LOUISVILLE, Ky.
http://www.officialllionsproshop.com/Youth-Larry-Webster-Iii-Lions-Jersey/ . -- A horse with a humble pedigree. A couple of working stiff owners. A
77-year-old trainer with his first Kentucky Derby horse. Even Hollywood couldnt
have made this up. California Chrome made it look easy on Saturday, pulling away
down the stretch to win the Derby by 1 3/4 lengths. In a sport dominated by
wealthy owners and regally bred horses from Kentuckys bluegrass country, this
was a victory for the little guys. Owners Perry Martin and Steve Coburn bred an
$8,000 mare to a $2,500 stallion to produce the winner of the worlds most famous
race with their one-horse stable. "This is just a dream come true and a great
birthday present," said Coburn, who turned 61 on Saturday. California Chrome ran
1 1/4 miles in 2:03.66 and paid $7, $5.60 and $4.20. The chestnut colt was sent
off as the 5-2 favourite by the crowd of 164,906, the second-largest in the
Derbys 140-year history. His trainer, Art Sherman, became the oldest trainer to
win the Derby, 59 years after he travelled from California as an exercise rider
for Derby winner Swaps. He watched that race from the barn area; this time he
smelled red roses in the winners circle. Sherman was all smiles after the race.
"He gave me the biggest thrill I ever had in my life," he said. California
Chrome has the unlikeliest pedigree for a Derby champion. His mother, named Love
the Chase, won just one race. She was purchased by Coburn and Martin, a move
that prompted a trainer to call them "dumb asses" for getting involved in
racing. Feeling inspired, they named their operation DAP Racing, which stands
for Dumb Ass Partners. Their silks include an image of a donkey. Coburn lives
near Reno, Nevada, rising at 4:30 a.m. for his job as a press operator at a
13-employee company that makes magnetic strips for credit cards and driver
licenses. Martin lives on the California side of the border near Reno, running a
laboratory that tests high-reliability equipment, like car air bags and medical
equipment. Coburn and Martins partnership is based on a handshake, and their
wives are friends who enjoy the sport, too. The group came up with California
Chromes name by drawing it out of a hat. The horse hadnt even been out of his
home state until this week. "Sometimes you dont get a lot of respect," Sherman
said. "Were in Kentucky and you know most of the Derby winners are bred here and
few outside of Kentucky." Sherman visited Swaps grave near the Derby museum
earlier in the week and whispered a prayer: "I hope hes another Swaps." He sure
was. California Chrome extended his winning streak to five races, won by a
combined 26 lengths. It was the second Derby win for Espinoza, who rode War
Emblem to victory in 2002. "I thought he rode him perfect," said Sherman, a
former jockey. "I was riding the last 70 yards with Victor, so I think he was
riding two. He had a lot of weight on him, I can tell you that." We Miss Artie,
bred by Richard Lister of Toronto, placed 10th. Espinoza had California Chrome
sitting comfortably in third in the 19-horse field as Uncle Sigh and Chitu set
the early pace. California Chrome made his move on the final turn in tandem with
Samraat. It looked like those two would decide the outcome, until California
Chrome sped away to become the first California-bred to win the Derby since
Decidedly in 1962. "This horse has so much talent," Espinoza said. "By the
three-eighths pole I knew that was it. I could see other horses struggling a
little bit, and he was just smooth." Dale Romans, who trained eighth-place Medal
Count, quickly changed his tune about California Chrome after believing the colt
had no chance to win. "Im very impressed the way he came into it, the way he
looked, the way he was prepared and the way he ran," Romans said. "Now he has a
new fan." Commanding Curve, a 37-1 shot, rallied for second, with Danza third.
Wicked Strong was fourth and Samraat finished fifth. Commanding Curve returned
$31.80 and $15.40, giving trainer Dallas Stewart his second straight runner-up
finish with a double-digit longshot. Danza, named for actor Tony Danza of "Whos
the Boss?" fame, paid $6 to show as the 8-1 third choice. Trainer Todd Pletcher
came up empty with his four starters, finishing third with Danza, 10th with We
Miss Artie, 12th with Intense Holiday, and 17th with Vinceremos. Wicked Strong,
the 6-1 second choice, was fourth. Samraat was fifth, followed by Dance With
Fate, Ride On Curlin, Medal Count, Chitu, We Miss Artie, General a Rod, Intense
Holiday, Candy Boy, Uncle Sigh, Tapiture, Harrys Holiday, Vinceremos, and
Wildcat Red. Vicars In Trouble, ridden by Rosie Napravnik, finished last. Before
the Derby, Coburn had told anyone who would listen that California Chrome "would
go down in history." He remains just as unabashed. "I believe this horse will
win the Triple Crown," he said, something that hasnt been done since 1978, when
Affirmed swept the Derby, Preakness and Belmont in a five-week span. "Thats
where were going."
http://www.officialllionsproshop.com/Youth-Sam-Martin-Lions-Jersey/ . Bjoerndalen, who had failed to win any major race for two years before Sochi,
writes in a Facebook entry that he is "full of energy and inspiration" after
winning the 10-kilometre sprint and mixed relay at last months Olympics.
http://www.officialllionsproshop.com/Youth-Jake-Rudock-Lions-Jersey/ . In a pregame tribute commemorating his final contest at Coors Field on
Wednesday night, Helton caught the ceremonial first pitch from his daughter with
his wife, younger daughter and good friend Peyton Manning watching from the
field.Seattle Seahawks have released running back Christine Michael, despite
leading the team in rushing yards and touchdowns. Michael, waived after less
than a year in his second stint with the Seahawks, is looking for a new home
following the rise of C.J Prosise and the return of Thomas Rawls. Be a part of
Skys studio audience Join us as part of Sky Sports live studio audience for our
NFL Thanksgiving show. At just 26, there are plenty of play-off contenders that
would be interested in Michaels services. Sky Sports takes a look over the teams
that might make a play for him. 1. Green Bay PackersIn the absence of Eddie Lacy
and James Starks, the Packers tried out anyone they could lay their hands on to
fill their running back void. Knile Davis lasted a game, Don Jackson was
promoted from the practice squad and Joique Bell was brought in for a
trial. They even converted Ty Montgomery from wide receiver to play at RB.Now
Starks is back, but is averaging just 2.4 yards per carry this season. The 4-5
Packers still lack a spark to ignite their ailing offence, and Michael could be
offer Aaron Rodgers an effective alternative to throwing the ball. There has
been a revolving door at running back for Green Bay. Could Michael be an option?
2. New York GiantsRashad Jennings put in his best performance of the season as
the New York Giants beat the Cincinnati Bengals 21-20 on Monday night. However,
New York are currently 31st in rushing, averaging just over 74 yards a
game. With Shane Vereen unlikely to return before the end of the season, and the
rookie Paul Perkins still learning his craft, it would make sense for New York
to look at Michael as a viable alternative. Fan Predictions: Graves v Seahawks
Sky Sports reporter Richard Graves picks the NFL week 11 games against our UK
Seahawks fan. 3. Baltimore RavensJohn Harbaugh is as good as anyone at getting
the best out of talent deemed surplus to requirements elsewhere. He did it with
Steve Smith following the wide receivers release from Carolina, as well as the
astute investments in Mike Wallace and Justin Forsett.Forsett was cut and later
resigned in the summer, but has since lost his starting place to Terrence West
and the emerging Kenneth Diixon.
http://www.officialllionsproshop.com/Youth-Dominic-Raiola-Lions-Jersey/. In their 28-7 win over Cleveland, Dixon was Baltimores most effective weapon on
offence with 80 total yards. However, after a season delayed by injury, the
Ravens could do with proven quality as they look to cement their first NFC North
title since their Super Bowl winning season of 2012. Kenneth Dixon has broken
out for Baltimore but injury concerns persist 4. Houston TexansThe Texans are in
the fortunate position of leading their division despite underwhelming
performances this season. A staunch defensive performance, maintained even
through the loss of talisman J.J Watt, has held up a poor attack that ranks 30th
in the league. Quarterback Brock Osweiler and the Texans still lead the AFC
South despite disappointing offensive performances A lot of Houstons problems
might be attributed to quarterback Brock Osweiler, but the team have only scored
two rushing touchdowns so far this season. Michael has six on his own, and would
certainly take some of the pressure off Osweiler. 5. Minnesota Vikings Losing
Adrian Peterson wasnt a problem when the Vikings were winning. In fact, earlier
in the season some were asking whether Petersons dominance had contributed to
Minnesotas underachievement, because all attacks seemed to go through him.Now
though, the Vikings have lost four on the bounce and are rock bottom in total
offence as well as rushing yards. They need to stop the rot in order to maintain
hopes for a play-off spot and, with a tough three weeks coming up (Cardinals,
Lions and Cowboys), Minnesota could turn to Michael in their hour of need. Sam
Bradford has struggled to pass the ball, and an alternative option at running
back could halt Minnesotas slide Quarterback Sam Bradford has struggled to throw
the ball, averaging just 3.4 yards per attempt, and the introduction of a
powerful running back is a possible option for the franchise to return to
type.Upgrade to Sky Sports now to watch Man Utd v Arsenal this Saturday and get
the first six months half price! Also See: NFL week ten highlights Goff to start
for Rams Adam Ranks week 11 fantasy picks NFL Week 10 grades
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