CHURCHILL DOWNS, Ky., May 4 (UPI) -- Nick Zito could become just the second trainer in the 131-year history of the Kentucky Derby to have five colts at the Churchill Downs starting gate.
And the New York native could become the first trainer to have five horses from different owners at Saturday's race, a group that includes favored Bellamy Road and strong contender High Fly.
The accomplishment is part skill and part luck, the New York Times reported.
Zito is considered a skillful trainer who won the Derby in 1991 with Strike the Gold and again in 1994 with Go for Gin.
Luck came into play as Zito's winning record attracted other contenders, which managed to avoid race-disrupting injuries.
"I can't ask the man upstairs to give me a better shot at this. But this is a game that humbles kings," the 57-year-old trainer said. "If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. Hopefully, one of these five will get over the line."
