Where have I been? I know this week should be all Derby all the time but for me it is the last week of classes. I have been sitting through senior seminar presentations and will sit through 14 more tomorrow plus awards convocation (in cap and gown). The Oaks goes off right before 32 Economics majors show up at my house for the annual senior party. In the past I've grilled out Korean BBQ (Bul Kogi) but since the Derby party was introduced we've bought sandwiches and wings (less intimate but more practical).

This marks the third year of the Derby party and it will be the biggest yet. We are slated to entertain 46 adults and 40 kids on Saturday if the weather holds out. It is supposed to rain - 50% chance of thunderstorms with a high of 83. The kids all are randomly assigned a Derby entrant and the winner gets a $50 amazon gift certificate. With 40 kids there will be multiple holders of Advice, Mine That Bird, Nowhere To Hide, and Flying Private.

As for my picks, here is two days of action

Friday (Updated 10am - off track/scratches adjusted play from $584 to $382)
Race 3  $28
$1 Pick 3  1,3,6,7,8,9/5,6,12/9 ($18) PAID $546.10
$1 Pick 3  7,9/2,5,6,7,12/9 ($10)

Race 4 $17
$0.50 Pick 4  2,5,6,7,12/9/2,6/4 ($5)
$0.50 Pick 4  5,6,12/9/1,2,6,7/4 ($6)
$0.50 Pick 4  5,6,12/9/2,6/4,8 ($6)

Race 5 $216
$100 Win/Place 9 Warrior's Reward ($200) PAID $750
$2 Pick 3  9/1,2,6,7/4 ($8)
$2 Pick 3  9/2,6/4,8 ($8)
I watched the race on my phone during senior presentations. I felt the urge to let out a whoop once it was confirmed to Warrior's Reward that charged up the rail. I figured it was the #9 with Borel up but I wasn't sure.

Race 7 $50
$50 Win 4 One Caroline
This is going to be one hell of a race. One Caroline should get the lead. Can she hang on?
This was a really stupid beat once Zenyatta scratched.

Race 8 $31
$0.50 Pick 4  1,3,4,7,8,10/3/1,2,3,6/5,6 ($24)
$0.50 Pick 4  7/3/1,2,3,4,6,7,8/5,6 ($7)

Race 9 $40
$20 Win/Place 3 Mambo in Seattle ($40)
So much for the Pick 4. Lousy race. They ran a 1:44 for 1 1/16 while Miss Isella wo races back ran a 1:42 3/5.  

Race 11 $0
I think 6 Rachel Alexandra will probably crush this field but offers no value at 3/5. 5 Justwhistledixie is just a few lengths slower and will be a decent price in the multirace exotics.
WOW. WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO SAY. 20 FRICKIN' LENGTHES. SHE LEFT EVERYONE AT A STANDSTILL DOWN THE STRETCH. WOW.

GO TO THE PREAKNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Total Oaks Day Wagers - $382

Return $1296.10
Profit $914.10

Saturday
Race 3 $30
$20 Win/Place 10 Polished
$5 Exacta Box 3 Rotterdam, 10 Polished ($10)

Race 8 $70
$0.50 Pick 4  1,2,3,6,7,9,10,11/9/8/6,13 ($8)
$0.50 Pick 4  2,7,9/9/ALL/6,13 ($30)
$0.50 Pick 4  2,7,9/9/8/1,3,6,7,10,11,14,17,19 ($15)
$0.50 Pick 4  3,6/9/1,2,6/6,13 ($6)
$0.50 Pick 4  3,6/9/8/7,10 ($2)
$0.50 Pick 4  2,7,9/9/1,2,6/7,10 ($9)

Race 9 $60
$60 Win 9 Game Face

Belmont Race 7 $150
$75 Win/Place 9 Purrfect Alibi ($150)
Second shooter. I bet $80 Win/Place on him last time out only to see him flop in the slop at Gulfstream at 7/2.

Race 10 $60
$30 Win/Place 8 Cowboy Cal

Race 11 $252
$100 Win 13 I Want Revenge
$50 Exacta Box 6 Friesan Fire, 13 I Want Revenge ($100)
$1 Trifecta  6,13/1,3,7,11,14,17,19/6,13 ($16)
$1 Trifecta  6,13/ALL/6,13 ($36)
I Want Revenge vs Friesan Fire. Both are fast and bred to run all day. Good (Larry Jones) vs Evil (IEAH/Jeff Mullins). Evil prevails.

Total Derby Day Wagers - $622