Louisville could yield vintage crop

Ralph Siraco

Friday, May 4, 2001 | 10:29 a.m.

What: The 127th running of the Kentucky Derby

When: Saturday. Post is 3:04 p.m.

Where: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Ky.

TV: NBC, ch.(3)

The excitement for this year's Kentucky Derby and its promise to be a "Derby to remember" has racing fans and horsemen worldwide champing at the bit for Saturday's race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Although there is much anticipation for the Derby each year, the heightened interest for the 127th edition is fueled by the perception that this field of 3-year-olds could be the best sophomore class in decades. Certainly, this Derby has assembled a talented group that is deep in contention and extremely accomplished for its run at the classics.

There could emerge a dominant winner like Seattle Slew in 1977. Or a rivalry along the lines of Affirmed and Alydar in 1978. Or maybe a multitude of challengers reminiscent of the Silver Charm, Free House, Captain Bodgit and Touch Gold battles in 1997.

Whatever the outcome, these 3-year-olds have the makings of a vintage Derby that could very well build to a fine Triple Crown crescendo at the Belmont Stakes on June 9.

This Derby, like every one before it, has its own storylines that could lead to storybook endings.

There will be, however, some Derby favorites missing from this renewal.

Jockey Kent Desormeaux, who won last year on Fusaichi Pegasus, will watch a half world away from Japan, where he is currently riding.

Chris McCarron, who celebrated his 7,000th career victory recently at Hollywood Park, will stay in Southern California as he watches Pincay ride the mount he gave up to honor a conflicting riding engagement.

And then there is trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who will not have a starter in this Kentucky Derby, breaking a 20-year streak of appearances. Lukas' run included Derby victories in 1988 with Winning Colors, 1995 with Thunder Gulch, 1996 with Grindstone and 1999 with Charismatic.

This year's cast will include many Derby regulars accompanied by eight trainers who will experience Derby fever for the first time, sharing that distinction with the new Triple Crown television network, NBC.

As a testament to this stout sophomore class, only two major defections have occurred in assembling the best of this crop for the Derby -- the aforementioned Macho Uno and Street Cry, who was sidelined last week while training for the race.

So get your bets down, raise your mint julep glasses and get ready for the fastest two minutes in sports.

The field, in post position order, with morning line odds and rider:

Although I do not subscribe to taking short prices in big fields of talented runners, and he will be bucking a century-old trend, I also believe just as much in great horses doing great things -- anywhere at any time. That's what separates them from the others.

I will, however, try to make chicken soup from chicken feathers and bet my top selection with juicy long shots in the exotics pools.

Many hardboots would agree.So, here are my picks for the Kentucky Derby:

1. POINT GIVEN

2. MILLENNIUM WIND

3. DOLLAR BILL

Value Play: EXPRESS TOUR