Meet Patch, the Kentucky Derby’s one-eyed underdog
The first leg of the America’s Triple Crown, Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, does not have a clear favorite.
Last year’s best 2-year old, Classic Empire, has the favorable odds to win, but one underdog is separating itself from the field before the first turn.
Patch, the horse with one eye.
Trainer Todd Pletcher had the 2-year-old colt's left eye removed last June due to an inflammation.
Since the surgery, Patch has raced just a few times, finishing as the runner-up in last month’s Louisiana Derby.
"It seems to never faze him - he's a remarkable horse to recover as quickly as he did," Pletcher told the BBC.
Patch is a 40-1 shot.
What does Pletcher think of his odds?
Everyone loves #KyDerby contender Patch. A lot of it due to the fact he only has one eye. But can he win Saturday? Trainer Todd Pletcher: pic.twitter.com/2AZpAqrmYN
— America'sBestRacing (@ABRLive) May 1, 2017
“The mile and a quarter here will suit him well,” Pletcher says about the run at Churchill Downs in Lousiville, Ky.
Patch, according to his Twitter, sees a chance.
🌹🏇— Patch (@PatchHorse) May 1, 2017My trainer Todd Pletcher won a race @GulfstreamPark this weekend with a horse named BLIND AMBITION. Can't make this stuff up.
