The Kentucky Derby may take place a
long way from the Jersey Shore, but there will be plenty of action Saturday at
Monmouth Park in Oceanport.
Here is a look at the favorites:
Zandon: 3-1
Epicenter:
7-2
Messier:
8-1
There are
20 horses in the race. Eight horses are 30-1.
Nick Cioffi, of Oradell, says he’s going with Messier to win because
he loves hockey.
“To be honest with you, I didn’t know it until about 10 minutes
ago,” says Cioffi. “I was listening to a radio station sports talk, and
it said the horse was named after the hockey player.”
Some pick their horse by playing their numbers, while others
prefer the local angle.
The horse Cyberknife is owned by someone who spent a lot of
time at Monmouth Park over the years.
“From Ocean Township, he’s owned horses his whole life and he’s
finally got a horse in the derby so I’m excited,” says Bobby Fox, of Ocean
Township.
Monmouth Park live racing begins Saturday at 2 p.m. All the derby
festivities include a best hat and best dressed couple contest, family
fun day events from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the picnic area, mint juleps and live
music.
New Jersey Transit customers can take North Jersey Coast Line
trains to Monmouth Park Station when the track is open for live racing.