Something named Union really needs to win

Update, Friday Morning:  Union Rags is the number two favorite behind Bodemeister, although many track writers think he has the edge.

Another horse, he raced against and lost aganst is Hansen, but many question if Hansen has the ability to prevail on the Derby course.

Union Rags snickers.

Hansen thinks he can take Union Rags. 

  

Union Rags

It's time to make the mint syrup and polish the silver cup and salute the horse nation.  The Kentucky Derby runs this Saturday, and some extremely handsome horses are entered.  As of this  writing, the draw for gate positions is still a few hours away.  You can take a look at all the entries here. 

I am going to follow Union Rags, the big brawny in the photo above.  He is one of the favorites, although he didn't do as well as hoped last Saturday to win the Florida Derby.  Up until then, he was the favorite in the Florida Derby, but he came in third.  Some track analysts insist he had a fluky day and not a very good ride. The winner of that race was Take Charge Indy ridden by Calvin Borel, who will give Union Rags a chance to redeem himself as part of the field this Saturday.

My partiality is a name thing.  If we working types are to have any equity in this country, we need some big wins from the unions.  And Union Rags is ridden by Julien Leparoux, who bears, almost, the same name as my grandson, Julian, who is slated to begin his run of a lifetime May 28 in Denver.  I plan to be at that starting gate.  At least in the room outside.

My grandson Kace LeRoy Patrick, who was burdened with my middle name, began his run three weeks ago and will carry that handicap throughout his career.

 Union Rags

Take Charge Indy


 

UPDATE:  Here are the post positions drawn Wednesday evening and the morning-line odds:

Post	Horse	Jockey	Morning Line Odds
1	Daddy Long Legs	C. O’Donoghue	30-1
2	Optimizer	J. Court	50-1
3	Take Charge Indy	C. Borel	15-1
4	Union Rags	J. Leparoux	9-2
5	Dullahan	K. Desormeaux	8-1
6	Bodemiester	M. Smith	4-1
7	Rousing Sermon	J. Lezcano	50-1
8	Creative Cause	J. Rosario	12-1
9	Trinniberg	W. Martinez	50-1
10	Daddy Nose Best	G. Gomez	15-1
11	Alpha	R. Maragh	15-1
12	Prospective	L. Contreras	30-1
13	Went The Day Well	J. Velazquez	20-1
14	Hansen	R. Dominguez	10-1
15	Gemologist	J. Castellano	6-1
16	El Padrino	R. Bejarano	20-1
17	Done Talking	S. Russell	50-1
18	Sabercat	C. Nakatani	30-1
19	I’ll Have Another	M. Gutierrez	12-1
20	Liaison	M. Garcia	50-1