Pletcher out to end long Kentucky Derby drought

LOUISVILLE (Reuters) - Top trainer Todd Pletcher will saddle two colts this weekend in a bid to end his long Kentucky Derby drought.

The 40-year-old has taken the last four Eclipse Awards as North America's leading trainer but has never entered the winner's circle at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.

Pletcher remains optimistic despite a run of 19 Kentucky Derbies without victory.

"It's the world's greatest race," he told reporters on Thursday. "It's the one everybody wants to win the most.

"It's a terrific day, a terrific event, a terrific race. I appreciate how hard it is to get here. I also have a tremendous appreciation for how hard it is to win."

Pletcher will have two outsiders, Blue Grass Stakes winner Monba and runner-up Cowboy Cal, in Saturday's race.

Without their displays at the Blue Grass, Pletcher would have been watching the Derby on television.

"I'm happy we have a couple of horses here," he said. "We're excited about the opportunity."

TRIPLE CROWN

Pletcher won his first Triple Crown race last year when the filly Rags to Riches edged Preakness winner and eventual Horse of the Year Curlin in the Belmont Stakes.

His best Derby hope is probably Monba, who was injured while finishing 12th in the Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park in Florida on February 24.

Monba, with Edgar Prado in the saddle, won the $750,000 Blue Grass on the artificial surface at Keeneland, Kentucky last month to book a spot in the Derby.

Prado rides Adriano on Saturday while Ramon Dominguez will be aboard Monba.

Pletcher fears favorite Big Brown especially after the colt's trainer, Rick Dutrow, said the Florida Derby winner was in prime shape.

"When he says something like that you need to take it for real," said Pletcher.

"He knows what's going on. I think he was similarly confident with Saint Liam when he won the Breeders' Cup Classic (in 2005)."

(Editing by Tony Jimenez)