Some responses are ebullient. So Dollar Bill, the slightest of favorites who rallied from last to finish third in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes yesterday, will be in the field for the 127th Kentucky Derby on May 5 at Churchill Downs, his home racetrack. Some responses are barely above a whisper.
Some responses are pensive and uncertain.
And then there was owner Bobby Hurley and trainer John Dowd. And while they said they would discuss Songandaprayer's immediate future in a day or so, they were rejoicing at how their colt ran against the Blue Grass's quality field. Invisible Ink's fourth-place finish probably earned him a trip to the Derby. There is much to think about in the aftermath of yesterday's final round of Derby prep races. Hurley and Dowd were exulting after learning that Songandaprayer could handle the 9 furlongs and compete without being on the lead.