Horse Racing -- Long Odds In Derby Won't Faze Celtic Warrior's Trainer

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The favorite in the 123rd Kentucky Derby next Saturday hasn't emerged. But there's no doubt which horse will be the least favored to win.

"Celtic Warrior," Danny Hutt said. "Might be 150-1."

Hutt should know. He trains Celtic Warrior.

His horse has been beaten in his past five races by a total of 38 lengths and the last time he won was Nov. 1. Derby odds from the Las Vegas Sports Consultants have Celtic Warrior at 100-1.

"I understand that," Hutt said. "I understand if people don't want to bet him. He'll be the longest shot in the field. I just hope he doesn't run like it. I've had friends ask what in the heck I'm doing running this horse.

"It's really very logical. He's a horse who should improve going a longer distance. He's a horse with a nice finishing kick who needs a fast pace in front of him. And he loves this track.

"The Derby can be a strange race. Nobody knows if their horse wants to go a mile and a quarter. But he should get his fast pace, and I hope he'll get a ground-saving trip. I really think we'll pass some horses down the stretch."

Notes

-- Accelerator, a late-running second to Captain Bodgit in the Wood Memorial, was knocked out of the Kentucky Derby by a training injury yesterday, leaving Churchill Downs with a tentative field that may be the smallest in 18 years.

The Derby appears to be down to 11 horses. Since 1980, the average field has been 17 horses and the last time fewer than 13 competed was when Spectacular Bid, a 3-5 favorite, chased away all but nine opponents in 1979. The maximum field is 20 horses.

Trainer Bob Baffert said yesterday that Anet, his Lone Star Derby winner, won't run because his appetite has been poor.

The probables are Captain Bodgit, Pulpit, Silver Charm, Free House, Hello, Crypto Star, Phantom On Tour, Pacificbounty, Concerto, Jack Flash and Celtic Warrior.

-- Trainer Lynn Whiting said Jerry Bailey would ride Arkansas Derby runner-up Phantom On Tour in the Kentucky Derby, replacing regular rider Larry Melancon.

"Larry's done a fine job with this horse," Whiting said. "But the way this game has played out, Jerry Bailey was sitting without a mount. I don't think you can leave Michael Jordan on the bench in the last minute of the game. Mr. Partee (owner Cal) felt this would afford us our best chance to win."

Bailey has won the Kentucky Derby twice, last year on Grindstone and in 1993 on Sea Hero, and has been Eclipse champion jockey twice.