Pletcher out to end long Kentucky Derby drought

By Steve Ginsburg

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."