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December 5, 2009

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Columnist Ralph Siraco: Strong field marks Saturday’s Derby

Ralph Siraco

Monday, April 30, 2001 | 10:10 a.m.

Ralph Siraco's horse racing column appears Monday and his Southern California selections appear Tuesday-Sunday. Reach c/o Las vegas Sun, 2275 Corporate Circle Drive, Suite 300, Henderson, NV 89014.

The 127th Kentucky Derby finally gets to the "let's get it on" stage Saturday.

America's most famous horse race will break from the blocks at approximately 2:42 p.m., and about two minutes -- give or take a tick or two -- later, the victor will become part of Kentucky Derby lore.

There is no doubt about the quality of this year's sophomore crop, or the acute quality of this year's Derby entrants -- give or take a horse or two -- that figure to fall in line for what looks to be a vintage renewal.

No matter what system you use, no matter who the handicapper, and no matter what horoscope you check, the one constant in this year's Kentucky Derby is the quality of the field.

So, while we wait for the Wednesday evening draw for post position, here is a report card on the 19 expected Derby starters and how they are handling the Churchill Downs racing strip and their surroundings leading up to Saturday's run for the roses.

In alphabetical order:

Five days and counting.

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