Because Shammy liked Exaggerator so much (besides it being a good idea), the Beaujolais household put him in a few different wagers (in addition to Nyquist, of course). That worked well; thanks Shammy!
Nyquist is one big, sexy, alpha beast!
Excellent win and fastest Derby in 13 years. Nyquist was sure not struggling to the wire. Barring some odd circumstance he’ll no doubt nab the Preakness. And did anyone see the gallop out! Holy moly.
I was a doubter, but this horse is simply perfect. We might be seeing a repeat of the 70s . . . Including a great rivalry with that freight train, Exaggerator.
I’m not really into racing but when I was watching the race I noticed a horse come from off the rail to the outside and in the fraction of a second before the camera angle changed I saw him just turn on the speed. Turns out it was Exaggerator. I’m going to see if I can find it from another angle to see if I can get a better look at that moment. I want to know if I really saw that horse move as fast as I think he did or if my eyes were playing tricks on me.
I noticed that as well. I believe that if it had been a smaller field, Exaggerator would’ve had it. Very excited to see what he’ll do in future races!
[QUOTE=SLW;8653354]
Can someone explain this: at the start of the race and for the first like 15 seconds, Nyqist jockey was only touching the colt’s sides with his ankles. Then he settled down and calves touched the sides. On the replay he was the only jockey I saw doing this. What was going on?[/QUOTE]
He needed to use enough speed to clear most of the field (coming out of the 13 hole) but he did not want to go with the leader or get into a fight with his horse trying to hold him back, so he used his weight and body position to help communicate to Nyquist that he needed to steady, relax and wait. Well done.
So I had the trifecta (pathetic payout) and superfecta (but didn’t bet it). Anyone think Exaggerator might skip the Preakness and wait for the Belmont?
[QUOTE=Palm Beach;8653684]
So I had the trifecta (pathetic payout) and superfecta (but didn’t bet it). Anyone think Exaggerator might skip the Preakness and wait for the Belmont?[/QUOTE]
Me. I think it is good move. Steve Coburn doesn’t have a horse in the game, so if a fresh colt wins the BS the connections won’t hace to worry about the critical lip service either.
I rewound the race to watch Exaggerator’s run a few times. Desormeaux rode quite the ride, with some weaving and bobbing required. Quite an effort to do that and still have that run at the end.
Regarding the Belmont, Exaggerator is by Curlin, so the breeding is there. But it’s true that closers aren’t expected to do well in the Belmont. Will be exciting to see what happens once again. Although I wouldn’t mind Nyquist making it 2 years in a row. Loved Seattle Slew and Affirmed the same. 
It’s the same year after year & it’s rather fun to sit back & chuckle at what some of these self appointed “experts” say.
The Monday morning quaterbacking is something else. They always have some illogical excuse for why the winner won & their favorite lost.
ETA: not so much on here, but other news/racing sites.
I think Nyquist has proven he’s a really nice horse. In his short career he’s already shown he’s able to win in sprints, he’s come from mid pack to win, & he’s won in the mud, & he’s stuck with sizzling fractions while still holding off closers going two turns.
Now I’m not saying he’s the next Secretariat, but he sure is great for the sport of racing coming off of AP’s brilliant year.
[QUOTE=Palm Beach;8653684]
So I had the trifecta (pathetic payout) and superfecta (but didn’t bet it). Anyone think Exaggerator might skip the Preakness and wait for the Belmont?[/QUOTE]
They already said they were headed to the Preakness this morning.
[QUOTE=Drvmb1ggl3;8653465]
The first 4 home in the Derby were in the first 4 in the betting, in exact order.
That may be the most formful Derby ever.[/QUOTE]
Some people think that’s the result of the point system and the weight of the races selected. No more G1 juvenile winners getting in just because they had enough points for something they did 6 months ago.
Although I was wincing at Johnny Weir’s hat, I appreciate that for once a male host was wearing a stupid impractical hat, instead of the women.
Nyquist looked good running a very professional race. I hope he’s got more in him, too. Racing can really use some consistent superstars.
I was laughing that it’s another plain bay.
And I’m pleased to see that the Caro line is going to be strongly available and represented for the near future.
Why were expert handicappers saying for weeks there is no pace and speed in the upcoming derby but now there was increadable pace/speed afterwards?
[QUOTE=greenleaf;8656766]
Why were expert handicappers saying for weeks there is no pace and speed in the upcoming derby but now there was increadable pace/speed afterwards?[/QUOTE]
Because it’s a horse race. Nothing new under the sun. 
