2011 Kentucky Oaks & Kentucky Derby 137

 

 

Still struggling to get over your post-Rolex hangover?  Fill your void this weekend with the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby!  As everybody knows, the Derby is run every year on the First Saturday in May, also known as the Saturday After Rolex.  Preceding that Saturday is “Oaks Day,” the premier race for 3-year-old fillies.  Colts race for roses, fillies race for lillies. 

And guess what, EN?  Yours truly has a connection to one of the nation’s top fillies, running in the Kentucky Oaks- a Cinderella story, if you will.  I work on the farm where Daisy Devine was bred.  I was there when she was born, played with her as a baby, and prepped her for the yearling sales.  And now she’s earned her way into the Oaks.  I wish her connections all the best, and hope to see her in the winner’s circle! 

 

Daisy Devine, just hours old.                                              Daisy at 4 months of age
DaisyNewborn.jpg Daisy4months.jpg

 

For all your Derby and Oaks news, check out www.bloodhorse.com or www.thoroughbredtimes.com.  The Oaks will be broadcast on the Versus channel (run by NBC) from 5-6pm EST.  Actual post time is 5:45pm.  The Derby will be shown on NBC from 5-7pm EST, post time at 6:24pm. 

 

Obviously, Daisy is my sentimental pick in the Oaks.  Joyful Victory, however, is a super nice filly and deservedly the odds-on favorite.  Then there’s chef Bobby Flay’s filly, Her Smile, if your tummy wants to bet on a winner.

 

As far as the Derby goes?  It’s a wide-open race.  Uncle Mo, the undefeated 2-year-old champion, was everyone’s pick up until a few weeks ago, when he finished a deflated 3rd in the Wood Memorial.  He’s still a good horse, but a mysterious “gastrointestinal infection” could be a likely excuse for a sub-par performance.  Dialed-In, a lightly-raced but highly-regarded colt trained by Nick Zito is the morning-line Derby favorite at 4-1.  Archarcharch and Mucho Macho Man have feel-good owner/trainer stories.  Master of Hounds shipped over from England; he’s never raced on dirt, and he’s not too proven, but hey, let’s send him to the Derby anyway!  For sheer name purposes alone, I like Pants On Fire.  How can you not?

 

Regardless of who wins, it is always the most exciting two minutes in sports.  The entire country, and much of the world, will turn its eyes to Kentucky and the amazing Thoroughbred.  From the wild infield parties, to the celebrities on Millionaire’s Row, to all the little girls glued to their TV sets gawking at the gorgeous horses prancing their way to the track.  It’s the Derby, and there’s nothing else quite like it.  

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