Kentucky Derby anyone?

[ZephyrHawk]

And here is my annual attempt to find like-minded, horse-racing enthusiasts on the Disboards. It's been a love affair for me since I was 10.

Nine days left to handicap (well, 8 days for the Oaks), any picks?

 

[breezy1077]

Haven't researched it yet, but I loooove the derby. for me it really is the most exciting 2 min. in sports .

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

Louisville born & bred here. Never been to the Derby; I'm not getting in THAT mess; however, we DO watch it every year with friends!!

 

[breezy1077]

How do you make your picks? I know it's going to sound goofy but...

I watch the horses as they parade to the starting gate.

I look for a well-rounded rump and perky ears. I usually get lucky.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

Yay! Responders!

for me it really is the most exciting 2 min. in sports .

Definitely agree with you there. I have a book I'm fond of which is all about the breeding aspects of thoroughbred racing or, as the book calls it, the most exciting 30 seconds in sports.

Louisville born & bred here. Never been to the Derby; I'm not getting in THAT mess; however, we DO watch it every year with friends!!

I'd love to actually go to the Derby some year, even if I have to brave the infield. I have been to the Breeder's Cup twice.

How do you make your picks? I know it's going to sound goofy but...

I watch the horses as they parade to the starting gate.

I look for a well-rounded rump and perky ears. I usually get lucky.

Well, the way the horse looks in the parade is important, but that's something I pay more attention to when I'm actually at the races (a rarity). I don't think you can really get the full picture of how the horse looks via satellite. Basically, I look at past performances as the strongest indicators of quality. I like to see a horse that has won something in the previous few weeks, and which had a good last race (finishing in the money). I also consider the other horses in the race and attempt to imagine how, given their prior running styles, the race will actually play out. Will there be a fast pace that sets things up well for a confirmed late closer? Is that closer in a good starting position or is he likely to get bogged down against the rail?

I also do take breeding into account, and I put more emphasis on the female family than most people probably do. I also like a horse who's had a good quick work right before a big race, but that's been biting me on the tail recently.

This year I like Pyro, Z Fortune, Colonel John, and Court Vision (though those picks may change once we get the post positions figured out). In the Oaks I love Bsharpsonata.

 

[Cogswel_Cogs]

I cry when I hear MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME.

Then I cry when I tear up my ticket.

 

[breezy1077]

Does anyone make any goodies for a derby party. My granddad used to make mint juleps, but I don't like them. If I host a derby party I usually make it a cinco de mayo combo - derby themed with mexican food . What do y'all do for derby day?

 

[mikehn]

Being from Maryland, we get pretty excited about the Derby, since we host the second leg of the triple crown.

 

[hiwaygal]

I responded to your thread last year I think...and made a fool out of myself when I said I liked some 7 year old horse!

We haven't been keeping track of the horses...but we'll definitely be watching!

 

[Linzybrooke]

I will definitely be watching, have watched it since I was little. Can't wait!

 

[Cass]

I look for a well-rounded rump and perky ears. I usually get lucky.

That's cute

 

[Lintasare]

Can you post a list of who is in the running? I usually go by names.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

Does anyone make any goodies for a derby party. My granddad used to make mint juleps, but I don't like them. If I host a derby party I usually make it a cinco de mayo combo - derby themed with mexican food . What do y'all do for derby day?

Well, I do make mint juleps every year, though it took me several years to find a recipe that was palatable (note, high quality bourbon is a must). One year I made mint julep ice cream, which was good but a hassel. Otherwise, I tend to make the same sort of muchies as I would for any other party. This year, I'm using the Derby party as a trial for making appetizers for my mother's 60th birthday/retirement party. So we'll be having rumaki and crab stuffed mushrooms. And something else I haven't decided on just yet.

Can you post a list of who is in the running? I usually go by names.

Technically, no. We will not be sure who is running until next week. Only 20 horses are allowed in the starting gate. Several horses which have the graded earnings required to get in may decide not to enter (notably Proud Spell, a filly ranked #2 on the graded earnings list). This would leave room for horses on the "Derby bubble" to get in. However, here's the top 25 most likely entrants in order of graded earnings:

1. Pyro
2. Proud Spell (f)
3. Tale of Ekati
4. Colonel John
5. Gayego
6. Big Brown
7. Z Humor
8. Monba
9. Court Vision
10. Z Fortune
11. Adriano
12. Recapturetheglory
13. Smooth Air
14. Cool Coal Man
15. Anak Nakal
16. Eight Belles (f)
17. Cowboy Cal
18. Behindatthebar
19. Visionaire
20. Big Truck
21. Bob Black Jack
22. Denis of Cork
23. Halo Najib
24. Indian Sun
25. Tomcito

 

[D&R love Disney]

We usually have a Derby party at the barn. Friends are going this year, I've yet to get there. I'm kind of liking Big Brown but it's a wide open field this year.

 

[Bearvet]

I was a horse-crazy kid who grew up in western New York - I'll never forget watching Secretariat on TV!! I went to Ohio State for college and joined the pre-vet club, who sponsored a trip to the Kentucky Derby for only $10. It was my dream come true!

Well, DH (who joined the pre-vet club just to go on the trip) and I met on the bus from Columbus to Louisville - this was 1980! We were married in 1984 and I'm pleased to say we're still married - so the Derby has extra meaning for us!

BTW the trip for $10 was such a deal - bus ride, 1 night in a hotel, admission to the infield and 1 meal! We went back the next year on our own too. The infield is a crazy place but we had a blast!

 

[gymboqueenkaylee]

BIG Derby fans here. I do not go to the Derby much but we are avid Derby Party goer's every year!! I am soo excited the parties are only 1 wk away!

 

[breezy1077]

Well, I do make mint juleps every year, though it took me several years to find a recipe that was palatable (note, high quality bourbon is a must). One year I made mint julep ice cream, which was good but a hassel. Otherwise, I tend to make the same sort of muchies as I would for any other party. This year, I'm using the Derby party as a trial for making appetizers for my mother's 60th birthday/retirement party. So we'll be having rumaki and crab stuffed mushrooms. And something else I haven't decided on just yet.




Technically, no. We will not be sure who is running until next week. Only 20 horses are allowed in the starting gate. Several horses which have the graded earnings required to get in may decide not to enter (notably Proud Spell, a filly ranked #2 on the graded earnings list). This would leave room for horses on the "Derby bubble" to get in. However, here's the top 25 most likely entrants in order of graded earnings:

1. Pyro
2. Proud Spell (f)
3. Tale of Ekati
4. Colonel John
5. Gayego
6. Big Brown
7. Z Humor
8. Monba
9. Court Vision
10. Z Fortune
11. Adriano
12. Recapturetheglory
13. Smooth Air
14. Cool Coal Man
15. Anak Nakal
16. Eight Belles (f)
17. Cowboy Cal
18. Behindatthebar
19. Visionaire
20. Big Truck
21. Bob Black Jack
22. Denis of Cork
23. Halo Najib
24. Indian Sun
25. Tomcito

Who's supposed to be top contender?

 

[ZephyrHawk]

Who's supposed to be top contender?

Oh, that's just asking for a looooong explanation. This year, there do not appear to be any specific standouts. Let me sum up: the three top favorites are likely to be Big Brown, Colonel John and Pyro.

I was a horse-crazy kid who grew up in western New York - I'll never forget watching Secretariat on TV!! I went to Ohio State for college and joined the pre-vet club, who sponsored a trip to the Kentucky Derby for only $10. It was my dream come true!

I am torn between jealousy that you were around an conscious in 1973 and pity for your choice in alma mater. I was born in 1979...so I've never seen a Triple Crown Winner (it's my curse). I was also bred to bleed maize and blue.

 

[breezy1077]

Oh, that's just asking for a looooong explanation. This year, there do not appear to be any specific standouts. Let me sum up: the three top favorites are likely to be Big Brown, Colonel John and Pyro.



I am torn between jealousy that you were around an conscious in 1973 and pity for your choice in alma mater. I was born in 1979...so I've never seen a Triple Crown Winner (it's my curse). I was also bred to bleed maize and blue.

Oh we're soooo not going there .

O-H...!!!!

 

[Deb in IA]

Who's supposed to be top contender?

I haven't heard too much about the horses this year, but here are several articles sizing up the likely Derby field.


I too, am a Louisville gal - born and lived there until I was 1 1/2, when we moved to Clarksville, where my folks still live, so we visit often. Have been to Churchill Downs on many occasions, but never on Derby Day - not rich enough to afford the seats, and not rowdy enough for the infield!

By the way, I'm so upset about those ugly towers they built - they detract SOOO MUCH from the fames Twin Spires - I cringe everytime I see those wretched things.

As for Secretariat, yes, I remember him well. The sight of him winning by 31 lengths at the Belmont is something I will never forget - and will never see the likes of again. It was one of those "remember exactly where you were and what you were doing" moments for me.