Excitable Lani settles down to run 9th in Kentucky Derby (The Associated Press)

Preparing Lani for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby was the easy part. Known for digging in his hooves – and kicking – when he doesn’t want to do something, the Japan-based gray colt frequently showed his mule side while being led from his barn to the paddock and starting gate at Churchill Downs. Lani stubbornly fought his handlers and kicked the paddock stall, and for a minute seemed headed toward being scratched.