Reviewing the Field
It's been a "tough turf" for me this week, trying to pick a winning Derby trifecta. Do I go with my heart, or do I go with analyzing the record? Do I just say "Oh hey, that jockey wears pretty silks" or do I take my old Animal Sciences professor's opinion..."Horse conformation is everything." This year is just tough!"
I like Nick Zito and Anak Nakal. Jockey Rafael Berjarno made his reputation at Cincinnati's River Downs. Anak Nakal, is owned by Four Roses, and "Roses" are always lucky at Derby. Right?
Nick also has Cool Coal Man, and living here in the Kentucky Coalfields I have to take that into account. Breeder Will Farrish, who also has Court Vision in the lineup, is the guy that hosts the Queen of England when she comes in for the races. He ought to know a little something about horses. Right?
Then there's Todd Pletcher and Monba. Lots of good pedigree there, including Breeder Alice Headly Chandler whose daddy founded Keeneland. Monda was the first to cross the finish at Keeneland's Toyota Bluegrass Stakes.
Fellow Northern Kentucky native, Mike Battaglia, has Big Brown at the 3-1 favorite this morning. Charlie, who has never sports casted a Kentucky Horse Race, says he goes with the favorite. Big Brown placed first in the Florida Derby, and Kent Desmormeaux is a good jockey. But alas! Big Brown is in the 20th post position. If my math is right, it's been 79 years since a horse won from that position.
Colonel John and the Winstar Farms team looks pretty good. I've always liked jockey Edgar Prado, who is mounted on Adrrino.
My heart says go with the red and white silks of Eight Belles. Larry Jones from down in Hoptown looks like a good old Kentucky boy who knows his stuff. Eight Belles placed first in the Oaklawn Park Fantasy.
Enough Already! Here's my picks
As a pencil pushing, number crunching Kentucky Insurance agent, I am going with Todd Pletcher and Monba for the win. Second, is Eight Belles and Larry Jones. As much as I like Nick Zito, I am counting him out and putting Big Brown in number three.Win, Place, and Show...there you have it.
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Author Joyce Pinson is in the middle of moving, and is not focused of this year's Kentucky Derby. Her Derby picks are solely for her own amusement, and not to be taken as an expert's opinion. This year, no matter who wins, it will be enough to know the greatest Kentucky Sports tradition is alive and well.
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