Preview of the 151st Running of the Kentucky Derby this Saturday

HOST:

The 151st Kentucky Derby is just around the corner at Churchill Downs in Louisville. And a legendary, yet divisive figure is set to grace the track once more - Bob Baffert is back! Molly Rollins, a journalist from racing industry publication the BloodHorse, joins us to dish the dirt on all things Derby. Morning, Molly!

MOLLY ROLLINS: Good morning! It's a pleasure to be here.

HOST: Thanks for making time for us. So let's dive right in: Who's this guy, Bob Baffert, and why is he back in the spotlight?

MOLLY ROLLINS: Bob's a household name in horse racing. He's won more crowns than a kingdom, but he's also rubbed some folks the wrong way. His horse, Medina Spirit, was stripped of last year's Derby win due to a positive drug test. Churchill Downs gave him a 3-year ban, but he's served his time. Baffert's lauded as the most decorated trainer of the modern era, with six Kentucky Derbys and two Triple Crowns under his belt. Needless to say, he's causing quite a stir ahead of this year's race.

HOST: I bet. So what's the general vibe towards his return?

MOLLY ROLLINS: Mixed, to say the least. There's still some heat over the controversy, but overall, people are excited to see him back around Churchill Downs. If he grabs Victory in this year's Derby, he'll become the first trainer to nab seven wins - that's history we're talking about here!

HOST: Boy, that would certainly be a remarkable feat. Now, Churchill Downs had a bit of a rough patch in 2023, with several horse deaths. Have things improved safety-wise in the sport?

MOLLY ROLLINS: Absolutely. Churchill's made some significant changes. They've added around 2,000 tons of dirt to the track to create a safer surface, and there's a much stricter veterinary inspections on the horses competing. Last year, there were no breakdowns during Derby week, and here's hoping for another safe year.

HOST: Excellent. So, we have a clear-cut favorite this year, as I've heard - Journalism. What are the odds looking like?

MOLLY ROLLINS: Journalism indeed is the pick of many. He's two-for-two this season, with wins in both his prep races. It'd be tough to bet against him. I've seen him in action, and he's one hell of a horse. This is most definitely his race to lose. But there are other horses with interesting tales, too.

HOST: Like who?

MOLLY ROLLINS: Burnham Square and Sandman are two horses that caught my eye. Burnham is a gelding, which is rare in Derby history, with only nine geldings ever taking the crown. And Sandman? Well, he's named after the iconic Metallica song and even has some gear sent by the band. Griffin Johnson, a popular TikTok star, is one of the co-owners, adding a fun angle to the race.

HOST: Holy cow, straight out of a movie script! Thanks so much for the preview, Molly. Exciting times!

MOLLY ROLLINS: My pleasure! Catch you at the Derby!

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary.

Bob Baffert, the decorated trainer with six Kentucky Derby wins and two Triple Crowns under his belt, is set to return to Churchill Downs for the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby, causing a stir due to his controversial past.
The General vibe towards Baffert's return is mixed, with excitement to see him back at the racetrack, but also lingering controversy following the positive drug test that led to the disqualification of his 2021 Derby winner, Medina Spirit.
This year's Kentucky Derby comes amid improvements in the sport's safety, as Churchill Downs has implemented changes such as adding 2,000 tons of dirt to the track and stricter veterinary inspections, following a rough patch in 2023 with several horse deaths.
Journalism, trained by Bob Baffert, is the clear favorite for the 2023 Kentucky Derby, with a perfect 2-for-2 record this season, but horses like Burnham Square and Sandman, with their unique stories and backing by famous figures, may pose a challenge for the odds-on favorite.