It’s Derby time! Parties, Hats, and the sign that Steeplechase is not far away! We are going to take a look at where to watch, what to eat, where to party and who we pick!
Where To Watch:
- Wild Wing Cafe: Plenty of screens , great sound system , and awesome food.
- Mellow Mushroom in Downtown Franklin: Mint Juleps and Complete Race Coverage behind the bar.
- Gray’s On Main: TV at the upstairs bar overlooking Main Street. Drink Special is The Triple Crown: El Dorado Rum, Paul Mason Brandy, Mint,and Sugar.
- Buffalo Wild Wing Spring Hill: Lots of screens and Wings
Food Ideas :
- 55 South: Watch the Race at the ever festive bar and enjoy a fried oyster sandwich and a cold one.
- Derby Pie: Papa C’s Pies, in Downtown Franklin in the First Tennessee Building , has fresh Derby/Steeplechase pies. Chocolate, nutty goodness in a pastry.
The Parties:
- We will be at Chadwick Farm in Arrington for the favor! Saddle-Up for the Derby Party. A few tickets are still available.
- Stables and Silks Derby Party at Tennessee Equine Hospital benefiting Bridges Domestic Violence Center.
The Picks:
Having in another life actually been a groom and exercise boy, and been fortunate enough to actually have horses in these races, I love this time of year. I also take it very seriously. There seems to be a lot of speed in this race, and with Hoppertunity withdrawing on Thursday, I think this race is wide open. California Chrome is the favorite, but I rarely like favorites in this race and I think a fast early pace will tell on him in the stretch. So with that being said, here’s how I would bet it:
- I like Intense Holiday to win this and finally give Todd Pletcher a Derby Win. Horse likes to stalk the pace and move down the stretch.
- My Trifecta Box would be 4 horses: Intense Holiday, Danza, Samraat, and Ridin’ With Curlin.
We hope you have a wonderful Derby weekend and watch next week as we move toward Steeplechase.
by Clark Shelton
