Daily Kentucky Derby Report #2
By Emily Hufford, Photos by Amelia Baldree

As I write this, it has finally warmed up to a nice 36 degrees, which it wasn't when we were at Churchill Downs this morning. I am continuously deleting what I type because of the amount of typos, due to the fact that my hands are frozen stiff and I'm not sure I can feel my nose, or my toes for that matter.

Afleet Alex

Bandini

However, this morning has to have been one of the best pre-Kentucky Derby mornings in memory, despite the rain, wind, and general cold. Our first stop was the track kitchen, to drink hot chocolate and try to gear ourselves up for the task ahead. Of all the tracks that I've been to around the country, Churchill Downs' kitchen is the best. Soon we gathered our courage and our cameras (it wouldn't be until I was resting my hand upon Greater Good's nose that I would realize my camera's batteries were back in my room, but more on that later) and headed to the barn of Bob Holthus. Greater Good has long been my top Derby contender, ever since he was heading toward the post in the Kentucky Cup Juvenile last September. I'm not about to jump off of his bandwagon due to one bad race in his career. He was about to go to the track, so we only got a brief glimpse of him in his stall, then headed off to the barn of D. Wayne Lukas. Going Wild hadn't yet left for Keeneland, so we visited with him and Consolidator, who are in side by side stalls.

We went to the track just in time to catch Flower Alley and Bandini, accompanied by trainer Todd Pletcher, and Greater Good on the track. To our surprise Afleet Alex came galloping by, and he's the kind of horse you simply have to be impressed with, whether or not you like his "story."

Greater Good

Then it was time to go to the Bobby Frankel barn to see High Limit. I have never been a High Limit fan, but his temperment and disposition are wonderful. He stood calmly and nuzzled our hands and assistant trainer Chad Brown said that High Limit is always like this; calm, quiet, and gentle. He is tall but is looking as though the Blue Grass Stakes did him a world of good. While we were there we also had the honor of meeting Ghostzapper, last year's Horse of the Year and Breeders' Cup Classic winner. Ghostzapper has a personality opposite of High Limit. He refuses to enter his stall unless a carrot is waiting for him, and he tore a chunk out of my friend's jacket (and arm) until we offered him more carrots.

Bandini, Flower Alley, and Afleet Alex had quick baths in the rain before walking the shedrow. Back at his barn, Greater Good stood like an equine model for his bath, throwing his head up and pricking his ears, then turning to model the other side of his body, and in general being a gentleman.

Flower Alley

The next Derby Report will come on Wednesday, followed by a report every day until Derby day.