Tomorrow’s Kentucky Derby is going to be an affair to remember. As the 150th edition of the prestigious G1 race arrives in Louisville, some horse racing fans will be feeling the blues with the iconic Bob Baffert’s name not being in the starting lineup. However, others promise a thrilling showdown at the Kentucky Derby 2024, and the 2022 Belmont Stakes winner, Irad Ortiz Jr. is among the riders to watch out for.

The Puerto Rican has been a prominent name in the New York Thoroughbred horse racing circuit for over a decade. Riding on the back of Terry Stephens-owned O Besos, Ortiz Jr. set the mood for tomorrow’s race in style at Churchill Downs, sending out a message to his opponents by winning the St. Matthews Stakes.

A recent post on X shared the news of Irad’s victory at the $200,000 race. Ortiz will take to the racecourse only a couple of days later with Domestic Product (30-1). With a $5 million prize money, the Kentucky Derby 2024 will see some incredible horses like the 2024 Fountain of Youth winner Dornoch. But the Tampa Bay Derby winner, Domestic Product, won’t give any of his opponents a hall pass.

The Klaravich Stables Inc.-owned horse hasn’t been rated highly en route to the Kentucky Derby, but having the 2014 Breeders’ Cup winner jockey Irad will give him a fighting chance to at least give the others a run for their money’s worth.

Irad Ortiz Jr. is set to face a difficult task

With his latest win with O Besos, Irad once again saw how he could win high-stakes races even after starting late. However, he’ll need more than just that if Ortiz wishes to win the 150th edition of the coveted race. Despite fans clamoring about his health, Fierceness remains the top pick for the Run of the Roses. With 5-2 odds, many believe that the Todd Pletcher-trained horse will finally achieve the coveted victory at the Churchill Downs.

The starting lineup is staked and long with Dornoch, and also includes the likes of this year’s Florida Derby winner Fierceness, and the Blue Grass Stakes winner Sierra Leone. Stronghold, the Santa Anita Derby winner, will also join the long list of Kentucky Derby contenders. However, Ortiz is a seasoned jockey, who has a ton of experience and can easily outmaneuver the others into the first position. With horses like Encino and Bob Baffert-trained Muth out of the Kentucky Derby 2024, Ortiz’s mission will be easier, sure, but the task still remains a daunting one. With so many horses boasting elite mentality going into the race, who will be your pick to win at Churchill Downs? Tell us in the comments.