The Derby is Here

It's hard to believe that the Kentucky Derby runs late Saturday afternoon.  After a somewhat normal run-up to the first Saturday in May (unlike last year), it still won't be normal but the horses will be running and the owners will be there.

This season has produced a lot of upsets, some surprises, a few injuries and one heavy favorite, Essential Quality.  What you can say about this gorgeous gray son of Tapit, he does live up to his name.  He has all of the essentials he needs to win and the quality - great pedigree;  he's won already at Churchill Downs; more experience than much of the field; the hottest trainer in America; tactical speed; he can win off the pace or on the pace; a great jockey in Luis Saez; an owner that is dying to win the Derby (Godolphin).  I've loved this colt since he won the Breeders' Cup Juvenille last fall and in any other year I would have seen him win the Blue Grass at Keeneland early this month.  

Interestingly enough, he is a September foal.  So he's very young by comparison to most of his rivals, likely not a good thing.  His jockey, Luis Saez, rode Maximum Security last year in the Derby.  Godophin has never won the Derby which is surprising but this may be their year.  And did I mention this colt has never been beat?   More to come....