Written by :
Published on :
Heading into Saturday the chances of rain in Louisville and Churchill Downs was brought down to 40 percent compared to 70 percent forecast just 12 hours ago. Showers were occurring overnight and the chances of a muddy track were still quite high.
The all important weather forecast for Churchill Downs was likely to make all the difference in the world as only approximately five out of twenty horses would have an edge on a muddy track.
The weather forecast for Saturday issued on Friday called for a steady rain much of the afternoon. The present forecast just calls for showers, none of which were expected to be severe.
As was the case last year, the 2009 Derby field boasts a handful of horses for whom today will mark their first start over a dirt track - the most notable being multiple Grade I winner Pioneerof the Nile and Santa Anita Derby runner-up Chocolate Candy.
Overnight and steady early morning rain could muddy up the track enough that there may not be enough time for drying by Saturday evening.
Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
