All Entries Tagged With: "Kentucky Derby"

Running for the Roses

For a couple of days each year, everybody becomes interested in horse racing again. Pickers use names, colors, jockeys, post positions, breeding and lineage, past performances and blind draws to make their choices. Doesn’t matter, no system is better than another.

The Kentucky Derby is Louisville’s event, it is everybody’s race. The one time of year when Louisvillians and Kentuckians can without question agree on something. Here is the song that brings it all together best:

Kentucky Derby Mania

Two days before the Kentucky Derby, University of Louisville fans inevitably turn their thoughts to the mile-and-a-quarter spectacle. It’s unavoidable. Who better to provide Card Game’s Derby preview than Sonja:

WIDE OPEN DERBY JUST GOT WIDER

By Sonja

With Big Brown drawing the 20th post position for the annual Run for the Roses, an evenly matched field just got its probable post time favorite banished to Siberia, so to speak. With the crunch of twenty horses all trying to make it to the first turn and be in good position, being in the 20th spot is like trying to go from the the slow lane to the fast lane on I-65 near hospital curve at 4:30 PM. The horse would have a better chance trying to guard T-Will one on one. It’s trainer Richard Dutrow’s first Derby, and his star, Big Brown, has a huge task confronting him.

So, who will I be looking for on Derby Day? I like five horses, in no particular order, and will wheel and deal them around and hopefully show a profit after the fastest two minutes in sports.

PYRO — He disappointed at Keeneland on the polytrack surface, but the word on the backstretch is that the big fella knows he’s back on dirt, and is kicking up a fuss and full of energy in the barn area. Can’t blame him, I don’t care much
for Lexington either.

COLONEL JOHN — Now that Big Brown is in such a poor post position, CJ will probably be the favorite at post time. He gives an honest effort every time he runs, and will enjoy Churchill’s long stretch.

VISIONAIRE — He’s being touted as the “wise guy” pick right now, and absolutely loves running on a dirt surface. You’ll get a good price with him, too.

COURT VISION — Another that loves the Churchill surface, and will benefit late.

EIGHT BELLES — The only filly in the race, this gal is a monster…the Shaq of horse racing, and has finally begun to figure out just how strong she is. Reports I get from the backside tell me that she is full of herself and can’t
wait for her morning gallops and works.

Good luck, and Happy Derby to all!