From a racing experience standpoint, few can match the atmosphere Keeneland offers. Having spent a few days in Lexington this past week, big crowds filling gorgeous grounds was a welcomed respite from the seemingly endless winter racing scene. (And special thanks to Julie Balog and Amy Gregory for the usual exceptional hospitality!)

From a racing standpoint, Keeneland is also the place to be as most major contenders — either horses, trainers or jockeys — are in close proximity.

I spoke briefly with Edgar Prado regarding his decision to ride Adriano in the Derby over Monba or Tale of Ekati, and he admitted the choice was based on honoring a prior committment to Graham Motion, trainer of Adriano. And from a handicapping perspective, I don’t know that this isn’t his best option anyways.

Adriano visited the Keeneland paddock on Wednesday, and while not one to blow you away with his looks, made a decent enough impression.

Kent Desormeaux could barely contain his enthusiasm when Big Brown was brought up, saying he wishes he could ride him everyday. When asked if all has gone well since the Florida Derby for the colt, he said that he had spoken with “the boss” — Rick Dutrow — earlier this week, and “he couldn’t be happier with him.”

Shaun Bridgmohan almost seemed to have a chip on his shoulder when speaking of Pyro getting a chance to redeem himself from a listless performance in the Blue Grass. Shaun said that he never handled the track, but that he has zero concerns over his ability at Churchill, or to get the Derby distance. Some may wonder if Pyro will be hindered by not getting much out of his final prep, but Bridgmohan was confident that “if he didn’t, Steve (Asmussen) knows how to get him there.”