SureBet’s Onsite Derby Digest with Tom
Dawson -
brought to you by
Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino
- posted April 30, 2010 AM -
Today the carnival really begins.
Folks were lined up 15 deep at the gates at 7:45 A.M. to secure the best spots
in the infield. There are also numerous spectators on the backstretch. After the
racetrack closed for training at 8:15 this morning, the area around the media
center was transformed from a media gathering spot and host site for all the TV
morning shows, to a picnic ground. It runs from about the 6 ½ pole to the 5/8.
From ground level, there is only about a quarter mile portion of the race that
can be clearly seen, but the inhabitants don’t seem to care.
There should be somewhere in the neighborhood of 100,000 people here today. This
has become the second best attended race day in the country, topped only
by…tomorrow. Even the Breeders’ Cup, which will be held right here this year,
won’t draw the numbers expected today. Oaks Day is an unofficial holiday here in
Louisville and Lexington. If locals need a doctor or lawyer or dentist today,
they won’t be in their offices.
This is the second year of Churchill’s partnership with Susan G. Komen for the
Cure. The entire day, and the Bravo telecast at 5:00this afternoon, is dedicated
to that cause. Last year, the famed walk over to the paddock from the
backstretch was duplicated by breast cancer survivors. I admit that I forgot to
pack any pink when I left home but a fellow scribe as offered me the use of an
appropriately colored tie. Goes with everything.
There are also lots and lots of security personnel. Every police entity from
local to county to state, plus the privately hired guards, is in evidence
everywhere. The biggest problem is co-ordination, making sure everyone
understands which credentials allow access to what. I wouldn’t want to commit a
crime here today or tomorrow. You wouldn’t have a chance. But I wonder who is
guarding the rest of Louisville?
I imagine anyone who can, will take advantage of racing today. It will be sunny
and 85 degrees. Tomorrow, the only thing is the 80”s is the chance of rain,
possibly heavy at times.
All of the Derby jockeys should be here today. Some like Robby Albarado, Calvin
Borel and Kent Desormeaux are riding here regularly. Others, such as Garrett
Gomez, Alex Solis and Jose Lezcano came for the week. With plenty of stakes
races today and tomorrow, everybody will get a chance to ride some races before
the Derby.
Earlier in the week, we talked about the three Derby rookie trainers. But how
about Jockeys? There are six, as follows: Joel Rosario (Make Music For Me),
Martin Garcia (Conveyance), Miguel Mena (Backtalk), Joe Talamo (Sidney’s Candy),
Terry Thompson (Dublin) and Rajiv Maragh (Mission Impazible). By rights, Talamo
shouldn’t be a rookie. Last year, he lost his mount on I Want Revenge when the
morning line favorite was scratched on Derby morning.
Unlike the recent success of first time trainers, rookie jocks haven’t fared as
well. Stewart Elliott won aboard Smarty Jones in 2004 but before that, you have
to go back to 1979 when apprentice Ronnie Franklin captured the Derby with
Spectacular Bid.
I’ll be updating through the day today, particularly once the stakes get
rolling. Rachel Alexander is in the 6th race, the first stakes on the card, at
1:36 eastern. They just ran the first which was a very formful sprint. The 6-5
choice was well back early but closed stoutly to win going away. Remember, the
stretch here is 1234 feet, so late movers have more to work with.
Between today and tomorrow, I’ll also have a capsule of all Derby horses gleaned
from observations and conversations with people who know more than I do (or
claim to). There will also be expert opinions on how the race might be run.
We’re off on Oaks day.