California Chrome Coasts in the Derby

After Untapable's win yesterday, where she was the 4-5 favorite, I automatically knew I would not be picking California Chrome. In my mind there is an teeny, tiny chance that a morning-line favorite (filly or colt) will win two major races that are held on the same weekend.

Recap:

#1. (2-1) California Chrome-
The first thing that came out of the announcer's mouth after "And their off!" was "It was a good start for California Chrome." Having a more than slight chance of the colt breaking slowly was a nail-biting experience and one of the main reasons I refused to chose 'Chrome. After he broke 'Chrome ran into Samraat before he recollected himself and moved towards the rail. He kept close to the pace-setting horses, one of which was Uncle Sigh. 'Chrome faded in-and-out of 2nd and 3rd place, and he even dropped to fourth place. Once the horses came around the second turn California Chrome opened up and proved me wrong.

#2. (37-1) Commanding Curve-
Commanding Curve left the gate perfectly but got bumped around a bit. In the backstretch he came from 11th to 2nd. Quite a move for a horse that got in because Ring Weekend was sick.

#3. (8-1) Danza-

Danza broke cleanly and stayed in his own lane. He came up from way back in the pack and over-took Wicked Strong, Samraat and narrowly missed Commanding Curve. If the race had been any longer I believe Danza would have won the race or, just maybe, Commanding Curve could have taken the lead.

Final Placings:

1. California Chrome

2. Commanding Curve

3. Danza

4. Wicked Strong 

5. Samraat

6. Dance with Fate

7. Ride on Curlin

8. Medal Count

9. Chitu

10. We Miss Artie

11. General A Rod

12. Intense Holiday

13. Candy Boy

14. Uncle Sigh

15. Tapiture

16. Harry's Holiday

17. Vinceremos

18.  Wildcat Red

19. Vicar's In Trouble