LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Union Rags never had a chance after a brutal start in the Kentucky Derby.

The Dixie Union colt ridden by Julien Leparoux was pinched back at the break and caught in-between rivals that cost him early position after being one of the most talked about contenders coming into Saturday's race

"He broke a step a step slow and he usually breaks well from the gate," Leparoux said. "Then he got bumped and we dropped far back."

That was only the half of it.

After Union Rags settled into stride, Leparoux had trouble finding a clear running path.

"I had nowhere to go where I could make a move," Leparoux said. "I knew it was going to be tough to come back."

The winner of the Fountain of Youth Stakes eventually rallied from 18th to finish seventh.

"He just had a rough trip," trainer Michael Matz said.