And he’s off…

I started late and I’m wrapping up early today since it’s race weekend. Tomorrow is the Derby, but today is the Oaks, the phillies-only race that Louisville residents enjoy as a private pleasure before the big crowd hits town for the Derby. At the moment it’s pouring, which won’t stop the race, though it will water down the juleps of those standing in the infield. Tomorrow’s forecast likewise calls for rain, which is a big disappointment, since as recently as yesterday the predictions were for perfect weather (this is one of the reasons I never get too bent out of shape over dire global warming predictions, since computer models can’t even get Saturday right on Thursday).

And that of course changes everything for the Derby, since not all horses run well on a wet track. Those that do are known as “mudders” and this year’s crop consists Scat Daddy, Teuflesberg and Hard Spun. I saw Hard Spun at the track the other day but he wasn’t running. Still, I got a good vibe. Does that mean I’m going to ditch Tiago for Hard Spun? Ooh, it’s tough. Tiago is a closer, and I love come-from-behind-at-the-last-second horses like that. I may have to kick this one around for a bit. I’ll commit before the gate opens. Happy Derby!