It's time for Mook to unveil his eagerly-anticipated 2002 Derby picks! Here you go:

1. Saarland
2. Essence of Dubai
3. Proud Citizen

Look for Castle Gandolfo and Harlan's Holiday to have strong showings. Danthebluegrassman is my dark horse this year.

-- Mook (everett@psi.edu), May 03, 2002

Answers

Well, I know nothing about horse racing (though I used to follow trotting in Sweden and hung out at the track once in a while...usually making a few crowns). But, knowing nothing is no excuse for not making Derby picks.

My top three are: Perfect Drift, Maglia D'Oro and Saarland. I'm torn about Essence of Dubai. But, since Mook picked E of D, I'll pick another horse just to be different.

Of course, the other big sporting event of the day is tonight's Nascar race at Richmond. I don't have my picks for that one yet.

-- Michael (meglin@juno.com), May 04, 2002.

Danthebluegrassman is a late scratch. I'll take Blue Burner as my new dark horse since it's never smart to bet against Pat Day.

-- Mook (everett@psi.edu), May 04, 2002.

My first pick is Saarland, since he was sired by Unbridled.

Next, I like Johannesburg because he is ridden by Gary Stevens.

Finally, I like Ocean Sound, just becuse he's from Ireland and it would be cool for a foreign horse to win.

-- Mary (maprunner@juno.com), May 04, 2002.