Bits and Pieces

Before I jump into more Derby and Oaks thoughts, I would like to pass on some exciting news happening here at ZATT headquarters… ZATT the Magazine is ready to launch! A personal dream of mine is just days away from becoming reality. The online magazine will launch this Friday morning at http://www.zattmag.com/. Look for many of the features you have come to expect on this blog, as well as much, much more. Special thanks to Issue #1 contributors: Steve Haskin, Bill Pressey, Ciaran De Barra, Claire Novak, Kate Hunter, Kerry Thomas, Sid Fernando, Marti McGinnis, Eric Kalet, Marti Guzman, Cecilia G. Felix, Jamie Newell, Patrick Sheehan and Sue Kawczynski. ZATT the Magazine promises to be bigger and better than I have ever done before, and it truly is “For the Love of Thoroughbred Horse Racing!” I am honored to announce that I have been named the Thoroughbred Racing in New York (TRNY) Member of the Week. This is a sensational Facebook group run by the most creative man in the business, Ernie Munick. As Member of the Week, I was able to write a piece on how I fell in love with horses and racing. I plan to publish the piece on ZATT soon, but in the meantime, please check it out at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8466519122#!/topic.php?uid=8466519122&topic=19510 If you are not yet a Facebook member or a TRNY member, join up, it is most worthwhile. ZATT on the radio - I will be previewing Churchill’s huge weekend, Derby et al, on Steve Borstein’s daily sports show. The show airs live from Steve’s studios in Farmington, NM... home of Chip Woolley, trainer of Mine That Bird. It can be found live on this website http://www.foxsports1340.com/. Click on the "listen live" button on the center of the home page .... the show is called "First Sports with Steve Bortstein." My time slot is scheduled to be Friday, Oaks Day, at 9:30am EST. It is a live show, so be sure to tune in Friday morning! OK! Now back to business… One of my favorite, if not my favorite, bets of the year is the Oaks-Derby Double. Derby action can begin early and what better way to begin, than starting your bet off with a win in the Kentucky Oaks. I have had some big scores with this bet in the past, and once again, I am looking for a solid payoff this year. At the time of this writing, Devil May Care is still possible for either race, but I am guessing that the Derby will be the choice. So with that in mind and barring any last minute changes, here is my Oaks-Derby play: Kentucky Oaks (2) - Blind Luck (the favorite, but a must play) and It’s Tea Time (a quickly developing Dynaformer filly with some nice odds.) Kentucky Derby (7) - Awesome Act (my top play with the odds), Lookin at Lucky (the one to beat), Endorsement (the now horse), Devil May Care (the filly has a shot), Mission Impazible (might be ready to peak), Super Saver (Borel on a Churchill horse…beware), Sidney’s Candy (not sure, but he might be this good), There you have it…14 combinations with many of them likely to pay well into the triple digits. Good luck!