Kentucky Derby horse named after street in Englewood

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — It’s the greatest two minutes in sports. The 150th Kentucky Derby Run of the Roses is Saturday, and there’s one horse helping shine a spotlight on Colorado.

West Saratoga is considered a longshot in Saturday's Kentucky Derby.

“To be in the race, though, it's fantastic,” said West Saratoga’s owner, Harry Veruchi. “It's a dream come true and I'm very honored to be here.”

Veruchi purchased the thoroughbred a few years ago for just $11,000.

“He just kept getting bigger and bigger,” said Veruchi.

Now the horse is worth six figures.

“This horse is getting more publicity probably than any other horse,” said Veruchi. “I don't know why. Probably because it's such a great story."

That story begins in Colorado, along West Saratoga Avenue in Englewood.

“I grew up on that street,” said Veruchi. “It was about six blocks from Centennial Racetrack. I had a friend that would go with me, and we brought candy bars. He'd pick a horse. I'd pick a horse. Whoever finished the best would get the candy bar.”