Always Dreaming captures Kentucky Derby 143

May 06, 2017 Jennifer Caldwell/Brisnet.com

Always Dreaming just made his stakes debut in the Florida Derby (G1) on April 1, and one race later was crowned victor of Kentucky Derby 143 after pulling off in the stretch to score under jockey John Velazquez.

Giving trainer Todd Pletcher just his second Derby winner, the dark bay colt tracked early pacesetter State of Honor down the backstretch before taking command and easily drawing off to finish 1 1/4 miles over the sloppy, sealed track at Churchill Downs in 2:03.59.

Sent off at 9-2, Always Dreaming paid $11.40 . Lookin at Lee, sent off at 33-1, came next while Battle of Midway finished out the top three at 40-1. Classic Empire, Practical Joke and Tapwrit came next under the wire.

Always Dreaming improved his record to reach 6-4-1-1 with the Derby victory.