135th Kentucky Derby
As promised the other day (and ironically actually something I started a LONG time before the other day), I wanted to mention some details about the horses that I am thinking have the best run at the 135th running of the Kentucky. Yes folks, it is definitely getting to be that time and I certainly start getting excited about it right about now. Horses have done there two-year campaigns, if you agree with that or not and now they are hitting their potential prime on the race track and there is one race that stands out today more than other and that is the Run for the Roses that takes place always on the first Saturday in May.
A bit of background for me and Derby first. Having grown up here in Kentucky that has always been a special Saturday for things going on here. Way back, me and my Dad, along with full and step-brother almost always went fishing that Saturday, taking a radio with us to listen to the derby. The fishing was always questionable, but usually worked out in some way or another and we always had a good time of the day. Later, I dated and eventually married, albeit for a short time, a girl who had grown up in Louisville. There were always lots of parties and plenty of celebrating, but really aside from a glimpse from a nearby roof time and the timeless pulling a horse pick out of the hat there was not much focus on the horses in reality.
Then about ten-twelve years ago I started getting involved with horses myself, while living in Virginia. It just seemed like a natural fit, originating from Kentucky, to be involved with some sort of Derby activities. Soon enough it became once again one of my favorite times of the year. My first couple of horses were retired thoroughbreds, which made the derby time and paying attention to breeding lines and who was doing well in the prep races even more relative.
Now we are full swing into the prep racing season pointing to the derby. There are 400 something hopefuls that have been pre-paid to run in the derby and out of that field there are a good ten to fifteen horses that I think could come away with it. However there are two in particular that I have had my eye on back even before they turned three and I am hoping to see something happen with them. I can not in good faith tell you to go bet on them or any such, especially after my dismal finish in the last big race I told folks to make a pick.
My first pick is Old Fashioned. This horse comes from trainer Larry Jones, the cowboy, who as a trainer I have liked the last few years. He has come close a couple of times and really just had the heart about ripped of him last year with Eight Belles. I still do not find fault with Jones for running her, especially given her nice 2nd place run over the remainder of the field. As if that isn’t enough to make you consider this horse and really want it to win, also consider that Jones has indicated he plans retire out of the training business at the end of the Breeders Cup this year. Like I said, I have liked him, and he is one of a handful of trainers that I have seen video of him riding pretty much every horse he has trained at some point or another. Of note, is that Jones has 2nd horse high up in derby contention to, but I would be surprised, pending nothing happening, if Old Fashioned is not the morning line favorite on May 2nd. One last note, Old Fashioned is supposed to run today (February 16th), but as of this moment I do not know the time or results.
My second pick? I have mentioned her before, Stardom Bound. She is turning in times that have just been awesome. It has been a LONG time since a girl bet the boys, though as noted above Eight Belles was there for a strong 2nd last year. I think that if she runs well between now and then the owners and trainers have to consider the derby as an option over the Kentucky Oaks. I think if they do not, it will be because of fear and pressure given to what happened to the filly last year. Me personally, I would like to see a girl get out there and romp the boys big time. Heck, wouldn’t it even be awesome of the next triple crown winner were a girl. It would really say something. Odds are iffy though if they will run her or stick with the more reserved option and point her to the oaks instead. I bet there are pools in Vegas that are about even in regards to running in which. If she runs I think she has a shot based on what she has done so far.
By the way, I have put money where my mouth is and have $10 on both of these guys in some of the preliminary betting pools that are available. Interestingly enough these two horses both have something else going for them when I can’t decide, as silly as it sounds, would nudge me in their favor. They are both grays and they were both born and breed in Kentucky.
