May is fast approaching everybody. That means two things. One, classes will be over and two, the Kentucky Derby is the first Saturday of the month. Ever since I could remember, my father and I have sat at the OTB back at home to watch the ponies run. Every year we’d bet on the long shot for my mother and a few favorites we thought would win. It’s been a few years since I went with him but I can still see the older men swatting their newspapers against their wrists, bellies hanging over their shirt, like they knew anything about horses. Complete chaos for those few minutes and then utter disappointment hung in the air until the next race.

I know races aren’t everybody’s cup of tea but I love them. I know there are one too many illegal factors involved in today’s racing (steroid type food that just meets the standards, electric shockers used on their necks, bits, the whole nine yards) but I still am a firm believer that the life of a race horse is better than the life some people live. They’re elegant and well they just look damn happy to have the cameras flashing at them as they prance in place until the gate. The big hats, the cloud white fences, the sheen of multi million dollar horses all for a few minutes of traditional racing of some of the best athletes this country has to offer.

And they’re off! Here’s a countdown of how I see the Kentucky Derby going!

1. Creative Cause

photo credit: KentuckyDerby.com

http://www.kentuckyderby.com/prep_races/2012/norfolk– Creative Cause taking it at Santa Anita Park 2011

And here’s the stats…

Aug 7 2011 Best PalDel Mar II 6 1/2 Furlongs (S) 1
Sep 7 2011 Del Mar FuturityDel Mar I 7 Furlongs (S) 3
Oct 1 2011 NorfolkSanta Anita Park I 1 1/16 Miles 1
Nov 5 2011 Breeders’ Cup JuvenileChurchill Downs I 1 1/16 Miles 3
Feb 19 2012 San VicenteSanta Anita Park II 7 Furlongs 3