LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Always Dreaming has won the 143rd Kentucky Derby, pulling away from Lookin at Lee in the slop.
Race officials confirmed the win for Always Dreaming minutes after he crossed the finish line first at Churchill Downs. The win gives trainer Todd Pletcher his second Derby win.
Battle of Midway finished third in the 20-horse field.
Always Dreaming covered the 1 1/4-mile track in 2:03.59.
Always Dreaming overtook early favorite Classic Empire as the betting choice on Saturday morning, briefly sharing that status with Irish War Cry before holding on entering the gate.
Starting from the No. 5 post position, the 9-2 favorite made his push on the backstretch into the lead by the far turn.
Always Dreaming began stretching it out from there to win by 2 3/4 lengths over long shot Lookin At Lee, with Battle of Midway five lengths back.
Always Dreaming paid $11.40, $7.20 and $5.80. Lookin At Lee returned $26.60 and $15.20, while Battle of Midway paid $20.80.
