This year's pre-Derby tra-la-la is very simple.  I'm not picking over half the field and trying to maneuver various combinations.  There's a single horse who, to me, stands out from the pack, and he is my number one pick.

            Nobiz Like Shobiz, trained by Barclay Tagg is my number one pick, and I'm betting him across the board.  I like his style, his look, his conformation, his personality, and the way he learns from race to race.  He knows when to have fun; he knows when to be aggressive.

            Scat Daddy and Circular Quay are my choices to fall into the place and show, although I'm not sure in which order.  Scat Daddy likes to stalk and then make his move.  Circular Quay used to give me fits the way he falls back at the start, but then he steadily gains.  I think Great Hunter is a terrific horse, in spite of his recent loss.  If he makes it to the Derby , I'll toss him into some exotics.  Day-of-Derby, I'll pick a long shot to toss in for the place/show picks as well.

            But Nobiz Like Shobiz is my absolute favorite horse.

            Dreaming of Anna, who I'd hoped would run in the Derby (I wanted her in an exacta with Nobiz) is my pick for the Kentucky Oaks on Friday.

            I won't have my usual Racing Ink handicap notes running this week on Ink in My Coffee ( http://devonellington.wordpress.com ).  I'm in Iceland until the night before the Derby , then rushing back for Derby day.  I'll be handicapping the undercard as I go.

            I'll be back next week with my recap, and looking towards the Preakness.  I have no doubt the eulogies for Barbaro will be fast and furious during the entire Triple Crown.  Let's hope they don't show the same heartbreaking footage over and over again until one either wants to throw up or grows immune.  Barbaro will always be the glorious champion of the 2006 Derby , and he'll live in the hearts of horse lovers forever.  Now it's time to crown a new king for 2007.