Sport: D-Day for Riva Ridge

Many a young thoroughbred speeds to a performance that starts his owner dreaming of the Kentucky Derby. All too often, that kind of early foot fades long before the call to the post at Churchill Downs. Not so with Riva Ridge. The handsome bay colt was the logical favorite in everyone's winter book, and he has remained the choice of the chalk players ever since. He will make the run for the roses this week as one of the hottest favorites in the Derby's 98-year history.

Bred by Meadow Stable of Virginia, Riva Ridge has been beaten only three times in his...