Derby Doings

I was getting my daily read this morning, and dug up a gem from Dick Downey. I have been keeping one under my hat, but the cat is out of the bag. If you are considering making a $2 wager, or going for the long ball, I suggest you pay close attention to the media reports that are rolling hot off the press.

Here is a little nugget that I found about my “double-secret” runner. I thought I was alone, but come to find out that the connections are leaving no stone unturned. Be sure to read every word twice, as they contain some hidden truth that can be used at the windows. Since the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, I have loved Union Rags… He was green, and could turn to gold on the big day. But that was until I attended the Vinery Spiral Stakes at Turfway Park in March. I was there last year and found my Derby horse, and I think I am following the same path again this year.

WENT THE DAY WELL – Went the Day Well, winner of the Vinery Racing Spiral in his most recent start, arrived at Churchill Downs from Keeneland at 12:35 p.m.

Trained by Graham Motion, Went the Day Well is stabled in Barn 22 which is where Motion was stabled last spring when Animal Kingdom won Kentucky Derby 137. Went the Day Well, who was accompanied by Crimson China, is in Stall 38, the same one occupied last year by Animal Kingdom.

Went the Day Well, who will be ridden in the Derby by John Velazquez, is scheduled to work Saturday, weather permitting. Velazquez rode Animal Kingdom last year.

Going back in the time machine to last year, I watched a runner by the name of Crimson China who was suppose to be in the Vinery Spiral Stakes. The connections felt that there was an excellent opportunity for him on the undercard, and a runner by the name of Animal Kingdom ran in the big dance for Graham Motion. I think we all know how things turned out, and if you want to watch a maturing animal turn in a pretty damn good race, just take it all in and watch the acceleration down the lane when he gets straightened out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIsmZjIhtC8

Pay close attention to Mike Battaglia’s call. This was a quick clip for Turfway Park. The track is known for being a safe surface rather than a blistering oval that can send your runner back to the barn with sore hooves. I still love Union Rags, but Went The Day Well is my wiseguy runner that can light up the board. Everything feels like 2011 all over again. Same connections, same preparations, and best of all, I hope we get that sweet price at the windows.