Horse-racing handicapper makes Pa.-bred colt his pick to capture Kentucky Derby

A Pennsylvania-bred colt has the third-best odds to win the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, but at least one handicapper thinks the 3-year-old might just capture horse racing’s most coveted crown.

John Mucciolo wrote on KentuckyDerby.com on Tuesday that he was impressed with Angel of Empire’s performance in winning the Arkansas Derby on April 1.

“If the ever-improving colt can move forward even a little off of that fine display, then I expect him to be the one to beat in the stretch on Saturday,” Mucciolo wrote. “He is the Expert Pick of the Week.”

Mucciolo wrote that Angel of Empire “has posted a trio of solid morning drills while galloping out well beneath the Twin Spires leading up to the Derby, and I envision him making a similar move that he displayed in his latest run nearing the turn for home on Saturday.”

Flavien Prat was the jockey on Angel of Empire in the Arkansas win and he will take the reins again on Saturday at Churchill Downs.

Forte is the current favorite among oddsmakers at 3-1 followed by Tapit Trice at 5-1. Both horses are trained by Todd Pletcher, according to CBSsports.com.

Angel of Empire, trained by Brad Cox, has the third-best odds at 8-1.

Foaled at Blackstone Farm in Pine Grove, Schuylkill County, Angel of Empire is trying to become the third Pennsylvania-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby, after Smarty Jones in 2004 and Lil E. Tee in 1992.

Blackstone Farm partner Christian Black lives in Lititz with his wife, Christina.

The purse for this year’s 149th Kentucky Derby is $3 million with the winner claiming $1.86 million. So far, Angel of Empire has won more than $1 million in purses.