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Bunny's Derby Darlings is a series on my favorite Derby contenders

Read more at:  http://bitsnbunny.blogspot.com/

Part Eleven:  Bunny's Morning Line
 

The road to the Kentucky Derby has been full of unwelcome surprises, starting off with the promising Tapizar’s injury; followed by To Honor And Serve, Jaycito, and Premier Pegasus who left the Derby trail for similar causes.  Throat surgery benched The Factor, and then, most recently, came the news of scratching Toby’s Corner.  Now we are faced with the possibility of losing Uncle Mo to gastro-intestinal issues.

The year began with such high hopes of having a Kentucky Derby field deep with talent.  As a racing fan, my objective is not only to see my favorite horse win, but to watch talented horses matched up against each other for great competitive moments that make racing history.  The Kentucky Derby, draped in tradition, is a once a year, once in a lifetime opportunity to witness such moments. 

As some of the top three year olds got “picked-off” the Derby trail, I felt a sense of loss that the Derby was slowly diminishing before my eyes.  I wondered if it was just me being fourteen years old, wanting that “perfect” race, with hopes of a Triple Crown winner.  In an interview today, Toby’s Corner’s trainer, Graham Motion, was asked how he felt about scratching the colt.  His response made it very clear that it wasn’t just me being fourteen, but that he was profoundly disappointed that this horse, “That brought him (Graham Motion) to the Derby” was not able to participate, and left him feeling “devastated”. Oddly enough, I felt the very same way!

Disappointment aside, I feel strongly that the utmost care and consideration for the horse should always take precedent over competing.  I commend all the trainers and owners of the horses who have been pulled out of contention for the Triple Crown, knowing what a hard decision that must be, given what is at stake.  That being said, bravo to all the horses who will make it into the gates this Saturday!

Following the post draw, Mike Battaglia released his morning line odds for the Kentucky Derby.  He put seventeen horses at or above 10-1 with twelve of those being installed at or above 20-1.  I would like to offer my own morning line odds to tighten up the field a little bit.

Post Position, Horse, Real M/L, Bunny’s M/L

1:   Archarcharch, 10-1, 15-1

2:   Brilliant Speed, 30-1, 10-1

3:   Twice The Appeal, 20-1, 25-1

4:   Stay Thirsty, 20-1, 15-1

5:   Decisive Moment, 30-1, 20-1

6:   Comma To The Top, 30-1, 8-1

7:   Pants On Fire, 20-1, 20-1

8:   Dialed In, 4-1, 3-1

9:   Derby Kitten, 30-1, 12-1

10:  Twinspired, 30-1, 10-1

11:  Master Of Hounds, 30-1, 25-1

12:  Santiva, 30-1, 50-1

13:  Mucho Macho Man, 12-1, 20-1

14:  Shackelford, 12-1, 5-1

15:  Midnight Interlude, 10-1, 8-1

16:  Animal Kingdom, 30-1, 6-1

17:  Soldat, 12-1, 30-1

18:  Uncle Mo, 9-2, 6-1

19:  Nehro, 6-1, 25-1

20:  Watch Me Go, 50-1, 50-1

The winner’s circle at Churchill Downs is truly open to any horse in this field.  Many of these horses have run on an off-track, which is highly possible, with a sixty percent chance of showers in the forecast for Louisville, Kentucky.

What makes this Kentucky Derby so special is that it is the first Kentucky Derby since starting “Bits N’ Bunny”!  Being able to share my thoughts and opinions with other people who love horseracing has been such a fun experience for me. 

Thanks for listening and Happy Derby Day to all!   

-Bunny