Journeyman Stud will get that once-in-a-lifetime thrill when Jackson Bend breaks from the gate in Kentucky Derby 136 (G1). The 3-year-old chestnut colt is the first Derby starter for his sire Hear No Evil.

Jackson Bend earned his way into the Derby the hard way, running second earlier this year on two occasions, in the Wood Memorial (G1) and Fountain of Youth (G2) to early Derby favorite Eskendereya. In an unfortunate twist, he won't have to face that foe after he was withdrawn earlier in the week due to a minor injury.

After Wednesday's post position draw, where Jackson Bend drew No. 13, trainer Nick Zito commented on the outcome. “I think we’re going to be fine with Jackson Bend. He’s a tough little horse and the draw in the middle of the field is what it is.”

Zito already has two Derby wins: 1991 with Strike the Gold, and 1994 with Go for Gin.

Jackson Bend also gets Derby-winning experience in the form of his rider Mike Smith, who guided Giacomo to a 50-1 upset in 2005. 

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