$11,000 Colt's Kentucky Derby Berth Feels Like An 'Impossible Dream'

The Colorado state flag will adorn the silks of one jockey in this year's Kentucky Derby, representing the home state of owner Harry Veruchi. According to the Vail Daily, Veruchi has been a racing fan since childhood, sneaking into the Centennial Racetrack near his home before he was of age just to watch the horses run. 

Veruchi has owned horses since 1982, but West Saratoga will be his first starter on the sport's biggest stage, the first Saturday in May. The 3-year-old son of Exaggerator is named for the street Veruchi grew up on in Englewood, Co., and is trained by Jamaican native Larry Demeritte. Demeritte has been battling cancer for decades, and was diagnosed with a heart condition six years ago. He undergoes chemotherapy once a month, and has long since outlived his doctors' expectations.

“It’s almost a fairy tale story," Demeritte told Vail Daily. "As a matter of fact, one of my clients sent me a song, “The Impossible Dream,” and I told him that’s the song we’re going to play there every day. It’s a dream for all of us.”

Demeritte selected the colt at the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling sale for just $11,000, and West Saratoga has gone on to win the G3 Iroquois Stakes, finish third in the G2 Sam F. Davis Stakes, and finish second in the G3 Jeff Ruby Steaks. Those efforts were enough to earn West Saratoga his spot in the starting gate for the Kentucky Derby.

“Right now, leading up to the Derby you just want to keep the horse sound, keep him healthy and happy, that’s what we need to do,” Veruchi told Vail Daily. “Maybe we put some bubble wrap all over his body, because one bad move and it’s over, you know? And then again, even if it ended today, I’d be happy, I really would. To qualify for the Kentucky Derby…it’s the ultimate. It’s a dream come true.”

Read more at Vail Daily.