… and they’re off

Hard to believe, but here we are looking straight at the first Saturday in May, and for this one day of the year, eyes from across the world will be focused on our grand Commonwealth of Kentucky and what is always referred to as the greatest two minutes in sports – the Kentucky Derby.

Of course this 142nd running will be coming fresh off of last year’s win by American Pharoah and ended up being the first of four of the biggest races n the sport he would win – picking up the coveted Triple Crown after following the Derby win with a win in the Preakness Stakes and then the Belmont Stakes.

Pharoah’s Triple Crown win was, of course, the first time the feat had been accomplished since 1978, and then the champion went on to do it one better when, instead of retiring, his owners and trainers decided to run him in the fourth race – the Breeder’s Cup.

Of course the champion also won that race, becoming the first horse to earn the Grand Slam of American Horse Racing.

So, as we head toward this Saturday’s Derby, with a 5:34 central post time, here goes with my annual suggestion of a couple of picks for this year’s race.

Looking back briefly, of course I use the scientific method of picking horses by either my likes of the trainer or jockey, then by the best or most interesting name in the field.

Of course at the time of this writing (Tuesday morning), we still don’t know exactly which horses will be included in the field, nor do I know the post positions, so as always, don’t bet the farm on what follows here.

Last year, I suggested a bet on International Star – the favorite at the time, and Itsaknockout for the horse with the best name. As it turned out, International Star scratched from the race prior to Derby Day, and I had also placed a bet on American Pharoah, which turned out to be a winner.

Not to brag about my horse racing knowledge whatsoever, but of course my bet last year on American Pharoah paid off as did my bets on his next two legs of the Triple Crown.

The year before, I also had a winning wager on my pick of Derby winner California Chrome, as well as third place finisher, Ride On Curlin.

In all fairness, my second pick last year of Itsaknockout, might still be on the track looking for the finish line – so, I’ll admit, my string of wins is certainly mostly luck.

So, here goes for this Saturday’s 142nd running and Al’s annual picks.

Yes, I’m going to put a wager on the odds on favorite as it stands right now, Nyquist. He’s unbeaten so far in seven starts.

Best name that will likely be in the field – of course, in my business, it’s a given – Suddenbreakingnews. He’s currently ranked 12th in the likely field of the top 20 contenders, with three first place finishes, five second place finishes including most recently in the Arkansas Derby – and a fifth place finish.

Looking all of that over, I actually like my chances of an across the board bet on Suddenbreakingnews being the wager that could put a little jingle in my pocket at the end of the day.

Most importantly, enjoy Derby Day with some friends and some good Derby snacks – that’s the best part of making the “most exciting two minutes in sports” last a lot longer.

Happy Kentucky Derby, and to all mothers out there – Happy Mother’s Day also.