'Everything happens for a reason'; Bodexpress next up in Derby

Top Racing LLC, Global Thoroughbred and GDS Racing Stable's Bodexpress, who drew into the 20-horse Kentucky Derby 2019 field when Omaha Beach scratched, visited the starting gate, paddock and galloped 1 1/2 miles Thursday morning at Churchill Downs.

“He did very good. It looked to me that he moved really good over the track,” trainer Gustavo Delgado said.

Although Bodexpress is still a maiden and hadn’t earned sufficient points to qualify for the Derby field when entries were taken Tuesday, Delgado went ahead and shipped the son of Bodemeister from his base at Gulfstream Park West in hopes of drawing into the race.

“You only have one chance,” Delgado said.

Bodexpress, whose maiden status may be a result of encountering some rough trips, finished second behind Maximum Security in the Florida Derby (G1).

“This horse is a good horse and he is doing very, very good,” said Delgado, Venezuela’s all-time winningest trainer who has been based in South Florida since 2014.

Bodexpress will be the second Derby starter trained by Delgado. Majesto, who finished second behind Nyquist in the 2016 Florida Derby, checked in 18th behind Nyquist in the Derby.

Chris Landeros will ride in his first Kentucky Derby while riding Bodexpress for the first time.

“I’m ready," Landeros said. "I’m excited and blessed to have the opportunity. I feel bad for the connections of Omaha Beach, but everything happens for a reason. I’m blessed with the opportunity to get in. I’ll make the most of it, have some fun and enjoy the moment. Hopefully, it will be the first of many.”

Landeros also will ride in the Kentucky Oaks for the first time Friday aboard Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) winner Champagne Anyone.