KSR Today: Mage wins Kentucky Derby

Good morning, Big Blue Nation. The first weekend in May was a wild one as we saw another big pay day at Churchill Downs. Three-year-old thoroughbred Mage capped off an excellent day by bringing home the bed of roses with 15/1 odds.

Jockey Javier Castellano finally recorded a win in the Kentucky Derby with trainer Gustavo Delgado joining him in the winner’s circle.

What a finish from Mage! #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/bBgJoD6BWE

— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 6, 2023

“First of all, I would like to say thank you God, my Lord Jesus Christ, for giving me the opportunity to feel amazing. I feel like I’m on top of the world. It’s a great feeling,” Castellano said after the win. “One thing that’s consistent about me in my career is I never give up. Sometimes you feel embarrassed a little bit after trying so many times and you don’t see the result.

“You get down a little bit. But I always tried to be positive, try to find the right horse to participate in one of the biggest races in the world. It’s amazing when someone believes in you and trusts you.”

Mage lost to Forte, who was scratched Saturday morning due to a bruised foot, in the Florida Derby. This time around, Mage crossed the finish line first in his fourth race ever (one victory), winning in 2:01.57. Two Phil’s (9-1) finished second, followed by Angel of Empire (4-1) in third, Disarm (27-1) in fourth, and Hit Show (24-1) in fifth.

A $2 exacta bet paid $330.44 while a $1 trifecta paid $982.36 and a $1 superfecta paid $15,543.60. A thrilling end to a Derby that had spectacular winners and multiple races where big long shots cashed some big tickets.

The second-leg of the Triple Crown will take place at the Preakness Stakes on May 20.

Kentucky emerges for San Diego State transfer Keshad Johnson

After the Hunter Dickinson sweepstakes ended earlier this week, things got quiet again for Kentucky in the transfer market. The Wildcats are awaiting decisions from Chris Livingston, Antonio Reeves, and Oscar Tshiebwe as John Calipari builds his roster. However, a new name emerged over the weekend.

San Diego State wing Keshad Johnson has Kentucky included in his final five. The super senior started 39 games for the Aztecs last season averaging 7.7 points and 5.0 rebounds in 22.2 minutes per game. Johnson has been an efficient two-point shooter (59.4%) in his career. The 6-7 four-man posted solid rebounding rates and could be a nice role player for Kentucky to utilize off the bench. Johnson is a defense-first basketball player that could find minutes in Lexington after the departure of Lance Ware.

Lance Ware is expected to visit @StJohnsBBall , per source

6-foot-9 Former Camden High star and NJ native https://t.co/pfzxMhAkDE

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) May 4, 2023

Rick Pitino is now making a move for the New Jersey native at St. John’s as the Hall of Fame coach looks to rebuild the Red Storm in the Big East. Roster-building season is not slowing down in college basketball.

Kentucky baseball goes for the sweep at Kentucky Proud Park

Nick Mingione’s Kentucky baseball team entered this weekend desperately needing some wins. The Wildcats were 3-10 in their last 13 and hadn’t won an SEC series in a month. That changed this weekend against South Carolina.

After taking care of business on Friday, the offense came alive on Saturday to give the Bat Cats a 14-7 win and a much-needed series victory. UK recorded 16 hits and five extra-base knocks. Émilien Pitre and Ryan Waldschmidt combined for for six hits and an RBI. Jase Felker and James McCoy both knocked in three runs each.

James hit ball far.

Three-run #BigBlueBomb by @j_mccoy2021!

Cats lead 11-5 pic.twitter.com/khOZxnugro

— Kentucky Baseball (@UKBaseball) May 6, 2023

Kentucky (32-13, 13-10) will now go for a top-five sweep on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET.

NBA and NHL playoffs continue

Many are counting down the days until football season as the summer quickly approaches. However, playoffs in the NBA and NHL are getting ramped up with both leagues in the conference semifinals. Some more high-leverage games will take place today.

• Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers | 3:30 p.m. | ABC (Celtics lead 2-1)
• Carolina Hurricanes at New Jersey Devils | 3:30 p.m. | TBS (Hurricanes lead 2-0)
• Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers | 6:30 p.m. | TBS (Panthers lead 2-0)
• Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns | 8:00 p.m. | TNT (Nuggets lead 2-1)
• Dallas Stars at Seattle Kraken | 9:30 p.m. | TBS (Tied 1-1)

Enjoy your Sunday, Big Blue Nation.