I placed a bet in the Preakness on a horse that had \"bounced\" in the Derby. New term, new concept to a 19 year old me. Ironically the horse was my Derby pick. Jerry had given out the whole explanation on a TV show that I just happened to catch. I convinced my Dad that this horse was live and we should go bet. We wind up at the Red Mile in Lexington as there were few options for getting down bets back then in this area. I don\'t remember the exact amount but it was all this college freshman had in his wallet placed on his nose. Hansel drew off in the stretch and I have been a T-generate ever since. To Jerry and the whole crew, thanks for 30 fun years! Good luck to all in the Belmont!

Coach

The 7 furlong 184 feet race at Keeneland is known as the \"Beard Course\". It\'s the longest 1 turn race the track can host. The track is an oddly shaped 1 1/16th mile oval with 2 finish lines. Every dirt race finishes at the same line except those that are 1 1/16 mile. In my 38 years of watching races there I can tell you with certainty that speed horses have a distinct advantage in those 1 1/16th mile races. I\'ve always assumed it\'s because that finish line is in the middle of the stretch. Late runners just run out of room or have to really roll on the turn to get there. Best of luck to all who get to make it to Lexington or bet on the BC from anywhere. Going to be a special Halloween this year.

Coach

There is an old saying in KY...if you don\'t like the weather, \"hang around because it\'s about to change\"! Last year Lexington had snow, previous year we had a massive storm (moved Trick or treating to another night). If you\'re looking for dry/fast surface, recent years have been anything but. With that in mind, due to our location in the middle of the country gulf air and artic air show up often. You could get anything from 63 and clear to a snow storm. Would love to see PA show up and run his A game. My fingers are crossed for good weather. We\'re due!


Coach

1987 BC Classic at Hollywood Park Ferdinand vs Alysheba with Durkin calling in his prime. It doesn\'t get any better in this old man\'s opinion! Those of us living in central KY are anxiously awaiting this years Breeders Cup. Maybe we\'ll have our own unforgettable Classic. My gut feeling is that the racing will be great but the house isn\'t big enough for the event. Imagine your favorite local bar hosting the Rolling Stones. That\'s my dilemma. I watched AP win the Belmont on a jumbotron standing right beside the new BC statue at Keeneland with a few hundred people. If he shows up on Halloween night I won\'t be able to get within 100 feet of that statue.

Coach

You gave me Hansel in \'91 and I\'ve been loyal ever since! My first introduction to the \"bounce\". Thanks!
Coach

Curlin had a very nice career after finishing 3rd, 1st, 2nd in all three Triple Crown races. Keeping in mind how many horses that run in all 3 TC races and are essentially used up, his career becomes even more of a remarkable achievement. Granted he was VERY green in the Derby.

Bloodhorse.com reporting Durkin is retiring. He was my personal favorite track announcer. I think it\'s probably because his voice brings back great memories of the Breeders Cup. Lots of great races called by Durkin. My two favorites are \'88 Distaff and \'96 Mile. No doubt he\'s lost his edge of late but still one of the best ever!

Coach

Monarchos had an objection claimed on him.  Only thing I remember even close to a DQ.

A good friend of mine in the breeding industry took me to the Churchill back stretch on the Sunday before the Derby in 2006. We walked barn to barn,  seeing who we could see. Right in front of my eyes I see THE most gorgeous horse I had ever seen in person. With my untrained eye even I could see that this one was special. The rest of the morning all I hear from the wise guys at Churchill is that Sweetnorthernsaint is the horse to beat. I buy the hype, I think he was even bet down to the favorite. Derby day comes and that beautiful animal I saw up close wins going away. I\'ll never buy the hype again!! Good luck to all!

Coach

Wi-Fi is hit and miss. So many people,  so many cell phones. Its been better in recent years but still nothing to feel too confident about.  Phone calls as a back up is a solid plan.  The betting lines after race 6 look like they\'re giving away free money at the windows. Literally tens of thousands of $2 bettors in line with no clue what they\'re doing. The betting lines between the Woodford and Derby are the start of many a good fight! Best of luck!

Coach

Toppled,
Enjoy your first Derby! I sat there in \'87 and didn\'t see Alysheba stumble until the 11pm news later that night. It\'s a zoo in that area to say the least. The buzz in the crowd (literally), My Old Kentucky Home and hearing that gate open make it worth your money though. There\'s no denying that the first two mint juleps are awful but the next four are delicious!  Make sure you take home a few julep glasses. They make for great souvenirs. I\'ve collected all but 11 of them. Now it\'s a hobby. Good luck to all on the board with their derby wagers. I don\'t post much but sure appreciate all the insight here. My 22nd Derby in person is less than a week a way!

Unbridled\'s Song was euthanized today due to a large, invasive mass growing in his sinus cavities and around his optic nerves. He will be sorely missed by Taylor Made. A good friend of mine works there and most of the people dealing with him thought this was his last go around on the breeding circuit.

Keeneland is my home track. Best advice I have for anyone that is there on any Saturday when the weather is nice...head to the 3rd floor. Drunks do not ascend very well! The betting, food, beer and bathroom lines up there are very manageable compared to the zoo that is ground level. The college drunks have taken over that place in the spring on Saturdays when the weather is nice. If memory serves me correct the track record for attendance in \'93 was set when Holy Bull ran in the BG Stakes and it was in the ballpark of 20,000. Now they\'re cramming 40,000+ in there with no expansion in mind. It\'s ruined it for the real bettors in central Ky or anyone that wants to drop in for a visit from out of town. Thank God they\'ve finally reigned in the tailgating drunks in the parking lot. If you\'re a \"people watcher\" you need to add a spring Saturday to Keeneland to your bucket list. Wear sunglasses! If you hate crowds then come to Keeneland on a Sunday...wide open, regardless of weather.

I believe many of the good seats you guys are referring to are being held and/or have been bought up by the Turf Club members at Churchill Downs. A friend of mine that is in the Club called me on the Monday after the Derby and asked me if I was interested in a seat in his box on the 3rd level at the 1/8th pole. The Turf Club already was offering the tickets and the time to buy was very limited. My wife was a little suspicious as to why I was plunking down money for an event in November just 2 days after getting my brains beat out at the Derby! I will add that the big events at Churchill are a \"must\" ticket right now - Oaks, Derby, night racing, BC...are all in high demand. I agree that it\'s not fair that the average fan can\'t get anywhere near the best seats, even in an advanced sale. Thanks to all who have posted on here through the TC. I\'m 0 for 2 but still looking for a Lemon Drop Kid to get my money back!!

I hear a lot being made in the spring about how a horse going into the TC needs to have gotten back to his 2yo top. I\'m unfamiliar with some of the new faces we\'re seeing in the bigger 3yo races now. How important, if at all, is it important for a 3yo at this time of the year to have a solid 2yo foundation? I\'m also wondering how fast this group of 3 year olds was as 2 year olds. Lots of praise being laid on this group and understandably so. Could we see this coming? Just curious...Thanks for any help. I\'m just looking to get more educated on the sport. These questions have been bouncing around in my head for a while.

Coach