What they have in common is they all carry the John Nerud influence in their pedigree, mainly through the descendents of Fappiano and Dr. Fager and continuing through Unbridled and Quiet American. It is the last two on which we will concentrate, as they both reflect the true genius of Nerud, who celebrated his 100th birthday this year. What is ironic is that Nerud never believed in the Derby and ran only one horse in the race -- Gallant Man in 1957....

If there is one thing we've learned from the new points system, it's that you're playing with fire by skipping the 50-point races and going straight from the wee little 10-pointers to the big, bad 100-pointers....

Patton vs. Rommel! Lee vs. Meade! Washington vs. Cornwallis! Pletcher vs. Baffert? Yes, the armies are massing and they could confront each other on the banks of the Ohio on the first Saturday in May....

Not everything on the Derby trail is what it seems. There are so many twists and turns it is often futile to plot a course and expect every step to go as planned. This applies to everyone, not just trainers and owners....

Well, it's one day away from the dreaded draw, that simple tradition that can have even the most hardened racetracker shuddering in fear and apprehension....

Haskin's Derby Trail: One of the best story-lines is the love affair between Tami Bobo and Take Charge Indy...

Rosie Napravnik is one race away from hearing the strains of "My Old Kentucky Home" raining down on her again as she parades to the post in the Kentucky Derby....

No one can claim the Alpha Adventures have been boring, and he hasn't even gone anywhere....

Haskin's Derby Trail: Godolphin has changed its strategy and has its best chance to win the roses....