Kentucky Derby

[Brother_Vol]

I'm surprised there isn't a thread up here already (sorry if I missed it... or am putting this in the wrong place)

I need some inside info from folks that might actually know what they are talking about! What horse is the favorite? Which one is a good dark horse pick? How do you make a mint julep??

The blue lady and I are throwing a Derby party on Saturday and I'm really excited about it! She wants to take me to Keeneland sometime but this will do for now. I think I do have the clothes covered though. Spent a whopping $11 at the thrift store on my new duds!

Anyway, I'm excited and just wondering if anyone here will be there or has a sure lock of a bet for me :P

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know how many, if any, hardcore horse racing fans there are that post on WCN. As for myself, I've never taken much interest in horse racing.

[Brother_Vol]

I've never taken much interest either but it sounds like a fine excuse for some day time bourbon consumption!

[Matt Dillon]

There you go.

[KevinHall]

I know nothing about the horses this year or who the favorite is or anything. I watch it every year mainly as a tradition. Its just the thing to do this time of year. I watch the three Triple Crown races and thats the season for me. Horse Racing and Boxing are two sports that have completely dropped off the sports map during my lifetime. There just seems to be no interest in these sports on a national level anymore.

[Brother_Vol]

I agree that they have both dropped off Kevin, especially boxing. Coincidentally enough though, the most popular horse race and the biggest prize fight I can remember since I was a kid are going to happen on the same day on Saturday. I've never purchased a PPV fight before but I might try to talk some people into splitting it with me on Saturday night. I'll just make a full day of watching obscure sports that I don't know anything about! I'll just have to make sure the ming juleps aren't too mean so I make it to the fight

[KevinHall]

I agree that they have both dropped off Kevin, especially boxing. Coincidentally enough though, the most popular horse race and the biggest prize fight I can remember since I was a kid are going to happen on the same day on Saturday. I've never purchased a PPV fight before but I might try to talk some people into splitting it with me on Saturday night. I'll just make a full day of watching obscure sports that I don't know anything about! I'll just have to make sure the ming juleps aren't too mean so I make it to the fight

Never watch boxing anymore. It just got too corrupt with people like Arum and King hanging around it. I sure would't pay the prices on these PPV events like the one on Saturday.

[Brother_Vol]

Never watch boxing anymore. It just got too corrupt with people like Arum and King hanging around it. I sure would't pay the prices on these PPV events like the one on Saturday.

Yeah it is outrageous how much the PPV's cost. The only way I'd do it is if I can get enough people to chip in. It's crazy that they can charge $100 for a fight that really should have happened 4-5 years ago..

[surveyor]

The field this year is probably the deepest in the Derby in years. The early favorites are American Pharaoh and Dortmund. Both are Baffert trained horses. Many racing experts have stated American Pharaoh is the best horse they've seen at CD in 30 years. One guy compared him to Michael Jordan as a rookie in that he seems to just glide across the track and doesn't appear to be going as fast as his times indicate.

Carpe Diem would be a decent pick at 8-1, but the odds will likely continue to plummet as it's becoming a popular pick with the bettors. I don't know that Carpe Diem can survive the number 2 gate near the rail.
International Star takes off from the 11th slot at 20-1 odds. Decent post position and a chance for a Pletcher trained horse to make the top 3. Far right would be a horse I'd include in a box or at least bet across the board. 30-1 odds with 2 wins this year and finished second behind American Pharaoh in the Arkansas Derby. However, his gate draw was true to his moniker - he starts from gate 20.

I have a love/hate relationship with horse racing. Love it because of the atmosphere and the athleticism of the horses. Hate it because the inbreeding perpetuates the risk of breakdowns.
I like going out to CD during night racing or Saturday racing, but don't care for the Derby crowds.

Have fun with your party! Looks like you'll have a fantastic weekend for it.

[Spiritof96]

I have a love/hate relationship with horse racing. Love it because of the atmosphere and the athleticism of the horses. Hate it because the inbreeding perpetuates the risk of breakdowns.

This x 1000 for me.

Good review of the field.

[Brother_Vol]

Thanks for the info, surveyor! And it is going to be a great day! I'm really excited about it. Can't wait to get out of work!

And I hear you to the point about inbreeding. I talked to a friend about this yesterday who is a horse person. She explained some pretty awful sounding stuff about the process as far as some mistreatment and what happens to horses that don't win and how they are raised. She did also say that high ranking horses like these are treated like kings and queens. That made me feel a little better but it just goes to show you how terrible people can be

[boomdaddy]

I really love horse racing. I make it to Keeneland about 6 to 10 times a year. I always go to the track and get my bets in on derby day. I always bet exotics. I mostly lose. But, if I win, it can be a significant amount, because of the odds.

I usually bet trifecta and superfectas. Never expect to win. I have had to declare winnings on my taxes on several occasions, but am very far from being an expert.

Car racing is something I can not stand and don't get the appeal. Would rather watch a fat dog fart than watch cars go around the track.

[Matt Dillon]

Car racing is something I can not stand and don't get the appeal. Would rather watch a fat dog fart than watch cars go around the track.

Perhaps, if you haven't already done so, you should check out NHRA (drag racing). They drive in a straight line, and in three or four seconds, you know who the winner is.

[surveyor]

If I were well off enough to retire now (or won the lottery) I'd probably spend 2-3 days a week at the track - even if I didn't bet anymore than I do now. I've bet exotics more in the past couple of years than I ever did in the past. Usually, I'd pick a couple of horses to win and maybe 10 or 15:1 horse across the board.

Speaking of Keeneland, boomdaddy, I've only been there once, but I loved the atmosphere there, too. Keeneland has a look and feel to it like it could be a California track, particularly with the architecture of the building adjacent to the paddock area.

[Spiritof96]

Thanks for the info, surveyor! And it is going to be a great day! I'm really excited about it. Can't wait to get out of work!

And I hear you to the point about inbreeding. I talked to a friend about this yesterday who is a horse person. She explained some pretty awful sounding stuff about the process as far as some mistreatment and what happens to horses that don't win and how they are raised. She did also say that high ranking horses like these are treated like kings and queens. That made me feel a little better but it just goes to show you how terrible people can be

Stakes winners are well treated so long as they have breeding value. When they lose that value they are as likely to be turned into dog food or steaks in Japan as to retire with grace and dignity.

I really love horse racing. I make it to Keeneland about 6 to 10 times a year. I always go to the track and get my bets in on derby day. I always bet exotics. I mostly lose. But, if I win, it can be a significant amount, because of the odds.

I usually bet trifecta and superfectas. Never expect to win. I have had to declare winnings on my taxes on several occasions, but am very far from being an expert.

Car racing is something I can not stand and don't get the appeal. Would rather watch a fat dog fart than watch cars go around the track.

I get the appeal of auto racing; but that line is hilarious...