The Kentucky Derby is just chock-a-block full of wonderful stories. Into Mischief is trying to be the first Sire to produce four winners of the Run for the Roses, and he is represented by some of the top contenders i.e., Renegade, Potente, and Commandment, to name some.

Readers of this site believe in speed figures and the Thorograph sheets in particular. But we don't really have speed figures for the mile an a quarter distance of the Kentucky Derby. That's relevant because the last 220 yards (furlong) is crucial, as the speed horses are typically dropping an anchor and appear to be running uphill. Those contenders without speed but gobs of stamina are closing like a fast train.

The Derby winners have been exclusively American outfits (I believe) the Euros and Aussies excel on turf. The new factor is the Japanese who breed and train for distance. Every year, I tout the Japanese runners; this year is no different, and one of these years I expect to win at a price.

The East Coast, Mid America, and West Coast rivalries. Baffert, Pletcher, and now Cox, as well as a few second-generation trainers following in their fathers' footsteps, are each surrounded by drama. But where are the females?

I don't see a standout. I'm not sure I see an entry that I'm certain is a Horse for the distance. Worst of all, as has already been mentioned, these young horses can jump up 4 points out of the blue or bounce like a golf ball.

I'd like to see Flavien Prat win a Derby. I don't know about Johnny Velasquez; he fell off one of the horses I bet yesterday, and he's getting too old to be falling off horses. Lunky, it was the start.

Another late-night/early morning post, eyes so bleary I can't read the screen from someone who loves horse racing and this time of year.