Rich Strike Wins Kentucky Derby, Cashes As Major Long Shot In Historic Upset
Rich Strike beat out favorites Zandon and Epicenter
The 148th Kentucky Derby was going as planned, but Rich Strike powered through and shocked the world.
By the time of Saturday’s big race, TwinSpires closed Rich Strike’s odds at 80-to-1, a big jump from his morning-line odds of 30-to-1.
Regardless, Rich Strike was the largest of long shots to win the Kentucky Derby, but he did just that. Epicenter and Zandon were leading the pack, but Rich Strike, quite literally, came from behind and edged out for the victory. A $100 bet on Rich Strike would have resulted in a $8,000 win.
Rich Strike’s win made it one of the largest upsets in Kentucky Derby history. He was initially not slated for the Derby, but after Ethereal Road bowed out, Rich Strike only had one day to prepare for the race.
The win marks the first win for trainer Eric R. Reed and jockey Sonny Leon.
The race’s two favorites, Zandon (4-to-1) and Epicenter (6-to-1) finished the Kentucky Derby third and second, respectively.
Rich Strike will now garner a lot more attention as fanfare now moves towards the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the illustrious Triple Crown races.
