And They’re Off In The Kentucky Derby…

The 138^th running of the Kentucky Derby is hours away.  It’s an opportunity for many of us in the Midwest and all across the country to join together for one of the truest forms of “Americana” every year.

It’s a tradition that can hardly be matched.  People gather around TV sets across the country to watch the glitz and glamour of the celebrities at Churchill Downs.  Many celebrate the Derby by wearing the famous big hats or by drinking mint juleps.  Or, people just gather around to party (like they do in the infield at Churchill Downs).

Who will win the run for the roses?

It is without a doubt one of the best days on the sports calendar.  Perhaps Sunday at the Masters, Super Bowl Sunday and the Indy 500 are the only ones that are in the same vicinity as the Derby.

As for the race itself, I’ve got to put my $2 bet on Dullahan.  Kent Desormeaux is the jockey of this horse and has won the Derby three times before, the most recent being on Big Brown in 2008.  At 10-1, this horse has been near the top of the picks all week long, without being the overall favorite (Union Rag).

Of course, do not count out Take Charge Indy.  (What a name, right Indianapolis?)  Calvin Borel is a scrappy jockey and has won the Derby three times as well.  With that horse starting in post number three, one might think that it hurts Take Charge Indy.  But, remember, Borel’s nickname is “Bo-Rail” because he loves riding his horses near the inside.

As many predictions as we can make, the unexpected is what makes this event.  Just look back at Mine That Bird’s victory in the 2009 Run for the Roses.  That gelding took the second biggest upset in race history, winning when its odds were 50-1.   (See Liaison, you’ve still got a chance.)

The phrase “The most exciting two minutes in sports” really does encompass everything from this event.  So, grab a mint julep and gather round the TV with your friends.  And enjoy this great event on this Cinco de mayo!