April 25, 2009

Happy Derby 135 Week

I know it's not quite Monday, but I'm kicking off the show a little early this year due to an imposing travel schedule -- more on that later.

Let me start by reporting that the Quality Road camp is still optimistic after this morning's jog around the track that produced a trace of blood from the quarter crack, but no soreness or swelling. He is still scheduled for an official workout Monday morning.

Folks, let's not kid ourselves. Kentucky Derby 135 is all about revenge. And I'm not talking about I Want Revenge, rather revenge of the sires of this year's crop to make up for past Derby's lost. Speaking of I Want Revenge, his sire - Stephen Got Even - ran a laughable 14th as the "danger horse" in the '99 Derby (Charismatic). Pioneer of the Nile's sire - Empire Maker - was the beaten favorite in '03 (Funny Cide). Another beaten favorite in '96 (won by Grindstone), Unbridled's Song sends out Dunkirk in hopes of redeeming his off-the-board finish, while Mine That Bird tries to best Birdstone's 2001 (Monarchos) 8th place finish.

On the other hand, a few horses are trying to pull off the father-son double as Win Willy hopes to follow in Monarchos'(01) shoes and Flying Private likewise of Fusaichi Pegasus (2000). Furthermore, Elusive Quality hopes to sire his second winner in Quality Road to join brother Smarty Jones (04).

Most of you know that I've never witnessed The Derby in person -- waiting to have my very own horse entered in The Derby to go in style if/when that ever may happen! But this year I have decided to at least spend a couple of days in Louisville leading up to The Derby for live blogging from the backstretch. Since I have to be in Memphis for a work trip this week, I realized Louisville wasn't that far away, so what the hell! While I'm there, I will also be able to see my favorite filly - Rachel Alexandra - go for the win in the Kentucky Oaks on Friday's card.

Here is a very helpful site to watch race replays and evaluate the talent for Saturday's big race: http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2009/racing-information/

Trivia questions can be found in the left margin... please participate since no one can tell if you are right or wrong with your response. And feedback and comments are always encouraged... Talk Derby to me!

E

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