Oaks/Derby Weekend Thoughts and a New Tradition For Me?

Well you have to like BIG Crowds if you want to take part in the Oaks/Derby on- track experience! Just to compare numbers….attendance for Oaks Day was almost three times that of Breeder’s Cup Friday last year, and the Derby attendance was more than double that of Breeder’s Cup Saturday. Getting to the windows could be challenging, but if you made it through the crowds, the betting lines were average for a big race day. Maybe that was because people resorted to their phones. I know I did, more than once. A twenty minute power loss before the 7th race had a few people nervous, but that was quickly resolved.

Blame’s little sister Might, did just what her connections expected, by winning her NW1 by almost 5 lengths.

Diva Ash, another nice Tapit filly, beat a nice group in the Edgewood, on turf.

Blind Luck was GAME in the Grade 2 La Troienne after going to her knees at the start. She looks a little bigger, stronger and more filled out since last year. Could this filly have another huge year ahead?

First Dude has become a man this year. He has grown up and matured. Stalking the pace in the Alysheba, he got up in time, over Regal Ransom.

Congrats to the Oaks winner Plum Pretty. My longshot St John’s River made for an exciting finish. I was disappointed in Joyful Victory, just not her day I guess.

Thank You! to Get Stormy and his two friends, Doubles Partner and Smart Bid for making my weekend a financial success.

Did not believe in Animal Kingdom before the Derby, but I do now. And I am very happy for Graham Motion and John Velasquez as they are hard working, class acts and very deserving of the big win.

The Derby party I attended was great fun. I would like to know how many red roses were sold in Kentucky for Derby Day? Because I couldn’t tell you how many dozens were on display at this party. And Maker’s Mark Mint Juleps were the best! There were door prizes, great food and drink, every Derby decoration you could think of, and a silent auction for each and every derby entrant for participants to bid on and then root for.

Kentuckians, whether horse people or not, take their Derby Parties very seriously. And it was fun to experience it in the Horse Capital of the World with friends, both old and new. Could be an annual tradition in the making for me!