The Gallop to Glory
An academic exploration of the iconic 2013 Run for the Roses, detailing its participants, outcomes, and historical context.
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Event Overview
The Event
The 139th running of the Kentucky Derby represents a significant chapter in the storied history of American thoroughbred horse racing. This prestigious event, often referred to as the "Run for the Roses," marks the first leg of the Triple Crown series.
Venue and Date
The race commenced at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, a venue synonymous with the Derby's tradition. The event took place on May 4, 2013, drawing a substantial crowd despite challenging weather conditions.
The Champion
Orb, under the skilled guidance of jockey Joel Rosario, captured the victory. This win was particularly meaningful for trainer Claude McGaughey III, marking his first Kentucky Derby triumph after numerous prior attempts.
Race Conditions
The day was characterized by persistent rain, resulting in a "sloppy (sealed)" track condition. This element added an extra layer of challenge and unpredictability to the already demanding race.
Qualification Criteria
The Points System
For the 2013 running, a pivotal change was implemented: the "Road to the Kentucky Derby" points system. This initiative replaced the previous graded stakes earnings criteria for determining eligibility.
Under this new framework, a series of thirty-six designated races, commencing the previous year, offered opportunities for three-year-old colts to accumulate points. The twenty horses with the highest point totals secured a starting position in the prestigious Derby field.
Field Composition
A total of twenty horses officially qualified for the starting gate. Additionally, two horses, Fear the Kitten and Carving, were designated as "also eligible." This designation meant they could enter the race if any of the primary starters were withdrawn (scratched) prior to the commencement of betting.
Betting and Payouts
Payout Schedule
The 139th Kentucky Derby generated significant wagering interest. The following table details the payouts for the top finishing horses in the Win, Place, and Show categories:
| Program Number |
Horse Name |
Win |
Place |
Show |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Orb | US$12.80 | $7.40 | $5.40 |
| 4 | Golden Soul | – | $38.60 | $19.60 |
| 3 | Revolutionary | – | – | $5.40 |
Exotic Wagers
Beyond the standard Win, Place, and Show bets, exotic wagers offered substantial payouts for correctly predicting multiple finishers:
- $2 Exacta: (16–4) $981.60
- $1 Trifecta: (16–4–3) $3,462.80
- $1 Superfecta: (16–4–3–5) $28,542.00
Total wagering on the race exceeded $36.6 million, with over $4.7 million placed on the eventual winner, Orb.
The Contenders
Favorites and Contenders
Orb, the Florida Derby winner, entered the race as the 7:2 favorite, reflecting strong expectations based on his prior performances. The field featured considerable depth, with trainer Todd Pletcher fielding a record-tying five entries, including notable contenders like Overanalyze, Revolutionary, Palace Malice, and Verrazano.
Notable Jockeys
The race highlighted significant figures in the jockey community. Kevin Krigger, aboard Goldencents, aimed to make history as the first Black jockey to win the Derby since Jimmy Winkfield in 1902. Rosie Napravnik, riding Mylute, sought to become the first female jockey to achieve this distinction.
Scratches and Adjustments
Prior to the race, Black Onyx was scratched, impacting the betting odds. Unfortunately, due to timing constraints, Fear the Kitten, the first "also eligible," could not be substituted. Connections for Carving, the second "also eligible," also opted not to enter.
The Race Unfolds
Challenging Conditions
Race day commenced with steady rain, leaving the track condition officially rated as "sloppy (sealed)." Despite the adverse weather, the rain ceased before the Derby's start, though the track remained wet and challenging for the equine athletes.
Race Progression
The Derby began at a rapid pace, with Palace Malice initially taking the lead. As the field progressed, Normandy Invasion assumed command. In contrast, Orb was positioned near the rear of the pack during the early stages.
Jockey Joel Rosario described his strategy: "I was so far behind. I just let him be calm and relaxed, and he was able to do it... He was very relaxed and did exactly what I wanted. It was a perfect trip."
Victory and Significance
Orb mounted a powerful rally in the stretch, ultimately winning by 2 1/2 lengths with a final time of 2:02.89. This victory marked a career milestone for Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey, achieving his long-sought first Kentucky Derby win. For jockey Joel Rosario, the win capped a record-setting season, including a prior victory in the Dubai World Cup.
Final Standings
Race Results
The following table presents the official results for the 139th Kentucky Derby, detailing the finishing positions, jockeys, trainers, odds, prize money, and qualification points.
| Position | Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Odds |
Final Odds | Stakes | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | Orb | Joel Rosario | Claude McGaughey III | 7:2 | 5.4 | $1,414,800 | 150 |
| 2 | 3 | Golden Soul | Robby Albarado | Dallas Stewart | 50:1 | 35.4 | $400,000 | 14 |
| 3 | 2 | Revolutionary | Calvin Borel | Todd Pletcher | 10:1 | 6.4 | $200,000 | 110 |
| 4 | 4 | Normandy Invasion | Javier Castellano | Chad Brown | 12:1 | 9.3 | $100,000 | 44 |
| 5 | 5 | Mylute | Rosie Napravnik | Thomas M. Amoss | 15:1 | 15.3 | $60,000 | 42 |
| 6 | 1 | Oxbow | Gary Stevens | D. Wayne Lukas | 30:1 | 24.9 | 36 | |
| 7 | 10 | Lines of Battle | Ryan Moore | Aidan O'Brien | 30:1 | 31.9 | 100 | |
| 8 | 16 | Will Take Charge | Jon Court | D. Wayne Lukas | 20:1 | 36.4 | 60 | |
| 9 | 14 | Charming Kitten | Edgar Prado | Todd Pletcher | 20:1 | 33.2 | 20 | |
| 10 | 6 | Giant Finish | Jose L. Espinoza | Anthony W. Dutrow | 50:1 | 38.6 | 10 | |
| 11 | 8 | Overanalyze | Rafael Bejarano | Todd Pletcher | 15:1 | 16.2 | 110 | |
| 12 | 9 | Palace Malice | Mike E. Smith | Todd Pletcher | 20:1 | 23.7 | 50 | |
| 13 | 18 | Java's War | Julien Leparoux | Kenneth McPeek | 15:1 | 21.5 | 122 | |
| 14 | 13 | Verrazano | John R. Velazquez | Todd Pletcher | 4:1 | 8.7 | 150 | |
| 15 | 11 | Itsmyluckyday | Elvis Trujillo | Edward Plesa, Jr. | 15:1 | 9.5 | 50 | |
| 16 | 17 | Frac Daddy | Victor LeBron | Kenneth McPeek | 50:1 | 25.0 | 44 | |
| 17 | 7 | Goldencents | Kevin Krigger | Doug O'Neill | 5:1 | 7.9 | 129 | |
| 18 | 19 | Vyjack | Garrett K. Gomez | Rudy Rodriguez | 50:1 | 18.8 | 70 | |
| 19 | 12 | Falling Sky | Luis Saez | John Terranova II | 50:1 | 39.7 | 30 | |
| SCR | Scratched | Black Onyx | 50:1 | SCR | 50 | |||
| DNR | Did not start | Fear the Kitten | DNR | - | 6 |
- Margins: 2 1/2 lengths, 1 length
- Time: 2:02.89
- Track: Sloppy (sealed)
- Note: Fear the Kitten was eligible but did not race.
Post-Derby Success
Grade I Victories
While Orb did not secure another victory after his Derby triumph, several participants from the 2013 field went on to achieve significant success at the highest level of thoroughbred racing, winning Grade I stakes:
- Oxbow: Won the 2013 Preakness Stakes.
- Lines of Battle: Won the 2015 Champions & Chater Cup.
- Will Take Charge: Won the 2013 Travers Stakes and Clark Handicap.
- Palace Malice: Won the 2013 Belmont Stakes and the 2014 Metropolitan Handicap.
- Verrazano: Won the Haskell Invitational.
- Itsmyluckyday: Won the 2014 Woodward Stakes.
- Goldencents: Won the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile in both 2013 and 2014.
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Academic Disclaimer
Important Notice
This content has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence model for educational and informational purposes, drawing exclusively from the provided source material. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and clarity, this page is not intended as a substitute for professional analysis or consultation regarding sports statistics, betting, or historical racing data.
This is not financial or betting advice. The information presented herein, including odds and payouts, is for academic context only. Users should consult official sources and licensed professionals for any decisions related to wagering or financial planning.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided. Always verify critical information with primary sources.