May 2, 2008 7:00 pm US/Eastern
Philly Filly Heads To Kentucky Derby
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
One Philadelphia area horse is getting quite a bit of attention ahead of this weekend's running of the Kentucky Derby. And that attention is not just for its racing ability but rather its gender.
Eight Belles, owned by Rick Porter of Newark, Delaware, is trying to be just the fourth female horse, known as a filly, to win the derby in 134 years.
"I think she belongs in the race. I think she's got a shot," said Porter's son Cory, "Some people think she shouldn't even be in the race. We obviously don't agree with that. We think she might surprise some people."
No fillies have raced in the Kentucky Derby since 1999, and it's been 20 years, 1988, since a filly last won horse racing's most storied prize.
With 20 to 1 odds in this weekend's race, Eight Belles is rated higher than some of the boys.
"She's a big filly, you look at her, you almost think she's a colt," said Cory Porter. "She's bigger than some of the boys. Everybody's going to be talking about this filly."
Employees at the Porter family's car dealerships in Newark say they'll be rooting for Eight Belles. Last year, the Porter's horse Hard Spun placed second at the derby.
"It's a little different but this could end up being a better story if she wins," said Erik Sunstrom, Sales Manager at Porter Chevrolet, "Mr. Porter really knows how to pick 'em."
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