The Kentucky Derby is not only known as the granddaddy of them all but is considered the most popular horse race in the world. The first leg in the Triple Crown is always held during the first Saturday in May. The Derby is also referred to as ”The Run for the Roses” and ”The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” The race gets these phrases because the winner of the race is awarded a quilt of red roses and the short (just over) two-minute race effects the pockets of owners, gamblers, and die-hard racing fans alike.
The Kentucky Derby is the first of three races that make up the Triple Crown. (The other 2 races in the Triple Crown are: Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Racecourse - May 17th, 2008, and Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park - June 7th, 2008)
The Race is 1 1/4 miles run on a conventional dirt track, and is the first time the horses run at that distance. Like the Super Bowl, the World Series, or Olympic Gold - this is the horse race that jockeys and trainers dream to win. A win at the sport’s biggest event assures you wealth and popularity within the racing world. From breeding fees to winnings to a place in history - the winners stand on the ultimate podium.
One of the most popular horses of all time, Secretariat, holds the fastest time in Derby history, finishing the race in just under 2 minutes (1:59.1). The racetrack pulls in 155,000 fans on the day of the big event - as Kentucky celebrates their rich horse racing history.
1. Cool Coal Man - Belmont odds 50 to 1: At 50-1 odds, I have to say that this Cool cat has everything I like in a big money underdog. He slowed way down in his last race, but the polytrack might have had something to do with that. He’s shown that he can run with the big boys, which is more than I can say about most the horses in the field. At 50 to 1, he’s worth a shot.
2. Eight Belles - Belmont odds 20 to 1: What can I say, when I see a fancy filly I get a little excited. Eight Belles bloodlines are thick, as her dad is Unbridled’s Song. Larry Jones is her trainer, and he knows how to get a horse to a horse to run. She’s won more than 50% of her races (5 of 9) and she’s really fast. What’s not to like?
3. Monba - Belmont Odds 20 to 1: This horse isn’t particular to certain track surfaces and has as good a chance as any 20-1 in the field. He’s got some fast times and knows how to win, which I always like to see.
4. Pyro - Belmont odds 7 to 1: I know, the payout isn’t great for this fire lover, but I have him as my favorite to take the Derby, and that is cause for good value. Pyro doesn’t come into the race riding a high, but his speed and heart are there.
5. Court Vision - Belmont Odds 20 to 1: Court Vision has some work to do, but the fact that this colt won stakes at Churchill Downs last year and has posted some very fast times here has me keeping an eye out.
Adriano—16 to 1
Anak Nakal—100 to 1
Big Brown—5 to 2
Big Truck—50 to 1
Bob Black Jack—50 to 1
Colonel John—9 to 2
Cool Coal Man—50 to 1
Court Vision—20 to 1
Cowboy Cal—40 to 1
Denis Of Cork—12 to 1
Eight Belles—20 to 1
Gayego—25 to 1
Halo Najib—100 to 1
Monba—20 to 1
Proud Spell—100 to 1
Pyro—7 to 1
Recapturetheglory—20 to 1
Smooth Air—50 to 1
Talke of Ekati—20 to 1
Visionaire—25 to 1
