Rarely will you find this writer producing sports articles; but I absolutely LOVE the Kentucky Derby.
This race always brings out the poet in me, as well as the chef and the fashion designer. It opens doors for people to be more generous and just have fun together. Jobs are abundant because of this event, and I’m sure the State of Kentucky appreciates that. There is a lot more than gambling happening here. Most of my articles are inspirational and religious and backed up by the scriptures. In this case I’ll just have to quote Revelation 19:11 and leave you wondering what to think of my character and how I feel about horses: “And I saw heaven opened and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. ” Take that one where ever you wish; but I probably would resist the urge to bet on War of Will because of it.
The Kentucky Derby isn’t about the betting for me; I simply love horses and watching them become champions is always a cherished event. You would find me taking a seat at Churchill Downs, even if there was not one wager in the whole race. What is more beautiful than watching these majestic creatures run?
I became a huge Kentucky Derby fan way back in 1973 when Secretariant won The Triple Crown. The fastest two minutes in sports history is usually one of my favorite sporting events of the year.
2019 is no different. I’m excited to see the top horses lining up for victory. Here is a list of the famous contenders:
Omaha Beach
Roadster
Improbable
Maximum Security
Game Winner
Tacitus
By My Standards
War of Will
Code of Honor
Vekoma
Spinoff
Win Win Win
Anothertwistafate
Haikal
Long Range Toddy
Cutting Humor
Tax
Bodeexpress
Country House
Gray Magician
Signalmen
Sueno
Aren’t the names awesome? When you hear them you begin to know that each horse has a story and each story is delightful.
Do you have a favorite yet?
I like Game Winner myself; but don’t pay too much attention to my choices. Last year my pick came in last! There is no logic to my picks – just a gut feeling. You know what they say about gut feelings – sometimes they only mean a tummy ache.
2019’s Kentucky Derby Run For The Roses will be held on Saturday, May 4th at 6:50 p.m. ET. I’m so glad it is after sundown; so I’ll be able to catch the race after a good Sabbath rest. I have NO IDEA whether or not God approves of horse racing; so I’ll leave that between you and God. As for me; well, My Father knows I just love horses. I suppose they are one of the greatest of all the creatures God made, and I doubt he minds me watching their splendor on an annual basis. I never place a bet; but I do approve of all the money the race raises for charity. That makes these races a win/win as far as I’m concerned.
This is the 145th Run for the Roses. You can already feel the excitement of the crowd rising. The Kentucky Derby is the first leg for the winner of the Triple Crown to accomplish. Who ever wins the Kentucky Derby will go on to the Preakness, then the Belmont Stakes if successful. It is a long road and a hard journey for the winner and their jockey, trainer and owner. In the end; to the winner; it is worth all of the effort and more.
Last year’s Kentucky Derby Winner, Justice, made it through all three hoops and won the cherished Triple Crown. When this happens, it is always the most amazing feat!
So; who are the favorites for this year?
Last year; Hall of Fame Trainer, Bob Baffert’s horse won the race. This year he has several other horses contending. I like Game Winner (7-1), but a lot of people are preferring Maximum Security trained by the so-far unbeaten trainer named Jason Servis. (Odds are 6-1.)
Before Baffert was training Justify a trainer named Brisset was hired to train him. There is an interesting article in the Courier Journal that speaks about this up-coming trainer: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/horses/horse-racing/2018/05/17/rodolphe-brisset-trained-justify-before-bob-baffert/618360002/
Back in 2018 CBS Sports expert, Hank Goldberg picked Justify to win. He has been accurate and on a roll since then too. He likes Tacitus this time, who is a long-shot at 14-1. Tacitus was sired by Tapit, who has produced 116 graded stakes winners so far. His trainer, Bob Mott, has been quoted as saying “The longer he goes, the better he does.” Time will tell!
Another expert, Jody Demling, who has picked the last 9 of 10 winners for The Oakes and the Kentucky Derby likes the looks of War of Will, a 16-1 longshot. This horse is owned by Gary Barber and trained by Mark Casse.
The happy jockey who rode Justify last year (Mike Smith) has chosen to ride Omaha Beach this year. Omaha Beach is fast becoming a favorite of the crowd.
Time will produce the champion; but you have only so many hours left to purchase that perfect hat. Better get shopping!
May the best horse win!
NOTE ON AN UPDATE: Right after I penned this article there was a completely new development. The horse called Omaha Beach developed some serious but curable health problems. He will need surgery for an entrapped epiglottis. This must be a HUGE disappointment to Mike Smith who had decided to ride this horse after last year’s victory. Now this crowd-favored horse will be scratched and each horse will move over one slot. Richard Mandella, Ohama Beach’s trainer expects this problem to be resolved by the surgery and thinks the horse will be a tough contender on another day. Smith (who already had other mounts scheduled for both days of the races) says he will be routing for Roadster, another favorite owned by Bob Baffert.
Life is tough on the trail to the Triple Crown! You never know what to expect next. Anything could happen to anyone at any time. Fate will raise its unpredictable head and nod at the most unlikely candidates sometime.