Horse Racing -- War Emblem wins the Roses

In a strong performance, War Emblem led from start to win the 128th Kentucky Derby by four lengths over Proud Citizen and Perfect Drift.

War Emblem finished the race in 2:01.13. (The Derby record is still held by Secretariat, 1:59-2/5)

In a bit of clairvoyance, the NBC commentators said prior to today's race that if the first 1/2 mile of the 1-1/4 mile race was run around 46- to 46-2/5 seconds, then the front runners would have a chance to win the race.

Sure enough, War Emblem, who loves to run from the front, and who won his last race, the Illinois Derby, by leading from start to finish, lived up to the NBC prediction.

Breaking from the fifth spot, he took the lead early. When the first half mile was run in a comfortable 47.04 seconds, the front running War Emblem had his chance and he never looked back. In the closing stretch, there was a little moving around for position, but War Emblem's jockey, Victor Espinoza, kept the horse steady and had him pulling away from everyone by the finish line.

For Espinoza, it was his first Derby win. For trainer, Bob Baffert, it was the third Derby winner he has saddled. The other two were Silver Charm in 1997 and Real Quiet in 1998.

This year's Derby was a re-teaming of Baffert and Saudi Prince Ahmed Salman. Baffert and Salman brought pre-race favorite, Point Given, to last year's Derby, only to see the horse finish fifth.

The Thoroughbred Corp., owned by Salmon, purchased War Emblem after the April running of the Illinois Derby for $1,000,000. Baffert trained the horse, and together they completed the job they started last year. The result, Salmon now has his first Derby winner.

"It's an honor to win the Kentucky Derby," said an excited and very grateful Salman after the race. "It's always been my dream."

This year's pre-race favorite Harlan's Holiday finished seventh, while post time co-favorite, Saarland, finished 10th.

The international contingent also had a tough time, with Johannesburg finishing eighth, Essence of Dubai finishing ninth, Castle Gandolfo finishing 12th, and Ocean Sound finishing 17th.

Race note: This year's Kentucky Derby was the 25th anniversary of Seattle Slew winning the Derby and then the Triple Crown. He did it in 1977. Seattle Slew is the last living Triple Crown winner.

Here is how all of the horses finished.

Kentuck Derby -- Order of Finish

1. War Emblem

2. Proud Citizen

3. Perfect Drift

4. Medaglia d'Oro

5. Request for Parole

6. Came Home

7. Harlan's Holiday

8. Johannesburg

9. Essence Of Dubai

10. Saarland

11. Blue Burner

12. Castle Gandolfo

13. Easy Grades

14. Private Emblem

15. Lusty Latin

16. It'sallinthechase

17. Ocean Sound

18. Wild Horses

Scratched: Buddha, Danthebluegrassman