The Haiku Handicapper: The 2009 Kentucky Derby

The ol’ bait and switch
They’re at NTRA’s site
Thanks to Claire Novak

But seriously, click on the haiku above to see my picks for this Saturday’s big race on the NTRA website. As always, I owe Claire Novak a huge debt of gratitude for letting me graffito-tag her blog with my short, choppy, amateur-level poetry.

I will more than likely be watching the Derby at Mount Pleasant Meadows following the track’s opening day of live racing. It ought to be a good time. I have not exactly figured out how I plan to wager on the race, but as soon as I get a strategy put together, you’ll find it here.

Best of luck to everyone in their betting ventures this weekend.

The Haiku Handicapper: Louisiana Derby Recap

Mud can’t douse Fire
Any doubts are up in smoke
Jones has a new ace

The Haiku Handicapper: Louisiana Derby

Four big Derby preps
Picture should clear, bubbles burst
Or bring more questions
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 

#1 – Free Country
Ran flat as the chalk
Shifts west from Tampa letdown
Great works, bounce back race? 

#2 – Soul Warrior
Failed class test last start
Did well with jock as maiden
Likely also-ran 

#3 – Patena
A wiseguy favorite
Will Dutrow bump strike again?
I’ll let him beat me 

#4 – Terrain
Plagued by long layoffs
The Jackpot flattered no one
Doubt he’s sharp enough 

#5 – Flying Pegasus
Fifth race, fourth jockey
Like him, but distance concerns
Could win, could fade back 

#6 – Giant Oak
Nightmare trip last out
New rider, Prado got canned
Bubble horse needs win 

#7 – Uno Mas
Asmussen’s best shot
Shows up, but behind elite
Would have to step up

#8 – Papa Clem
Runs big with Rafi
Pro-Ride to dirt worked last week
Could be worth a play 

#9 – Friesan Fire
The field’s marquee name
No respect despite big wins
Due for a flameout? 

#10 – Nowhere to Hide
Dual entered elsewhere
Will start at Tampa instead
Put a line through him

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

My tri ticket is…
Papa Clem pulls the upset
Squeaks by the nine, three