A Sentimental Derby Pick!

Everybody loves a heart warming story - and this would certainly be one. Whether you're a horse racing fan, or not, it's hard to not root for my horse in this year's Kentucky Derby, Nehro.

I'll explain.

On Derby Day in 1992, my friends and I were fired up for the race.  We were going to bet A LOT of money on our favorite horse, a colt named A.P Indy.  However, the morning of the race, A.P. Indy suffered a freak accident in his stall, fracturing a leg.  He had to be scratched from the Kentucky Derby.

But just five weeks later - on a PARTIALLY FRACURED LEG that had not yet completely healed - A.P. Indy won the Belmont Stakes.  Two months later, he won the Breeders Cup Classic - assuring him "Horse of the Year" honors, as well as a place in 'racing immortality', and leaving fans wondering how good he really could have been sans the injury.

Ever since that Saturday afternoon in 1992, I've always believed that a son, or daughter, of A.P. Indy would avenge the occurrences of that morning, and win the Derby.

Nehro is A.P. Indy's grandson.

But  Nehro is not just a feel good story.  He's got a real shot at winning the race.  He is the third betting choice on the morning line, at 6-1.

He is absolutely bred to easily handle the distance, which many in this field are not.  If the track is muddy or wet, that plays to his advantage, as well.  He doesn't need it, though, as his come-from-behind running style should have him rolling down the lane in the stretch.

After he won his first race, he was ambitiously placed in the Louisiana Derby.  Most horses could not do that.  He encountered terrible traffic in the lane, and still rallied for 2nd, losing by only a neck.

His handlers know that he is something special.

Did I mention that his jockey, Corey Nakatani, has been a favorite of mine for about 20 years?

In 136 years, no horse has ever won the Kentucky Derby from post position #19.

Don't be shocked if Nehro changes that, this Saturday afternoon.