Over on the backside this morning, the crowd was bigger, the weather was better and the Horses more majestic. Jinx Fires barn is far away from the track, next to Longfield, so I took a walk with Archarcharch to show you what it’s like for the Horse to walk its way to practice. Note that’s Bob Baffert on the right, about halfway through. Once at the entrance, Archarcharch, under jockey Jon Court, took a moment to be admired. That’s Santiva up ahead. The video is about as long as it will take to run the mile and a quarter on Saturday.
The consensus about the 20-Horse field among those I talked to — it’s wide open. Every Horse seems to have a logical reason to win on Saturday.
I caught up with Mayor Greg Fischer and, of course, asked him who he likes. It’s Mucho Macho Man, who had just walked by.
I’m leaning toward Twinspired, because my son Luke likes him, because he’s #10. Ever since Luke picked Giacomo in 2005, and I didn’t bet it, he’s chosen #10 every year. It’s as good a reason as any. Then again, there’s #7, Pants on Fire, with female jockey Rosie Napranvik aboard, which I have to couple with Calvin Borel’s #3 Horse, Twice the Appeal, because that number combination produced the biggest payoff I’ve ever cashed, when Lil E. Tee and Casual Lies finished 1-2 in 1992.
A lot of experts are throwing Uncle Mo out of their exotics because he faltered in the Wood Memorial and then had health issues. They’re throwing out Jinx Fires’ Archarcharch because he drew the #1 post. But there’s a good story for every entry. So make you bet and take your chances.
