Derby Plays

[gandolph]

Sat 5/7 Will High Limit win the derby (must start)?

01:00 PM 209 Yes +2080




Will probably add some matchup plays in the morning, GL all.

[Wabash Wonders]

good luck Gandolph

[gandolph]

Thanx WW, BOL to you as well. My match plays:

$64/$50
Sat 5/7 Afleet Alex vs. Bandini
301 Afleet Alex -128

$50/$72
Sat 5/7 Noble Causeway vs. High Limit
314 High Limit +144

$100/$112
Sat 5/7 Sun King vs. High Limit
318 High Limit +112

$50/$52.50
Sat 5/7 Wilko vs Sun King
331 Wilko +105



GL ALL

[gandolph]

Unfortunately I didnt get to see the Derby Saturday, all I saw was that my horse ran dead last. Today I read this article in the Omaha World Herald and it about made me sick. I was pissed that I lost some money but after reading this story, I just really hope the horse is OK.


Mike Patterson: Derby luck found its limit

BY MIKE PATTERSON



WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Did High Limit have what it takes to win the Kentucky Derby?

Sadly, we'll never know.

The colt ran into bad racing luck Saturday while finishing last in the 20-horse field. Another horse ran up on his hind legs down the backstretch, causing deep cuts that led the horse to pull up.

It's probable the other 18 horses that finished behind long shot Giacomo also had some sort of excuse, but none as obvious as High Limit's. The colt was running sixth and in good striking position when the injury occurred.

It was an unfortunate mishap for several reasons. Owners, trainer and the horse itself deserved better.

Omahans Gary and Mary West now have made four trips to the Derby and each time have come home frustrated. And while Rockamundo (17th in 1993) and Dollar Bill (15th in 2001) didn't come close, the past two West horses really have been snakebit.

In addition to High Limit's problem, Buddha was scratched the day before the 2002 Derby after suffering a leg injury. The colt had been impressive to that point and was the probable post-time favorite.

Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel is still seeking that first Derby victory. But in the two days before the race, he seemed more and more like a poker player slow playing a full house.

Despite the 22-1 odds, there were others who agreed. One of the on-track tip sheets had High Limit picked right on top. Two reporters from the Lexington (Ky.) newspaper selected the horse to finish second, and the Daily Racing Form wrote that High Limit was training for the Derby better than almost everyone else.

Frankel was understandably frustrated back at his barn Saturday night. He and assistant Chad Brown watched the Derby replay to see when the injury occurred, which coincided with High Limit stopping.

Frankel declined an interview but was visibly upset. Assistant Chad Brown handled the news media, telling reporters his boss was obviously very disappointed.

There probably will be other Kentucky Derbys for Frankel, but not so for High Limit. A 3-year-old gets only one chance at the Derby, and this colt's chance ended painfully.

It takes a talented horse to win the Run for the Roses. And with a 20-horse field, it also takes a certain amount of luck.

Unfortunately for the colt with the Omaha connections, it had little on Saturday.

Before the race, the Wests and racing manager Ben Glass graciously allowed World-Herald photographer Jeff Bundy to sit in their owners' box. Unfortunately, there would be no jubilation among the Nebraskans on Saturday.

That was reserved for the owners of Giacomo and jockey Mike Smith. The former Ak-Sar-Ben jockey picked up his first Derby win in 12 tries, which proves good things come to those who wait.

Winning the Kentucky Derby is a lofty goal that few achieve. The Wests have tried hard - harder than most - in their 25 years of thoroughbred ownership.

Here's hoping that someday, something good happens to them on the first Saturday in May.

Something very good.