It's finally time for me to unveil my much-anticipated 2004 Kentucky Derby picks! Here you go...

I'm picking Wimbledon for the win this year because I believe he is in good position and coming into good form at the right time with a good jockey.

To place, I have Imperialism as the horse to beat. Much will depend on the track conditions. Will they be running in the mud?

For show, I've picked The Cliff's Edge.

My dark horse this year is Minister Eric, with Pat Day aboard. Never count out a horse ridden by Pat Day!

-- Mook (mook@mook.com), April 30, 2004

Answers

Mook, did you know that Mary was at the Kentucky Debry this year? I don't think she picked Smarty Jones(you'd think she would have).

-- Michael (meglin@juno.com), May 03, 2004.

I didn't know MJ was there, but for just a second I thought that I saw here in the crowds wearing quite a hat and sipping a mint julep. Too bad she didn't put some money down on the right horse!

As for me, when Wimbledon scratched, I was fortunate enough to have replaced him with Smarty Jones. So I at least picked the winner and 2 of the top 3 horses!

-- Mook (mook@mook.com), May 03, 2004.

It was great to see the race in person. I evaluated the field a few hours before the race, and "determined" that Tapit could best handle the mud that was sure to come. Well, the mud was there, but Tapit wasn't. Fortunately, my sisters were smarter than I, and placed some money on the "Jones", and were rewarded handsomely.

I didn't wear a hat, and I took just a small sip of a mint julep, since I don't like bourbon. But I sang "Old Kentucky Home" and cheered like crazy. I'm glad I went, but won't do it again (unless some millionaire is willing to take me by limo to their covered, private box!)

-- Mary (maprunner@juno.com), May 03, 2004.