Monday Part 2
Reds news
RHP David Weathers today was reinstated from the 15-day disabled list.
He takes the roster spot of LHP Bill Bray, who was optioned to Class AAA Louisville.
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Alexander visit ongoing
Mark Curnutte's blog
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Maxiell plays big on both ends
Detroit Free Press
"He probably was a little surprised to see how hard Max was playing, how
tenacious Maxey is," Billups said. "Even with his size advantage over Max, it's
never a mismatch when Max is out there because his heart is as big as anybody's,
and he's going to step up to the challenge every time."
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Remember this former UC recruit?
CNNSI
He had scored more points in his senior year than all but two players in
Virginia prep history -- Allen Iverson and Moses Malone -- and had
earned a three-star rating and the 121st spot overall from Rivals.com. He had
committed to Cincinnati, a supposed future gunner in Bob Huggins'
backcourt.
Monday
Question of the day
Who wins more games this year: Reds or Cyclones?
Clones have won 62 games (55 regular season/7 playoffs), with a game 7 tonight...and possibly two more best of seven series remaining.
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Game notes of note
During the 5-game losing streak Reds hitters are battting .190....Reds pitchers have a 7.88 ERA.
For the season:
Reds pitchers: 4.77 ERA 14th NL/26th in ML
Reds starting pitchers: 5.10 ERA, 13th in NL
Reds relievers: 4.19 ERA, 12th in NL
Reds offense 13th in NL/23rd in ML in runs scored
Reds record when not homering: 1-10
Reds record by position start:
1B Votto (8-15) Hatteberg (4-3) Keppinger (0-2)
C Bako (11-12) Valentin (1-4) Ross (0-4)
CF Patterson (9-10) Freel (1-7) Hopper (1-2) Hairston (1-1)
Number of players used in batting order/starting line-up
1. 4
2. 8
3. 3
4. 4
5. 3
6. 4
7. 7
8. 3
Reds record when trailing after 7 innings: 1-19
Reds record when leading after 7 innings: 9-0
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I'm double dipping tonight
I think I'll start at the Reds game tonight to watch Johnny Cueto. Then I'll head over and catch Game 7 Cyclones vs Reading at US Bank arena.
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Three innings and lunch
Reds.com
For $15, you receive admission to the game (View Level ticket), and a voucher* for up to $10, redeemable for food and beverage at any Great American Ball Park concession stand.
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Monday show preview
Guest
Mark Curnutte, recaps minicamp..Countdown to Georgetown
Topics
From the fringe: What did you watch this weekend? I'm interested to see how much conversation we can get going on "other stuff".
Reds: What a mess
Kentucky Derby
Clones: Game 7 tonight...you going?
NBA playoffs
NHL playoffs: Both games go OT yesterday...one went 4 OT's!
Flying Pig: I want to hear from someone that ran in it
UC baseball: We went....loved it
Kentucky Barnstorming: Were you at Scott HS Friday night?
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UC Bearcat baseball
Casey and I caught game one of UC's doubleheader with Rutgers Saturday. What a blast.
I never thought the weather would hold up, but it turned into a great day for baseball.
Marge Schott Stadium is spectacular. I'd been in it for activities prior to UC football, but never for an actual game. Great view....close to the action. Tickets were $5 for me, $3 for Casey. Concessions were affordable.
UC rallied from a 10-3 deficit to win in walk-off fashion, 11-10 in 10 innings. The Rutgers CF made one of the best catches you will ever see. UC lost game two 13-9. The two teams combined for 43 runs and 69 hits on the day. UC's record is now 28-18 and they stand 3rd in the Big East. Brian Cleary has some guys that can play...Harrison, the 2B from Princeton, Campana, Satterwhite and Spina, as well. They have three guys with 20+ sb's.
Fun time. They don't have many games left...it would be worth it to check 'em out.
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Making sense of it all
12-20....on pace to lose 101 games.
Raise your hand if you saw this coming? This is one big mess.
Let's be realistic.... the manager is going nowhwere and the GM has already been fired. There are 130 games left and the remaining issues from now til October are down to these:
*When Jr hits 600?
*If/when Jr and Dunn are traded?
*If/when Bruce, Bailey, Thompson and/or Janish are called up?
*Whose contract gets eaten next?
*If they will lose 100 games?
Any other moves would be shuffling deck chairs on the Titanic.
You know it's bad when nobody wants who the Reds would want to trade.
Or you'd be lucky to get a fungo bag and rosing bag if you did trade them.
What would you get for this group?
Dunn 13 mill, Griffey Jr 16.5 mill option for next year, Arroyo 28.5 mill left on deal, Gonzalez 10.5 mill left on deal, Patterson 3-mill, Freel 7-mill left on deal,
What would you get for this group?
Ross, Valentin, Hopper, Hatteberg, Belisle, Coffey, Lincoln, Hairston, Fogg, Weathers, Merker.
Parts and pieces that don't fit, don't work, aren't needed, cost too much.
Reds baseball 2008
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Does it get any better than a game 7?
Clones vs Reading, 7:30 tonight, US Bank Arena...$10 for tickets
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Minicamp wrap
Mark Curnutte's blog
10 minicamp nuggets
Chick Ludwig, Dayton Daily News
2. RIVERS FLOWS: First-round pick Keith Rivers showed off his outstanding speed and strength, and flawless ability to read and react.
Perry back, Alexander up
Geoff Hobson, Bengals.com
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis wrapped up his rookie camp Sunday saying all 10 draft picks showed at some point why the Bengals picked them last weekend. He also said he expected two players who missed all last year with knee injuries, running back Chris Perry and safety Ethan Kilmer, to be on the field when the voluntary camps start May 13. If their schools have graduated, rookies can be on the field again May 20.
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Bengals 24th in King's first power poll
CNNSI
Talked to Marvin Lewis the other day (more on that conversation in the Tuesday column), and he sounded very much like this is going to be No-More-Mr.-Nice-Guy season. It was right about that time that Kentucky authorities said starting linebacker Ahmad Brooks had a June court date for allegedly punching a woman in the face. Hey. Look on the bright side. At least Chad Johnson hasn't opened his mouth this month. Yet.
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Understatement of the day
John Fay, Enquirer
The roster is a bit dysfunctional - three catchers, all the power on the bench is from the left side, three left-handers in the bullpen.
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Former UK TE happy to follow Clark's lead in Indy
Indy Star
"He's an outstanding pass receiver in the mode of Dallas Clark," Polian said. "Not quite as stout. It's a little bit different body than Dallas; he's taller and a little thinner, but an outstanding, acrobatic, big-play receiver."
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Maxim Hometown Hottie
Careful opening at work
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Happy Birthday
Topanga of Boy Meets World turns 27
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Coffey can't pitch at AAA either
Louisville Courier Journal
Louisville right-hander Todd Coffey (0-1) entered in the 11th inning and gave up a leadoff double to Diory Hernandez. Then with two out and Anderson at the plate, Coffey threw a wild pitch, allowing Hernandez to take third.
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Teen running out of innings, but game not over
Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Safe at first with a hit and an RBI, the kid is hugged by a crying first-base coach. The opposing pitcher takes off his glove, starts applauding and his teammates follow suit. The kid's teammates run onto the field to celebrate.
It sounds like the climax to a heart-tugger movie. But there was no producer or film crew at the game between Freedom and Aliquippa high schools two weeks ago. The scene was as real as the tumors in John Challis' liver and lungs.
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The company you keep
I used to look at teams like the Pirates and Royals, and think how bad it would be to be a baseball fan in those cities. This article kind of put things in perspective.
The Failure Dynasties
ESPN.COM
The Cincinnati Reds own the fifth-longest streak of losing seasons, with seven. Counting Ray Knight's one-game tenure, five managers handled the reins in those seven seasons, either in permanent or interim positions.
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Riddle me this Batman
Which would you rather have for 2009?
A. Dunn and Griffey
Or
B. 91.5 million dollars.
The money saved by not paying Jr 16.5 mill next year and not giving Dunn about 5 year 75 million dollar deal to keep him.
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Making a run at 100?
The Reds have had one season of 100 or more losses. In 1982 they finished 61-101.
After 32 games
'08 Reds 12-20
'82 Reds 14-18
Sunday
Line of the day
"They may never win again"
-Marty B as Bronson Arroyo exited trailing 7-0 in the 2nd inning
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Question of the day
"If this keeps up, does it justify the firing of Wayne Krivsky? He put this thing together."
-Marty B to John Fay during the second inning
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Bengals moves
The Bengals today signed three players who participated on a tryout basis in this weekend's rookie minicamp.
* DT Antwon Burton (6-2, 325; Temple) signed a one-year contract. Burton is a third-year NFL player who was with the Denver Broncos in 2006 and '07. He played in six games for Denver last season, with eight tackles, and finished the season on Denver's practice squad. He played in one game as a rookie in 2006, after entering the NFL that year as a college free agent with the Broncos.
* LB Dan Howell and WR Clyde Logan signed two-year contracts as college free agents. Logan (6-3, 202) is from Idaho State, and Howell (6-0, 247) is from Washington
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Ohhhhhhhhh my goodness!
I can't take it anymore! I'm out running this morning and I hear another caller to Sports Talk insist the Reds should have traded Dunn to Texas instead of Josh Hamilton. I about veered off into a mailbox.
Please.....please....please. Why does ANYONE think the Rangers would have taken Dunn for Volquez instead of Hamilton? WHY? You don't want Dunn....but you think the Rangers would have?
Josh makes about $395,000 and Dunn makes about 13 million. The Rangers have Hamilton for four more years before he's a free agent. Dunn has four more months before free agency. Hamilton is at least three times the player Dunn is. Stop it. It's insane. Please. I beg you.
Penn St wins national title with local product
Penn St beat Pepperdine to win the national title in men's volleyball Saturday night.
Who knew Penn St was good at volleyball? Not me. Purcell Marian grad Max Holt was named to the All Tournament Team.
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Final reward
Boston Globe
The family walked to home plate. Britton's father, James, said a prayer. The family, including three brothers and a sister, solemnly scattered Britton's ashes around the plate. One of the brothers wore a Red Sox jersey with "B. Broatch" stenciled on the back. It had been given to him by a Yankees fan at the wake.
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When all "hoop" disappears
Peter Vecsey, NY Post
On March 12, 1958, the last game of the regular season between the Cincinnati Royals and the Minneapolis Lakers, Maurice Stokes went over the shoulder of an opponent and hit his head so hard on the floor he got knocked out.
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Is horse racing breeding itself to death?
Washington Post
But thoroughbred racing is in a moral crisis, and everyone now knows it. Twice since 2006, magnificent animals have suffered catastrophic injuries on live television in Triple Crown races, and there is no explaining that away. Horses are being over-bred and over-raced, until their bodies cannot support their own ambitions, or those of the humans who race them. Barbaro and Eight Belles merely are the most famous horses who have fatally injured themselves. On Friday, a colt named Chelokee, trained by Barbaro's trainer Michael Matz, dislocated an ankle during an undercard for the Kentucky Oaks and was given a 50 percent chance of survival.According to several estimates, there are 1.5 career-ending breakdowns for every 1,000 racing starts in the United States. That's an average of two per day.
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Maxim Hometown Hottie
Careful opening
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Jo Jo Reyes
All that needs to be said about the Reds
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Victory/tragedy
Wow....what a change of emotions watching the Kentucky Derby. The whole family was gathered around the TV. Everyone tossed in three dollars and drew five horses prior to the race. We were all jumping around yelling for our horses. Casey had Big Brown so he was going crazy at the finish line. What a stretch run. I'm explaining to everyone how rare the win was...by a favorite, starting in the 20th post, having raced only three previous times. Then the TV camera panned to Eight Belles and my heart sank. That was Peyton's horse. Nothing like trying to explain to your kids what euthanized means. Sad
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Eight Belles is latest heartbreak
Eric Crawford, Louisville Courier Journal
The filly, Eight Belles, ran her heart out. The filly finished second. The filly galloped on past the finish line. And then the filly fell down, her lower front legs shattered and collapsed. The filly lay on her side, and with her jockey, Gabriel Saez, watching, and national television cameras rolling, Eight Belles was euthanized by injection on the track.
It happened that fast. She was gone before trainer Larry Jones ever knew. His first hint was the solemn look of Big Brown jockey Kent Desormeaux coming back toward the Winner's Circle, far too somber for a man who had just won his third Kentucky Derby.
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West dominates, Hornets beat Spurts
HoopsWorld.com
"I think that David (West) gets up for every game," Scott said. "This time of year is a special time. I just think that he knows that he is going against not only Tim Duncan, but the Spurs. They are the world champions. His level of concentration right now is extremely high."
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Hamilton wins AL Player Of The Month
Dallas Morning News
Josh Hamilton was recognized Saturday as the American League Player of the Month for April after hitting .330 with 32 RBIs during the month. It was the second-most RBIs in April in club history behind Juan Gonzalez's 35 in 1998.
"It's exciting to win the award, but I'd trade it for a better start for our team," Hamilton said. "Ultimately, it's not supposed to be about individual accomplishments, but reaching team goals. It
Saturday
Jr bats #2 Saturday
From Elias Sports Bureau
Ken Griffey Jr started in the #2 spot in the batting order 62 times in his MLB career.
His last start there was May 3, 2005 (Stl@Cin).
Griffey started in the #2 hole 23 times in 2005.
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Thanks
Please keep the guest and topic ideas coming. This past week we talked with:
John Thornton, Bengals DT, who was in studio
Lee Elia, former Cubs manager, on the anniversary of his rant
Ramel Bradley and Joe Crawford, former UK players
David Bennet, Jerome Simpson's head coach at Coastal Carolina
Pete Arbogast, voice of USC football
Haruki Nakamura, Bearcat/now Baltimore Raven
Angelo, Craig, Bearcat/now Bengal
Jerry Jones, The Drugstore List
John Engelhardt, River Downs, talked Kentucky Derby
Eric Toeth, Xavier tennis coach on the school's first ever NCAA tournament appearance
Charley Frank talked Reds Community Fund and gave us a Father's Day Catch package to give away.
Steve Wolter talked Derby, value of Jr's 600 HR ball and the declining value of Roger Clemens memorabilia.
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Volquez thriving with fresh start
(AP photo)
MLB.COM
"I'm glad we have Volquez, I'll tell you that," Baker said. "I didn't have Hamilton, but I'm sure Texas is glad they have Hamilton. That's a trade. Everybody wants to know who got the best of the trade. When you trade something, it should be the best for both. I know we're happy with him."
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Crean cleans house
Indy Star
Ten players from last season's Indiana basketball team are gone. Four remain, including just three scholarship players.
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Painful...simply painful
I don't know that I've seen a more pitiful stretch of offense by a Reds team.
Do you realize they have scored 3 runs or fewer 17 times in 30 games?
Dunn-Phillips-Jr have combined for 40 rbi's
Adam Dunn is tracking for .216 with 23 hr's and 63 rbi's.
Can they please just give up on Dunn in the middle of the order? He's proven he's most productive in the #2 spot. Yea, I know....I know.
But...look at his career numbers. He has had 450+ plate appearance in each spot 2 thru 6 in the batting order.
When batting 2nd:
.278 batting average, (Best)
.388 OBP (2nd to the 5th spot .389)
.554 SLG (Best)
.992 OPS (Best)
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Votto seems on his way to success
The Chattanoogan"
"It was hard, I'm not going to lie," Votto said of the wait. "It wasn't hard because of what people said. It was more my own expectations. I felt like I was held back a couple of years when I had to take a strike. And it was frustrating being at a level that basically I played as well as I could play and still be stuck at that level. It was more personal stress."
Huggs in it for the long haul: Signs 11 year deal
The Charleston Gazette
It's been almost three years since Bob Huggins hit the low point of his professional life, being forced out by first-year Cincinnati president Nancy Zimpher after 16 years and 399 wins at the school. On Friday another first-year president, this one Mike Garrison of West Virginia, signed off on a groundbreaking contract for the Mountaineer basketball coach designed to keep him at the school for the rest of his life.
So it was natural that Huggins was asked how two university leaders could have such disparate views of the same man.
"We have a much more intelligent president here,'' Huggins said dryly. "That's obvious.''
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Hamilton a staple in Rangers lineup
(AP photo)
MLB.COM
The Rangers went into the season with some concerns about Josh Hamilton's durability. They openly wondered how much rest he would need. They said that if he could post up for 140 games that would be terrific. Turns out they can't get him out of the lineup. Hamilton was back in center field on Friday night and is the only Ranger who has started every game this season
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Maxim Hometown Hottie
Careful opening
Friday pictures
OSU football news
The Ohio State-Southern Cal football game on Saturday, September 13, 2008, in the Los Angeles Coliseum will kick off at 5 p.m. Pacific time (8 p.m. Eastern), the Pac-10 Conference announced today.
This prime time road game for the Buckeyes will be televised nationally by ABC.
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Colts WR Harrison questioned in shooting
ESPN
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Who wants a horse?
I have 20 Kentucky Derby horses. Come request one in my forum....while they last.
If your horse wins, you get gift certificates for five Donatos Pizzas.
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C. Trent from Bengals mini-camp
Notes and pictures
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Last one off the team at IU turn out the lights
Indy Star"
"Before you build a team, you need to develop a family,'' Crean said in a statement from the university today. "We will go through the learning process, feel some growing pains and experience some bumps in the road along the way. We need the Hoosier Nation to rally around this program as we go through these stages.''
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Discuss the show now
Jump in the FORUM
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Donatos Derby Pool
Later today I will put together a Kentucky Derby pool. Winner gets a Donatos prize pack. The contest will run in the forum section of my show.
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Friday preview
Guests
Joe Crawford, UK hoops
John Engelhardt, River Downs, handicaps the Kentucky Derby
Marvin Lewis, 5pm
Topics
Reds-Braves
Kentucky Derby: Ever been? Do tell
Flying Pig: Are you running? Have you ever run a marathon? How do you do it?
Off The Beaten Path
15 Greatest Sports Movie Quotes All-Time
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Need a Kentucky Derby party game?
GetSportsInfo.com
5 reasons everyone should attend The Derby
Dan Clasgens
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Bengals DT John Thornton stopped by the show Wednesday
My 5-year old daughter Peyton shows off her new outfit
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Kentucky Derby picks are in
From handicapper Dan Cronin.....
*My picks all got good posts. My top selection is Colonel John. He will get a solid stalking trip from the 10 hole, he has everything you want in a horse and the numbers to back it up.
*My 2nd selection is Z Fortune, I think he is getting good at the right time and he will run all day. His 102 number leading up to the derby puts him right there.
*My 3rd selection is Pyro, I know the stats are against him running so bad but he still has a 105 routing and he will be running late.
*4th is my sleeper Bob Black Jack I really think the post helped him. The 13 hole and only speed with a decent post will bank the turn and get to the half in 47 in front. Remember this horse is wearing a small blinker for the first time but not a full blinker. This will focus him but not cause a run off. This horse has never had a chance to use his speed on dirt. He reminds me of Congaree. He will be in front when they turn for the money. If you don't have him on tickets you will be sorry at 30-1.
*My super will include the horses from 1-10 and Dennis of Cork only cause Borel will drop him back and to the rail where the dumb trainer should have chosen anyway instead of 16. Remember longshots that hit the board are most of the time in the 1-10 hole. Tale of ekati,, court vision, Visionaire all have a chance to hit the board.
Anak Akal has a small shot so you might as well just take all 1-10 Adriano and Dennis. The ticket would go 10 with 6,9,13 with 6,9,13 with 1-10,13,14,15,16 1*3*2*11 = $66 then reverse them and twirl around.
If you move them all around and spend about $240 you could hit a monster.
The tri I will be 10 with 6,9,13 with 1-10,13,14,15,16 is 3*12 and $36. Twirl them around put bombs on top etc etc.
*Big Brown may beat me but I will list all the reason once again: 20 hole is 2 for 133 from 17-20 post is 3 for 399 2 starts this yr 1 for 25 yrs 5 week layoff 1 for 25 yrs 3 starts life no one since 1915 has won like that only beat 1 horse in derby field speed horse only ran on dirt 2 times and 1 was off turf race against nobody bad feet 2-1 at post trainer running his mouth the look Pletcher gave him after picking 20 hole Has not faced the Colonel or Pyro or Z Fortune or Bob Black Jack or anyone except Smooth Air.
*I will always say numbers don't lie, just like 3 pt % in basketball, Z Fortune, Pyro, Colonel John are all fast enough.
*Now 2 other wise guy horses Court Vision and Smooth Air, I would only use Court vision cause of post,. he is not fast enough to win. No one is 133 running has ever won the derby with only a 90 speed figure. NO ONE. Smooth Air has been sick all week and almost scratched, he missed a work and is stuck outside, no thank you.
*The undercard Woodford reserve turf take longshots race is too tough Humana Distaff Intangaroo churchill distaff Ventura
*Ky Oaks I like an exacta box of Country star, Eight bells, Pure Clan
*Oaks derby double take those 3 and then 4 in derby Colonel John, Pyro, Z Fortune, Bob Black Jack Double could pay real nice.