1:00 p.m.
Showstopper

After the fourth race, a ripple of excitement goes through the paddock area. Curlin, the 2007 Horse of the Year, is about to make a red carpet entrance.

Yes, that’s right, the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) winner is the first horse in history to walk the red carpet at Churchill Downs. He is preceded by outrider Greg Blasi, brother to assistant trainer Scott Blasi. The outrider’s pony spooks and steps sideways at the sight of the long crimson strip.

“Heck, I wouldn’t be able to get him to walk on it if I tried!” Blasi jokes.

A few moments later, Curlin strides into the paddock. He hits the red carpet without hesitation, just increasing his action, knees elevated, at the unusual feel beneath his hooves. He is accompanied by all of his connections – majority owner Jess Jackson, trainer Steve Asmussen, Asmussen’s children, jockey Robby Albarado, and others.

Jackson stops to talk.

“Churchill Downs thought it would be nice to show him at the Derby and we all agreed,” he says. “The likelihood is that we will race here later, so I wanted to show him to the people. He’s the most consistent horse I’ve ever seen; he races, comes back to the barn, cools out, eats, and goes to sleep. You know, some horses take a long time to cool down, but not him.”

A reporter comments on Curlin’s professionalism. Jackson smiles.

“That’s all him,” he says. “He’s one cool horse. He knows how to take it all in and still keep his focus.”

 Jackson says Curlin will likely start next in Churchill’s Stephen Foster (gr. I), but Asmussen is non-committal.

“Let’s just put it this way; it’s here and he’s training here, and I’d like to put him in the position to start in it…” he says. “… but the horse comes first.”

As always. – C.N.

7:45 a.m.
Hopping Business

Chad McCubbin is the man to go to for all needs at the Residence Inn. Running the front desk in the lobby this morning, he recounts his adventures from Derby eve.

The craziness started around 12:00 a.m. this morning, when McCubbin was winding down his late-night shift at "The Original" Impellizeri's Pizza on Bardstown Road. When a limo pulled up right around closing time, the stalwart worker found himself summoned carside by one of the vehicle's passengers - none other than Hugh Hefner of Playboy fame.

The reason for stopping at the Italian joint? Simple.  

"My girls need to use the bathroom," Hefner said. "You gonna stay open a few more minutes?"

Of course, like any hardworking employee, McCubbin stayed late to help the Playmates and their escorts. Menus ended up being passed around. Food for Hefner? Sure, they'd cook food for Hefner.

McCubbin called the wife. "Honey, I'm running a little late; we had some extra customers roll in."

"You have to work tomorrow, don't forget," she said.

"Oh, I'll make it in," said McCubbin.

And he did. - C.N.   

7:30 a.m.
Flutter

With staff from The Blood-Horse spread out across the city, there's a contingent at the Marriott Residence Inn. Just off Phillips Drive, about three minutes from the track on any other day but Derby day, the Residence is a popular place for horsemen and members of the media.

This morning, Todd Pletcher steps onto the elevator. Clad in a black Starlight Stables jacket, with jeans and a ball cap, the trainer is on his way to change into one of his impeccably tailored dress suits. With eight runners entered, including Derby starters Monba and Cowboy Cal, he's just at the beginning of a very busy day.

Pletcher, as always, seems composed. Still, his smile is anticipatory. We like to think that - under his iron-clad appearance - a few Derby flutters are beginning to form. - C.N.