This years half mile has been called "the 4th fastest in Derby history" but it's really a three-way tie for being the 2nd fastest in history, because both Groovy and Top Avenger ran a generic 45 1/5.
Here's a recap of the top finishers in these meltdown years:
Fastest Half in Derby History: Songandaprayer 44.86
Monarchos rallied from 16 lengths back to win this Derby.
Point Given, was 2nd by 1.5 lengths after a mile, but he faded badly in the stretch to finish 5th beaten 11.5 lengths.
Point Given won the Preakness, Belmont Stakes, Haskell, and Travers in his next four starts. His 12+ length victory in the Belmont Stakes over both Monarchos and Invisible Ink helped prove conclusively he was too close to the Derby pace.
Co 2nd fastest Derby half: Top Avenger 45 1/5
Pleasant Colony rallied from 18 lengths back to win. The top five finishers raced 16th, 19th, 12th, 18th, and 20th after a half mile. Pleasant Colony was off at 3/1 odds. The 2nd place finisher was 34/1. The 3rd, 4th, and 5th place finishers were all part of the mutual field.
Co 2nd fastest Derby half: Groovy 45 1/5
Ferdinand raced dead last early in 16th position and won this Derby from 20 lengths back at 17/1 odds. Snow Chief made the first middle move and faded to finish 12th. He won the Preakness by 4 lengths over Ferdinand next time out. Broad Brush raced 6th after a half mile, led after a mile, and finished 3rd.
Co 2nd fastest Derby half: Palace Malace (45.33)
19 horse field, the top five finishers raced 16th, 15th, 18th, 7th, and 17th after a half mile.
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