safely down in Louisville

Got into Louisville earlier this afternoon, found my way around town to the track and then to my hotel (easy drive, which is good for me, a guy who tends to struggle with directions). Even days before the big event, there is a pretty cool buzz throughout the grandstand and preparations are in full swing on the famous infield (when I was there, the all-important portable toilets were being hauled in!)

Hot down here, 80-something they say... Those of you in the Northeast may not remember what that's like! Expecting a warm couple of days at Churchill this weekend.

Of note today was the strong work put in by Street Sense at Churchill Downs (five furlongs in 1:01) and the fact that both Cobalt Blue and Xchanger have been pulled form consideration. That means Teuflesburg - a horse that ran at Saratoga and I have continued to keep my eye on - will go to the gate in Saturday's main event.

The plan tomorrow is to track down trainers Todd Pletcher (along with everyone else), who will saddle five horses in the Derby, and Larry Jones. Jones' upbeat and charismatic personality struck me during his brief visits to Saratoga over the summer, so I want to give everyone a taste of how he is dealing with the hoopla of Derby week. Plenty to do, can't wait to meander throughout the barns in the early AM hours Wednesday.

Then it's a lot of writing before the draw goes at 5 p.m. After that, let the handicapping begin!