The First Saturday in May -Movie Review

I went and saw "The First Saturday in May" this weekend. This independent film, made by 2 brothers, John and Brad Hennegan, follows 6 horses as they prepare to run in the various Derby Prep races in hopes of making the 2006 Derby.

The film follows Barbaro, Brother Derek, Jazil, Sharp Humor, Lawyer Ron and Achilles of Troy. The film centers on the horses and the trainers who train them. This film was obviously made by people who love the game and it shows. If you love this game also you will love this film and if you don't know much about it, you will get a good behind the scenes look at the game. The film is fulled with behind the scenes moments with the trainers, the jockeys, and various others who are involved in getting a thoroughbred ready for a race. I found the film both funny and because Barbaro is one of the horses featured, very sad at times. The film reminds us of the various characters involved in this sport. I found myself rooting for all 6 trainers and horses as the film went on (even though the ending is already well known). This is a very absorbing film.

I thoroughly enjoyed it and give it 4 stars !.

Check out the website: www.thefirstsaturdayinmay.com

If you can't catch it in a theatre the DVD will be out soon.

8 Days to go

8 days away to the Derby, and 5 days to the post picks. Until the post positions are set, you really can't pick your winners. This race with 20 horses is a stampede and I think this race, more than others, really depends on post position, tactical speed and getting the distance. It is such a tough race to win, and the of course to win the next day and actually win at Belmont, well that's why its been a while since a triple crown winner.

In other news, Majestic Warrior, who broke her maiden at Saratoga last summer will be running in the Derby Prep this Saturday. It is worth checking out.

2 weeks to the Derby

We are now under the 2 week mark to the Kentucky Derby. The big news week this weekend was the injury to War Pass which will take him off the Derby trail, and probably out of all 3 triple crown races. Look for him to return sometime this summer at Saratoga.

There now will be decision making for the Derby entrants. Will the filly Eight Belles run? How about Proud Spell?

For now, my top 3 remain Pyro, Colonel John, Big Brown. After the posts are picked I will then give my betting picks.

The First Saturday in May

Yes, we all know that means the Kentucky Derby. But it is also the name of a new independent film that opens this week. It is a documentary made about the 2006 Derby and all it takes to get to the Derby. It is made by 2 brothers, John and Brad Hennegan. The film focuses on 6 horses, including Barbaro.

I have seen the Trailer and loved the trailer. After watching the Trailer my heart was racing and I wanted to see the film. The reviews are very positive. It premiers in the Saratoga area on April 24th, 2008 at the Saratoga Film Forum.

I will see it next week and post my review.

2 out of 3 ain't bad

Yes, Meatloaf you are right.
If you followed my advise and bet as I advised this past Saturday in the 3 Derby Preps, you took home some money, especially with the Monba pick. Monba looks like he is maturing at the right time and now Pletcher has one horse (any maybe 2 ) in the Derby.

Todays Derby prep picks

Holy Bull--Hey Bryn
Arkansas Derby-Blackberry Road
Blue Grass States--Upset Special--Monba (this is Trainer Todd Pletcher's best shot to get in the Derby in 08)

Derby Trail

Who's out: Turf War, Salute the Sarge, Elysium Fields
On the bubble: Cowboy Cal, King's Silver Son, Yankee Bravo

My top 3 remain: Pyro, Colonel John, Big Brown

It remains to be seen if War Pass will run. Also will Pletcher get a horse in - I would wager that he gets in Monba as his only entrant

4 weeks to the Derby

We had a big Derby Prep weekend-The Wood Memorial at Aqueduct, The Santa Anita Derby and the Illinois Derby. Of all the winners of these 3 preps the most impressive too me was Colonel John, winner of the Santa Anita Derby. This horse has moved up to my top 3 of the Derby along with Pyro and Big Brown. I think Colonel John will have no problem going the 1-1/4 mile at Churchill Downs. War Pass was a game second in the Wood but I just don't think he can go 1 1/4 mile at Churchill and don't seem him in the money if he runs on Derby Day. Tale of Etaki with the win at the Wood will now race in the Derby. Good to see Barclay Tagg with another Derby horse.