Daily Kentucky Derby Report, 5/3
by Emily Hufford, Photos by Amelia Baldree

Today was another one of those days where I was simply glad to be alive, and glad to be in Kentucky during Derby week. At 5:45ish, when we first arrived, there was hardly anyone there, next thing I knew when I glanced over my shoulder there was a massive crowd eating donuts, broadcasting to respective TV stations, and watching the works.

Greater Good

High Fly

Noble Causeway

One of my favorite moments happened around 7 when a horse got loose on the track and the siren began to wail. The man next to me smiled knowingly at his buddy. "That means it's time for the break." These are the kinds of comments that you hear constantly during Derby week, and while I have no problem with new fans learning the truths to the game, these are the kinds of people who show up once a year and pretend they know everything there is to know. It is also amazing the amount of photographers and TV crews that miss horses like Ghostzapper and High Limit because they aren't wearing saddle towels with names, despite the fact that they come out at the same time, looking the same way, every day.

The first "big" horse we saw was Bellamy Road. Neck arched and hind quarters churning, as usual, the Derby favorite strolled easily through a gallop. I am so taken with him that it is hard to find words for it. I can't emphasize how much he's grown since he was a two-year-old, and he was pretty impressive then as well.

Greater Good, Runway Model, High Fly, and Noble Causeway made their usual track appearances. High Fly is really looking good physically but I simply cannot get over the way this colt strides - or doesn't, rather. He runs the same way in his races, and has no problem winning those, but he looks almost sore compared to the long, reaching, powerful strides of stablemates Bellamy Road and Noble Causeway. Sun King was also on the track, and he's looking bright and eager, and does appear to be in better form that when I first saw him a few weeks ago.

Coin Silver	Runway Model
Rugula	Greeley's Galaxy

Coin Silver returned to the track after working yesterday, a tactic that trainer Todd Pletcher also employed with Bandini. Afleet Alex worked after the break, and as usual, he shocked and awed. This horse does everything right, and I must say, that as he was walking off the track, being ponied by trainer Tim Ritchey, Tim stopped, pulled out an Afleet Alex button, and tossed it to Amelia before continuing with his prize colt off the track.

Afleet Alex	Afleet Alex
Wilko	Wilko

Special mention has to be given today, however, to two newcomers on the scene. Rugula impressed me the most today of any horse on the track. I hadn't seen her before, and she powered around the track several times, on the bit and feeling good. Wilko made his first appearance on the track, and while I have heard him called a "tiger" and a "bulldog," there was nothing fighting about him as he posed for his bath, ears pricked and head looking quite noble. The only word I could think of to describe the pint sized star was regal. Later I was able to visit with him in his stall, and he stood calmly, nuzzled me, munched his hay, and appeared fine in his new surroundings.