Roses or Lillies?

I am not posing the two types of flowers in a question of preference. It is not a matter of one’s preference, but a matter of a filly’s short term fate. We are witnessing the trail of a filly, Eight Belles, who very well could run for the Roses, but if not, she will run for the Lillies instead. Which will it be?

If Eight Belles, trained by Larry Jones, runs for the Roses in the Kentucky Derby, she will be the first filly to run since 1999. Before 1999, only 3 fillies have finished first and only 9 were money finishers. Winning Colors was the last filly to win in 1988. Maybe Eight Belles is the one to win with “belles,” whistles, and flying colors. Proud Spell, also a filly trained by Larry Jones, is most likely to run in the Oaks,however anything could happen!

The Kentucky Derby entries are officially drawn on Wednesday.

What is the meaning behind the flowers?

Roses:
• The roses were first established as part of the Derby celebration when they were presented to all the ladies attending a fashionable Louisville Derby party
• In 1904 the red rose became the official flower of the Kentucky Derby
• Each year, a garland of 554 red roses is sewn into a green satin backing with the seal of the Commonwealth on one end and the twin spires and number of the running on the other
• The Kroger Company has been the official florist of the Kentucky Derby since 1987

Lillies:
• The Lily did not become the official flower of the Kentucky Oaks until 1991, when the Kroger Company was commissioned to create a feminine garland for the fillies
• The Star Gazer Lily was selected for its femininity and strength