Downey Profile: Derby by the Speed Numbers

By Dick Downey
@DowneyProfile
In 55 of the last 59 runnings of the Kentucky Derby, the winner was either on the lead with an eighth of a mile to go in the race, within a length of the lead, or running second although more than a length off the leader. In all, 42 of the last 59 winners, or 71%, were on the lead at the eighth pole. We present a side-by-side chart with comparative speed figures for the Derby contenders' 1 1/8 mile races. More