Trainer OK with 3rd in Derby for Paddy O'Prado

Trainer Dale Romans raved all week about how much his colt, Paddy O'Prado, seemed to enjoy training in the mud.

The slop at Churchill Downs proved to be no problem during Saturday's Kentucky Derby. The distance, however, was another matter.

Rather than take an early lead as is his typical style, the colt surged from the middle of the pack before running out of steam in the 1 1/4-mile Derby.

"He ran so big for us," Romans said. "I thought we were going to win. I'm very proud of him. He just ran super. You couldn't ask for any more from the horse."

Jockey Kent Desormeaux blamed the finish on early traffic, preventing him …