Showing posts with label Kentucky Derby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kentucky Derby. Show all posts

Friday, May 6, 2011

The Few, The Proud, The Derby Contenders



The Kentucky Stampede is more confusing than a military debrief from the Obama Administration. All that can be guaranteed in the end is that there will be a lot of excitement and someone fighting in the trenches is coming out a hero.

Prognosticating any horse race means sifting out the boot camp flunkouts from the Navy SEAL Team 6s.

Peering in from my Situation Room, here is who I see as the elite:

- Archarcharch - He could be the strongest soldier in the bunch. Unfortunately, being the strongest, sometimes you are placed in uncomfortable positions, meaning you will not see the glory. Archarcharch is in a similar position running from post one. He will really need to grind it out to become America's focus.
- Dialed In - He is the pretty boy, all-state quarterback turned soldier. He will let everyone else do the dirty work and come in at the end to clean it up and take the credit. Look for him to try and make a long move to steal the praise and eventually the girls.
- Pants on Fire - the gritty old vet. Has the most experience in the bunch, but will that be what takes him to the front of field to pop a cap in this race?
- Soldat - He is a specialist. He has the talent to produce on the field of battle, but in the right sloppy environment, look for him in the limelight.
- Nehro - He is another one that wants to sweep in at the end. He has played the second fiddle to other players. Now he wants to take command and take the money shot.
- Animal Kingdom and Twinspired - might be the assassins that nobody sees. They train well and when the opportunity strikes, they may take it.
- Mucho Macho Man - young guy with the talent. Might not know any better and take this from the other members of the squad.

After the smoke has cleared, pictures have been taken and everyone is waiting to see the replay, the one that hit America’s number one target will be Mucho Macho Man. I really want to take Archarcharch here, but he is going to take a hit when the propellers crash into him at the starting gate. Also, look for camouflaged Soldat if conditions are muddy.

Betting strategy: Skip the exotics. Make your best educated guess, commit, and hope he is in the bunker, I mean reaches the finish line. Mine are Mucho Macho Man (13) and Archarcharch (1).

- posted by CR Dunbar




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Friday, April 30, 2010

CR Dunbar's Annual Kentucky Derby Preview


I went to Vegas for the NCAA tournament. I watched college basketball for hours on end. I bet single games, parlays, over/unders, the whole sha-bang of sports betting. In the end, I broke about even and felt like I wasted days in Vegas (Houston sucks).

One day, during the first and second quarters of the new block of games, I wandered over to the horse racing section. During the Florida Derby, I put $4 down on an exacta with one horse keyed to win and two others underneath. I wanted to save $2, so I didn't box all three.

Of course, the three horses that I picked went 1-2-3, but the horse I needed to be in first came in third. I now had a $4 piece of scrap paper. If I had not tried to save $2 in Vegas, I would have won $200.

What am I trying to convey in this deeply personal story? Horse racing is where the action is. $2, $4, $6 is all you need to hit a month's paycheck in 2 minutes, and there are no better odds than the Kentucky Derby.

With 20 horses in this crap shoot, you have every chance to hit big on simple bets. The two favorites in the race, Sidney's Candy and Lookin at Lucky, just drew the worst post positions in the race. With horses as diverse as the women in a Vegas burlesque show, we need to try and find the standout with the big knockers and not the disappointment that is hiding under makeup.


For the sake of brevity, this is how I see it and who I like:

Plenty of speed has scratched from the race. You are going to see Line of David, Conveyance and Sidney's Candy gunning from the start trying to break from the pack. Ice Box, Stately Victor and Dean's Kitten are going to stay back and wait to close. All the others are going to be crowded in a pack like a hot craps table.
  • Lookin at Lucky (1) - would have bet him if he didn't get the 1 post.
  • Ice Box (2) - best closer of the bunch, coming off a long reprieve, one of the horses that should have boxed in Vegas.
  • Super Saver (4) - Increasing speed figures, Arkansas Derby was slow. Look at who is the rider, the ragin' cajun Borel who is on a Derby hot streak.
  • American Lion (7) - In a strong post at the 7, average speed figures might be all you need if you have a clean trip and press the lead, likes the dirt.
  • Jackson Bend (13) - been playing second fiddle all year to favorite that has since scratched.
  • Awesome Act (16) - Was great two races back, bad stumble last race, could end up being the wise-guy horse.
  • Sidney's Candy (20) - synthetic to dirt surface transition has been going well for others, why not him? 20 spot not as bad as 1 spot, ask Big Brown.
My winning bet is on Super Saver. He is improving, should go at a good price, he knows the track and Calvin Borel is turning into a little good luck Buddha that you put on your cards at the poker table.

My exacta, trifecta and super will be a mix of Super Savor, Awesome Act, American Lion, Ice Box, Sidney's Candy.

Pit boss has me in a sideroom "encouraging" me to reveal my first-second-third: Super Savor (4), Ice Box (2), Sidney's Candy (20).

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Saturday, May 2, 2009

Rusty Reckons: The Full Range of Southern Experience


The first weekend in May has become an interesting day in the South. From the blue bloods and FFV's to the good ole boys and rednecks, nearly everyone circles this date on the calendar. The first Saturday of May is of course when the pinnacle of horse racing takes place, the Kentucky Derby. No doubt Rusty's co-horts here at HHR will be waxing poetic about the ponies in the bluegrass. Equally important at the other end of the spectrum for NASCAR fans is the race at Richmond. Located in the capital of the old Confederacy, RIR is one of the best and most popular tracks on the circuit.

RIR is a three quarter mile relatively flat tri-oval that makes for some amazing racing. Last week, fans saw cars screaming through over 30 degrees of banking topping 200 mph. This week, RIR presents barely 14 degrees of banking with speeds hitting around 150, but the racing will be no less exciting. The short track at RIR requires an ability to brake into the corner and then get good grip out. Turn 2 is where a lot of the action is, as the groove narrows getting out of the corner and onto the back stretch. It's also not the best place to sit, cause the cars hit the gas there, making the noise in the first few rows deafening (ask Mrs. Rusty if you don't believe me ).



There are three current drivers with 3 wins at Richmond, Stewart, Junior, and Jimmie. I expect to see them continue their success and they should be running near the front, Stewart especially. The driver of the #14 car has been on the cusp of getting his first win for his new team. Richmond might offer him his best shot. Tony typically warms up with the weather. Other drivers to watch include the shrub, hometown favorite Denny Hamlin (shout out to my fellow Chesterfield fella!), and defending race winner Clint Bowyer. While Kyle has yet to win at Richmond, he does have the best average finishing position at just under 7. Hamlin and Bowyer are 2nd and 3rd among active drivers respectively.



So, whether you are watching 20 some horses in Kentucky or over 37,000 in Virginia, it's going to be a fast and exciting weekend for race fans from all walks of life.

JR Prediction

He didn't win at 'Dega, but he sure as shoot came close. Now, he comes to his best track. Junior excells at the three quarter mile short track in Richmond. Last year, if it wasn't for the idiocy of the shrub, he'd would be leading all active drivers with four wins, but rubbin's racing. This week, I expect Junior to be back towards the front. He will lead some laps, a lot of them. Barring anymore unforeseen idiocy, he'll be in the hunt at the end. Last week was the start of something beautiful for the 88 team, and this week it continues.






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Friday, May 1, 2009

CR Dunbar's Kentucky Derby Preview

I'm headed to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby this weekend, and I'm as happy as T-Pain on a boat.



In preparation, I have studied the Past Performances over and over, sober and the opposite of sober.

The Kentucky Derby is the most difficult race to handicap. The shear volume of horses (20), the fact they are 3-year olds, never gone the distance and some going from synthetic to a dirt surface adds nuances that would cripple Stephen Hawking.

The best way to attack the derby is to divide and conquer.

Divide (into contenders)
  • I Want Revenge: will be the favorite, but can erratic jockey put it all together in the stampede?
  • Dunkirk: impressive, only three starts all this year
  • Friesan Fire: quality horse, faced tough competition, long layoff, good poll position.
  • Pioneer of the Nile: hasn't posted 100 Beyer figure, coming out of synthetic Santa Anita

Tier II
  • Papa Clem: held his own against tough competition, poor workouts leave concerns
  • Musket Man: questionable competition, but a winner
  • General Quarters: sentimental favorite, a fighter but streaky
  • Regal Ransom: could set the pace, but top tiers should be able to stalk

Conquer (Betting Strategy)

In the Kentucky Derby, the favorite should still have decent odds to win some cash. The conservative bet would be I Want Revenge to win. He has the talent to sweet talk this one into bed.

My sleeper horse is Papa Clem. He may be a mid-sleeper when betting is finished, but he's on an upward trajectory like Lady Gaga . Both could have glorious failures though.


I would advise against betting exotics in the Kentucky Derby, but it's the Kentucky Derby so endulge like you are on a boat. I would trifecta box I Want Revenge, Dunkirk and Fresian Fire.

Ultimate pick. The Louisville Courier-Journal's headline will read on Sunday: Dunkirk Dun Kicked Their Ass.

(Follow me live at the Derby on twitter trying to steal Hank Goldberg's piggy bank @HHReynolds)


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Friday, April 24, 2009

Dunbar presents: Derby Talking Points


Handicappers across the country are sending their good sweatpants to the dry cleaners. We are only one week away from the Kentucky Derby! (My restless leg syndrome is in hyperdrive).

Let's get to the talking points so you can stay in the "in" crowd a week longer:
  • Betting on I Want Revenge is like spending the night with Megan Fox. You'll either have the greatest time of your life or come away blank-faced, bruised and neutered.
  • I always appreciate a sporting event that encourages the consumption of hard liquor. Who wants shots!?
  • Did you watch Jockeys on Animal Planet? If Joe Talamo wins the derby, I might shart myself in a moment of tense anger.
  • It feels like my head is shrinking faster than Pistons pride studying these Beyer figures.
If these don't firmly establish you as the expert in horse racing, get plastic surgery because people don't respect you.


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Wednesday, April 22, 2009

CR Dunbar: Derby in the Air


Back in my glory grade school days, the spring smell in the air meant it was co-ed soccer season. Now a days, it means I will remain cooped up in my cubicle, but I get to fart around for a few minutes researching the Derby. Lucky for you, I have enough time to squeeze off another round of Kentucky Derby talking points.

  • Bob Baffert says he is back at the top of his game with Pioneerof the Nile. Interesting case of: you are only as good as the company you keep, as Bode Miller is no where to be seen.
  • I love the Derby. I get to hear what Jerry O'Connell has been up to for the past year.
  • Now is when we see owners place horses into the derby even though they have no worthwhile reason to be there, only a distraction. It's like the person fake dry humping a news reporter trying to get attention. Look mom, I'm at the Derby!





  • The horses coming off the synthetic surfaces will have the talking heads barking again this year. Synth causes more doubt on derby horses than US Weekly does for Jennifer Aniston's hope for love. (We're pulling for you, Jen)

Try one of these bad boys on your horse loving boss. He will probably give you a raise on the spot or invite you to watch the Derby at his place where you will both get drunk and he will touch you inappropriately which results in a raise anyway. Win-win.


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Friday, April 17, 2009

Getting down and Derby

The Kentucky Derby prep season for all intents and purposes comes to a close this weekend. That means it's time for another round of talking points to help those that have lacked study time the opportunity to join water cooler conversations with the cool guys and pick up your future ex-wife at the bar:

  • I Want Revenge is running hotter than Vanessa Hudgens in a sun dress. You're going to have to put him in your exotics, like I would put Hudgens in my exotic (make curve motions with hands and torso).
  • Old Fashioned blew out his knee and still came in second down in Arkansas, more balls than Garnett. Too bad it cost him the Derby, but at least he didn't give his boss a heart attack.
  • If the Derby was this weekend, and I was looking to hit it big, I would hit up Fresian Fire. He has a fire and itch in his loins more potent than Lindsey Lohan.
  • Papa Clem jumped on the scene with the win in Arkansas. But, I'm concerned about his ability to handle the Derby as much as I'm concerned for the co-eds at Florida International with Isiah patrolling the sidelines.

If one of these talking points succeeds in raising your stock at the office or gets you laid, please post in the comments section thanking HHR with the tone of an Old Spice Commercial.


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Tuesday, March 31, 2009

CR Dunbar: Missing You

Dear Sports,

There is no other way to say what I am feeling right now other than: I miss you.

I don't know what happened to tear us apart. It would be so much easier if we could point to a breaking moment where we did each other wrong so we can amend and heal this long lasting relationship. Sadly, it has been this way for two months now. Each giving the other the cold shoulder, and I am so frustrated that I finally need to say something.

I wish I could say with a genuine heart that "it's not you, it's me." Bluntly speaking though, you have not been supporting me. You have been serving me garbage every Sunday at lunch for the past month. I know you think Kobe is filling, but it puts me to sleep faster than turkey.

However, it troubles me to admit that most of the blame rests mightily around my neck. It is a burden I bear. I don't want to make excuses for the way I have been acting, but these things need to be said.

Work has been suffocating. It is probably the main reason that I have only seen your surface. I cannot not find time to see your inner beauty, get deep into your story.

And then there is family and her. She disrespects you, you can't seem to relate to her, and I am caught in the middle. You were looking good on Sunday, but I had to get out and spend time with the baby. But you knew that family was important to me going in. Without them, I might not have even met you and built this foundation.

Despite our shortcomings, I know we can make this work. We need to make it work or I will walk the streets empty, a man without a nation.

I feel the next few weeks are critical for us. It is always my favorite time of year because you spice things up. I am especially excited for our annual date on the first Saturday of May. I am preparing to make it special.

If I can't do that for you, maybe we need to consider a trial breakup for awhile.

Rest assured, I will not let that happen. I am determined to win you back and give you the commitment you deserve.

Missing you,
C.R. Dunbar


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Saturday, March 14, 2009

CR Dunbar: Kentucky Derby Crockpot Talking Points

In my job that actually pays, I need to conduct research at a microwave oven pace to be effective. One of the few times I get to slow roast something in the crockpot is preparing for the Kentucky Derby.

In case you want to drop some knowledge on some fools at work or pick up a honey at the local watering hole, I have prepared you with some talking points for this weekend about the upcoming Kentucky Derby from my crockpot:
  • Old Fashioned has looked legit, I usually don't like to go with the favorites this early, but he looks like Ivan Drago against pre-Russia Rocky.
  • Big preps for the Derby this weekend. I'm interested in seeing who comes out of the bayou (Louisiana).
  • Doesn't look like there will be any fillies this year at the Derby, the ghost of Eight Belles haunts Churchill.
  • Larry Jones is a hot trainer right now. I can't believe that ox rides his horses. I know I wouldn't want him on my back.

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Friday, May 2, 2008

Kentucky Derby: Fortune at the Crapshoot

Remember at the end of the movie Far & Away when all of the land prospectors are lining up for the gunshot start to claim their land. Nobody knows what’s going to happen except everybody will be running fast with a mob mentality. That’s this year’s Kentucky Derby.

Stocked with a full card of 20 horses, all of equal volition, the derby is a crapshoot and dangerous for prospectors (handicappers). Which means big money!

There will be plenty of value in the starting gates in a race where anything can happen. My advice is to find a horse you believe can win and bet big on him. Stay away from the exotics.

Here’s who I have my good eye on. (If you ever wondered what I meant by my good eye, see any picture of Christopher “Big Black” Boykin. He has the definition of a good and bad eye).

To win the Kentucky Derby you need to have hit a 100 beyer figure. That knocks down the field to 7 horses. Of those 7, one is a filly, another was from a sprint race, one only hit hundos as a 2 year old and another made a susceptible 80-102 point leap. Of the more legitimate 100s, two are in the 19 and 20 posts.

That leaves us with one Ben Franklin firing horse: Z Fortune.

Z Fortune has had a difficult time securing a spot in the derby. Every race he has had to battle 3,4 or 5 wide. Now, he has scored one of the prime post position (6-9 gates) and may have the necessary momentum after the gallant second place finish at the Arkansas Derby to squeak out a victory. The only problem is that he doesn’t have a Kentucky Derby winning name.

In a perfect world, I would be eating up some Gayego on Saturday, but the 19 post is a killer. The same could be said for Big Brown in the 20, but I cannot overlook the fact that he has only raced three times and the last time five weeks ago.

(I searched ego waffle, not Gayego, for this picture)

Do not forget Pyro. Pyro did exactly what I wanted him to do. Stink up the joint on his last prep. I’m still Davy Jones, a believer, of Pyro, and the Bluegrass only helped his odds. This horse has been gunning and preparing for the derby the entire 3 year old season. The Bluegrass was nothing to him. Plus, if Pyro and Z Fortune go one and two, we would have an Assman exacta

Remember to gamble kids! Post time is 6:04 p.m.

Ladies' Day at the Track: The Kentucky Oaks

It's Derby time again - that annual celebration in the city of Louisville where we blow off work for a couple days, drink way more than we should, and end up dirt-poor and severely hungover. In short, it's the best time of year to be a Louisvillian.

The actual running of the Derby isn't until tomorrow, but that won't stop more than 100,000 fans from filing into Churchill Downs today. Today is the running of the 134th Kentucky Oaks, a Grade 1 stakes race and the premier race for 3-year old fillies (girl horses, for those of you who need track-speak translation).

EIGHT BELLES (5/2 ML odds) is the favorite in the Oaks. She was slated to run in the Kentucky Derby as late as yesterday, but a late gambit by her training team has allowed her to squeeze in against a slightly smaller 12 horse field. BELLES has won her last four races, including two graded stakes entries. She is running from the far outside in the 12 spot, so she'll have a longer trip than the rest of the field.

PROUD SPELL has garnered a lot of local and national attention was the favorite until EIGHT BELLES came into the picture. PROUD SPELL enters the morning as a slight underdog (7/2) to BELLES, but not by much. In seven races in her lifetime, PROUD SPELL has never missed the money. She will contend today.

Running from the 6th position, COUNTRY STAR (4-1) should not be written off. She ran poorly in her last race out the Ashland G1 stakes at Keeneland, where she finished 7th against a field that will include 3 of her fellow competitors today. However, that race was run over Keeneland's notoriously-difficult-to-handicap polytrack surface, over which many good horses have run poorly in recent months. Just remember, COUNTRY STAR has won twice at the G1 level, proving she can run against the best competition.

If you're looking for a bomber to fill out a trifecta or superfecta, GOLDEN DOC A (12-1) out of the 1 shoot may be the horse to ring the cash register. Ridden by Kent Desormeaux, who is enjoying a career renaissance of sorts this year, GOLDEN DOC A has a history as a slow stalker and a fast closer. In a crowded bunch down the backstretch, GOLDEN DOC A has a good chance to crash the board.

PICKS: EIGHT BELLES (WIN); PROUD SPELL (PLACE); GOLDEN DOC A (SHOW); COUNTRY STAR.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Derby Day Approaches

Can you smell it? That quaffing aroma in the air is the smell of the Kentucky Derby. The mixture of horse sweat and manure brings a smile to my face.

My derby day will consist of going to the local racetrack early in the morning to make my bets, come home, start drinking, prepare for my derby party, watch some races on ESPN, drink some more, yell at the TV, coax people into drinking, make an off color remark about someone in the room, amuse myself in others’ discomfort, persuade people to gamble, ease up on the drinking by going to beer rather than liquor, start the grill, sloppily eat a burger, try to get people to drink more with me and then kick everyone out because I have to put the baby to sleep. I’m excited.

As I mentioned, the beginning part of the day consists of placing bets and coming home to watch the action. Rather than the standard handicapper that stays at the track, I watch my races on ESPN and NBC. If the broadcast is reminiscent of the Breeders Cup, watching the races will be a low point in the day.

During the Breeders Cup, the public had to suffer through hours of Kenny Mayne. Mayne has a place at the WWL, but being a major contributor to a four to five hour long broadcast is like a five beer beer-bong. The first bit is ok, but there is more, oh man, more, oh no, it keeps coming, I can’t. Uh, I made a mess.

Yeah, I get it Kenny, you’re sarcastic. Funny.

To add to the nausea, they put Mayne at a kiddie table with Hank Goldberg. The already disheveled Goldberg is only further confounded by Mayne’s stylings.


If ESPN is serious about horse racing and want people to watch their broadcast, the producers should reformat the show immediately.

However, my biggest qualm is with the changeover from ESPN to NBC. I have missed the second biggest race of the day the past few years because either ESPN cuts its broadcast to short or NBC fails to air it. This year’s Woodford Reserve Turf Classic post time is at 4:52 p.m. NBC begins to air its Kentucky Derby coverage at 5 p.m. The race will have implications in my Pick 4, Pick 3, Daily Double and whatever else wager I place on the race. I need to see this race. I don’t want to keep hitting refresh on my computer for results.

If you refuse to show this race, so help me, I will haunt your loveless dreams.

Anywho, I’m still excited.

Check early and often this week for the Reverend and my picks. Last time we delivered the Pick 3, we can only get better with age, right?

Friday, March 28, 2008

Florida Derby to Determine Spitzer Quality

Saddle up racing fans. The next three weekends are prime prep races for the Kentucky Derby that will sort the Eliot Spitzer rides from the Marion Barry.

This weekend is the Florida Derby. Not as much cache as the Wood Memorial or Blue Grass, but worth paying attention to as a contender will emerge. In 2006, a little colt by the name of Barbaro rode this Grade I to prominence.

This year’s race isn’t gleaming with big names, but has quality ponies that are ready to prove themselves. First up, running out of the 1 slot is Fierce Wind who simply wins races. His speed figures are nothing to write home about, but a little nudge from the competition could be all he needs to pull this out.

The hype horse is Big Brown running from the other side of the spectrum in the 12 hole. No horse has one from the 12 hole at Gulfstream. His previous wins are fast, but suspect considering the competition and surface.

As I mentioned in the Fountain of Youth, I have my good eye on Elysium Fields. Set up in a favorable position, he could stalk his way around the two turns and step on the gas down the stretch to win this thing. I hoping his last race was not an outlier because he could prove a favorite for the derby if he shines tomorrow.

Speaking of eyes, watch out for Hey Vern Byrn. He may try to shake loose and steal this, but I think the competition may make him scared stupid. Nistle’s Crunch could prove sweet too.

If I were a betting man, this weekend, I want to ride Elysium Fields so I can afford Spitzer-type luxuries.

Friday, March 7, 2008

Down on the Bayou

This weekend's Louisiana Derby is some spicy gumbo.

The Grade II derby prep has more meat than a Mardi Gras Bourbon Street crowd under a balcony.

The likely favorite is no other than Pyro whose closing style will provide the heat from the bottom, frying the minds of the competition.

Two highly touted youngins are making their three year old debeuxes. Tale of Ekati and Majestic Warrior were prized sausages in the two year old field. They will now need to prove they have the flavor to handle the heat from contenders like Pyro.

Watch out for J Be K who will have a taste of the lead. If he is given too much, he could overpower the rest of the ingredients.

I've never seen a blackberry in a gumbo, but Blackberry Road adds some tang to this recipe. He needs to shake off a poor performance in the Risen Star and try to close with Pyro.

Adding flavor will be Yankee Bravo and My Pal Charlie, who may find themselves sitting there like a okra in the heat.

The race will act as a colander for the derby by sifting out the show ponies from the big shellfish. If I were a betting man (this weekend), I would bet a Pyro/Tale of Ekati exacta. If I were a crazy Cajun, I would bet J Be K to win.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Fountain of Youth Found Dry

A big prep race ran this weekend. The Fountain of Youth Stakes pits top contenders in the Florida region against each other to help whittle the field for the Kentucky Derby.

This year's race was stacked with big names that didn't bring their 'A' games.



The card included top derby contenders: Court Vision, Z Humor, Monba, Anak Nakal and Cool Coal Man. Half of which will now need strong showing next time out or will be watching barnmates shoot for the roses and the stud life.

Cool Coal Man, who for some reason I find myself calling Cool Hand Luke, had an open, stalking trip with slow fractions from the leaders that allowed him to handedly take the stakes. However, Elysium Fields made a strong showing, proving that he belongs on the big stage. His kick at the end shows he can handle the distance.

Court Vision showed some pop at the end as a closer, but when it comes to closers no one beats Kyra Sedgwick, I mean Pyro. Monba, arch-nemesis Todd Pletcher's seemingly only horse for the derby this season, was pinched and faded. Anak Nakal never fired.

CCM had a good run, but a trip like that won't come in the derby. I was hoping the Fountain of Youth would shift out some big name posers, but I am afraid that they will all have another shot at the Florida Derby in March. But, I will have my good eye on that Elysium Fields next time.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Pyro Burning Down the House

While Ren and Willard whine about the loss of football, lack of baseball and yearn for a bowling surge, they blindly missed that the horse racing season has roared out of the starting gate.

The early Kentucky Derby preps have begun, and I have a slight tingling in my loins.

My “preseason” favorite Pyro made a Nell Carter cannonball splash in the Risen Star Stakes. Do yourself a solid and watch the replay. Kyra Sedgwick could learn a thing or two from this closer.

(www.imdb.com)

Pyro is trained by the Assman, the deserved trainer of the year (damn you Pletcher!), and workmate to the 2007 Horse of the Year Curlin. He has been the garfunkel to the undefeated War Pass who dominated the 2-year old scene.

Now as a 3-year old, Pyro took a step forward and will surely garner more attention as the derby approaches. Plus, he has the same name as an X-Men, how can you go wrong?

The derby prep season is young and many flavors of the week will have their time in the sun. HHR will be here to keep you abreast of the contenders so that you can win some cheddar on the first Saturday of May.

(www.marvel.com)