SO CLOSE!

I can't lie...I wanted the Bird to win yesterday...and I still feel he could have pulled it off if the race was either a smidge longer or he had not been forced to stop his charge when running into a wall of horses.

*sighs*

I was really pulling for the little guy. Admitedly, this is the first time since I can remember that I have wanted the winner of the Derby to win the Triple Crown, but oh well.

On a brighter note, Rachel you are an amazing animal. Why you were sold between an amazing performance at the Oaks and another great one at the Preakness is beyond research, but dang the girl can run! I'm looking forward to watching both hers and Mine That Bird's careers blossom in the upcoming months.

Back to the Bird though, I'm really glad he ran as well as he did. He at least proved he wasn't a fluke and that alone makes me happy. For me, he is an exciting horse to watch run. Closers always help create that anxious excitement down the homestretch that just makes me love racing that much more. Mine The Bird did not dissapoint in that sense. Yesterday was the first time in forever that I have been cheering for a horse while watching them run on the TV. So thanks for that!

I'm still not sure what keeps happening to my other favorites, Fresian Fire and General Quarters...but I'm sure the excuses will bubble to the surface soon.

Another good Crown race, I just can't wait to see what the Belmont holds!

Kentucky Derby 135

My first Derby in two years did not disappoint!

Although I cannot lie...my money was on Fresian Fire and General Quarters...but I have gained major respect for the winner this year: Mine That Bird. His performance was unbelievable! Just when you thought he couldn't go any faster Jockey Calvin Borel asked for another gear, and he got it! Even though this little horse did not gain much attention all day, he earned his win. Maybe it is just my eyes, but he gave one hell of a performance! I, along with the rest of the country, am keeping my eye on this one. I know that many people think his win was a fluke, but I hope he is just hitting his peak at the right time. Mine That Bird needs to prove himself at the Preakness and give another stunning performance.

No matter what he does, I'll still think this win was epic. He just flew!! Congrats again!! Mine That Bird, Kentucky Derby Winner of 2009!

On a related subject, Borel was truly on a roll all weekend. With the a few wins other than his epic Derby today and the Oaks yesterday, his name was being tossed back and forth a lot. Frankly, I haven't heard of him before seeing I was unable to watch his first Derby win with Street Sense, but I already really like this guy. He's always so happy when he wins. With such a hyper little guy in the irons, who wouldn't want his horses to continue to clean up? Even though I wasn't pleased that my horses lost (badly I might add) Calvin Borel got me excited about this win and this horse's future!

To continue with Borel, today I finally got to watch yesterday's Oaks...I knew that Rachel Alexandra had won and won amazingly. The articles didn't lie. That was one of the most impressive races I have ever seen. The girl just ran, not even considering she could lose. I am kind of curious how she would have held up against the boys, but am glad she just trounced the girls! It's going to be an interesting year for Borel.

On a side note...kudos to Einstein for sticking it out in his race today! I was getting a little worried that he wasn't going to make it, but at the last minute he decided to go for it and won. Truly amazing...maybe I am just a fan of the big boy...but it was a pretty impressive show of guts!

Good day full of great races!! Congrats to all who won!