Derby Fever

by Ed Meyer

posted on April 19, 2011 in General Discussion, WinningPonies.com | No Comments >>

ThermometerOn our weekly radio show, we have made contact with some big names in racing. Two weeks ago it was Rosie Napravnik, last week it was Julien Leparoux. This week it’s the trainer of Pants on Fire, Kelly Breen.

Rosie gave us a glimpse of a possible history mount as she will be the first woman to ride in the Derby since Rosemary Homiester. She won the Fair Grounds meet, and took down the Louisiana Derby, all at age 23. She has a presence, and will be one to contend with for years to come. When I met her in person at Keeneland, she has the magic that makes the good ones great great. If you doubt me, just ask those Cajun boys at Fair Grounds.

Julien was genuinely a good guy. He had some nice mounts last week, but failed to win the gold after a brutal trip in the Bluegrass. But, even though it wasn’t a good day, he still has Dialed In to look forward to. I spoke with him off air and they are really pumped. All the while they are attempting to keep confidently quiet. If all goes well, this guy can guide home a lightly raced colt and notch another in Nick Zito’s belt.

Kelly Breen said he would be glad to go on this week, but wanted to keep it brief. Pants on Fire’s owners don’t want him talking up a storm which leads me to think they have a shot. He likes the way he is training, and has shipped to Churchill.

So, make plans this week to be with us at 8 p.m. EST / 5 PST at radio.winningponies.com to hear what the players have to say. If you miss out on the action, you can always catch us on podcast. Be sure to check in as we will break down the last stakes heading to Louisville, and hear what the winning trainer of the Louisiana Derby has to say about his charge for that first Saturday in May.