Kelly Green: Who do you like in the Kentucky Derby this year?

[IronEagle]

If you were gonna put money down on a horse, which one would it be?

[Kelly Green]

Who's Running?

For the first time in forever I have paid absolutely no attention to the 3-year olds -- couldn't name a single horse.

[IronEagle]

Post positions and odds

For the first time in forever I have paid absolutely no attention to the 3-year olds -- couldn't name a single horse.

http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/horses/triple/2014/04/30/kentucky-derby-140-post-positions/8511479/

1. Vicar's in Trouble - Rosie Napravnik - 30-1

2. Harry's Holiday - Corey Lanerie - 50-1

3. Uncle Sigh - Irad Ortiz Jr. - 30-1

4. Danza - Joe Bravo - 10-1

5. California Chrome - Victor Espinoza - 5-2

6. Samraat - Jose Ortiz - 5-1

7. We Miss Artie - Javier Castellano - 50-1

8. General a Rod J- oel Rosario - 15-1

9. Vinceremos - Joe Rococo Jr. - 30-1

10. Wildcat Red - Luiz Saez - 15-1

11. Hoppertunity - Mike Smith - 6-1

12. Dance With Fate - Corey Nakatani - 20-1

13. Chitu Martin - Garcia 20-1

14. Medal Count - Robby Albarado -20-1

15. Tapiture Ricardo - Santana Jr. -15-1

16. Intense Holiday - John Velazquez- 12-1

17. Commanding Curve - Shaun Bridgmohan - 50-1

18. Candy Boy - Gary Stevens - 20-1

19. Ride On Curlin - Calvin Borel - 15-1

20. Wicked Strong - Rajiv Maragh - 8-1

[Kelly Green]

Let Me Do Some Research, But One Name Jumped Off The Page

Danza -- I'm like Sgt. Schultz at this point but I have a hunch. I'll let you know.

[Riccardo]

The obvious choice

15. Tapiture Ricardo - Santana Jr. -15-1

I might actually place a bet on this for the first time in my life

[Kelly Green]

Upon Further Review...

...my hunch didn't pan out. Thought there might be a link to Danzig but if it's there I didn't see it.

[Two Gap Penetrator]

Bwah!

I love to address Kelly Green directly!

[Kelly Green]

OK -- Did My Homework -- The Verdict IS...

I love Wicked Strong's breeding -- he's got royalty out the whazzoo and the way he won The Wood Memorial is the way to run the Derby -- out in the middle of the track away from traffic. However he's in the far outside post.

It's hard not to like California Chrome. He, too, has outstanding breeding including Seattle Slew (my all-time favorite "guts" winner). He dominated winning the Santa Anita Derby to win going away and the 5 hole is perfect for his running style.

If California Chrome breaks well and gets near the lead he'll be tough to beat, but I can't ignore Wicked Strong. Despite the No. 20 post he just has to stay close and stay out of trouble so he can come charging from the outside down that looooong home stretch.

My pick -- Wicked Strong. Damn the outside post, full speed ahead.

[Riccardo]

What about my pick? Has a shot??

Get ready for the ITYS of all ITYSs

[Kelly Green]

Actually, The Horse's Name Is Just Tapiture

Ricardo is the first name of his jockey -- Ricardo Santana, Jr.

I don't know where IE got "Tapiture Ricardo" as the name for the horse.

Still wanna bet the farm on him?

[Riccardo]

Yeah why not, I'll bet on the jockey

I like Santana too. So think they have a chance?

[Kelly Green]

Several Experts Don't Like His Chances

He apparently didn't look all that hot finishing 4th in The Arkansas Derby. I'm only going by what I've had a chance to read but it doesn't sound like he has many people who feel he's a world beater.

[Riccardo]

Thanks. Will make my ITYS all the sweeter

2 bucks it is!

[Drama Queen]

Bet the homofecta.

..Your horse, dead last, chasing the others with a hard on.

[3rd & Inches]

15. Tapiture Ricardo - Santana Jr. -15-1

I might actually place a bet on this for the first time in my life

21. Pass the Zima Please- Ellsworth 30 to 1 odds