Donna has the dirt on Churchill Downs

Anthony Affrunti
New York Post
5th May, 2006
http://www.nypost.com
Entry 014

May 5, 2006 -- Time is counting down to the start of the 132nd Kentucky Derby. The past performances have been scoured, the charts have been examined, and maybe more than a few times tomorrow's race has been played in the minds of bettors.

With all angles almost covered, there is one important source of information that will make an impact on race day.

Donna Brothers, a former jockey who rode for 11 years, seven of those on the Kentucky circuit, will be in the saddle as a color commentator for NBC tomorrow. A good part of her 1,130 career victories came riding at Churchill Downs, so her insight will be valued at post time.

"I think this is one of the most exciting Derby years that we've had in a long time," Brothers said. "There are undefeated horses, all types of styles, and more than the usual interesting stories."

The track itself always is a question, especially in a race like the Derby, but having the surface kicked in your face at times, and winning wire-to-wire over it like Brothers has, gives you a different opinion than watching races from the stands.

"There is clay in the mixture of the surface, so it can compare to some tracks more than other tracks, but it's not as tricky of a surface in the afternoon like it can be in the morning," Brothers said.

"Before the 7:30 break, the surface tends to be cuppy. After it's been harrowed, it is more firm and tighter and stays that way in the afternoon.

"Most horses like the surface, but some do not," she said. "Holy Bull didn't take to it [finishing 12th in the 1994 Derby]. Lawyer Ron seemed to like it this week. He worked really well over it, as well as Sharp Humor, Brother Derek and Barbaro."

The threat of showers at some point tomorrow raises the question of who can handle an off track and who can't.

"If there is some moisture in the track, I believe Barbaro and Lawyer Ron would be horses that can improve," Brothers said. "Lawyer Ron's first race off the turf was in the slop at Keeneland, and if he can handle the slop there, he can handle it anywhere.

"I see Sinister Minister and Keyed Entry going all out because they are not ratable at all.

"We could see a real strong, fastest half-mile in Derby history with them up front. Sharp Humor will probably not go with those two but instead sit off them. The stalkers would be inheriting the lead at the half-mile pole, which is not an ideal situation, and by then the third tier of horses, probably Lawyer Ron, Steppenwolfer, Sweetnorthernsaint, Barbaro and Brother Derek will be coming.

"My top five would be those along with Point Determined. It should be an interesting race."

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