Last minute Derby notes

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Final Derby Thoughts Before The First Mint Julep

Some final pre-Derby notes from the Trainers Dinner, one last early morning on the backstretch and the post position draw (as seen on TV), all while packing for Derbyville:

At the Trainers Dinner Tuesday evening Todd Pletcher admitted that Cowtown has improved the most of his five Derby runners during the past 60 days. Bill Currin, trainer of Stormello, admitted that he’d been drinking, but he seemed about the same as I’ve seen him in post race interviews.

There is some real concern among some of the WinStar Farm folks about Any Given Saturday getting the mile and a quarter, but Garrett Gomez should give him every shot. Their other horse, Cowtown Cat, might be more of a stayer.

Hard Spun looked awesome Wednesday morning, galloping strongly with his ears pricked and wanting to do more.

Tiago seemed to have good energy and is a classy colt (but still appears way to slow on paper to win this race).

I really didn't get the sense that there is a 'hot' horse this year that everyone has jumped on (and therefore can't win).

I have all the respect in the world for Steve Asmussen, but I think he put Curlin in a much tougher spot by taking the two hole instead of one of the way outside posts.

I also respect Mike Battaglia, but there is no way that Curlin will go off favored on Saturday. Street Sense is your Derby favorite.

I’ve never liked the Kentucky Derby being sponsored by the ridiculously named Yum! company but the Yumfecta! is a horrible idea. Just horrible. In case you missed it, Yum! is offering $1 million to any horse who beats Barbaro’s 2006 winning margin of 6 ¼ lengths. That’s $250,000 each to the winning owner, trainer, jockey and the Barbaro Fund. Why encourage a jock to whip and drive to increase the margin of victory with the Preakness just two weeks away? Churchill is planning a nice ceremony for Roy and Gretchen Jackson on Saturday. Yum! should just cut the Barbaro Fund a check for a quarter mil during and present to the Jacksons then.

When the horses are on the track and the U of L marching band strikes up ‘My Old Kentucky Home’ it’s not only the greatest moment in sports, it’s the greatest moment of the year. Period.

This will by my final post before the Run for the Roses on Saturday. Even after my ‘moment of clarity’ on Monday, I still have some lingering doubts about Any Given Saturday. There are some legitimate concerns about him but I’ll most likely stick with my gut and bet him accordingly. If he fails, then I expect it will be either Street Sense, Hard Spun or Cowtown Cat wearing the roses. Everything has gone right for Street Sense this year and he’s hard to fault. If he has any kind of luck he’s your winner. Hard Spun just might be the freak of this bunch and Cowtown Cat has simply blossomed in recent weeks. Great Hunter always puts in a big run and would only be a mild surprise if he wins. He’s a must use in the exotics. I’ve gone back and forth all week on Scat Daddy, but I’ll probably use him some in the exotics. I’m going to let Curlin beat me. I think he’ll either win in a canter or be up the track. Circular Quay? I’m still not sold on him, but would feel pretty foolish if he’s part of the trifecta but not on any of my tickets. Nobiz Like Shobiz? I’m just tossing him for no reason in particular. You can’t bet them all.

Best of Luck and Happy Derby!

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Matt O'Neil has been a racing enthusiast since the mid-1980's. He is a freelance writer and thoroughbred marketing consultant and editor of the breeding journal Owner-Breeder International. Contact Matt O'Neil