Derby Hopefuls

Yesterday's Christmas comment was fun. I was watching sports center and reading the bottom line when the previous day's horse race winners were being shown. I noticed the winner of the Illinois Derby was Christmas Cat. I'm not sure if this is a three-year old and therefore eligible for the Derby, but if he is, he will be deamed as my favorite name of the year. Last year will be tough to compete with, names such as Sinister Minister, Bluegrass Cat and Sweetnorthernsaint (personal favorite), but Christmas Cat is pretty cool. While I am at it, I will give my early serious pick for the Derby. On Saturday I saw the Santa Anita Derby. Tiago came from fourth position on the home stretch and showed some serious closing speed. He shows a lot of promise and with a four week break to Churchill Downs, put Tiago on the board, he'll be tough to beat. A little background on the horse: his sire is that of Giacomo, 2005 Derby winner.