Up from the Muck: Saturday Sport

The Sun has dawned bright on our Old Kentucky Home today, for the 145th running of the fastest two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby.  Churchill Downs in Louisville  will fill with hundreds of thousands of fans, drinking the signature drink, bourbon based Mint Juleps, to watch the field of three year olds compete in the first leg of racing's Triple Crown.  

After what seems like weeks of rain, the sun made an appearance yesterday, and hopefully will dry out the field before the race.  Fans are pleased they won't have to brave the elements as they down their drinks.  Their fancy Derby hats are pleased too, reportedly.  Derby fashion may be another post for another time, but we'll include some pics here.  OH. THE. HUMANITY.

Many still remember seeing last year's standout "Justify" who went on to take the Triple Crown.  The crowds share the same hope, every year, of seeing the start of a Triple Crown winner in this fast race.  

This year they won't watch the odds on favorite.  Losing a unique opportunity to race, fav "Omaha Beach" dropped out Wednesday, and then underwent emergency surgery.  The horse suffered from a "dropped epiglottis," raising questions about the horses recent activities.  All is well, though, and Omaha Beach will be back, eventually. 

The loss of this horse has certainly raised excitement throughout the field, as a clear favorite has no clear successor.  Leading the pack at 5-1 odds currently are Improbable, Maximum Security, and Tacitus.  "Game Winner" follows behind with 6-1 odds, followed by Roadster at 9-1. 

The 1 1/4 mile races will start at 6:50 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Are you a betting man?  Who you got?