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Eight Belles Confirmed For Kentucky Derby
Thursday 01 May 2008 at 10:45
 Eight Belles will attempt to become the first filly to win the Kentucky Derby since 1988 when she lines up at Churchill Downs on Saturday.
There had been speculation that owner Rick Porter and trainer Larry Jones would opt to enter Eight Belles in Friday's Kentucky Oaks, but they have instead decided to test her against male opposition for the first time.
Despite going into the first leg of the Triple Crown on the back of a four-race winning streak, Eight Belles is not among the favourites and can be backed at 16/1 at Paddy Power.
Big Brown has retained his status as favourite (best-priced 4/1 at Ladbrokes) following the draw, which saw trainer Rick Dutrow Jr select post 20.
Few horses have won the Kentucky Derby from the outside, but the unbeaten Big Brown was successful in the Florida Derby from a similar position and Dutrow Jr insists it will suit him.
"We prefer just to break on the outside. We get assured of a clean trip. If he breaks good, we figure it's to our advantage," he claimed.
Second-favourite Colonel John (best-priced 5/1 at 888Sport) starts from post ten, while Pyro (6/1 at Blue Square) lines up next to him in position nine.
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