On Monday, Classic Causeway’s trainer Brian Lynch announced that the three-year-old will be participating in the 2020 Kentucky Derby.
Even though Classic Causeway had earned more than enough qualifying points for the May 7 Kentucky Derby by winning the Sam F. Davis and Tampa Bay Derby, he was removed from consideration after finishing 11th at the Florida Derby, which was his last race.
However, Lynch said recent discussions with the colt’s owners. Clarke M. Cooper and Patrick O’Keefe, resulted in the decision to go forth with a Derby run. What does this mean for Saturday?
“I’ve been through every excuse not to run him. I can’t find one,” said Lynch. “The two owners have a combined age of 160 years of living amongst everyone who’s ever run in the Derby,” he added, referring to Cooper and O’Keefe.
Classic Causeway Kentucky Derby 2022 Betting Lines
“The colt has just given me no excuses. He’s sound and he worked great Saturday,” when breezing five furlongs in 1:00.80 at Churchill Downs. “I’ve just got to put a line through the Florida Derby and trek on.”
Classic Causeway had been ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. in his last three races. However, since the jockey will be riding Mo Donegal in the Derby, Julien Leparoux will have the Derby mount.
With Classic Causeway back in the Derby. There will be a domino effect as to who’s in and who’s out in the Derby. Entries will be drawn Monday, May 2. As many as four horses can be listed on the Derby program as also-eligibles in case of scratches before the morning of Friday, May 6. Stay tuned for the latest updates!