Trainer: Nick Zito

Zito, a New York City native, started in racing as a teenager as a hotwalker and groom for trainer Buddy Jacobson. He later worked as an assistant to trainers LeRoy Jolley and John Campo. He saddled his first winner in 1972 and is one of only 17 trainers in history to saddle two or more Kentucky Derby winners (Strike The Gold and Go For Gin), as well as the 2003 Kentucky Oaks winner Bird Town. Zito saddled 2005 Kentucky Derby favorite Bellamy Road to a seventh place finish. This year his stable is stocked full of Derby contenders including War Pass, Anak Nakal, Cool Coal Man, Paint, Stevil and Web Gem.

Jockey: Cornelio Velasquez

A native of Panama, Velasquez first established himself as an apprentice by leading his country in 1985. He then won the leading rider title in Panama as a journeyman in 1994 and again in '95. After a 14-year career in his native country, he came to the Uinted States and launched successful campaigns in California and New York before basing himself at Calder Race Course in South Florida. In 2002, he swept the leading riding honors at Calder, winning both the regular season and Tropical titles, in addition to being leading rider at Churchill Downs for the 2003 Spring Meet. He won the 2003 Breeders' Cup Sprint (GI) aboard Cajun Beat and 2005 Breeders' Cup Distaff (GI) on Pleasant Home. He has won over 2,000 races in his career, riding four times in the Kentucky Derby: Scrimshaw (11th in 2003); Closing Argument (2nd, 2005); Showing Up (6th, 2006); and Nobiz Like Shobiz (10th, 2007)

Owner: Robert V. LaPenta

Robert V. LaPenta has been involved in racing since 1998 when he partnered with University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino. He later started his own stable in 2001. Among his first eight horses - which her purchased as yearlings for a combined total of less than $900,000 - was Zavata, a multiple graded stakes winner. His top runner to date has been The Cliff's Edge, who won the 2004 Blue Grass (Grade 1) at Keeneland and went on to finish 5th in the Kentucky Derby that year, later capturing the Travers (Grade 1) before retiring to stud. His other Kentucky Derby starter was Andromeda's Hero, who finished 8th in 2005.

Breeder: Cherry Valley Farm, LLC

Cherry Valley Thoroughbreds is owned by four generation owner and breeder Seth Hancock of Paris, Kentucky. Hancock is a member of the Jockey Club and Keeneland Association. Prominent horses bred by Cherry Valley include Country Light, Pomeroy and Shadeed. Cherry Valley comprises 250 acres that is now part of Claiborne Farm.