Soldat, a veteran of eight races, will chase his fourth career victory today in the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby. The War Front sired colt, who last raced in the Florida Derby on April 11th, will begin this afternoon's Triple Crown jewel from gate 17. The latest Sports Betting Odds have Soldat listed at +1400 on the moneyline to win the Run for the Roses. 2011 Kentucky Derby Odds give him a +300 moneyline chance to finish inside the top three.
Soldat turned in an impressive 
performance at the Grade II Fountain of Youth Stakes in late February, finshing first in the 1 1/8 miles affair in driving fashion. Unfortunately for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin and owners Harvey Clarke and W Craig Robertson III, their three year old colt did not show as well at last month's Grade1 Florida Derby.
Soldat finished a distance fifth on fast track conditions at Gulfstream Park as fellow Derby hopefuls Dialed In and Shackleford took first and second respectively.
Some attributed Soldat's poor run to the Florida heat, something he will not have to deal with later this afternoon in Louisville.
While the colt's performance on the dirt at the Fountain of Youth sparked confidence among his handlers that he could contend at Churchill Downs, the gate 17 draw had to dampen their spirits.
If Soldat does, indeed, go on to capture first place later today, he will become the first horse to do so after starting from the 17 post.
Riding Soldat this afternoon will be Peruvian jockey Alan Garcia. Garcia, who has been aboard the colt for six of his eight races, is best known for spoiling Big Brown's Triple Crown bid in 2008, when he guided Da'Tara to victory at the Belmont Stakes.
Soldat 2011 Kentucky Derby Odds:
To Win +1400
To Finish in the Top Three +300
