Calvin Borel (and I guess Street Sense) wins the Derby

[The Indomitable DrugS]

From 19th to first right up the rail path---when every rider in the race knew this guy was going to come up the rail.

Two more rail-skimming Graded Stakes wins, at double digit mutuals, for Borel today.

Great performance by Street Sense, as we all know what he can do if he gets his trip......pathetic performance collectively by the rival jockey....as no one made any effort to seal off the rail on Borel.....yet again.

[brianwspencer]

That was a great ride by him. Never deterred by having the rail and no other options.

What a great race by those two.

[Withers]

I was very impressed by Curlin as well. He showed up after a horrible trip.

[Danzig]

he rode him perfectly--i was wondering if he was ever going to get back to the winners circle! wonderful connections with carl winning again--have to say, much as i wanted hard spun, the humans with him left me cold. but this is a great win for some great people.

[Pedigree Ann]

They just showed the overhead shot - Borel takes advantage of the natural tendency of horses to drift off the rail on the turn (it's physics, masses in motion tend to want to keep going in a straight line). He really does steer right up the rail, hugging it tightly.

Hard Spun ran an estimable race, as well, setting all the fractions and still running at the end. The rest were another 8 lengths behind. So much for leaving his race in his workout.

[Merlinsky]

I scared my kitten I was screaming so much. I made the mistake of holding him during the race. I was excited for the horse but right after I did my yelling about that I was all "yay Calvin!" I know they're all happy to win but boy Calvin...that grin's fantastic.

I gasped at him being 19th and went 'oh no I wonder what's going to happen now' and kinda felt nauseated that longshot horses I'd pitched were gonna come up from behind. Then all of a sudden there he was! As soon as I heard him called as coming on I knew he had it.

PS. Looks like Fletcher and the Queen are on a first name basis. That was funny. I want to know how many juleps he had today. Oh and for those that are concerned, Sebastian the kitten is doing just fine.

[ArlJim78]

I don't think a riders job in the Kentucky Derby is to seal off the rail to prevent a particular horse from winning. They're supposed to try to win with their mounts.

The best horse won by making his own path and by being faster than this bunch.

When he was called 19th I gave him no shot of winning. Great ride on great horse and I'm happy for Nafzger and Borel.

[sumitas]

it was a great ride. no panic from borel, he knew the pace was fast. he found his spot and worked the rail as the race unfolded.

[avance2000]

calvin borel is almost as smart as i am and as you all know, that is saying a lot.

[Cajungator26]

Hard Spun is a hell of a horse... I was very impressed with how long he lasted after pretty much setting the pace.