The Preakness on May 17th.