The Kentucky Derby is probably the race that American stables covet most. In the 14-year history of this race here at Photo Finish, Otsego Farms has sent five colts to run for the roses.
2004 Kentucky Derby
In the 2004 Derby, just the second in PF history, Nightwing made the start in a tough 15-horse field.
There have been some strong fields over the years, but top-to-bottom, this one may have been the deepest. Along with winner Thunder Arctic, the field also contained legendary horses such as Dansilver, Dubai Gold, Chatterbox (the only filly in the field), Congenial, Blushing Approval, Vampirical, and Troll Tower.
Nightwing went off at 11-1 and finished a very respectable 5th.
2006 Kentucky Derby
This was the year that War Machine won the Derby, then continued on to win the American Triple Crown.
He was the 9-4 favorite, but had to contend with some stiff competition. Among the 12-horse field were illuminaries such as Smart Money Golden Tombi, Star Studded, Dancing Delaware, and Big N' Rich.
War Machine had to deal with an off-ish track that was only rated GOOD; the only race in the 14-year history of the Kentucky Derby that was not rated at FAST.
2007 Kentucky Derby
Doomsday was unloved by the punters, as evidenced by the 29-1 odds, making him a definite longshot. There were many that questioned the appropriateness of this entry. However, with a record of 4-1-2-0 at the time and coming off a 2nd place finish in the Arkansas Derby, the connections at Otsego Farms felt he had earned a shot.
This was an exceptionally top-heavy field with superstars Pegasus Song (who became the first filly to win the Kentucky Derby), Lazy Loper, Take A Gander, A Bus, and Braveheart all participating. Doomsday was not up to the task, finishing 10th in the 12-horse field.
2008 Kentucky Derby
Turf stayer Union Jack was a last minute entry in the 2008 race. He had three previous attempts on dirt in his 10 races leading up to the Derby and his 10-6-1-0 record was definitely worthy, but we had misgivings nevertheless due to his marked preference for turf.
He was fairly well-received by the oddsmakers with a 9-1 line at post time, but finished down the pack in 7th in a large 19-horse field. Union Jack drew the unfortunate post position of 19 in the race that was won by a filly for the second consecutive year, Perfect Bell. In fact, fillies finished 1-2-3 in this race, with Isca's Revenge getting 2nd and Case Closed finishing 3rd.
2014 Kentucky Derby
After a five year absence from the Derby, Otsego Farms sent Crossbones in 2014. At 15-1 odds, he was not expected to contend in the congested 20-horse field. This group was probably one of the weaker fields in Derby history, but had stars such as filly Isca's Dawn, Pluto, Mongoose, Nemisis, Spaceman, and Methy Bus.
Crossbones finished suprisingly well in 3rd place, behind filly Isca's Dawn (who became the 3rd filly to win the KD), and colt Mongoose.
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So, in five attempts at the Derby, Otsego Farms has fashioned a record of 5-1-0-1.
The only Otsego Farms horse that may be considered as a Kentucky Derby hopeful for 2017 is Battlestar (Nightwing x In Spirit). His early schedule will be geared specifically towards the Derby and the Triple Crown.
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