Kentucky Derby Blog

Eight Bells had come in second to Big Brown in the Kentucky Derby, then collapsed with two broken ankles and was euthanized on the spot. Many blame danger of dirt tracks. California had ordered softer synthetic surfaces for every track because 154 horses had to be euthanized in the 2004-05 racing season. So many horses died on the Del Mar track that trainers called it a “killing field. Some say American thoroughbreds are breaking down because they’re raced too young. And there are those who say fillies shouldn’t run against colts. Horse racing has been loved by so many people in the world for so long and so many racing horses got injured during races. If we find any danger in racetracks or racing to them, we should fix it. It must’ve been so painful to Eight Bells running the final stretch, but she didn’t stop. That makes me so sad.

Big Brown finished first as expected. He ran great and definitely has potential to win Preakness 2008.

The only filly Eight Bells running right after Big Brown broke both of her ankles:(

Gate  Horse         Min  Win  Place  Show
20  BIG BROWN       $2  $6.80  $5.00  $4.80
5   EIGHT BELLES    $2        $10.60  $6.40
16  DENIS OF CORK   $2                $11.60

Proud Spell won 2008 Kentucky Derby Oaks at Churchill Downs. Ridden by Gabriel Saez and trained by Larry Jones, Proud Spell put on an impressive charge down the center of the sloppy track and rolled to a 5-length victory in the $500,000 race in 1:50.01 for the 1 1/8 miles.

Win/Place/Show Payouts

Gate  Horse        Min   Win    Place   Show
8     PROUD SPELL  $2   $8.80   $4.80   $3.20
7     LITTLE BELLE $2           $6.40   $4.00
11    PURE CLAN    $2                   $3.80

I decided to play safe this year and bet to show on Pyro, Big Brown, and Gayego. Pyro didn’t like running on Keeneland’s synthetic racing surface at all, but I am sure he will do just fine on Churchill Downs’ dirt track in the Kentucky Derby. Big Brown is the Kentucky Derby favorite. Since Big Brown already won once from the outside post, starting from post 20 won’t be a problem to him. Check out the Florida Derby post and see the race video. He is pretty amazing. Gayego is just so beautiful.

The Derby is only 24 hours away, make up your mind soon! Click to check out the latest odds on Derby contenders.