I was all over Monarchos - he was one of my strongest Derby opinions in years. I was touting him to anyone that would listen all month. Ward's quiet confidence and the animals pattern were all I need to pull the trigger. I did put a couple Ben Franklin's on his nose, but loaded even way more on the exacata. I had $30 exactas to several in that one including the 3rd, 5th and 7th place finishers among others. When Invisible Ink was surging late I was squirming like a snake on cold asphalt. Watching the replay - I knew Congaree held second. I.I. didn't go past - no way. But wait...They say he did! "No way" I screamed watching $3,000 slip away with the totalizator showing the heart-breaking result.

To this day, every time I see a replay of that finish, I still say there's no way Congaree didn't run second...