For the long shot crowd …
DRF 5-5-06 “Seaside Retreat is no 179-1 shot”
Until 1997, the number of wagering interests in the Derby was limited to 12, with the formation of a mutuel field allowing for an excess of starters. From 1998 to 2000, the maximum number of interests was lifted to 14, after which the Kentucky Racing Commission changed its rules to permit every horse in the Derby field (limited to 20 starters) to be listed as separate interests.
Despite the mathematics that have markedly increased the probability of a Derby starter being sent away a huge longshot in a 20-horse field, there have been only two starters to be sent away at higher than 99-1, and both were in the 2001 field: Arctic Boy (12th at 101-1) and Startac (10th at 102-1).
The record for the longest shot in Derby history is Royal Shuck, who was 179-1 when finishing 12th and last behind Northern Dancer in 1964. Casse, and most handicappers, believe that record is safe for another year, “but I’m sure it’ll be broken some year soon because of the 20” wagering interests, said Casse.
William Farish Jr might not think Seaside Retreat deserves the uber long odds but it seems kinda clear to others 
A career best Beyer fig of just 86, 5th place in the Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs, a 2nd in the Lane’s End (behind fellow shocker, With A City, on the polytrack) and then beating by good in the Toyota Blue Grass taking 6th and losing by over 32 lengths. It suggests that he’ll go off well near the century mark …
