The Preakness is coming

Billy The Flank wants a dry Preakness. The sloppy conditions at Churchill killed all Billy's picks, and the unfortunate injury to Awesome Act is tough to take going into the Preakness.

For the Preakness, BTF is now liking Looking at Lucky due to AA's injury. LaL has Garrett Gomez (a/k/a GoGo) astride. Billy cannot believe that Super Saver and Cal "Bo-Rail" drew the first post position for this race, as it is tailor made for them. Billy still likes Lookin at Lucky closing from the outside from the 11th post position. BTF likes Jackson Bend and Mike Smith to Place, and Super Saver and CBR to show.

No Triple Crown winner in 2010!

Kentucky Derby Increase in Wagers, Attendance Up & the Rogers Host their First Annual KD Bash -

Despite the daytime heavy rain and scattered t-storms in Louisville, attendance and wagering were up from previous years for yesterday's Kentucky Derby.  Could this increase have been fueled by "girl power" and the recent horse racing press regarding fillies, Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta?  Not quite sure, but it certainly created greater interest here at the Rogers' home . . .

The Rogers first annual Kentucky Derby bash would be considered a success and fun was had by all with a nice sunny day.  At random horse drawings (pick a name out of the bag) sent prizes home with a few guests.  While "Super Saver" was one of the names not pulled from the bag . . . winners included the #2 horse - Ice Box - prize to Anita Rogers, #3 horse - Paddy O'Prada - prize to DSully and #4 horse - Make Music For Me - prize went to Richard Byrne.  Any of those lottery tickets produce any $$??

With a little more skill involved, $1 bets were placed on horses of choice with Dave Freedman and Chris Galeucia splitting the fishbowl of $ having selected Super Saver as their favorite to win.  Barb Robi & Debbie Byrne get a little extra credit for being the only gals to bring (wear?) a derby hat of some fashion - may these be required for entry next year?  Lee Muise helped out with superior chemistry skills, mixing up the freshly brewed Rogers minty simple syrup with just the right amount of bourbon, etc.  Pretty much everyone enjoyed a sip or two, or three of a famous mint julep for the occassion.  Food included the Robi's jumbo shrimp cocktail, baked onion dip, ChrisG's Kentucky Hot Browns (yum!), assorted cheese, fruit & veggies, Grandad's Grilled Steak Tips, Southern Chicken & Corn Chili, freshly baked corn muffins, Cobb Salad, Laura's Baked Pineapple Recipe, SheiLee's Baked Bean & Bacon dish & Carolyn's bourbon infused Kentucky Derby pies.  Anything missing?  Oh, yes, the lemon & raspberry tarlets that I have been eating ALL day . . .

It's Super Saver - - On to the Preakness Stakes!

Can Super Saver win the Triple Crown?  That would be a very nice feather in the cap of trainer, Todd Pletcher - who after 24 tries (and 4 horses in this race) finally has a big smile on his face now that his Super Saver, with Calvin Borel on board, won the Kentucky Derby yesterday.  Super Saver finished the race a length and a half in front of Ice Box and Paddy O'Prada.

SS has a short two weeks before he will travel to Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD for the Preakness Stakes on May 15. http://www.preakness.com/  Stay tuned . . .