Derby? Oaks? I’ll Take Rachel

What a weekend! The Derby, the Oaks and a heaping handful of other graded stakes will create a cornucopia of racing delights for anyone that calls themselves a fan of Thoroughbred horse racing. In a two day stretch, Churchill Downs will sport no less than a dozen stakes races. Clearly there is no place better to be this Friday and Saturday, than a few miles off the banks of the Ohio River, and under the historic twin spires. Everyone knows the headliner. It is the Kentucky Derby, the Run for the Roses, the First Saturday in May. Quite simply it is the most famous race in the world for our equine stars. Its feminine counterpart, the Kentucky Oaks, plays a supporting role to the Derby with class, style, and historical significance. When a sophomore filly crosses the line in the Kentucky Oaks it cements her place in history. This year, Derby and Oaks aside, there is something else big brewing in Derby City. ***The remainder of today's column can be found on Youbet.com*** Click Here

Should She Oaks or Should She Derby?

The Devil is down in Kentucky, she is looking for a classic to win…but which classic? Devil May Care, my personal top pick for the Kentucky Oaks, is also being considered for the Kentucky Derby according to trainer Todd Pletcher. As the horse I am looking forward most to seeing in the Oaks, the news was a little disappointing.  But with the recent successes, against the boys in our classics, of Rags to Riches, Rachel Alexandra, and Zenyatta, it should come as no surprise. The daughter of Malibu Moon will be evaluated by Pletcher in the coming days, and then he and owner John Greathouse of Glencrest Farm will make the decision. This big decision raises many questions. Ultimately who makes the final decision on where she runs? Usually that is the owner, but not always. If it is Greathouse, does he value a good shot in the Oaks more than a much bigger roll of the dice in the Derby? I could not blame him if he wished to take the ultimate plunge and go for the gusto on Saturday. If it is Pletcher who decides, does he want to pass on a good shot in the Oaks, and a very possible win in both races, to give himself one more bullet in an already loaded arsenal for an elusive Kentucky Derby win? Devil May Care could raise Pletcher’s entrants to the staggering number of seven, including certain favorite Eskendereya, but she would be his only runner in the Oaks. It would seem that depending on who makes the decision, the answer could be different. Just how good is the filly, Devil May Care? This question will be a lot easier to answer in a week or so, but I think she may be worth all this talk. Devil May Care had enough class to win the prestigious, Grade 1 Frizette Stakes last Fall. What made the win especially noteworthy was that she was making only her second lifetime start. After two losses with big excuses in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies and the Silverbulletday Stakes, she bounced back with an eye catching score in the Bonnie Miss Stakes in her last start. She appeared a bit green in that win, as if she is still learning. Her third race of the year, whether it be the Derby or the Oaks, may be the race Pletcher has her really ready to roll. Will she appreciate the extra distance found in the Derby? Pletcher maintains that one of the main reasons he and the owner are thinking Derby is because of the longer distance. From the very beginning, Pletcher has said Devil May Care wants to run all day. He was certainly right about Rags to Riches wanting a distance, and what better chance to prove his belief than in the Kentucky Derby. Another question would be who would ride her.  If she were to enter the Derby, I have strong suspicion that she would need a new rider. John Velazquez already has a fair horse to ride in Eskendereya. Is this a factor in the decision making? And finally, if she were my filly what would I do? The answer may surprise you, I know it surprised me. As a fan, I want to see her run in and win the Kentucky Oaks, but as an owner, I honestly believe I would opt for the Derby. As I have mentioned, I consider her the horse to beat in the Oaks, and I would not have her in the top five (she would be in my top ten) of my Derby selections. That chance would be good enough, though. A chance at winning the Kentucky Derby is awfully hard to pass up…don’t you think?

My Morning Lines - Derby & Oaks 4/20

Kentucky Derby Eskendereya 5-2 Lookin At Lucky 5-1 Sidney's Candy 7-1 Endorsement 12-1 Super Saver 15-1 Ice Box 15-1 Awesome Act 20-1 Dublin 20-1 Mission Impazible 20-1 Noble's Promise 25-1 Line of David 25-1 American Lion 25-1 Rule 30-1 Stately Victor 30-1 Paddy O'Prado 30-1 Eightyfiveinafifty 30-1 Discreetly Mine 35-1 Dean's Kitten 35-1 Conveyance 35-1 Homeboykris 50-1 Kentucky Oaks Blind Luck 2-1 Devil May Care 5-1 Crisp 6-1 Evening Jewel 10-1 Amen Hallelujah 10-1 Quiet Temper 10-1 It's Tea Time 12-1 Tidal Pool 12-1 Jody Slew 20-1 Sassy Image 25-1 Ailalea 30-1 Beautician 30-1 Bella Diamante 40-1 Joanie's Catch 40-1

Derby Dozen & Oaks Eleven

Inside of three weeks now. Excitement is building. Will we have our first Triple Crown winner in 32 years? Will another Oaks winner use it as a springboard to the Preakness or Belmont? These questions and many more will be answered in the coming days. The most exciting two minutes in sports and its filly counterpart are almost upon us. The wait is almost over. If I sound excited, it’s because I am! Let’s get ready to get Down and Derby!!! Here is how I rate them less than 21 days from kickoff, Ladies first… 1 Devil May Care Back in top form; Pletcher has the horses to sweep the Oaks and the Derby. 2 Blind Luck I thought she was the best of the juvenile fillies, she’s still the one every horse has to beat. ***The remainder of today's column can be found on Youbet.com*** Click Here