As I mentioned in my pre-Derby blog, it is tempting to pinpont flaws in the Kentucky Derby favorite and instead search for that obscure “dark horse” who nobody else will have. In the end, the public got it right as Big Brown proved that he is in fact just lengths better than the remainder of this class.

As a result, he will apparently take on an entirely new cast of characters at Pimlico next — a group no more scary than the 19 he dusted at Churchill Downs.

Yet in the aftermath of Derby 134, much is being made of the tragic loss of Eight Belles. (more…)

When filling out office pools for the NCAA Basketball Tournament, it is natural to avoid placing all four top seeds in the Final Four. After all, part of the lure of the “Big Dance” is the shocking upsets and Cinderella stories.

A similar tendency permeates handicapping the Kentucky Derby. With a full field of 20 3-year-olds all trying a distance they have never tried before, it is tempting to search for Cinderella. Certainly, editions where 50-1 Giacomo finishes a half-length in front of 71-1 Closing Argument – as happened in 2005 – fuel this desire.

Yet Kansas, Memphis, North Carolina and UCLA – the four number one seeds – all advanced to comprise the Final Four in this year’s tournament, and the logical entrants in the Derby (more…)

Despite having the option of drawing a few stalls in, Big Brown will break from post 20 in the Derby because trainer Rick Dutrow — once again — reiterated how he wants him to have a clean run and stay out of trouble should he not break well.

Is anyone else concerned (more…)

With its cavalry-charge field of 20 horses, the Kentucky Derby instinctively leads horseplayers and fans alike toward long shots. After all, with graded stakes earnings the basis for entry, all have “earned” their way (more…)

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 (more…)

After saddling a record five Kentucky Derby runners one year ago, and nominating over 30 to this year’s edition, it took a 1-2 effort in the Blue Grass Stakes for Todd Pletcher to make his presence felt on the Road to Louisville.

Monba, who had a rough trip and galloped home last of 12 in the Fountain of Youth earlier this season, outgamed stablemate Cowboy Cal through the lane to post the victory ($19.60) beneath Edgar Prado.

Meanwhile, heavy favorite Pyro checked in tenth in his first try racing over a synthetic surface.

Elsewhere, Hey Byrn scored a harder-than-expected win in the Holy Bull, and Gayego triumphed in the Arkansas Derby.

So what does it all mean?

For Pyro, it means that Steve Asmussen will need to (more…)