Never too early for Kentucky Derby talk

BLUEJAYWAY

That first Saturday in May is getting closer. Contenders are still working their way through the prep races schedule. Bob Baffert,the villain to some, is loaded for bear with 8-9 contenders. With his Churchill Downs suspension in his rear view mirror,something that probably will be a motivating factor for him to win the KD, he is gearing up his barn. He will likely have 2 if not 3 entered if all charges stay healthy. If you are interested one can check with the futures betting pool display of current odds.
Too early for me to key in on a pick or two, but Baffert will figure in my considerations.
Any early opinions here?

Dave99B

I went last year (150th running). It was a bucket thing for me, and it was incredible. Wow....worth every nickel.
Yes, the Baffert angle will be interesting. I'll take a peek at the futures soon.

Dave

stevek

@BLUEJAYWAY said:
That first Saturday in May is getting closer. Contenders are still working their way through the prep races schedule. Bob Baffert,the villain to some, is loaded for bear with 8-9 contenders. With his Churchill Downs suspension in his rear view mirror,something that probably will be a motivating factor for him to win the KD, he is gearing up his barn. He will likely have 2 if not 3 entered if all charges stay healthy. If you are interested one can check with the futures betting pool display of current odds.
Too early for me to key in on a pick or two, but Baffert will figure in my considerations.
Any early opinions here?

My opinion is if ya like the Baffert horses, play the one with the longest odds. The one with the shortest odds is basically never going to be a good value, although of course it may still win.

BLUEJAYWAY

@Dave99B said:
I went last year (150th running). It was a bucket thing for me, and it was incredible. Wow....worth every nickel.
Yes, the Baffert angle will be interesting. I'll take a peek at the futures soon.

Dave

Great photo. How did the bets treat you?

Dave99B

@BLUEJAYWAY said:

@Dave99B said:
I went last year (150th running). It was a bucket thing for me, and it was incredible. Wow....worth every nickel.
Yes, the Baffert angle will be interesting. I'll take a peek at the futures soon.

Dave

Great photo. How did the bets treat you?

I missed the Derby itself (Sierra Leone), but I hit two earlier races, so it was close to a break even day. Honestly, it's hard to even focus. Too many things going on around you all day long. Sensory overload. It's one massive party. All the food and drinks are free, and I took full advantage of it. I'll definitely go back.

P.S. I've never seen so many beautiful women in one place at one time!

BLUEJAYWAY

Never been there. I am really looking forward to the media coverage and the day of the race TV analysts take on the Bob Baffert entries and his related past issue of his suspension.

BLUEJAYWAY

Big day for Derby preps SA Derby with 2 Baffert charges. Wood Memorial in NY. Baffert sends Rodriquez here as the favorite. Mike Smith up. Gave up his Santa Anita mounts for this race. He knows the track. Was in the NY circuit before going to California .Blue Grass at Keeneland. For most likely all running today this will be their final prep for the KD. Chance for all to qualify in the points system that determines whether they get in or not. Be interesting to see how Baffert fairs with his charges. Who do you like today and for the KD?

BLUEJAYWAY

Rodriquez won today at Aqueduct in NYC. Mike Smith aboard. Paid a nice $9.30 for the win. Smith's trip from California not a waste. The win should punch his ticket to the KD.

BLUEJAYWAY

Journalism wins the Santa Anita Derby putting away The 2 Bob Baffert charges easily. At one time Barnes and Citizen Bull were the talk of the Run For the Roses win.

BLUEJAYWAY

Blue Grass stakes yesterday, a KD prep was a thriller. Burnham Square came from 10 lengths out to win by a nose over pace setter East Avenue. Despite rank in post parade and much dirt kicked in his face he prevailed.
Will be keeping an eye on him as well as Rodriquez, Citizen Bull, Sandman, and Tiztastic. My play for the KD will come from this group.

stevek

You set the bar high last year with that remarkable, cold, long shot pick. I think it paid $49 or something.

I'm expecting a similar successful pick this time. 😉

BLUEJAYWAY

@stevek said:
You set the bar high last year with that remarkable, cold, long shot pick. I think it paid $49 or something.

I'm expecting a similar successful pick this time. 😉

Thanks. Those picks with those prices are far and few between. But with the KD and a 20 horse field there is a good chance one can tag one in this kind of race. Can't be shy about going longshot.

BLUEJAYWAY

The field has been set for 20 and has an also eligibles list so field will have 20 entrants ,devoid of any Derby Day defections,late scratches. Let's hope for a nice day and fast track so there are no excuses track condition wise.
One interesting aspect of a muddy,sloppy track. Owners very rarely will scratch their horse due to an off track. Even if the horse does not have a liking for that condition. Why? Ego and prestige. This IS the Derby after all. It is steeped in history. Many owners, and to a lesser extent trainers, feel this is the one race they want on their resume, preferably with a win or a good placing. It captures the attention of even the casual bettor. Also in the trades it offers Black Type. A dark type that will appear in the past performance lines. Helps in the breeding business to see black type. The breeding aspect is just as much a part of it as the race itself. In fact the race is a showcase for that industry. That's where the $$$ are made.
There you have it, why owners are just taken with the allure of this race. Besides it gives over 100,000 on site fans and numerous TV viewers a chance/reason to party.🍕🫕🍿🥤🧋🍸🍻🍹Mint julep's,bourbon straight anyone?

Estil

I can't believe this was never used as a theme/promo song for the Derby...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m9BObgOcng