Mine That Bird makes turf debut Sunday
July 3, 2010LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird will make his first start on turf Sunday when he runs in the $175,000 Firecracker Handicap at Churchill Downs.
The 4-year-old gelding, who stunned the field in the 2009 Derby as a 50-1 long shot, hasn't raced since finishing ninth in the Breeders' Cup Classic last fall. He'll start from the second post position in the 13-horse field while carrying 122 pounds.
Jockey Calvin Borel will be aboard for the race, just as he was when he guided Mine That Bird through the slop to capture a decisive 6 3/4-length win in the Derby 14 months ago.
Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas says he's been pleased with the horse's progress since he took over training the gelding last month.