Big Weekend in Horse Racing!

[klinkman]

This weekend is a big one in horse racing, the big name 3 year olds will be back on the track after recovering from the Triple Crown.

Saturday finds Mine That Bird running in the West Virginia Derby, a Grade 2 race with 750,000 dollars in the purse. Now, I have no idea where the decision came from to run Mine That Bird in the West Virginia Derby, as it really is not that prestigious of a race. The Haskell Invitational, which Big Brown won last year, and arguably, the Jim Dandy, Saratoga's prep for the Travers, are far more prestigious races. But the the WV Derby does have a lot of money in the purse and a short field. Big Drama, the horse that bucked his rider in the Preakness leads the rest of the contenders. More analysis to come.

Full Story from the NTRA here: Mine That Bird eyes second derby - NTRA

The post draw for the Haskell Invitational has been completed, and Rachel Alexandra is back, and drew post 6 in a field of 7. The Haskell is the big race for 3 year olds right now, and Rachel will have some tough competition. Munnings beat older horses in the Tom Fool handicap, which is a rare feat for a 3 year old. Summer Bird won the Belmont and is back to challenge Rachel. Papa Clem won the Arkansas Derby, and ran 4th in Kentucky. Duke of Mischief won the Iowa Derby, and will sure to be in the running as well.

More on the Haskell once past performances are posted. Full Story here: Rachel draws post 6 for Haskell - NTRA

It's a shame some of the horses that did well in the Triple Crown will not be running this weekend. Pioneerof The Nile has been retired after a soft tissue injury suffered in training. Musket Man is out for the season with a bone bruise. Dunkirk suffered a fracture to his left-hind cannon bone and will be out for the season. I can only hope that these injuries are being detected early and not that they are occurring more often.

[heelside720]

Wow !! Thank you for all the detailed info on the race . I am going to put my money on the 50 to 1 long shot . Lol

[Lilred36]

Wish i were going klink,but got some other plans,is a great weekend though for the races,as always thanks bud keep up the good threads.You rock when it comes to the ponies.

[klinkman]

I just want to say that I have no good advice for the West Virginia Derby. Maybe box Mine That Bird over all but Big Drama? Dont like Big Drama, but that's all I really have. Sit back and enjoy the race.

[Pokerkitty6]

Well I didn't have any luck today on the horses. Ran over to the track, put my bets in and left. I'm not supposed to be around alot of germs right now. I should of listened to my doctor and stayed home. Good Luck tomorrow on the haskel!!!

[Pokerkitty6]

ok people post time is 6:15.... will Rachael beat the boys again? Her odds are 1/5. The long shot #7 Bunker Hill is 31. Big difference!!!! Good Luck All!!! Let's watch the race!