Kentucky Derby class is best group in memory

Gary Stevens knows his way around Churchill Downs as well as anybody, having won the Kentucky Derby (G1) 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 (G3) winner Firing Line (Line of David) in the 1 1/4-mile classic. Simon Callaghan trains the sophomore for owner Arnold Zetcher.

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

"This is the best group of three-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 (Pioneerof the Nile), Carpe Diem (Giant's Causeway), Dortmund (Big Brown), Firing Line, Frosted (Tapit) -- even Far Right (Notional), El Kabeir (Scat Daddy) and the colt that won the Lexington (G3) Saturday, Divining Rod (Tapit) (who is awaiting the Preakness [G1]).

"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," Stevens summed up.

In other news from the Southern California Derby scene, Bob Baffert has confirmed shipping plans for One Lucky Dane (Lookin at Lucky), runner-up to unbeaten stablemate Dortmund in the Santa Anita Derby (G1). One Lucky Dane will accompany Dortmund to Louisville on April 26 for the Run for Roses.

Also, agent Scotty McClellan has Joe Talamo booked to ride Louisiana Derby (G2) third-place finisher War Story (Northern Afleet) for trainer Tom Amoss in the Kentucky Derby.