Derby thoughts....

[johnny pinwheel]

Originally Posted by sumitas

Did I bet the race ? No . Did I handicap it at all ? Not really . I did look at the tgraph seminar after the race and it was pointed out that MTB was one of the few horses who could run a top . I think Regal Ransom was another . And there were a lot of bounce candidates .

Most of the industry hype prior to the race goes to the big name stallion runners just to hype their stud fees and factory farms. The connections of Mine That Bird are way down in New Mexico and the media simply ignored them.

I think this helps the sport . The underdog can win .

good post, for all of its hype. the derby is probably one of the WORST betting races for a SERIOUS handicapper. especially in shaky conditions like a wet track. these horses come from all over from different preps that one has to decipher and none have been the distance. its more of a crap shoot than any major race but people are in love with it. 20 horse come charging out and some are eliminated at the start, even the logical ones. people get worked up for months over it when in actuality most years the under cards on oaks and derby day are places to make sure scores. the derby is actually "window dressing" and should be bet for fun or in pics and doubles. putting the bankroll on that race is just plain dumb.