The 135th Kentucky Derby is less than three weeks away and as I say every year, let all of us "Good Horsepeople" take advantage of this opportunity to promote the horse industry by educating our friends, families and co-workers about our favorite animals. By talking intelligently about the pros and cons of the racing industry in a constructive and supportive way, we can raise awareness for responsible racing and horse-keeping practices, and for the thousands of ex-racehorses that need help transitioning into new careers as sport horses, pleasure horses and companion animals that support and contribute to the equine industry in this country.
Each year the Derby attracts more than 150,000 people to Churchill Downs and millions more will tune in on television. People who rarely interact with horses are suddenly interested in the contenders, their stories and the action on race day. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with a couple of the horses and their stories, as well as the issues current to the racing industry today, especially the retirement and placement of off-the-track racehorses. To learn more, check out CANTER (the communication alliance to network Thoroughbred racehorses) and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.
Here are the The Good Horseperson's early picks. If you can't make it to the race, online Kentucky Derby betting is a simple and easy option.
I Want Revenge: This colt by Stephen Got Even recently won the Wood Memorial Stakes, despite the fact that he lost valuable seconds in the beginning of the race after rearing in the starting gate and lurching out of the box slightly behind the rest of the field. In a New York Times article by Joe Drape, I Want Revenge's jockey complements his mount, calling him "such a smart animal" and "mature for his age." He may only have 3 victories in eight starts, but I Want Revenge has plenty of heart and a cool-headed jockey who believes in him.
Papa Clem: A handsome bay colt by Smart Strike (Mr. Prospector), Papa Clem just won the million dollar Arkansas Derby last Saturday, edging out Derby favorite Old Fashioned, who is now out of the race with an injury. Papa Clem's trainer, Gary Stute, has been feeling very good about his colt, who he feels is at the top of his game. After watching the video of Arkansas Derby, Papa Clem seems like the kind of horse who has staying power and the ability to dig in and get the lead at the right moment.
Friesian Fire: This bright bay colt by A.P. Indy (Seattle Slew) has the bloodlines and more wins than Papa Clem and I Want Revenge - he is actually unbeaten so far this year, and ran away with a 7 length lead in the Louisiana Derby. Friesian Fire is trainer Larry Jones's only hope in what he's calling his last trip in the run for the roses. Jones will attempt to run him after a 7 week lay-off, which has raised some eyebrows, but clockers caught the colt running very well this morning on the dirt at Keeneland.
image courtesy of www.kentuckyderby.info
