Kentucky Derby

It's that time of year again when handicappers from all over the world get set to watch America's most prestigious race. It's been 34 years since Affirmed won the triple crown in 1978. Can Union Rags, Gemologist, or Bodemeister pull of a triple crown this year?

What I Expect

Gemologist has a great grandsire (great grandfather) of Northern Dancer. Northern Dancer had a great history. He was rode by Ron Turcotte, who was the jockey for Secretariat, which in itself shows he was something major, but he also won both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. This, in my opinion, shows, that the Crystal Shard (of whom Northern Dancer is a grandsire) side of the family has great speed traits, with a lack of endurance.

If you look on Gemologist's other side, you will see a great grandfather of Seattle Song. Seattle Song himself wasn't that impressive, but his Dad, Seattle Slew, was an extraordinary thoroughbred who won the Triple Crown the year after Secretariat did. 

Gemologist has a great bloodline. In my opinion, it's almost similar to the characteristics of Secretariat's inheritance. He too had speed on one side, and endurance on the other side of the family. However, there's a lot more to horse than just bloodline. Gemologist hasn't lost a single one of his five starts. He even won the Wood Memorial, which is a very prestigious pre-derby race.

If you look at the video to the left you can watch him run in the Wood Memorial. Gemologist had a close call, but if you watch his stride, it's absolutely beautiful. One of the key things I look for in a good horse is his anatomy and how muscular he his. Gemologist, in my opinion, has a great muscular body and is great at tracking down leaders.

So, I expect Gemologist to at least show in the Derby. If he doesn't win, I think Bodemeister probably will. Union Rags' recent performances have been sub par in my eyes, He should get a third or fourth finish.