Kentucky Derby is this weekend

[Horse with no Name]

We could all use a little extra cash--they have a free contest if you can pick the top 4.
http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2006/

Good luck!
(mods move this to it's appropriate location if you need to)

[TallahasseeGrannie]

1. Who do you like?

[Horse with no Name]

2. My picks

1. Barbaro
2. Brother Derek
3. Lawyer Ron
4. Cause to Believe (I actually believe this horse has the potential to upset the entire race). He has 50:1 odds, however, the potential to win is there. Out of 19 starts, he has 10 wins and 6 seconds. His last race can't really count because he didn't handle the track well for some reason. Also, my Dad used to take me to track when I was a kid and told me to NEVER bet against a gray. This horse is gray.:)

I picked Giacomo last year--even though he was the longshot and he won.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

3. Why is he so down in the betting

if he's won or shown in 16 races?

[Horse with no Name]

4. It's hard to say

Right now the favored winner is Brother Derek, but he pulled a bad post position at 18. His odds are 3:1.
But his race record is 8-6-0-1.
I think this is all hype and my gut feeling is this horse will not win-show or place, but I am going by odds to win money.:)

Barbaro is favored to show but drew a good post position at 8 ( I believe last years winner was 10).
His race record is Race Record: 5-5-0-0.
He has won a couple of big races with ease--so I think he has the potential to win on a fast track.

BUT, as I said, I think Cause To Believe will be the darkhorse winner.

[tenshi816]

7. I can't really comment on American racing

because I don't follow it that much anymore, but in British racing - for big race meets (think Royal Ascot and the Grand National, for instance) - it's not uncommon at all to have excellent horses at huge odds. In fact, I only bet on the big meets because I can clean up with small bets at fantastic prices, even when betting on more than one horse in the race.

Exactly why this is, I don't know, unless it's that in prestigious races - in America, like the Kentucky Derby - there really aren't any bad horses in the field, but for some reason the top few are anticipated to far outstrip the others so there are good horses at great prices. I don't really understand it but I do try and make it work to my advantage. Last year I picked the first four finishers in the Grand National and made quite a bit of money. I would never be able to do that in a field of so-so (or worse) horses.

One year I actually dreamed of the Kentucky Derby winner the night before (Gato del Sol in 1982, won at odds 21-1, but I didn't have a bet on him because I lived in Georgia at the time and gambling is illegal there, plus I was too young to be gambling anyway).

I'll have to have a look at the Derby entrants now. My interest has been piqued.

[CottonBear]

14. Thanks for the tip! I'll be in front of the TV set w/ Mint Julep in hand!

I so want to go to the Derby one day. I have realtives in Lexington, KY with whom I could stay. I'll have to stand in the infield dwith the rest of the masses since there is no way I'll ever be able to afford sit in the grandstands.

[beingthere]

5. Surprised so many DUers support the exploitation

of animals. Now you can yell at me. But so what? A truly humane people would not support racing other species.

[Horse with no Name]

6. Why would I yell?You are entitled to your opinion

We had race horses growing up. They were very well treated...ate the best food, lived in heated stalls in the winter and air conditioning in the summer.
They were groomed regularly. Had the best veterinary care money could buy as do most race horses.
They weren't mistreated.

I guess you are against the Olympics too?

[tenshi816]

8. I've spent a lot of time around racehorses too

and totally agree with you.

They live to run. My opinion is that keeping them from doing what they want to do instinctively is counter-productive.

Edited to add that I'll keep your tip in mind for the Derby. I don't follow much American racing (there's enough in Britain to keep me busy) but you've got me interested now.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

9. I've owned horses all my life

and they love to run.

[CottonBear]

12. What kind of horses do you have?

I have an Oldenburg filly out of a Thoroughbred dam who is descended from Northern Dancer and Native Dancer.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

17. Now that my kids are grown we have empty stalls

but the grandchildren will be old enough soon and we're looking.

We have had mostly quarter horses and thoroughbreds, although we had two warm bloodeds for a while but they were just too big for our little farm. My son worked in a holsteiner breeding farm for about five years and we got to experience a lot of foaling.

Nothing better than putting your face in the warm neck of a nice horse on a cool autumn day. I love the way they smell. I even like fresh paddies!

[CottonBear]

19. Empty stalls! Oh my! You need equines!

My Oldenburg filly is growing up with a Holsteiner gelding! Cotton is big but Magic is HUGE! He is so funny.

My Cotton filly turns three today! :) :party:

You're grandkids will love their horses and ponies!

[CottonBear]

11. The vast majority of Thoroughbred race horses are very well cared for

and besides, they live to run fast. They are bred to do that very, very well.

My filly's dam is a Jockey Club registered Thoroughbred with an immecable bloodline which includes borth Northern Dancer and Native Dancer.

[CottonBear]

13. Horse racing is an ancient and world wide sport. Horses love to run.

Mongolians (Mongolian horses), Saudi Arabia, Europe, USA and Japan (Thoroughbred racing), USA and Europe (harness racing) and USA (Quarter horse racing) not to mention Olympic and international competitions in Dressage, Jumping and Three Day Eventing.

Our race horses are treated like the kings and queens that they are! They are truly noble animals!

[Bake]

15. I guess the frog-jumping contest is out, too!

Damn!

Bake

[ceile]

10. Crap! I'm camping this weekend!

I haven't missed watching a Kentucky Derby in years!
Who to bet on.......

[stevietheman]

16. It's a proud Louisville tradition since 1875...

and my city gets effing crowded because of it. :)

Everyone is welcome, Y'all! Heh.

[Justpat]

18. We have a couple of horse racing threads over in sports.

Come on by and give us your picks.

I haven't finished scoping it out yet. And I work in the industry.

[CottonBear]

20. Cool! Thanks!

My filly is descended from Northern Dancer and Native Dancer on her dam's side! Her dam's sire was Vilsak.

There is a TB stallion at the farm where I board her who is the nephew of Secretariat!

Do you own a race horse?

I've ridden mainly Thoroughbreds (hunter equitation and dressage.)
They are the most lovely of equines!

[Justpat]

21. Yes, I own a two year old filly, a yearling

and a foal. Too many. I have to sell something this year but it is tough to do. I have owned the mare since
she was a weanling and she is like part of the family. Maybe the filly will make enough this year so I can
keep her mnother.

[CottonBear]

24. I hope you can keep your mare. A great broodmare is pure gold!

Good luck with your babies and yearlings! keep us updated on your filly's progress!

My Oldenburg baby filly turned 3 today! She's now an Oldenburg mare. :)

[trackfan]

22. My computer says Barbaro,

my horseracing smarts say Point Determined, and my sentimental favorite is Brother Derek.

(So you can safely eliminate those three).

[aaronbees]

23. Sweet!

Put in my superfecta:
Brother Derek
Barbaro
Point Determined
Sweetnorthernsaint