My picks

Seeing as it is less than five hours until the Derby, I suppose I'd better get my picks out there so I can be congratulated for my astute choices.

As one of the greener members of the media here this year, I have differed to several more veteran writers and handicappers, who have mentioned how wide open this field is. I agree, meaning there will be many choices and, hopefully, one heck of a great race.

Still, we've all got our opinions, so here are mine: I really, REALLY like Street Sense. I know, the Juvenile Jinx hangs over his head, but he was awesome here last year in the Breeders' Cup (albeit on the inside, where many horses were awesome) and he has been battle-tested. His races have been hard, but he has trained well. Plus, this jinx has to end sometime, right?

I also like Wood winner Nobiz Like Shobiz. He has been among the favorites since the start of the year and looked very good in the Wood. Barclay Tagg gushed about his horse early this year, and has continued to do so since arriving in Louisville Wednesday. This could be a big day for Nobiz.

Then it comes down to two: Circular Quay and Scat Daddy. Scat Daddy is always in the mix and has solid credentials. Circular Quay, meanwhile should come from out of the clouds (though it remains sunny right now) very late. Something many people have taken notice of is how Circular Quay has been on the exact same training schedule as Rags to Riches, the easy winner of yesterday's Oaks. Plus, he's the son of Thunder Gulch and his odds are higher, meaning better value. All those factors have forced me to go in his direction, though there is something about Scat Daddy's toughness (never been worse than fourth) that is impressive.

So mark it - Street Sense to break the jinx, Nobiz Like Shobiz and Circular Quay