Super Saver wins the Kentucky Derby

Calvin Borel won his third Kentucky Derby in four years by guiding Super Saver to an easy victory over a sloppy track at Churchill Downs.

The victory gave America’s leading trainer, Todd Pletcher, his first Kentucky Derby victory after 24 consecutive setbacks over the last decade.

Borel, always comfortable riding the rail, did it to perfection to seize the lead in the stretch and guide the Kentucky-bred bay to victory.

“I had him where I wanted,” said Borel, who won with 50-1 longshot Mine That Bird last year and was in the saddle for Street Sense’s victory in 2007.

“I got him off the pace and relaxed good. I learned a lot the last time I rode him the Arkansas Derby. The first time I rode him, I won on the lead.

“But in the last race, I took him back and learned a lot about him.”

Florida Derby winner Ice Box, with Jose Lezcano in the irons, used a late run to finish second in the field of 20, while Paddy O’Prado finished third.

Super Saver covered the 1 ¼ miles over the dirt in 2:04.45 as the second-favourite behind the Bob Baffert bay Lookin At Lucky.

“It’s a joy,” said Pletcher, who had four horses in the race. “People said we had one with our name written on it. I didn’t take anything for granted. It feels awfully good.”

Super Saver returned $18, $8.80 and $6 for a $2 ticket.