Dale Romans, a Louisville native, nearly captured his first Kentucky Derby title last year when his horse, Paddy O'Prado, took home third place. The longtime trainer is in a good position to give it another strong go today with the impressive Shackleford. The latest Sports Betting Odds have the chestnut colt listed at +1500 odds to win the 137th Kentucky Derby.
Shackleford, a product of Foresty, who was 
sired by Storm Cat, and Oatsee, who came from Unbridled, has two wins in five career races, but his most impressive turn came in last month's Grade 1 Florida Derby.
Shackleford, a pacesetter with good tactical speed, finished second to Derby favorite Dialed In in the 1 1/8 miles affair; however, he showed enough to prove a threat in today's race.
Stamina may be the biggest issue for the horse given the distance in today's race (1 1/4 miles), which means Mexican born jockey Jesus Castanon will have to play his cards right in the middle portion of the run.
As a speed horse, Shackleford is in a good starting spot in the 14 hole. The wide gate should allow the colt to stalk the pacesetter rather than become the lead horse early on.
"It's a great spot for us at 14," Romans said. "Most of the speed is inside us, especially Comma to the Top, who is probably quicker than we are. That's the horse you want to be outside of most of all. If we can get a clean break with the extra space (from the auxiliary gate), the hope is to sit second. Being outside of Comma to the Top gives us options."
Shackleford 2011 Kentucky Derby Odds:
To Win +1500
To Finish in the Top Three +300
