Dear Racing Enthusiasts,
We are 18 days from the Kentucky Derby and the excitement is palpable. In this edition of the Thoroughbred, we speak with renowned horse trainer Todd Pletcher about his experiences with the Kentucky Derby, and get a breakdown of the contenders from Tom Leach – voice of the Kentucky Wildcats and professional handicapper.
As someone who has expressed interest in this one of kind event I also wanted to make you aware of a unique opportunity we have right now. As we partner with Churchill Downs to deliver some last pockets of inventory we have a discreet number of packages for both race days priced as low as $289! If you?ve ever considered attending the Kentucky Oaks, Kentucky Derby, or both, this is your time to take action. Please call me if you have any questions or are ready to purchase today.
Sincerely,
John Perlik
816-898-2343
At the track with Todd Pletcher
Todd Pletcher is widely regarded as one of the top trainers in the industry. Some of his recent personal awards include Eclipse Award as Champion Trainer 2007, Leading Trainer Keeneland Spring 2008, and Leading Trainer Gulfstream 2008. Todd recently allotted some time to Derby Experiences and The Thoroughbred (answers abbreviated for brevity):
What originally attracted you to the business?
My father was a horse trainer, so I knew the business from birth. It is a lifestyle that I have always enjoyed.
How?d you get started?
I worked for my father while growing up and then went to work for other trainers as a teenager and college student. I have worked under Henry Moreno, Charlie Whittingham and D. Wayne Lukas.
What is your favorite KY Derby memory?
Thunder Gulch winning the 1995 Derby for D. Wayne Lukas while I was one of his assistants.
Most of the experts have Dunkirk in their top ten Derby Watch list. Tell us about the horse.
Dunkirk is a very straightforward horse. He is an attractive roan with a long, efficient stride. He is not an overly kind horse and will try to bite his human handlers. His mother, Secret Status, won the 2000 Kentucky Oaks, so we're hoping to keep the winning tradition in the family.
Why Derby Experiences?
There are many reasons to select Derby Experiences when planning your visit to the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby – too many to list with so few days remaining to the races! That being the case, here?s a few of the top reasons we hear from our clients:
Official Partnership with Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks
Our direct relationship with Churchill Downs assures the best product, value, and peace of mind.
Accommodations
Enjoy your stay at a spectrum of choices at some of Louisville's best properties. We?ve got the property to fit your desired experience – and budget
Hospitality
Derby Experiences hospitality includes gourmet food, premium open bar, self service wagering facilities, luxurious climate controlled venue and simulcast TV coverage. It?s exclusive to Derby Experiences buyers and can be purchased separately with our third floor Clubhouse Packages. Click here to view our Citation Lounge.
Proven Success with the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby
Last year we supported the hundred of parties at the Kentucky Derby – including the ownership group of champion Big Brown. With Derby Experiences, you?re always a VIP. Click here to view testimonials
Convenience
Derby Experiences can take care of everything for you. The great thing about our package offering is the convenience-tickets, hotel and hospitality are all-inclusive.
Concierge Services
Derby Experiences Concierge Services insures that our client needs are supported outside the gates of Churchill Downs in creating the ultimate Derby Experience for your party. We can help with ancillary services such as museum tours, transportation, parties and much more! And, with parking a limited commodity, round trip transfers are available from Derby Experience hotels to the races.
Kentucky Derby Preview
By: Tom Leach, Voice of the Kentucky Wildcats and Professional Handicapper — April 13, 2009
When it comes to golf's major championships, the storyline also starts with Tiger Woods. That's how it was with last year's Kentucky Derby and Big Brown, who scored a dominant victory in the Run for the Roses.
This spring, trying to pick a winner is more like the pre-Tiger days on the PGA Tour--in other words, there are favorites but no one clear stand out.
If you like to bet a few bucks on the big race, this means the chances of getting a payoff that you can brag about is better. That's providing, of course, that you can identify the right horse. Here's a quick look at the prospective Derby 135 entrants to which you should pay attention and why:
QUALITY ROAD ... Comes to Churchill Downs off an impressive score in the Florida Derby (the same race in which Barbaro and Big Brown got the final Kentucky Derby tune-ups). Lately, he's been dealing with a quarter crack (a hoof ailment) that is similar to an issue Big Brown had and obviously dealt with in last year's race. His trainer, Jimmy Jerkens, is a longtime successful horseman but this is his first Derby runner.
I WANT REVENGE ... Overcame a ton of trouble to win the Wood Memorial in his last start. This followed a bang up romp in the Gotham Stakes in his first try on a traditional dirt surface. From pedigree to present form, he has everything one would want in a Derby prospect.
PIONEER OF THE NILE ... Three-time Derby winning trainer Bob Baffert is back in the big show with this ultra-consistent colt who just won the Santa Anita Derby. For Pioneer of the Nile, the biggest question mark is the surface. All of his success to this point has come on synthetic tracks.
See More Top Contenders »
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