Bet Five on Dirty Sanchez

Just as Academy Awards pundits look to the Golden Globes to make predictions, horseracing odds-makers look to the Florida Derby to figure out how the spring’s biggest races will play out. Last year’s winner, Big Brown, went on to conquer both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, which begs the question: Who’s this year’s Big Brown? Could it be the early favorite, Dunkirk? The late addition, Stately Character? Quality Road? Maybe Beethoven has a chance if he keeps his blinders on. And what about the pesky Psoriasis? The easy gallop of Wizard’s Sleeve? If it rains, keep an eye on Dirty Sanchez, always dangerous in the mud. Red Rocket and Pink Lipstick have pulled out, but their replacements, Swampy Lagoon and Half-Eaten Jelly Donut, have already put the rest of the field on notice.

Don your linen and fedoras and get to Gulfstream Park ahead of the 1:15 p.m. start time to place your bets and swirl your cocktail.
Sat., March 28, 1 p.m., 2009