Kentucky Derby 2016: My Man Sam looks to silence the naysayers

Every now and again in this business, sports writers land themselves the opportunity to interview an athlete just prior to their appearance on the world’s biggest stage of their sport.

Tom Brady before the Super Bowl. Steph Curry before the NBA Finals. Henry Shefflin before the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.

The list goes on.

For some athletes, stepping into the spotlight can be jarring, throwing them off their game and eroding away their typical swagger and confidence. But that’s not the case for My Man Sam, who is looking ahead at the 2016 Kentucky Derby as a chance to show just how confident he really is.

“Nay,” My Man Sam responded when asked if he was worried about the deep field in this year’s derby. It was a response he echoed when asked if he was at all concerned about starting in the sixth position.

Unlike many of today’s athletes, My Man Sam is one of few words, letting, instead, his actions speak for him. That’s quite the mature stance for a 3-year-old.

While My Man Sam doesn’t bring with him the best odds to Churchill Downs this afternoon at 20-1, he does bring with him an impressive come-from-behind performance at the Blue Grass Stakes from early April, finishing second to fellow derby runner Brody’s Cause after having the outside post position. It was his first time running in stakes company and just his fourth race overall.

Was that performance a fluke?

“Nay,” My Man Sam said. And he may be right, considering he has taken home two second-place finishes and a first-place win so far in his young career under the tutelage of trainer Chad Brown.

Confidence brimming, My Man Sam made it clear he intends to give the field a run for their money. When asked if he thought there was one horse more than others he had to worry about -- Nyquist and Exaggerator especially -- he simply shook his head and exhaled loudly.

It’s the type of response expected from a truly focused and determined athlete on the morning of such a large event. My Man Sam’s body language didn’t betray the air of confidence surrounding the contender. He shifted in his stall, taut muscles rippling. It was clear the atmosphere around him sparked with energy and a focus on the race to come.

My Man Sam wasn’t interested in bringing the intensity down a notch, either, turning his nose at an offered sip of mint julep to help take the edge off the morning. He did, however, give in to the temptation of a sugar cube, showcasing once again that some athletes have odd diets (and expensive cook books that highlight them, if you’re Tom Brady) that they use to keep themselves in tip-top shape.

But what about the history of athletes who tend to live it up a little too much the night prior to the big event? A few too many drinks. A few too many fans. Was that even a temptation for My Man Sam?

“Nay,” he responded, adding in a snort of contempt, no doubt aimed at those who choose to jeopardize their performance for a night of revelry.

The odds of winning are not a factor in My Man Sam’s focus on the Kentucky Derby. The competition’s prestige isn’t, either. His focus is on the track, his pace, his stride, his position in the pack to best make his move to the lead. He replays the race over and over in his mind. The look in his eye is far off, running on the track time and time again as he works his way mentally through every scenario.

He plans on winning. Is there any other acceptable result?

“Nay,” he said. “Nay.”

Straight from the horse’s mouth. My Man Sam has no intention of finishing anywhere other than first in the Kentucky Derby. Nyquist and Exaggerator should probably take note, as should My Man Sam’s naysayers.

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