I've taken the lead over the "Butcher of Versailles" again in Derby wins. In 1993 I led him 3-1. I won't let him get close again and neither will the market.

I love to bet against Jerry Bailey. I'm kinda an anti-jockey bettor. I hate the low odds on the top jockeys and especially the low odds on Bailey.

Yesterday:

"Tony Farina, rider of Pass Rush, lodged an objection against Aldebaran for alleged interference on the turn, but the stewards quickly dismissed the claim. Bailey said he was "shocked" that a claim had been filed, saying that Aldebaran "was running too fast in the turn to bother anybody."

Unquote, Aldebaran was moving well but he bore in so suddenly that Farina had to snatch his mount up to avoid contact. Even at that, I’m not certain contact was avoided. If Farina hadn’t of snatched Pass Rush up I’m certain there would have been a collision. Pass Rush was moving well at that time too and finished on gamely after the momentum stopper to get second. I don’t see how the stewards could rule the episode a non issue or determine that no final positions were altered. Of course I know what it is. Its Jerry Bailey getting the benefit of the doubt on a Frankel horse and a young French Jockey (Farina) getting the cold shoulder. Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom wasn’t supposed to affect thoroughbred horseracing but its apparent it has.

I had a great day yesterday. I won the Derby, the Three Chimneys and the Withers and lost on two other races. But it still irritates me when an obvious careless riding infraction is allowed to stand with a stamp of approval.