By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
Tiz the Law was the overwhelming favorite to win the Kentucky Derby. However, he did not win the historic race.
Instead, Authentic beat Tiz the Law to win the delayed Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
With this win, Bob Baffert claimed his 6th Kentucky Derby in his career. Also, jockey John Velazquez won the event for the third-time.
“I’ve had some great Derby rides, but what that guy did,” Baffert said, gesturing toward Velazquez, who stood socially distanced in the infield winner’s circle. “Johnny V. gave him an incredible ride.”
Baffert only had Authentic in the race when the Kentucky Derby started. Thousand Words, who was a Baffert horse, but was scratched after the horse fell on its head and was automatically disqualified.
Baffert has won the Kentucky Derby in 1997, 1998, 2002, 2015, 2018, and 2020. He now ties Ben Jones for the most wins by a trainer.
“Bob, he’s got the magic touch,” said Jack Knowlton of Sackatoga Stable, owner of Tiz the Law. “He had this horse ready at the right time and he beat us. Hopefully, we’ll get some more shots at him and we’ll turn the table on him.”
Tiz the Law was the biggest betting favorite in 31-years with a 3-5 line before the race started. Down the stretch, Authentic and Tiz the Law went head-to-head before Authentic ran away from the Preakness winner.
Authentic won the event at 2:00.61.
“Tiz has been able to pass horses all year and today he ran into one he couldn’t get by,” Knowlton said. ”Credit Authentic. He came from the far outside and managed to get to the lead and just ran a great race. No shame on our part.”
Unfortunately, this year, Baffert will not be able to try for the Triple Crown. The last-time that he had a Kentucky Derby winner, Baffert’s horse went on to win the Triple Crown, as Justify was the 13th horse to sweep the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes.
“It’s been a roller-coaster year, but thankfully it’s the love of the horses that keeps me going,” said Baffert, his voice breaking. “They’re the best therapy a human can have. I love being around them.”
