Pictured Derby Longshot Desert Party
My favorite time of the year, the first Saturday in May and the annual running of the Fastest Two Minutes in Sports, the Kentucky Derby. This is the 135th year of the Derby making it the oldest major sporting event in America and this year promises even more as there may be a favorite, but it is not overwhelming. That means anything can happen which is normal for the Derby anyway as the horse least likely to win is the pre-race favorite.
This year I Want Revenge is the favorite but he is not an overwhelming favorite. So I am going to take the approach that tradition will dominate and the favorite won't win. Horses like Dunkirk, Pioneer of the Nile and Friesan Fire all could win and will all have low odds. But I think this year will be different so I am going with the long shots.
I think the race will be between two such long shots, Desert Party and West Side Bernie and if I am right it will be a sizzling finish. West Side Bernie will probably push the lead throughout the race and Desert Party will remain in the pack. If Desert Party (15-1) is patient and remembers his roots, he could be the winner. Though from Dubai and having lost his last race against another horse from Dubai, Regal Ransom, both were bred in Kentucky.
Pictured Derby Longshot West Side Bernie
However, if West Side Bernie, a much longer shot in the early odds (30-1) does not get pinned between horses while challenging for the lead he could grab the trophy and Bed of Roses right out from under all the favorites. If Bernie gets an outside pole position it will make him even stronger. Now those of you who believe one long shot is crazy, two long shots are downright insane, well you may be right.
But I happen to think the Derby is always capable of a surprise. Winner - West Side Bernie, and Runner up Desert Party.
