It’s only about two weeks before that time of the year arrives when the city of Louisville overflows with equestrian lovers, especially at Churchill Downs. Come May 6, a sea of fascinators and other widely adorned hats will flow in the stadium as some of the best equestrians in the country take part in the Kentucky Derby. However, this time would mark the debut of a New Mexico trainer who is making his debut at the derby at age 60. His companion, the 3-year-old gelding who has already set a slew of victories this year, will look to add another feather to his cap with his new trainer, Joel Marr.

Wild On Ice is a Texas-bred gelding owned by Frank Sumpter. His two victories late last year rose him to fame. And to top it off, he won the Sunland Derby on March 26. Sitting on $366,400 of winnings this year, the expectations are high from Wild on Ice and his trainer Joel Marr to win the upcoming Kentucky Derby in his first attempt.

Wild on Ice and Joel Marr will look to set their debut Kentucky Derby appearance ablaze

Wild On Ice won his first two career starts in late 2022 at Zia Park, New Mexico. Now with his victory at the Sunland Derby, he will be traveling to Louisville soon with his trainer Joel Marr. Marr recently told the Thoroughbred Racing Commentary, “It might be a once-in-a-lifetime thing, but we weren’t wanting to come just to come and be tourists and say we came to the Derby”. Talking about Wild On Ice, he said, “He came out of the Sunland Derby extremely well”.

Marr also revealed that he is pleasantly surprised at his selection for Kentucky Derby. He and his thoroughbred weren’t even thinking about traveling to Louisville during their competition at Sunland. “Let’s do the best we can do in Sunland Derby”, he recalled saying at the time of the race.

READ MORE – Trainer, With Career Earnings of $35,866,661, Set to Be an Underdog at 2023 Kentucky Derby

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But now the 60-year-old jockey not only gets to participate in America’s most prestigious race for the first time in his life but also stands to win the race in front of his friends and family. It is truly a dream-come-true scenario for Marr.

Who will win the Kentucky Derby this time?

Joel Marr wants to make full use of this chance and wishes to give his best at the upcoming derby. Although he is aware it’s a tough road ahead, he said, “It has happened several times in the Kentucky Derby, and you have to have some faith. I obviously don’t want to have a poor showing in the Derby, and I don’t think that’s going to happen. I am not saying we are going to win, but if we aren’t in there, we definitely are not going to win”.

Marr has every intention of making his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity count, and with the kind of form Wild On Ice is in, he will definitely fancy his chances if he gives his best. However, there are predictions about other champion horses like Forte and Two Phil’s that might take the crown. With less than two weeks away, let’s find out who wins the Kentucky Derby this time around.

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