I really like I Want Revenge. His Gotham Stakes win was quite impressive and he’s just a gorgeous horse. Also I love how he ran into a ton of trouble in the Wood Memorial and fought his way up for the win, that’s always a good sign in a Derby contender.
And for a bit of a long shot I like Papa Clem. He won the Arkansas Derby and beat Old Fashioned, and he’s a son of Smart Strike, which I like.
I think it’s shaping up to be an exciting Derby. I can’t wait!!
ETA: I just watched the Arkansas Derby and I really like how Summer Bird finished. He could possibly be one to watch too.
As long as lightning isn’t striking anywhere near the track, I will be firmly rooted in the second row of grandstand section 120 cheering Friesan Fire on. I’m also really fond of I Want Revenge, and I think Chocolate Candy might do something toward the end of the race - he’s got a huge-looking stride. I’m just trying to figure out how to work my wheels and part-wheels to include all the horses I like plus the ones I think could pull an upset. But given the weather forecast, I really think FF has a good shot.
I’m gonna put my money on Chocolate Candy. But I also like I Want Revenge, Friesian Fire, and Papa Clem. And West Side Bernie is a bit of a favorite of mine for some strange reason.
I’m so excited…can’t wait to see it!
…And I put two bucks to win on Nan in the Oaks. How could I not? LOL
Sadly, my original pick for the derby was The Pamplemousse…
I’m gunning for Chocolate Candy to win… Consider it my love for Candy Ride or the fact that the colt is from the dam line of Affirmed… IDK…
I Want Revenge is a gorgeous horse with A LOT of talent… I’m curious about Dunkirk, being a closer… He may fair better in the Belmont.
Papa Clem looks incredible; I’m sure he’ll put in one hell of an effort (He’s also breaking from the magical 7th post…)
What no love for General Quarters and Musket Man? Those two have been my picks since the Pasco at Tampa Bay when Musket Man and General Quarters dogged it out down the stretch.
I like I Want Revenge but if Mr. Talamo couldn’t keep him out of trouble in an 8 horse field he’s got no hope in a 20 horse field! (I know now because I say this he’ll go on to win)
I am really rooting for Friesan Fire this year. Of course, no horse that I pick in the Derby ever wins so I have probably just cursed him. I’m also pulling for Hold Me Back, who I thought was very good in his last two starts, Desert Party, and Musket Man.
I want to root for Pioneerof the Nile but the way his name is spelled bothers me so much! I wish they had just put all the words together.
Oh this is fantastic - I Want Revenge scratched the morning of the Derby because of a hot spot on one of his legs. Thank goodness they caught it early, but this is the first time the probable favorite scratched the day of.
That was my face when I saw Mine That Bird flying down the stretch. It was ridiculous! I think even Durkin was kind of blown away when he realized who was in the lead.
I’m surprised at Freisan Fire though, placing 18th? He didn’t look to be so into it when he was in sixth or seventh, but I thought he’d have managed a bit better!
I was completely shocked. I really hope this horse will continue to improve because his is a story this sport needs to cling to!
I feel bad for the poor trainer everyone keeps asking him about hauling the horse from New Mexico to Kentucky, poor guy doesn’t know whether to laugh, cry or strangle somebody!
Yeah… if I were Mine That Bird’s trainer I’d be like, “Dude, my horse just became the freaking second biggest long shot in Derby history, he RAN AWAY with that race, and you want to talk about my drive up here?!”
But dude, that run was incredible. The first thing I screamed was, “Oh my word, they left the rail open for Borel again!” You’d think one of these times someone would realize that leaving his favourite path wide open for him when he’s on a closer is a sure way to let him win.
That was a great race! Very powerful performance by Mine That Bird. I hope I Want Revenge can make it back for the Belmont though, I think that would be a fun match up.
I’m also pulling for Hold Me Back, who I thought was very good in his last two starts, Desert Party, and Musket Man.
