Derby Day!

While all eyes seem to be on Churchill Downs for today's Kentucky Derby, few (in this neck o' the woods, at least) are paying attention to the undercard races leading up to the big event.

Not so yours truly.

My interest was in the Humana Distaff, a Grade 1 stakes race that preceded the vaunted derby. I was hoping to watch my uncle's horse Dubai Majesty win it more than I cared about the outcome of the premiere event.

Indeed, his feisty filly charged to an early lead and seemed to be pulling away from the field until almost the last minute. But, just as she had done in the recent Vinery Madison Stakes at Keeneland last month, she faded at the end--allowing Informed Decision and Temple Street to zip past her and claim the top 2 spots.

Still, 3rd place ain't bad, I suppose . . .

Anyway, I stayed tuned to watch the rest of the racing. Won't fill the dryer with unnecessary laundry, as there's plenty of blog coverage of the big upset in the derby. All in all, though, it was a pretty satisfying day of horse racing.

But, I'm not sure if we'll have a Triple Crown winner this year . . .

Join in the Dance!

No, I'm not telling you how to celebrate the Magic's big victory tonight (114-89 over the Philadelphia 76ers, to advance to the 2nd round of the NBA play-offs).

Although, that would be as good a reason as any to cut a rug tonight . . .

Actually, "Join the Dance" is the name of one of the entries in this Saturday's running of the Kentucky Derby.

The horse just *happens* to be part-owned by Orlando's own Rashard Lewis. And, my theory is that was a big part of the motivation he needed to seal the deal up in Philly tonight. He didn't need the distraction of a Game 7 in this already-too-long series. He needs to be sipping mint juleps with the rest of us . . .

I suppose, though, he will be eyeing the outcome of the Celtics/Bulls series. Whoever wins in Boston on Saturday will face the Magic in round 2.

Anyway, if you're a Magic fan tonight, go ahead and dance. Lewis and the rest of the team performed amazingly well tonight despite the absences of Dwight Howard and Courtney Lee.

No Crown for Big Brown

I actually set aside some time this busy Saturday to tune-in to the Belmont Stakes up in New York.

Normally, I'm content enough to read the coverage in the local Sunday rag.

But, today promised to be something special.

I mean, there hasn't been a Triple Crown winner since yours truly was a very small child.

And, I was excited by the chance a little horse named CASINO DRIVE (pictured here) had to play spoiler this year. He's a brother to my uncle's horse FORT APACHE (who had a rather dismal showing in the recent Texas Derby). Unfortunately, he scratched at the last minute due to a bruised hoof . . .

Even with the withdrawal of this big threat, BIG BROWN lived up to his name. Not only did he look like a complete turd on the turf today, he managed to add to the embarassment by coming in dead last!

See, it's races like this that keep me reading the aforementioned Sunday rag . . . .

Sunny ain't a teenager anymore!

My crazy friend Sarah threw a 20th birthday party today for "her boy" Sunny.

I say "crazy friend," because Sunny is her horse.

That's right, a birthday party for a horse. Complete with cake and all the trimmings.

Well, I guess if you have to have an excuse to throw a party and eat stuff that's bad for you . . . . I've just never had either of those problems!

Anyway, happy birthday, Sunfire!

And, pass me a slice of cake.