Run for the Roses... It's Derbytime

[TwylaTwobits]

As a proud Kentuckian it pleases me to share the following links with you all. The first Saturday in May is the Kentucky Derby. And another horse will start it's bid to be the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.

Enjoy the song by Dan Fogelberg and know it still manages to bring a tear of pride to my eye.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdDwm3QIwfg

and check out the horses so far in contention to race.

http://www.kentuckyderby.com/contenders

[TwylaTwobits]

Only eleven horses have won the elusive Triple Crown. The grueling schedule of three races in 5 weeks at longer distances than most have run previously in their careers is probably the most difficult task any horse will face in his racing career. Affirmed in 1978 still remains the last Triple Crown winner. Sadly, the last Triple Crown winner left alive, Seattle Slew, passed away on May 7, 2002. Several horses have come close in recent years, winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness only to fail in the Belmont Stakes. Many thought Big Brown was a cinch to finally break the drought in 2008, but a bad hoof, and perhaps all the pressure to win, led to his debacle in the Belmont Stakes, pulling up in the turn and being eased while longshot Da'Tara won.


TRIPLE CROWN WINNERS
Year Name Jockey
1919 Sir Barton John Loftus
1930 Gallant Fox Earl Sande
1935 Omaha William Saunders
1937 War Admiral Charley Kurtsinger
1941 Whirlaway Eddie Arcaro
1943 Count Fleet John Longden
1946 Assault Warren Mehrtens
1948 Citation Eddie Arcaro
1973 Secretariat Ron Turcotte
1977 Seattle Slew Jean Cruguet
1978 Affirmed Steve Cauthen

As you can see it's a rarity, we've come close with War Emblem and Big Brown, many thought Barbaro would be the one and that was a sad ending for the racing world.

I would urge anyone that is thinking of making bets on the Derby to check out www.twinspires.com as soon as possible as it takes a bit to process first deposit, that is Churchill's actual site for betting. They have pretty much closed the Derby to other online betting sites.

I have to admit I'm a horse racing fanatic. I play on a playmoney site now that I don't really have the extra to bet but back when I was betting real money I hit an exacta that cost me $6 for $198 and change. There are several play sites where you can actually watch the races on streaming video. I went to the Oaks once and it was fabulous but I would much rather be in the comfort of my own home for the really big races. That way no one hears me scream when the announcer goes "And down the stretch they come" A video you might like...one of the most spectacular Derby's ever. It's why they call it the best two minutes in sports.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyqllleV6WA

[12voltman59]

I would sure love to see another Triple Crown winner---but it seems that in this era---for whatever reason--it is damn hard to get one!!

I love "horse season"--I didn't make it down this year to Lexington for the season at Keeneland that just wrapped up last week--it is fun to go to those races.

I don't go to horse races as much as I once did---my one set of grandparents--they loved to go the track--mostly to bet---but being a kid--I loved to just be at a horse track. It was kinda fun too, to give my grandma a few bucks so she could bet for me and it was really great when she gave me money back when I won!!!! Sometimes it was very good money when a longshot came in or I hit something like a Trifecta or Perfecta!!

It is too bad that horse racing is no longer as big a thing as it once was---I just heard this great program the other day about some little settlements that exist near the horse farms outside Lexington----they were settled by former slaves who came to be groomsman and such on the great horse estates in the Bluegrass.

This one gentleman they were interviewing--he was well up in years--talked about the funeral of one of the greatest horses in history---Man of War.

He was saying that something like between 10 and 20 thousand people attended the funeral of that horse and the funeral proceedings for this horse were broadcast all over the world.

It sure would be great to have another horse of that sort to emerge---it sure seemed that Barbero was going to be one--but then that horse met with the tragic accident at the Preakness and after all the attempts to save him--he had to be put down.

I have gone to a few Derby's too in the past--and they are great events. You certainly feel the tradition in Churchill Downs. Most people dress up nice---kinda nice to see the ladies in pretty dresses, their big hats and white gloves. The guys look sharp in nice blazers, well pressed slacks and nice shoes.

I eagerly anticipate the race each year--I hope its gonna be a nice day---it is so great when the day is sunny and warm but I think showers are forecast for the weekend. Lets hope they hold off for the race and the sun is shining.

I will be drinking a mint julep as the race takes place!! I am almost thinking--I may go to Riverdowns in Cincy and put some money down on some bets, watching the simulcast from Loo-a-Ville.

[jamiehue]

The ponys are my life it never gets old.Bafferts 2nd string looks ok.

[TwylaTwobits]

Yeah there are a lot of good horses this year, did you read what Baffert said that it was harder than ever to win a Derby nowadays, cause all the horses are good?

[TwylaTwobits]

Oaks tonight...all the fillies look good. Derby tomorrow so look up those mint julep recipes and stock up on bourbon and enjoy the racing. Gonna be a mudder though we are expecting six inches of rain tomorrow.

[12voltman59]

I will be at a horse track tomorrow to watch the Derby---I don't know what horse or horse I am betting on yet---but I will decide that tomorrow.

I really do hope that whatever horse wins tomorrow---goes on to win both the Preakness and the Belmont.

It would be great to have another Triple Crown winner.

[TwylaTwobits]

Yeah I'm hoping that too, Volty, but you know that a horse that's a great mudder might not do so well on dry tracks. We can only hope. Right now I'm looking hard at Conveyance, Dublin, Paddy O' Prado and Make Music for Me. We'll see how the odds boys call it day of race.

[csrakate]

You mean there are horses there? I just wanna wear one of those beautiful hats....LOL!!!

[TwylaTwobits]

You mean there are horses there? I just wanna wear one of those beautiful hats....LOL!!!

*gives kate the look* you do know all those pretty hats better have umbrellas attached for tomorrow.

People do go all out on Derby Day with hats, not sure where that tradition started, maybe as a way to identify your party in a crowd.

[12voltman59]

They had a story in my local paper this morning--there is one of those black "hat ladies" whose hats are in such demand---she is an official ladies hat seller at the Derby----there was some big "horsey" soiree in Louisville in the past few days---she said she wasn't invited but her hats were!

[Foxster5900]

I have to put in my two cents worth. It is my OPINION (and Im in Indy, not KY), but the KY Derby has gotten to the point where its almost like sex.....4-5 hours of build up for something thats over in 2 minutes :2cents:

[TwylaTwobits]

Fox, hon, if it's over in two minutes you need to work on that, well unless you are ready and rearing to go again right after

[TwylaTwobits]

Woot one hell of a race in the Oaks,vid is below, enjoy it was a beautiful day in KY for this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0JbQWgLjVY

[TwylaTwobits]

and it's Super Savor, out of the line of former KY derby winner Monarchos, let's just hope he's got enough to take Preakness and Belmont

[12voltman59]

You have to hand it to that jockey----he sure knows how to ride a horse!!!!

[TwylaTwobits]

Yep Calvin Borel, 3 times so far. He's gonna be good for a long time just like Pat Day and Willie Shoemaker

[darkeyes]

Me x hubbie and I used to go to the Derby at Epsom every year while we were together.. it was fun.. don't like horse racing particularly but I always enjoyed it.. and it was an excuse to kit myself out (as indeed was Cheltenham.. but thats another matter) at hubbie's expense.. never had a winner on the Derby (shows what I know) but did win a couple of minor races at the meetings over the years..

.. stayed up in London at big posh hotel and took in a show or 2.... an more shopping.. luffly..:bigrin: S'ok..didn skin the man... not completely.. 'e still has plenty dosh left... moren me will ev hav ne way..

..an almos forgot.. 'e wud nev take me 2 Royal Ascot wich wos a rite pain... wos desperate 2 glam mesel up for Ladies Day.. cudda reely pushed the boat out for that.. wudda cost 'im a rite bomb:bigrin:... instead.. lame excuse is 'e cudn get away... huh bloody lame indeed... :(

..but 'is bloody mum cud always go.. imagine.. dressin mutton up like lamb... shockin..:eek:

[JP1986UM]

Super Savor is not it. Ice Box was ready to hammer him at the 1 and 1/3 pole but the race at the Oaks is only 1.25, so he gets it. Nice race, but I don't think he's got what it takes to win it all.

He could take the Preakness in style but the Belmont was made for Ice Box it seems. Love to be wrong.

Smarty Jones was a super Horse and lost it at the last stride. I literally cried at that one. That horse had so much heart. Birdstone's owners....I don't recall if they ran him in the other two, but they were crap for running in only the Belmont if they didn't.

Smarty was a wonder horse. Killed me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWmsBW3fJz4

[TwylaTwobits]

I agree, JP, if the Derby had been just a bit longer...Icebox would have got him. We'll have to see how it plays out on a non muddy track. Just be nice to see another Triple Crown winner.

[JP1986UM]

Are you looking forward to the Secretariat Movie coming out in October?

I know I am. Every time I watch that horse in the Belmont....tears. Just tears.

people can't really understand unless they were raised around them or have them and I have both.

Such incredible animals, power, grace, beauty, and a gentleness that is so unbelievable.

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/news/story?id=4542322

[TwylaTwobits]

Yes I am, Secretariat...my god that was one hell of a race in the Belmont. All the other horses were in their own race just for second.