Overture...Curtain...Lights....

Tweet I've decided to break out the Degrees of Separation post now that the draw is set, the morning lines are out and the post positions have been drawn. The derby spreadsheet (right sidebar) has been updated with post positions and morning lines. You may remember last year at this time I separated the ponies out between different divisions. We've added one new division this year as we opine away here in the Space Station....so on to it....mind you that Mine That Bird's little quote last year was "slowest of the slow," so take these at face value!


The AMC Gremlin Division: My dad bought my mom an American Motors Corporation (AMC) Gremlin back in 1975 (or thereabouts) and it was a thing of beauty. Bright red, sleek gold stripes, the works. Problem was, it just wasn't fast. Surely it wasn't your average Ferrari or Corvette, for that matter. These are the horses that qualify for this division and are throw-outs:

Backtalk: Saw him win the Sanford at the Spa last summer and that, my friends, is the last good thing he's done. Drew into the field with Interactif's defection today. We'll pass on him. Only possible upside is he has Smarty's blood....

Make Music for Me: He hits the board, I'll eat my 2006 Derby hat.

Stately Victor: Synthetic winner of the Bluegrass Stakes. 'Nuff said.

Mission Impazible: Cool name, that's about it (other than Rajeeeeeev!)

Homeboykris: Funnier things have happened....nah, not two years in a row.

The George Costanza Human Fund Divsion: These will be the horses that take in a lot of money and have a little hype, but will be unmasked in the Derby and will not hit the board.

Devil May Care: Not this year ladies. It's the year of the dudes. (Hope she takes lots of $$ at the windows)

Noble's Promise: Odds don't makes sense to me, but will take lots of dough. Don't see it as a synthetic specialist.

Paddy O'Prado: Will take a lot of South Boston money, but can't see this horse who seems more sensible to be running on turf.

Dean's Kitten: Ditto. Turf horse. Will take the cat money.

American Lion: Only positives are Tiznow proven at mile and a quarter....hear me roar.

Brett Favre Division: The horses that qualify for this division are those I just can't make up my mind on. Indecision, indecision. Include them, exclude them....just not sure yet...

Line of David: The way he held on in the Arkansas Derby was impressive, but was that his top effort and can he come back with another? I just don't know.

Discreetly Mine: Not the fastest Beyers in the race, but decent pedigree, should be able to get the distance and nice Tomlinsons. Drew post 15 (where Smarty won from). Undecided.

Conveyance: Baffert always dangerous. Could get loose on the lead. Dangerous if track is wet. My projection (a) will come out fast and fade just as quickly and (b) will wire it. Again, undecided. Leaning towards (a).

The Afleet Alex Division: Horses that won't win the Derby, but will have to be respected and could hit the board. Potential Classic winner down the road in Preakness or Belmont.

Dublin: Since Afleet Alex is his daddy, only logical he fits in this division. Not saying I won't be including him in my mix come Saturday.

Sidney's Candy: In the mix, but he's no Big Brown from post 20.

Jackson Bend: He's got to finish other than second at some point, right?

The Rocky Balboa Division (post underdog status): These are the creme de le creme. Can you hear the theme song?

Lookin at Lucky: Horrible post draw for the fav, but it could actually work out if he breaks well. Tough to ignore.

Ice Box: If there's a pace meltdown, he will be around to claim a prize.

Super Saver: Really have warmed up to this one. Pletcher's best chance to wear the roses. Sports Monarchos' sire, his damsire is A.P. Indy, so he has the pedigree AND the king of Churchill in the irons. Dangerous.

Awesome Act: Supplemented Endorsement in this spot. Starting to warm up to him. Good work this week.

So that's my annual look at the degrees of separation. Make sure you check out the final Wireplayers.com poll (Volume VIII) that will be out tomorrow (and located on the left sidebar). We'll have some of my racing pals that I have featured on the blog the last two years chiming in on Friday with some of their Derby thoughts and selections....should be fun so stay tuned....this is it!