Derby Madness

It’s finally here:  Kentucky Derby Day!  

      I’m feeling on top of things this morning because I’ve already got my sugary julep mix prepared, and yes this year I actually found fresh mint (and lots of it) at my first stop. Thank you United Asian Market. On a side note, this year the derby coincides with Cinco de Mayo. Perhaps I’ll garnish my mint juleps with a slice of lime instead of lemon. Anyway, Last night I mixed and rolled my Bourbon Balls so I just need to chocolate dip them this morning.  

     I must admit that last night things got a little bit hairy.  Chris had wisely excused himself from Derby madness and had chosen to go see a movie with a friend.  When he returned I was on the floor amongst my stacks of derby stats from the last 10 years. I had been reading some racing blogs and forums and some wiseguy boasted about how he always throws out any horses from California, because they never win. This didn’t seem likely, but I was desperately searching for any means to reduce my number of picks so I pulled out my Kentucky Derby file and began sifting through the data.  Lo and behold, no horse prepping in California has won the derby in the last 10 years and only three horses finishing in the place or show position prepped in California. Would this be the final nail in the coffin for Creative Cause and I’ll Have Another?  

     With my morning coffee in hand I’m managing to keep last night’s derby madness at bay, so it’s on to my picks for the 138^th Kentucky Derby presented by Yum Brands (sorry couldn’t resist – it sounds so silly). This morning when I re-read my last blog entry I was surprised to see that my top three picks from last  are still my top three picks and despite last night’s California debacle, I’m still happy with my second tier of horses.  I plan to use Creative Cause, I’ll Have Another, Gemologist and Went the Day Well on the underside of some exactas.  

     Take Charge Indy will have to remain my top pick this year as he keeps coming up strong no matter what handicapping angle I use.  He was 15-1 morning line but unfortunately with Calvin Borel riding his odds are already dropping. Calvin has ridden three of the last five derby winners, and all the people who only bet on horse racing this one day of the year will base their bets on this fact.  Union Rags is my second pick. I’ve really liked the way he has trained coming up to this race and he has looked strong in his gallops over the Churchill Downs surface. I’m keeping Dullahan as my third pick because I really like his quick turn of foot and the pace could very well set up for a closer type. If the track turns to mud I’ll have to discount Dullahan’s chances as I don’t think he’ll enjoy the slop being kicked up in his face as he follows at least half the field around the track.

     Only 7 hours left in which to get ready.  Being Kentucky Derby Day I will of course be excused from any house cleaning, however I’ll still need to clean off the coffee table and ready my work station in front of the TV.  I’ve got several stacks of paper to arrange, and I’ll need room for the laptop, my Bourbon Balls, Hickory Sticks and mint julep.  

     With so many impressive three-year-olds this year it should be an exciting race. I can’t wait to begin the post-race analysis of the results.  It’s finally time to put on my derby hat and get ready for the big day.