Anyone have a towel for the egg on my face?
Yes, it's true I wrote off Mine That Bird's chances in today's Kentucky Derby, claiming my 14-year-old dog had a better shot of winning America's most famous horse race. Well, by now most of you know that Mine That Bird became the second biggest long shot in the 135-year history of the Run for the Roses, running off to win by 6 3/4 lengths and returning $103.20. Donerail, a 91-1 outsider, paid a record $184.90 in 1913.
To tell you the truth, I'm still in a state of shock. I had runner-up Pioneerof the Nile hooked up in exactas with third-place finisher Musket Man and fourth-place finisher Papa Clem. But Mine That Bird jumped up and bit me big time. Kudos to Calvin Borel for a great ground-saving ride. It was a dream come true for the horse's connections and a nightmare for me. In fact, I just ran second at 8-1 in the 12th at Churchill Downs. I'll be glad when it's tomorrow.
You should of coulda bet an exacta box w/ all ART !
We all had the eggs on our faces. Calvin the Rail is GREAT for the Game anyway. It's only the 135th, look ahead to the 136 th ++
Take care Art.
Bill
PS: hope some Ca. Movie Director takes heed in this story , it's still unbelievable to me and all of us so called experts, YOU NEVER KNOW !
Bill,
Yeah, I know a lot of people who liked Pioneer did just that same thing, boxed it to every horse in the field. I just couldn't, and still can't see, that horse winning. I really think he was an underlay at 50-1. He should have gone postward at 70-1 or more. I mean, we're talking about a horse that finished fourth in the Sunland Derby. A lot of casual horse racing fans don't even know where Sunland Park is. Oh well, I live to battle another day.
You jinxed it, Art. ;-)
Never, ever, EVER taunt the Racing Gods! They seldom smile on the favorites - especially in the Triple Crown races, or when a champ is going for a record.
After your little remarks about the longshots in the Derby, the Gods said "Oh, yeah? We'll see about that!!!! We'll just make sure the most idiotic choice wins by a mile!"
Big Brown's connections had to learn that the hard way, too.
It's all good though. Your article just made it all much more interesting! :)
Yeah, but did they have to pick the MOST idiotic choice? :-)