Sandman is poised for the Run for the Roses on May 3, set to be the eighth Kentucky Derby starter for West Point Thoroughbreds.

Winner of the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby last time out, Sandman is pegged at 6-to-1 odds, with jockey Jose Ortiz to guide him from post 17 in the full field of 20.

Trainer Mark Casse said today in an NBC interview: “A lot of times you come here hoping for a miracle. I don’t need a miracle this time. I just need him to show up and have some good luck.”

Sandman, Integration and Vahva — all Graded stakes winners — headline an epic three-hour stretch at Churchill for West Point Thoroughbreds this Saturday. Joining them is stakes-placed Maui Strong, as the stable embarks on one of the biggest days in its history.

The three-hour dash will begin with Maui Strong in the Grade 1 American Turf Stakes. Vincent Cheminaud has the call for trainer Dale Romans.

Up next, Vahva will defend her title in the Grade 1 Derby City Distaff for jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. and trainer Cherie DeVaux.

Our focus will then shift to New York with Grade 1 winner Carson’s Run making his first start of the year in the Grade 2 Fort Marcy Stakes on the turf at Aqueduct. Dylan Davis rides Carson’s Run for trainer Christophe Clement.

Integration will take the baton on the grass at Churchill Downs in the Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic (G1), with the legendary Frankie Dettori taking the reins for Hall of Famer Shug McGaughey.

The action will culminate with Sandman taking his place in the starting gate for the Derby, airing live on NBC.

Just like in 2017 with Always Dreaming, St. Elias Stable is a co-owner of Sandman, as Terry Finley and Vinnie Viola once again are Derby dreaming, this time alongside DJ Stable and CJ Stable.

Mark Casse trains the colt, looking to tie up a loose end in a vaunted career that has enshrined him in both the American and Canadian Racing Hall of Fames. Casse has conquered the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes but is seeking his first Derby triumph.