Mint Juleps with Mucho Macho Man

Thursday of Derby week in my household means one thing -- securing enough mint to begin the maturation process of my secret syrup base to be used in Saturday’s mint juleps. Once I smell that fresh mint on my fingers, it’s yet another enforcement that The Derby is indeed within 48 hours of actually happening! Did I mention this is my favorite week of the year? My friends and family think my fascination with The Derby was fate since my birthday occurs on the day the first Kentucky Derby was ever run on May 17th way back in 1875 when Aristides’ name became revered in Derby lore.

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On the Derby Trail...

As February arrives so too does the concentration of major Derby preps. February 7th welcomes the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds and the Robert S. Lewis Stakes (formerly run as Santa Catalina Stakes) at Santa Anita, where highly regarded Pioneerof the Nile will be favored. Two other top 10 sophomores will square off in the Risen Star in Giant Oak and Friesan Fire. My own due diligence begins on President's Day at Oaklawn Park for the Southwest Stakes mile, where Remsen winner Old Fashioned appears to be the chalk after the defection of Breeders' Cup Juvenile runner-up Square Eddie. The Grade II San Vicente from Santa Anita will also be run on February 16th

Speaking of the Derby Trail, I have also mapped out my travel schedule which will include stops at Oaklawn Park (Southwest & AR Derby), Fair Grounds (LA Derby) and Gulfstream Park (FL Derby) in 2009. Now that we have some racing to talk about, I'll resume bi-weekly updates leading up to the week of The Kentucky Derby (May 2).

Good luck at the windows!
Eric