Kentucky Derby 2019 Radar: Coliseum runs as advertised
Two of racing’s biggest forces have combined in hopes of winning the 2019 Kentucky Derby, and Coliseum didn’t disappoint Saturday in his debut toward that goal.
Trained by Bob Baffert, plus bred and raced by Godolphin, Coliseum went gate to wire in impressive fashion, completing seven furlongs under a hand ride by Joe Talamo in 1:23.13.
The competition never threatened as Coliseum separated 6 3/4 lengths from his closest rival..
The word was out on the son of Tapit before he headed postward Saturday. Offshore gaming site Bovada.LV listed Coliseum at 20-1 for the 2019 Derby ahead of his debut — either an indication he’d taken significant money, or that he was anticipated to do so.
“He’s a big, gray Tapit," Baffert told TVG before the race. "But he’s not really quick from the gate. He’s a horse that if you try to get him going, he’ll run off in the middle of the work. He’s been a little bit of a headcase. I think going 7/8 — we waited for 7/8 because it’s going to give him a chance to get going.”
Good luck finding any value moving forward. Players bet Coliseum down to 1-2 after he received 2-1 morning line odds in a field of six.
The gray broke outwardly, then settled in to set fractions of 22.88, 46.11 and 1:10.72. After a quarter mile, the margin was a widening three lengths. Coliseum quickly turned away Trial By Fire, and when Railman drove up on the outside, a nudge from Talamo sent Coliseum blazing past the wire.
This is one to watch — and certainly the new buzz horse for the Derby.
"He's definitely the best one (Godolphin's) sent me," Baffert said. "In time - I don't know if it's going to take him a couple outs -- but once we start going long with him, that's when he's really going to shine."
Checking the Derby Radar boxes for Coliseum:
Broke maiden on major circuit
Sire known for two-turn runners