Court Vision, the Classiest of the Class! (Sarah K. Andrew)
Guest Poster – Sarah K. Andrew
Not only is Sarah K. Andrew an incredible photographer and frequent post enhancer here at GbG, she’s also quite the horsewoman and fan of racing.
Sarah shoots mostly the Belmont and Saratoga meets with a smattering of Monmouth, Meadowlands and even an occasional Atlantic City! And let’s not forget the big events as well. Please welcome Sarah to GbG!
Derby Day is upon us but the picture is still fuzzy. Let’s break it down high school yearbook-style and see if we can make any sense of it:
Cool Coal Man: Class Nerd. Has done his homework in his eight starts with a trainer (Zito) who has seen his share of Derby wins. Also in contention for the Cutest Blaze superlative.
Tale of Ekati: Biggest Flirt. He won a Grade 1 but I cannot include him in my wagers.
Anak Nakal: Class Slacker. Most likely to creep up into a tri or super.
Court Vision: Classiest of the Class of 2008. Best pedigree and trainer (Mott) to get the job done.
Eight Belles: Most Valuable Player. With 9 lifetime starts, this filly has been in the starting gate more than any other horse in the field. Also a shoo-in for Prettiest Girl.
Big Truck: Teacher’s Pet. Mr. Tagg can’t say enough about his favorite pupil.
Visionaire: Most Likely to be Seen at a Party. Has raced at 6 different tracks.
Pyro: Class Bully. Pyro is the richest horse in the field and he’s beaten quite a few Derby starters.
Colonel John: Most Likely to Succeed. Good post, impressive works, consistent record, well-bred. And based on the videos that can be seen on his website, it looks like he can handle the dirt.
Smooth Air: Mr. Dependable. Has never finished worse than third.
Bob Black Jack: Class Motorhead. He has the need for speed.
Monba: Shyest. It’s win or lose with Monba- he has never finished second or third.
Adriano: Best Dressed and Most Deserving Connections. Roses would perfectly suit this son of A.P. Indy, owner/breeder Courtlandt Farms, trainer H. Graham Motion, and jockey Edgar Prado. Plus, his silks are awesome.
Denis of Cork: Most Likely to be on the 5-year-Plan. Working up a storm, bred for the Derby distance, but the first Saturday in May of 2010 seems like it would be a better date for him.
Cowboy Cal: Class Jock. Ultra-consistent, but his surface limitations pose a huge question. Wouldn’t it be something if Pletcher got his first Derby winner on a horse who is ML 20-1?
Recapturetheglory: Class Clown. Worst silks. What exactly is on those things… a wombat?
Gayego: Class Troublemaker. What the heck do I do with this horse in my wagering?
Big Brown: Most HEXED. Front wraps, 3 lifetime starts, 20-hole, and worst of all…recipient of the 2008 Kashmir Hex.
Z Fortune & Z Humor: Class Couple.
When it’s all said and done, my Top Derby 5 are: Colonel John, Court Vision, Pyro, Denis of Cork, Monba, and Visionaire. OK, that’s 6. Happy wagering and best of luck to all!