HORSE RACING NEWS & RESULTS

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (Ticker) -- Street Sense had all the horsepower.

Coming from far back, Street Sense roared past Hard Spun in the stretch en route to capturing Saturday's $2 million Kentucky Derby at famed Churchill Downs.

Next-to-last at one point in the full 20-horse field, Street Sense became the first Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner in 24 tries to capture the Kentucky Derby. He also is the first 2-year-old champion to win the race since Spectacular Bid in 1979.

The victory put trainer Carl Nafzger back in the winner's circle at Churchill Downs. The 65-year-old Nafzger trained Unbridled, who won the Run for the Roses in 1990.

"We have a good horse, he took us every place we've been and he took us there every day," Nafzger said.

While Nafzger again got to celebrate, Todd Pletcher, who had a record-tying five entries, endured another Triple Crown disappointment. The three-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer fell to 0-for-19 in the Derby.

Circular Quay, who finished sixth, was the best of Pletcher's entries. Any Given Saturday was eighth, Sam P. ninth, Scat Daddy 18th and Cowtown Cat was last.

"I am disappointed that the horses didn't run better," said Pletcher, who has won more than $121 million in his career. "It isn't the end of the world if you don't win the Kentucky Derby. I'm not going to go home tonight and cry. That's just not the way."

Street Sense received a beautiful ride from Calvin Borel, who made the decision to send his colt through an opening on the back stretch. From there, Street Sense zoomed past Hard Spun midway through the stretch on his way to a 2 1/4-length victory in horse racing's most prestigious event.

"He is the best 3-year-old I've ever been on in my life," Borel said. "He's very push button. He will put you in a spot you want to be and then relax. I don't know how good he is."

For 83-year-old owner James Tafel, Street Sense covered 1 1/4 miles in 2:02.17. The enormous win for Street Sense establishes him as the clear-cut favorite for the Preakness Stakes in two weeks.

On his hometown track where he won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile by 10 lengths last November, Street Sense went off as the favorite and paid $11.80, $6.40 and $4.60.

Setting the pace for the first three-quarters, Hard Spun settled for second with Mario Pino aboard for trainer Larry Jones. Hard Spun returned $9.80 and $7.

Also shuffled back at the start, Curlin came on to finish third for trainer Steve Asmussen. The lightly raced colt, who had been undefeated in three career starts, paid $5.60 with Robby Albarado in the irons.

Riding his first Derby, the 35-year-old Pino put Hard Spun to the lead. He still was there at the half-mile mark, while Street Sense was plodding along in 19th.

But Borel began picking off horses, moving Street Sense into perfect position around the final turn. Once Borel moved him off the rail, Street Sense thundered home, leaving the field in his wake.

"I wanted to save ground," Borel said. "It was a smooth trip. I knew I had them where I wanted. He has a tremendous turn of foot. He does whatever you want him to."

The complete order of finish was Street Sense, Hard Spun, Curlin, Imawildandcrazyguy, Sedgefield, Circular Quay, Tiago, Any Given Saturday, Sam P., Nobiz Like Shobiz, Dominican, Zanjero, Great Hunter, Liquidity, Bwana Bull, Storm in May, Teuflesburg, Scat Daddy, Stormello and Cowtown Cat.

Queen Elizabeth II was among the 156,635 fans on hand, the third-largest crowd in the history of the event.