Well, he had a great ride by his jockey, who's very good at getting horses in on the rail. He ran on a muddy track, which he does well on and most of the other horses don't. He's bred for that distance (his sire, Birdstone, won the 2004 Belmont). He didn't get blocked in. But mostly? Because he happened to be the best horse on that day in that race. Horse racing works that way.
Calvin Borel rode Stay Thirsty in the 2011 Kentucky Derby. Stay Thirsty ended up finishing 12th.
Calvin Borel
John Longden won on Count Fleet in 1943 as the jockey and trained 1969 winner Majestic Prince.
Super Saver, ridden by last year's winning jockey,
SUPER SAVER won the 2010 Kentucky Derby with Calvin Borel up
Calvin Borel was born on November 7, 1966.
Calvin Borel was born on November 7, 1966.
Mine That Bird, the winner, was ridden by Calvin Borel, who also won on Street Sense in 2007.
Calvin Borel is 45 years old (birthdate: November 7, 1966).
'Super Saver' won the 2010 Derby with Jockey Calvin Borel on its back.
Bo"rail" is what Kentucky Derby winning jockey Calvin H. Borel [b. November 8, 1966] is nicknamed. He carries the nickname in recognition of his skillful and stubborn proximity to the racetrack rail at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It saves on the distance that horse and rider must cover to win the world-famous race.
By being ridden by (arguably) the world's best current jockey, and being faster than the other horses that day.