#jonathan sheppard

While Todd Pletcher and Bob Baffert have sent out as many as three or four starters in an instance in the Kentucky Derby, the simpler, smaller, more "horse sense" savvy masters of the trade have entered as few as zero. While some of his prodigies have saddled winners of the great American classic, Jonathan Sheppard has yet to send out a single three-year-old to run in it, but this year might be different.

Renown as one of the industry's best kept secrets in horse training, Sheppard's take-your-time strategy is unpopular with the owners, but has proven to be his trademark of quality over the years. Hailing from England and one of the oldest trainers in the game, the 71-year-old who trained Storm Cat might have one of the more brilliant darkhorses to enter the Derby picture with Ever So Lucky.

A strong second to the undefeated Gemologist (trained by Pletcher) in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (II) last year, the Indian Charlie colt has been training sensationally at Gulfstream Park in anticipation of a start in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (II). Rated back off the lead as the favorite in his loss to Gemologist, Ever So Lucky showcased classic Indian Charlie fleetness early with the potential to stretch out a little as he stubbornly resisted the winner's advances.

I feel like there is a "John" in every fandom of mine:

John Winchester

Jon Snow (minus "h" still counts)

John Watson

John (Jonathan) Sheppard

John Mandrake (not his real name but he goes by it :P I completely just realised that the author named him after himself, as well)

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