Saeed: ‘Snow’ best we have sent to Kentucky

Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor makes no attempt to disguise his hopes for Thunder Snow ahead of Saturday's G1 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, in which the colt has drawn gate 2.

"I am very excited. I have been waiting for this moment for a very long time - to bring a horse with a big chance to run in the greatest race in America," the trainer said on arrival in Louisville.

Such enthusiasm before one of world racing's most exacting tests is not the norm. But Saeed, who has sent out seven previous Kentucky Derby contenders, believes there are grounds for cautious optimism this year.

"Thunder Snow is a tough horse with a lot of class, which you need because the Kentucky Derby is a very, very tough race," he pointed out.

"He is the best horse we have ever sent (to the Derby). He was a G1 winner (on turf) in France before he won the G2 UAE Derby on dirt at Meydan, beating a previously unbeaten Japanese champion.

"He has arrived fresh and healthy and I am very happy with him," the trainer added.

Tactics are certain to play an important part with Thunder Snow drawn the inside, gate 2, which almost guarantees jockey Christophe Soumillon will be instructed to go forward from the start.

"Ideally, I would like him to take a good position, close to the pace and away from the kickback," Saeed said. This leaves little alternative for the jockey.

Saeed's first Kentucky Derby experience came in 1999, when he saddled Worldly Manner to finish 7th. In 2000, he sent out two contenders - China Visit (6th) and Curule (7th) - while his most recent runner was Desert Party, 14th in 2009.

This is undoubtedly one of the most open editions of the Run For The Roses in modern times, with several major chances being talked up by their connections.

Classic Empire, the G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner, lost form earlier this year but redeemed himself by winning the G1 Arkansas Derby. He is back in serious contention from gate 14 and heads the list of well-credentialed chances.

Always Dreaming, winner of the G1 Florida Derby, has drawn 5, while McCraken (15), a recent third in Keeneland's Blue Grass Stakes, and Irish War Cry (17), the Wood Memorial winner, will both start from wide gates, which many believe preferable as the big field of 20 charge to the winning post the first time.

Gormley, the taking winner of the G1 Santa Anita Derby, has also drawn wide -- he starts from gate 18 - with Patch widest, in 20.