It's That Time

For my picks!

I'm not posting the fields for this weeks races as I think almost everyone has seen them. However I will be talking about each race one at a time. I'm not previewing every race.

Kentucky Juvy: It's really too early in the season to choose a 2yo who will do well the rest of the year, but Mission Impazable finished third in this race last year. For this reason, I'm going with Borrego's daughter Nina Fever.

Humana Distaff: Informed Decision lost last time out to Dr. Zic, and I think she loses again but this time to Rated Fiesty who could rebound after a poor three and four year old seasons.

Eight Belles: Hot Dixie Chick is obviously the horse to beat, but keep an eye on Bell's Shoes, third in the Martha Washington and Instant Racing. Could be a horse that flourishes in the second half of the season.

Churchill Sprint: WOW! One of the best fields on the weekend, my gut is telling me that Munnings will scratch, so I gotta go with Kensei and Warrior's Reward. Should Kensei win, it could be good news for his little brother later on in the day.

Alysheba: This is the race of the weeknd (other then the La T, Oaks, and Derby). Friesan Fire, Cool Coal Man (cross entered into the Churchill Sprint), my boy Prom Shoes, Macho Again, Bullsbay, Enriched. I would not be suprised if MA and Bull go 1-2 to set up a Stephen Foster rematch with a certin 4yo. I'll be very interested in how Enriched does outside of California, something his brother Lava Man couldn't do.

Woodford: Blues Street! Enough said, although I hope General Quarters does well in his turf debut.

La Troienne: After losing to Zardana, Rachel Alexandra will face her again. However this time, she's coming into the race better. Rachel should win this race with ease which could start the chatter of her vs Zenyatta talk again. Zardana while 3 for 3 on dirt, is also inconsistant and I believe has never been on a wet track. This race lost a key member when Careless Jewel was forced to miss the race due to a quarter crack. That's a huge sigh relief for Rachel fans as she was the biggest threat on the front end to Rachel. If all goes well, her next race could be a Woodward rematch in the Stephen Foster before possibly taking on Zenyatta in all likelyhood New York.

Oaks: It's Blind Luck's race to lose, however I'm going to go against her with three horses: Age of Humor, Quiet Temper and Evening Jewel. Age of Humor because I'm following her half brother and he's one of my favorite horses, Quiet Temper as she comes out of the hottest prep for the Oaks, the Fair Grounds Oaks and Evening Jewel for personal reasons. However, I would not be suprised if Blind Luck does win this race.

Derby: I'll be honest, I lost interest in this year's Derby when Rule was pulled out. However, my second, third and dark horse choices are still in. I think people are underestimating my pick as he wasn't the best horse in his stable, but now he is Todd Pletcher's best chance to get off the schind. I think Super Saver with Calvin "Bo-Rail" Borel will win this year's Kentucky Derby, his third Derby win in the last four years, Pletcher's first win, and WinStar's first win as an owner. Finishing in second I have Paddy O' Prado the maiden winner who finished in second in the Bluegrass, and in third I have my dark horse Backtalk. I think Devil May Care, will come up a little bit short of hitting the board. I wouldn't be suprised if Lookin at Lucky, Mission Impazible or Discreetly Mine win. I think Ice Box is overhyped, the 20 post will hurt Sidney's Candy and I don't think the rest of the field is that great this year. Could go down as one of the worst Derbys ever sadly.

The most important thing though is that all the horses come back safe and sound! I hope everybody enjoys the Derby, Oaks and the undercard races. Don't forget there is a Live Chat tomorrow night, and on Sunday a full recap of this weekend.