billdawg12185

One day until one of my favorite days of the year, the Kentucky Derby -- the first leg of the Triple Crown. I don't think this is the year we crown a Triple Crown winner, but its all about the chance and possibility of crowning one.

After the 20 horse field for the derby, only 10 or 12 go to the next leg and the other contenders rest up for the Belmont Stakes. Can you blame the trainer and owners though? Why run your horse if they isn't as much at stake. Resting for the final leg of the Triple Crown is a smart move and gives you the best chance at winning.

Look at last year, all three were great races, but three different horses won. It doesn't take anything away from any of those horses, but everyone would love to see a Triple Crown winner in their lifetime. I have yet to see one, but hope to one day.

This year the 20-horse field doesn't have any horse that has a lot of hype around them like in the past years. I know Big Brown is the favorite at 3-1 but he hasn't raced in that many races and having the outside post isn't exactly lucky. Only one horse has won the derby from that post. And looking back to 2007 some of the horses that were supposed to be a potential Triple Crown hopeful isn't even in the field of 20. War Pass trained by Nick Zito started off great, but towards the end of last year couldn't buy a win.

Old news, as we focus on the present favorites. I personally don't like Big Brown, mainly because of his post. I worked in Saratoga Springs for the past four years and got multiple chances to go to the Saratoga Race Course and take in the beauty of the grounds and horses. I was also able to see Street Sense, Rags to Riches, among others last year.

There is nothing better than taking in the track, and cheering on the horse you bet on down the stretch. As I won't be in Kentucky to watch the derby, you better believe I'll be taking in the races at home or at a bar. I'll probably place a few bets but don't expect to win it big.

My picks: Colonel John - Z Fortune - Gayego - Big Brown