Stevens Seeks Fourth Kentucky Derby Victory

Gary Stevens knows his way around Churchill Downs as well as anybody, having won the Kentucky Derby three times, with the filly Winning Colors in 1988, Thunder Gulch in 1995 and Silver Charm in 1997.

The 52-year-old Hall of Fame rider hopes to make it four on May 2 when he rides Sunland Derby winner Firing Line in the mile and a quarter classic for Simon Callaghan, who trains the son of Line of David for owner Arnold Zetcher.

Stevens knows it won’t be easy, this year especially.

“This is the best group of 3-year-olds as a whole that I can remember, dating back to when I was a little kid,” Stevens said. “This will be my 21st or 22nd Derby, but as far as depth goes, it’s there, with American Pharoah, Carpe Diem, Dortmund, Firing Line, Frosted--even Far Right, El Kabeir and the colt that won the Lexington Saturday, Divining Rod.

“It’s going to be an interesting Derby, and I’m excited about it, not just for my horse, but to see so many other good ones. It’s fun to be a part of it.”

Source: Santa Anita Park