And They're Off!

The track: Where the windows clean the people

I knew it was a mistake.  Now, the pressure is on--BIGTIME.
Those of you who check these scratchings on a weekly basis know that last year I plucked a winner for you.  "I'll Have Another" seemed a dandy choice to win the "run for the roses" and the old hay burner came through.  I don't recall what it paid but if I liked the nag it certainly didn't go off at 2/1, 7/5, or some other kissing your sister price.  The 15/1 shots are more my style.  Not too many trips to the pay window for this railbird but, damn it, when I cash one in it's worth burning a few calories to get there.

There is lots of buzz about Goldencents for this 139th Derby even though, as I write this, Orb and Verrazano are tied as favorites at 4/1.  Goldencents boasts Rick Pitino, national champion Louisville's basketball coach, as part owner and jockey Kevin Krigger, an African American, is scheduled to be aboard.  Pitino is practically a god in Kentucky these days and no African American has ridden a Derby winner since 1902.

Mylute, at 16/1, will feature Rosie Napravnik as its rider and a win by her would be a huge story and mean massive endorsements for Ms. Napravnik in addition to the hefty Derby purse.

As long as we're talking purses, if you have a big one and can make it to Churchill Downs, get ready to pony up $1000 for a gold-leafed mint julep.  On a budget?  Go for the regular julep.  You'll get just as drunk and it probably will only set you back $50.  Officials estimate that approximately 120,000 of these instant headaches will be served utilizing about 8,000 litres of bourbon and a ton of mint.  Pass the aspirin please.

The weather may play a big part in determining the Derby winner for 2013.  Rain is in the forecast and Goldencents is the only horse that has demonstrated a yen for playing in the mud.

My pick?  Glad you asked.  Remember I'm batting a thousand in this Kentucky Derby prediction thing.  I'm going with NORMANDY INVASION , sporting 9/1 odds with Javier Castellano aboard.  I like the price and especially like the sentiment.  Having just returned from a visit to the World War II Museum in New Orleans it just seems right.  Also, it's a pick dedicated to good friend Denny Krick.  Denny, a WW II veteran who joined us last week in New Orleans and is this week recovering from a serious operation.  All the while we were in the "Big Easy" he never let on that he had a serious date with the knife.

So  here's to  Denny and all the other men and women of the Greatest Generation.  They don't make 'em like that anymore.  For all of their sacrifice and grit may Derby Day be D Day for Normandy Invasion at Churchill Downs.

Denny storms Bourbon Street 2013