For the first time in nine years, a horse from Idaho will run in the Kentucky Derby Saturday. Rousing Sermon is considered an underdog.
Scott Jagow is the editor of the horse racing website PaulickReport.com. He says the horse from Parma has generated almost no buzz in Louisville. But Jagow is one of those who observed the horse this week. He says Rousing Sermon looks good, seems to like the Churchill Downs surface, and fits well in the Derby format.
"His running style is suitable for the Derby," Jagow says, "because he has that knack for running on late after the front runners have already tired. So that gives him an advantage."
But Jagow says to expect a win from Rousing Sermon is probably asking too much. The horse was bred in California. Jagow says in the Derby’s 137-year history, only three California horses have won. Odds makers started Rousing Sermon at 50-to-1, meaning he’s a long shot. But as Jagow points out, horses with the same odds have won the Derby twice in the last seven years.
Rousing Sermon starts from seventh gate, considered a good starting spot. Post time Saturday is 4:24 PM MT.