Derby Blogs

Does Wayne Lukas think Flying First Class has a chance, or is he trying to trick the public again?

Justin, what is Janet thinking? Out of the 10 horses racing in this race, it would be a major accomplishment if Chief finishes 9th. Of the published works, Chief has not worked past 4 furlongs. This race happens to be 1 1/8 miles. Seems to me that to condition a horse for 1 1/8 mile race, you would need to work him past 4 furlongs. Even his published workout times for 4 furlongs are sub-par. Post time odds will be better than 100-1. Good Luck Chief, you will need it!

That poor colt shall get a wicket marked beating, that shall destroy his racing career, unless, all others are juiced-down with barbs .

I was looking at the PP's for all the nominated horses of the Lanes End (or maybe the Blue Grass) and noticed that trainer had about 3 unraced nom's to that race, so it comes as no surprise that they finally jumped in the deep water, my question is if they are sure they are ready for an event like this, wouldn't they have been ready for a MSW or allowance race a few weeks ago? they are playing some angle but Justin is right, the owners and the public deserve the right to know at least a little something about that horse in a million dollar race.

That horse will be 90-1

I much rather see someone take a risk and run an untested horse than to see a conection not sure if they run the derby because the horse doesnt like the track. i would love the see olympic Chief win but im already on the curlin Bandwagon.

Stephen,

I agree with most of what you said. However, this is a very important race to the connections of the others owners, and they have dreams too. At this point, no one knows how Olympic Chief will react to being in an actual horserace. Hopefully he will handle it in a "professional" manner, and won't disrupt the race. If he were to somehow make the lead entering the first turn, and then blow the turn and take out 3 or 4 horses, I think the Arkansas Derby dreams of other owners could be severely dashed.

All I can say to the connections of Olympic Chief is GOOD FOR YOU! It seems like every time I go to the track, at least once I have to ask myself "How did that horse win?" Evidently the connections think they have a horse with some ability here, and they're digging into their own pocket to find out. Everybody has dreams and it's kinda neat to see someone with a dream take a shot at making it come true!

Justine: Here is an interesting fact you will appreciate. Zanjero has raced seven times. He has never been the favorite yet his highest odds were 9-1. His lowest were 7-2 and won both these races. The best horse that needs to win the Bluegrass is Teuflesberg. He has a 100 Beyer in his win in the Southwest at 25-1. Good luck with Olympic Chief.

Hilarious and well-written post. I don't have a strong opinion on this race. I'd like to see Holthus take down another one with Officer Rocket but Curlin was much better in his last race so thats hard to see. For you Reppo did split Sightseeing and Chelokee. I think Chelokee may be the most overhyped wise guy horse this year and am actually hoping he makes the derby field so we can get some dead money on him. Sightseeing isn't even going to the Derby. What does that say about Nobiz and AGS? Deadly Dealer has to have found the easiest G2 to tackle in lieu of his NW2 allowance alternative. A wide open race and wide open Derby. If Olympic Chief wins I will be cheering! Upset of gargantuan proportions!

Is there any truth to the rumor that Olympic Chief is actually Ketchikan running in disguise?

Mark,

If Olympic Chief beats more than one horse, it will be a major accomplishment. I will put the over/under on his beaten lengths at 35.

How is Olympic Chief even eligible for this race? To go straight to a G2 race 3 weeks before the Derby. If he wins or runs an impressive 2nd he'll likely be in the Derby I assume, but I just don't see how that can be. But on the optimistic side, if he comes in the money at all, any 2 dollar wager, W, P, or S, I'm guessing might get you double the payback if not more