Bob Baffert’s Authentic defeats favorite Tiz the Law to WIN the 146th Kentucky Derby

Authentic has staved off a late charge from favorite Tiz the Law to win the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby wire-to-wire.

The victory for legendary trainer Bob Baffert’s Authentic eliminates the possibility of a Triple Crown victory for Tiz the Law, which won the Belmont Stakes in a commanding performance in June.

The Kentucky Derby, traditionally the first race in the Triple Crown, ran four months later than usual, and without paying spectators, due to precautions taken in the coronavirus pandemic.

Tiz the Law had been the heavy favorite at 3/5 odds, while Authentic was at 8 to 1. 

Authentic (right) ridden by jockey John Velazquez runs down the stretch to win the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, defeating a late charge from favorite Tiz the Law (left)

Jockey John Velazquez, aboard Authentic #18, celebrates with trainer Bob Baffert (right) after winning the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday

Jockey John Velazquez celebrates after winning the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby on Authentic

Authentic, with jockey John Velazquez up, broke fast from the gate on the outside to lead by the first turn. 

He didn’t let up despite pursuit from NY Traffic and Storm The Court, with Tiz the Law giving chase by the far turn.

Tiz the Law was nearly neck-and-neck coming out of the far turn into the homestretch.

Coming down the homestretch, hard-charging Authentic refused to be beaten, pulling ahead to win by barely one length.

It is Baffert’s sixth Kentucky Derby win. 

Authentic covered 1¼ mile in 2:00.61 and paid $18.80 to win, $6 to place and $5 to show. 

Tiz the Law returned $3.40 to place and $3.20 to show, while Mr. Big News, a 50-1 longshot who came in third, paid $16.80 to show.

Developing story, check back for updates.