Jamaicans Maragh, Bridgemohan ride in Kentucky Derby

Jamaican born jockeys Rajiv Maragh and Shaun Bridgmohan  will be  down to compete in Saturday's running of the Kentucky Derby the first leg of the American Triple Crown at Churchill Downs.         

Maragh who is based in New York will be aboard the 8 to 1 third shot "Wicked Strong".   

The Jimmy Jerkens trained "Wicked Strong" who was named to honour the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing, won one of the the Kentucky Derby Prep Races in fine style, the Wood Memorial Stakes in New York.      

Bridgmohan will partner the 50 to 1 chance "Commanding Curve" trained by Dallas Stewart.    

Meanwhile Victor Espinoza will be aboard the 5 to 2 winter book favourite "California Chrome" who has won 6 races from 10 starts.

There has not been a Triple Crown winner in the United States in 36 years. The last Triple Crown winner was "Affirmed" ridden by Steve Cauthen in 1978. "Seattle Slew" also won the Triple Crown in 1977.

But the Kentucky Derby is a noted graveyard for favourites. 'California Chrome," beware.