It's May, it's the first Saturday, that means it's Kentucky Derby Day.
Don't think we'll see a Triple Crown winner this year, but let's start things off assessing the Derby field and making our picks.
First the emotion picks: Twice the Appeal has Calvin Borell. I love this man. The horse would be a huge long shot without him, but NEVER count out Calvin on this track. Pants on Fire has the only female jockey. Mucho Macho Man's trainer has overcome a ton of health scares, 13 is her lucky number and she's got Post Position 13. Plus the horse is damn good. Midnight Interlude has the ever-popular Bob Baffert. I'd lose money, but I'd be happy with any of these winning.
I'll update as we go with info on all the horses, but for now, if you're thinking of betting consider Dialed In, the favorite, Twice the Appeal with Calvin Borell onboard, and Nehro, my pick as an underdog who may be peaking at the right time. And watch out for ArchArchArch - highest graded horse in several different betting systems.
ArchArchArch - look for him to tack back and make one move for the lead. If he gets it, he's gold.
Brilliant Speed - can go the distance but hasn't proven himself on dirt.
Twice the Appeal - not my choice because I don't think he can cut the distance, but if the race is slow, never rule out a win by Calvin. He's got the best jockey in the race.
Stay Thirsty - has the pedigree. If he's wearing blinders, forget him. If not, might be a nice long shot bet.
Decisive Moment - forget him.
Comma to the Top - will probably lead. For awhile, this race is too long for him.
Pants on Fire - another one who can't go this distance.
Dialed In - will lay back and close from behind. I'm suspect about the distance if the fractions are quick, but he's a fairly safe bet and deserves the favorite label.
Derby Kitten - I like this horse, but the worst beating he's taken has been his only race on dirt. Plenty of come from behind speed and should go this distance easily, but the track surface is a question mark.
Twinspired - Another horse who's been best on synthetics. Don't bother with this one.
Master of Hounds - No way.
Santiva - a possible dark horse.
Mucho Macho Man - watch out for this big boy. He's got everything but distance in his pedigree. And he's huge. Put him in exotic bets you place.
Shackleford - This horse could mess up the entire betting pool. Watch him.
Midnight Interlude - Another of my favorites. He's got it all except a dirt pedigree. And he proved himself with a win on his only dirt race.
Animal Kingdom - I'd favor him in the Belmont - stamina to burn. This horse can run all day and is a rating dream. I just don't know if he's fast enough.
Soldat - This colt has outrun his pedigree, so who knows. If he's off the pace, it's over for him.
Nehro - This is my pick to win. This colt will be well back and will close hard. I love him. Best colt going in a mediocre year for 3 year olds.
Watch Me Go - Bet that throw-away 20 bucks on this colt to win.
The National Anthem is being sung by Jordin Sparks, a past winner of American Idol. She's doing a fine job. The flag on display is the 9/11 flag.
The $100,000 ticket winner has bet the money on Mucho Macho Man. Last year's Dream ticket winner bet it all on Super Saver and won $900,000.
RIDERS UP.
A bunch of fast food restaurants are sponsoring this year's Derby. Sad. And now the playing of My Old Kentucky Home. The singing sucks, the hats are bad, and the horses look great. Omg, the singing really sucks.
ArchArchArch - looks sharp and in EXCELLENT shape.
Brilliant Speed - Meh.
Twice the Appeal - Calm as his jockey.
Stay Thirsty - Small, has a great eye.
Decisive Moment - Nothing unusual or special.
Comma to the Top - Calm, not pretty gelding.
Pants on Fire - Looks sharp but not strong hindquarters.
Dialed In - Simply gorgeous, very calm.
Derby Kitten - Pretty and very muscled.
Twin Spired - This horse is GORGEOUS. Weak in the rear.
Master of Hounds - Didn't get a look.
Santiva - meh. Seems annoyed
Mucho Macho Man - No Big Brown, weak rear end, calm
Shackleford - Stunning and strong
Midnight Interlude - Very strong in the rear
Animal Kingdom - Long back, a tad antsy.
Soldat - Still sleeping.
Nehro - Wow. A machine.
Watch Me Go - meh.
Announcers are reporting many of the horses have been getting nervous. Due to crowds, etc.
ANIMAL KINGDOM WINS THE 2011 KENTUCKY DERBY.
My pick, Nehro, comes in second. Had the lead briefly, but got beat out. Shackleford lead almost the entire race but ran out of steam and finished fourth. Mucho Macho Man finishes in third.
ArchArchArch was pulled up. His saddle slipped - I don't believe it was an injury. It appears to be a minor injury, the horse calmly walked onto the trailer with no help and owners/trainer do not seem worried.
Updated by Miss Blue at Sat May 07, 2011 at 05:48 PM CDT
Thanks for joining me for the race. Look for a liveblog for the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes in the coming weeks.