2012 Kentucky Derby 138

It has arrived.  The 138th running of the Kentucky Derby.  Scheduled to go off at 6:24 pm Eastern time.  This years running of the roses will be a spectacular race with any one of a bakers dozen having a chance to strut into the winners circle.

Churchill Downs Race 11 {Kentucky Derby 138~G1~1 1/4 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
A full field of twenty will line up for the greatest two minutes in sports.  The field has plenty of speed, overpowering speed which may set up well for those coming from off the pace.  It is encouraging to note that all running styles are represented in this Derby.  It will be an exhilerating KD 138.

#10 Daddy Nose Best (Gomez / Asmussen) has a very slight edge with the third highest speed number over the surface.  He holds the third highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and four vigorous workouts.  He appears to peaking for this race.  Trainer, Steve Asmussen has managed him well and should have him primed for the victory.
$2 WIN / $3 SHOW.

#15 Gemologist (Castellano / Pletcher) will challenge as the undefeated runner in this race.  He has done little wrong in his five race career, but it is exceptionally difficult to keep such a streak alive.  Ask the great Zenyatta.  This colt should sit close to the pace ready to launch a first strike on the leaders.  He holds the fourth highest (3-way tie) last out speed number, a five race progression, and two ruggedly strong workouts.  No question trainer, Todd Pletcher, has this guy wired for a superb race.
$2 PLACE / $2 SHOW.

#1 Daddy Long Legs (O'Donoghue / O'Brien) is a tracker coming out of the dreaded number one gate.  Despite the bad post, he will challenge this group of twenty superior quality horses.  He is coming in fresh off his victory in the UAE Derby at Meydan (Dubai) over the tapeta surface.  His racing post rating for that race compares favourably with the highest speed numbers in this field.  This Kentucky born son of Scat Daddy is working a four race progression.  His jockey- trainer combination is long on experience in some of the top races in Europe and beyond.  He should track and close mightily.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#6 Bodemeister (Smith / Baffert) is the fastest horse in the field having run triple-digit speed numbers in three of his four career starts.  There is some fast and furious speed in this year's Derby which may be his undoing.  The wiley veteran jockey, Mike Smith, may have to work the hardest of all to get this guy to the winners circle.  This young colt holds the highest last out speed number, is working a four race progression, and has put in three super swift workouts.  Trainer, Bob Baffert, has him well prepped.

#8 Creative Cause (Rosario / Harrington) looks ready to run a big race with a couple of exceptional last out speed numbers including the third best over the surface.  This son of Giant's Causeway is 100% in the money in an eight race career and has put in three robust, peaking workouts.  The colt could pull off a major upset.

$1 Superfecta
With no 10 CENT Superfecta offered, we will place a dollar superfecta.  Hey it's the Kentucky Derby!!

#10 Daddy Nose Best / #15 Gemologist / #1 Daddy Long Legs / #6 Bodemeister, #8 Creative Cause.



Friday's Results
Churchill Downs R11.  Kentucky Oaks--G1.  Our first pick, On Fire Baby, finished 5th.  Our second pick, Grace Hall, finished 3rd for show money of $3.20.  Our third pick, Broadway's Alibi, finished 2nd for show money of $4.20.
Superfecta went 9-6-2-3.

Arlington Park R7.  Our first pick, Aztec Run, finished 3rd for show money of $2.20.  Our second pick, Image of Grandeur, finished 2nd for show money of $2.20.
We scuttled our 10 CENT Superfecta because of a scratch.  Superfecta went 1-2-6-5.

Bankroll gets a bump to $12.62.  We will supplement with a fin ($5.00) for today's wagering.