LOUISVILLE, KY. — Donald Golightly has been driving Joni and Barry Butzow around Louisville for more years than he can recall. When the Eden Prairie residents hit town for Kentucky Derby week, Golightly makes sure they get everywhere they need to go.
They know the routine well, but Golightly did offer a piece of advice for Saturday's 148th edition of the race. With the Butzows' colt Zozos among the 20 horses set to start, he suggested they bring some extra tissues.
"We'll probably need them,'' Joni Butzow said. "We still can't believe this. It doesn't seem real. I mean, I cry during "My Old Kentucky Home'' when I don't have a horse in it, so I don't know what's going to happen Saturday.''
There could be a lot of Minnesotans reaching for the Kleenex when the Butzows and another Minnesota resident, Jeff Drown of St. Cloud, watch their colts Zozos and Zandon parade onto the Churchill Downs track for the 1 ¼-mile race. Zandon, installed as the morning-line favorite Monday, was the fourth choice at 8-1 odds during early wagering Friday. Zozos was the 12th choice at 39-1.
Several dozen of the owners' friends, relatives, neighbors and work associates have made the pilgrimage to Churchill Downs to cheer on the two horses. Drown and his wife, Jill Vouk-Drown, have brought their five children and a large number of employees from their contracting and real estate businesses. The Butzows' entourage has been trickling in throughout the week.
Zandon is likely to remain among the favorites Saturday, when the two colts chase a total purse of $3 million, a blanket of roses and a place in history.
Jeff Drown said he wasn't feeling any pressure, just pride and excitement.
"That doesn't really change anything,'' said Drown, whose horse started at 3-1 on the morning line. "This is our first time at the Derby. We're just trying to take everything in. And so far, it's been a really fun week.''