Kentucky Derby Preview

The 142nd G1 Kentucky Derby is dominated by one theme as the annual 'Run For The Roses' at Churchill Downs approaches this Saturday.

Just 12 months after American Pharoah became the first American Triple Crown winner in 37 years, hopes are high that history can repeat itself by producing another three-year-old capable of winning the Derby, G1 Preakness and G1 Belmont Stakes.

After such a long wait, some enthusiasts might believe it is expecting too much to see another Triple Crown winner come along so quickly. But it has happened - Seattle Slew did it in 1977, and the very next year, teenage jockey 'sensation' Steve Cauthen completed the big treble on Affirmed.

It can be done - and the unbeaten Nyquist, trained by Doug O'Neill (of I'll Have Another fame), finds himself saddled with the expectation of a sporting nation as he prepares for his most important assignment.

Nyquist is seven wins from seven starts and was able to see off Mohaymen in the G1 Florida Derby at his most recent start. He will be ridden again by Mario Gutierrez this weekend.

At the end of his racing career, Nyquist is set to join Godolphin as a Darley stallion.

Nyquist drew 13, while Mohaymen will be beside him, in 14, in a capacity field of 20.