Derby Blogs

One of them was projected to be among the favorites a few weeks ago. The other looked like a top contender earlier this spring as well. But they have fallen from favor due to recent performance on the track. Of course I'm talking about Liquidity and Great Hunter, next door neighbors in the barn of Doug O'Neill.

Liquidity (the one looking at the camera) was among my top three Derby choices at one point, but poor efforts in Louisiana and California made me sour on his chances.

Until today.

I was in the O'Neill barn yesterday, and I spent time visiting with his Derby entrants. I can report that both are absolutely amazing looking. Great Hunter (next to Liquidity), whom I won't be betting, tried to bite me. Liquidity just looks like he thinks he is better than you. I almost challenged him to a race to quell the arrogant vibe he puts off. Then I realized he's probably faster, at least going two turns. So I backed off.

But seriously, Liquidity looks great, and everyone in the barn told me that he has become a completely different horse in the last couple of weeks. He allegedly loves being here, and is maturing at the right time.

Bottom line: I'm using Liquidity on some of my tickets. I have a future wager on him already, and that means he will be part of my annual "Live Future Wager Exacta Box", the same bet that gave the Giacomo-Closing Argument combo.

As for Great Hunter, what can I say? He really looks amazing. But I have to take a stand against him based on the two-prep schedule.

Plus, he tried to bite me.