What, not a single woman trainer on the list?  What about Helen Pitts or someone like that?

Mr. Frankel might feel like you are trying to influence the voting. . .  :)

I'd like to see Mott win it,he's a class act and always seems to have a few nice ones that never make it all the way.

Sorry for the mispelling Bobby :) Its been fixed. I also added Ken McPeek and Helen Pitts, per suggestions.

I'd love to see Larry Jones get one before he leaves. After all the horrible and undeserved press against him last year at the Derby, I think it would be a great moment. I don't think he's as appreciated as he should be.

I'm with Wanda on this one.  Mott was my first choice by a good margin, with Kieran McLaughlin to place, and Helen Pitts to show.

For me, Jones would finish well up the track.

I think Larry Jones is a real legitimate guy and after what happened to Eight Belles last year I would love to see him win before he hangs it up for awhile.

I voted for Larry Jones but  if he couldn't do it, Eoin Harty would be my next pick for obvious reasons. All trainers on the list are outstanding and it annoys me the way some trainers who got a lucky break and who depend heavily on drugs (*Cough, Duthrow, cough*)win the Kentucky Derby and people like Jones havent. But thats racing. Asmussen is really good but I don't like his drug infractions. But nobodys perfect I suppose.

I am afraid that i cannot just select just one trainer who i would like to win the Kentucky Derby!  i would love Bill Mott to win it because he always seems so pleasant and sent me a wondeful signed photo of Cigar when I wrote and said how much i loved Cigar!  But also would love Saeed Bin Suroor (also very pleasant) to train the winner for Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin who have done so much for racing worldwide.  Steve Asmussen would be another as he is Cash Asmussen's brother!  Cash was very underrated as a jockey and is far and away the best horseman i have seen!  Much better than Steve Cauthen in my opinion!  But guess I am in a minority there!  Cash, Cheryl, Catherine, Carolyn and Christine are a lovely family and have been kinder to me too.

God Bless

You may want to think about adding Al Stall Jr. and James Jerkens.  Both are "live this year.

Being from Northern California, I'd love for Jerry Hollendorfer to get his. I'd really like any horse based in Nor Cal to get a derby victory, but if it should be anyone, why not King Jerry. I thought he had it won in 98' with Event of The Year posting multiple 1:35 mile works @ CD prior to his injury days before the race. He could use some good luck in this race.

The Rock: Nice call with Hollendorfer. He should be on the list. He is the final person I will add. Thanks

I'd love to see someone who does not get all the hype. Someone who does the job day in and day out. With this in mind, it could be any one of a thousand. As a "hunch bet" who better than the "Giant Killer" Allen Jerkens, if he has one running.

WHAT ABOUT SHUG????????

Kiaran and Larry appear to be two really nice men as well as great trainers.  They are running away from the pack.  I voted for Frankel because he deserves it and has much more time served.  I can see Kiaran's fan base, with his training for West Point, but it surprises me the magnitude of Larry Jones' fan base.  Good for him!

I like your pick Rock. Jerry H has been in the trenches for a long time in N Cal but when he brakes loose and goes on a road trip he's tough to outrun.

Where are Ron MacAnally and Richard Mandella?

Either Jerkins?

Larry Jones, not for what happened last year but because he's been second twice. I can't imagine how annoying it would be to be a bridesmaid again for the third consecutive year. He's also retiring this year and it would be a bummer for him to not of won the Derby.

Having horses with Todd Pletcher, he would obviously be my pick.  But how about the Allen "The Chief, Giant Killer" Jerkens.  He has won every race on the East Coast multiple times except for a Triple Crown race or Breeders Cup.  He would be a GREAT story.

 Larry Jones is my pick. I feel he is one of the most genuine caring trainers out there. His horses are number one with him and I can only hope to meet him in person someday to tell him how much i admire him.

Hollendorfer because I love Chocolate Candy

How many times can we vote?  LOL!  I'd love to see Larry Jones win it because he appears to be an excellent horseman who cares about his horses and is most definitely a hands on kind of trainer.  Other favorites of mine because of similar reasons would be Bill Mott and Graham Motion, who I think is very underrated.  For sentimental reasons, mainly my love for John Henry, I'd love to see Ron MacAnally have a shot, too.  Ah, the dreams we can all have this time of year.  Thanks, Jason - this is so much fun.

Hollendorfer does nothing but win.  Even as the So Cal crowd frowns upon the North he sneaks in and blazes us with the likes of Heatseeker.  Chocolate Candy's pedigree, "blue blood owners," Garrett Gomez in the saddle point to all systems go!  

How could you possibly leave Shug McGaughey off this list?

Bill Mott is the most established trainer to not win the derby, hence my vote

Definetly Larry Jones.  He's had the absolute worst luck in the race, running 2nd the last two years, especially with Eight Belles last year.  I hope to high heavan that he wins the Derby this year.

Being from the Bay Area, it's hard to have horses from up north developed and go out of town and win major stakes races. I'm glad that King Jerry is getting support from his owners to take some chances. And when have you ever seen him with a purchase of over 500,000 from a sale? Rarely, if at all. He really can pick em'. Everyone here gets excited for the El Camino Real, to see if anyone that comes out of it is worthy for the Derby. We had a good run in the 90's. It's been a little slow this decade. I never seen Bay Meadows (R.I.P) so buzzed about a horse since Delineator when Event of The Year came around. He was the goods. Almost got it with Cavonnier in 96' as well. Haven't seen anyone up here with that kind of super talent yet(I'd like to see Chocolate Candy in the El' before committing). And how about Aiden O'Brien or Mike De Kock for a Derby win? Eh, maybe not. The Euros took enough of the BC's already. lol jk

I can't believe my east coast loyalist self is saying this, but where is Dick Mandella?

I couldnt put every trainer on the list, it wouldnt fit into the page. Some good trainers like Mandella, Jerkens, McAnally, McGaughey, etc. were left off, unfortunately. That's why there is the 'other' option.

Definitely Larry Jones.  He seems to really care for and love his horses.

Of the people on your list - Bobby Frankel, Helen Pitts and Larry Jones. Richard Mandella and Kathy Walsh also deserve consideration.

What about Shug McGaughey?????? I can't believe he isn't on the list. For this I had to vote for "Other." 'Shug' is at least as good as any trainer on that list and better than more than 9/10ths of them. Bobby Frankel included. Or even John Gosden. He was my favorite english trainer when he was plying his trade in southern California. A real good guy and a sharp horseman. How these two superior trainers were left off the list I can't understand. i never even heard of Bret Calhoun. I never dismiss a horse trained by Gosden...Except at last Years Breeders' Cup. I won't get bit by that dog again.

another write in for Shug!!!

I am glad that Billy D mentioned it - Maybe it is because I live on the west coast but I have never heard of Brett Calhoun or Eddie Plesa.

Bill Mott.

My step-father, retired Jockey George Thompson, used to be good friends with Bill long ago in their early days.  

Even to this day George always told me that Bill was the most "Honorable Man" that he ever knew.

In todays world, I think that's saying something !!!

Larry Jones is a class act....

Recent near misses with Eight Belles, and Hard Spun, make it his turn very soon - if he doesn't retire in the meantime.

 While there are many trainers who

work hard and deserve their first Derby win I would choose Larry Jones as he just seemed so sincere

about the loss of Eight Bells.

Johnny V and T.P... The east will conquer K/D.

Allen Jerkins

Kenny McPeek

A true student of the horse.

He carries a copy of Tesio with him everywhere he goes. He also picked out Curlin at his yearling sale for his original owners.

<Danger to Society>

my vote is for frank alexander a true horseman

Billy D, You're kidding right?

Bret is the guy who had Mr.Nightlinger last year. He's been at the top of the standings at a lot of tracks. Not quite 45, he is great with horses, just a quiet get er done guy. Very nice man and good horseman. Total antithesis of Rick Dutrow.

Also had undefeated Cactus Ridge a number of years ago, crushed him when the colt got hurt. A Texas guy with 115 or so horses. Runs mostly at the Fair Grounds, Tx and Ark.

Another Texas guy same age as Rick, quiet, nice Carl Nafzger type who was a rodeo cowboy son of QH training great Bubba Werner. Guy who had his hopes dashed when the horse he trained for the Ramseys, Badge of Silver that was given a good chance in the Derby, only to be injured. Well lets just say a grown man trying unsuccessfully not to cry on national tv was sad. He then had Run Away and Hide who was unbeaten in three starts, including beating Break Water Edison in Saratoga,  got injured late last year.  He had Ermine and runs in Ky, NY and some at Oaklawn and Texas.

Probably never heard of him either but he only has 45-50 horse now.

A name you never heard of? Scooter Dickey. Just decimated the competition at Oaklawn with Art Preston's Flat Out (the guy who owned Victory Gallop)

Larry is loaded with 3 year olds so if it goes well, may be his to lose.  I think it may go to a trainer who's won it before.

Although Sheer #'s Steve. Rather see Larry win it, NOT Steve, more of the same questions as last year with drugs I'm afraid.

My guess is a LOT of you only go with guys you've HEARD of, written up in the papers. Then a guy like John Servis, Barclay Tagg etc jump up and win it and then you're gung ho for them. Don't really follow racing that closely, I guess.

Give up? The second guy I was talking about is Ronny Werner.

These guys are midwest, east coast and Texas guys. I'm on the left coast and guess being a handicapper and real fan helps me know them.

Julio Canani with The Pamplemousse, what a performance in the San Rafael.

Larry Jones, a guy with a whole lot of class, he totally deserves to win the Kentucky Derby!!

Tom Albertranie  he graduated with my uncle and his brother louie graduated with my other uncle. class guy, trains for darley so he gets  good horses hopefully they let him keep them like bernardini.

C'mon, where's H. Allen Jerkens?  He's got my write-in vote.

Billy Mott! He deserves it!

My first choice would be Helen Pitts my second choice would be the owner of Vineyard Haven from Dubai.... what's his name;-)

I would like to have an underdog win the kentucky derby, Why not the Triple Crown.

Someone we have never seen, someone new in the game.

Larry & Ms. Jones would be my #2 because of their dedication to the game & the Horses...but my #1 is Joe Devereux who trains @ beautiful Laurel Park & he's our trainer!!!...come on!!!

I'm going to go with Bobby Frankel on this one.  He's always truck me as a good old fashioned horseman and its time we got the horsepeople back into the game.

Frankie Brothers- I worked for him when we had First Samurai and Madcap Escapade. A genuine person with a 7th sense with horses! Also, Wayne Catalano, another true horseman and couldn't be a nicer fellow!

Another vote here for Larry Jones...  he has had plenty of exposure, time to reveal faults, and he and his wife have come out shining in their respect and love for the horses.  He has well proven his abilities...  Helen Pitts is my second choice.

Shug Mcgaughey...What About Shug?..A Hall of Fame Trainer who Trained 10 Eclipse Champions and 3 Hall of Fame Horses is not on the List??

H James Bond, he was close one year with Buddha, usually goes very slow with young horses.  Great with horses off layoffs and distance runners.  Maybe he'll pop with one soon.

Jim McMullen, underrated trainer, be nice to see him get a Derby winner.

I would like to see Bill Mott win one.

From the list: My first choice (voted for) Larry Jones this year, second choice Helen Pitts, third Kieran M.  

"Other": Ron MacAnally!

Without a doubt, my brother-in-law "Larry Jones", with all the    continious hard work,dedication,and,determination him and my sister, "Cindy" go through 24/7.  We are so proud!

Shug McGaughey

So close with a great horse, Easy Goer.

Jason, Larry Jones will walk away with this poll due to the sentimental vote. He's a very fine conditioner and certainly merits consideration for his achievements. However, if one trainer on this list is due the roses it's Bill Mott. He is the epitome of the horseman's horseman with class and humility in spades.

You listed some nice trainers on your list and some surprises but I have to concur with several other posters - some omissions were glaring. Best of Luck to All.  

Helen Pitts - to make up for having Curlin pulled away from her.  How about a dead heat with a Kiaran McLaughlin entry?

Big Horse Fan, it was hard not to choose Bret Calhoun because I've actually seen his horses run at Lone Star Park.  He's got some good 3 year olds this year, so I'm hoping he does well with them and starts to get some more good horses to get his name out there.  I loved Storm Mesa and Mr. Nightlinger, but with all due respect, I just feel like it's Larry Jones' year.

Everyones choices are winners, I like someone you haven't heard about.Jeff talley, his clients do not send him million dollar purchases,very good horseman. (Do you remember Benny the bull)

I'd like to see my former trainer Moses Yanez win his first Derby so i'm with the "other" column.

Forget the "big guys" they have all been blessed with top notch stock somewhere along the line and had their shots. Guess they just weren't good enough trainers to get it done so far. I'd like to see one of the "little guys" like Moses get the chance.

Larry Jones? Please. Thank God he is retiring after this year!

Larry Jones for sure.

What about Jimmy Jerkins or Rick Violette?

Larry Jones seems like a nice pick but.....

I'd like to see an owner/trainer combo that really care about their horse. Not rich owners who dont spend any time in the barn and have 20 horse or more a year. Thats just a numbers game.

Im going to cheer for the small fry.

Helen Pitts has done an excellent job with some young horses, only to have them taken from and sent to another trainer. I want to see her get a chance to go all the way and win the big one.

How about Vinny Blengs?

Anyone except Asmussen or Pletcher. Seriously, I'll like to see Jones or Mcpeek get it.

Bill Mott is such a class act.

LARRY JONES!!!!!

Future Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher of course- one can't argue with a 4 time Eclipse Award winner.  He has a God given gift and the drive to work day in and day out in order to perfect that gift.

Bob Holthus would be my second choice.  A true southern gentleman, old school trainer with a genuine love for the business.    

Brian Lynch really is one of the guys who deserves to win the Derby with all the hard work he's put in.

I would also like to see Allen and/or Jimmy Jerkens added.

H. Allen Jerkens...surely every nominee listed has a recollection of something they learned or observed from this trainer and his handling of runners.

Kenny McPeek.  Known to be a great bloodstock agent and a person who treats all of his horses with respect, no matter their talent level. A true Kentucky gentleman.

It's really hard to just say X trainer as it comes down to quasi popularity or flavor of the month.

A lot of solid trainers listed who rarely get top flight horse in their barn but they make the most of what they have. Others get amazing runners in all the time and just make little of the talents.

Larry Jones has done wonderfully with some initially under appreciated talent. The Derby isn't the be-all to him but he sure has been knocking on that door. Time to let him in!

Although I picked Helen Pitts and I known a lot of worthy trainers are off this list due to space, I noticed that there is not a single Canadian trainer on it. With Northern Dancer, Sunny's Halo, Awesome Again, and countless Canadian horses running in the US, it would be nice to see an Attfield, Baker, or Tiller there. The last two being friends of mine in the past, and Roger I trainer I greatly respect. All have stakes in the US Roger GR1's plural and a close calls in the BR. CUP twice and Reade at least GR2.

Roger would be the best fit because he has won just about every stake in Canada numerous times. He actually other than Shug has a more impressive resume than almost anyone not on that list. Certainly more impressive than Helen Pitts who I gave my vote because of her bad luck in having lost some good horses that she developed. EG: What did Pasch do wrong to have IEAH stables switch trainers? Its a cruel world out there ask any Jock or Trainer that loses their horses to big names even if they had made no mistakes in their efforts.

I'm hoping that this will be the year that Larry Jones gets to be the bride, and not the bridesmaid!

If not Mr. Jones, then (if he gets the chance to bring Donativum) John Gosden would be my second choice.  

DEREK RYAN deserves the derby hes an unbelievable trainer...LETS GO MUSKET MAN

Marc W: Keep an eye on a Silver Deputy that Reade Baker has for Bear Stables. Bear's Prospector ran a couple of weeks ago, got a terrible trip and still got up for second going a 1 1/8. I keep an eye on this stable cause the owners a home boy.

This guy isn't my favorite trainer in the world, but I think Nick Hines winning the Derby would be a priceless sight! Can you imagine the kind of "trip" this guy would go through winning the derby? Give him 5ft everybody, b/c he's truckin' on through! lol

I would have voted Benny Stutz, but went with Larry.

I picked Larry Jones, because he is such a high class guy.

My second choice would be Brett Calhoun. I know that he trains a lot at Lone Star Park in the Great State of Texas.

My vote goes to in the  "OTHER" column.

I despise popularity contests where the most regognizeable names always come out on top. Just because you work for a large stable and good horses fall into your lap doesn't make you more deserving than one of the little known trainers. I would much prefer to see someone take the opportunity and win when it came along than to see someone have good horses over and over, year after year, and fail to win.

Most people would not have known who or how good a of a person/trainer Carl Nafzger was if Unbridled hadn't come along in his life. Mr. Nafzger was known primarily in the midwest only until that point and was not a household name. He made the best of his opportunity where most of those on the above list have had multiple chances and couldn't produce.  

Slyder: Nafzger won the Derby (twice). He does not qualify. Read the poll question again.

A vote for Asmussen, Pletcher, Saeed Bin Suruor, Frankel, Jones, and maybe some others is like rooting for the Yankees or Red Sox. I have a hard time going for the ones who's owners have so much money they can buy whatever they want. A Derby win should not go to the one who can spend enormous sums of money on numerous horses until they come up with the winner. Give me a Trainer who's a good person and who may never get the chance again and that's one I can root for.

The "other" gets my vote.

I would like to see my son win the kentucky derby. He is a very hard working and dedicated to his owners. i am very proud of him.

SCOTT LAKE : for all the 'little

people' in our racing world. Someone, give him a 'BIG HORSE'for a healthy change; and off the cheap

ones he does so much with.

Jason,

Read my post again. I did not vote for Nafzger. I voted for "other". I simply made the point that Nafzger was a virtual unknown and not a household name when he did win with Unbridled.

The point was that there are many good Trainers out there that alot of people don't hear much about and for me it's those who I would like to see win for the first time.

Why so quick to misread what I said and jump on me? I though this was a friendly post at least on  your part.

There are so many great trainers out there that never had a Derby horse. What about the one's that had them but never got a chance. My choice"s are Helen Pitts and Pat Reynolds each had Great horses for one race Curlin(Pitts)and Big Brown(Reynolds) Each horse crushed there opposition there 1st start each was sold after that race and each Horse bacame a Champion it would be great to see either one of them get to the Derby'.

Slyder: Did not mean to jump on you, if that's how you took it. Sorry if that's how it came off.

Several people have voted for Baffert, Zito, Nafzger, Matz, Lukas and others who have already won the Derby. It gets kind of tedious flushing out those who dont read the question.

Eddie Plesa, Jr., because he was nice to me whenever we played golf together...

Shug or Allen Jerkens each deserve a Derby win, but truthfully, i'd like to get some horses again and win one...

The way things are presenting this year Ken McPeek, like him or not, is going to have his dream come true.

Besides he deserves it a little more than others in the list.

Allen Jerkens, a HORSE TRAINER.  A lot of these other guys are pharmacists, not trainers.

Larry Jones!!  From one Hoptown person to another, I wish him all the best for this year.  I think any person who is from Christian County is proud to have Larry & Cindy be from there.  All I speak to are pleased to have them as their "celebraties".

larry jones , definitely  larry & cindy are both hard workers.  we have known  them for years from ellis park. how many other trainer actually gallop their own horses? they can understand what is happening with each horse.

Thanks Jason,

Now you understand where I am coming from. I'm not a fan of the big and powerful whatever they may be involved in. I much prefer the great American story of the little guy rising to the top.

Gotta say though I appreciate your blogs and enjoy reading all the comments. Thanks.

Helen Pitts is #1 Pletcher and Frankel would be 1a.

My vote goes to Larry Jones for sure! As Larry & Cindys daughter, I have watched them over the years put their blood, sweat & tears into their horses. They have made lots of sacrifices to be successful with their stable. I am honored to have been able to be a part of the Derby with Hard Spun & Eight Belles with my parents. This is Larrys year to show everyone who ever doubted him that he is truly the #1 trainer!

This was tough. So many deserving on & off list. I voted for Larry Jones. But, would also have voted for H. Allen Jerkens, Bill Mott, Shug, Helen Pitts, Kiaran, R. Mandella, Graham Motion, Frankie Brothers & many mentioned in other's comments. As a fan, thank you to all the trainers who put the welfare of their horses 1st

DEFINITELY DOUG O'NEILL. NICEST GUY IN THE BUSINESS. AND WITH HORSES SUCH AS GREAT HUNTER, LIQUIDITY, STEVIE WONDERBOY, AND THE HELP OF SUCH GREAT OWNERS LIKE PAUL REDDAM. HE DEFINTELY DESERVES ONE, OF NOT MORE IN THE FUTURE! ROCK ON SQUARE EDDIE

jerry K, Scott Lake is another one known for multiple drug postives, no way.

Nick Hines retired from training, unless he is back at it  and didn't tell anybody. He's a consultant for Southern Equine, who bought Stardom Bound, so you might see his 'Sarge' act.  Pretty funny coming from a guy who wasn't in the military (his dad was), insulting to some.

Kiaran gets my vote. Grace under the worst circumstances, straight up great guy. LOVES his horses and treats them well, never give up guy who has handle his MS with grace and is an example to everyone.

I voted for Graham Motion, but Bill Mott, Eoin Harty, Larry Jones, Helen Pitts are all very deserving of having a good Derby horse. Not an easy question to be honest.  As it is, I'm happy that both Mott and Motion are as successful as they are with older turf horses.  I'm drawn more to those kinds of horses.  

I voted for Larry and Cindy Jones, for all the reasons previously stated, but one day I would like to see a female trainer win the derby.  Although, how that will occur I really don't know since their derby prospects get taken from them and given to the Pletchers and Asmussens.  Helen Pitts would be a nice winner, Kathy Walsh, definitely, and how about Carla Gaines too.  I have mixed feelings about rooting for Frankel as a derby winner, since some would say he sold this year's best prospect for some coin that he really didn't need.  It looks like he might get to train Stardom Bound.  Majella, since you are in Ireland, do you know anything about Lush Lashes?  How did she come out of the Hong Kong Cup?

No surprise that Larry Jones is winning.  I voted for him.  I met this fine man at the Eight Belles ceremony in September and he exudes class, manners, and sportsmanship.  He is intently interested in every one of the horses he trains and certainly deserves a place in history like so many before him.

larry and his wife..hands down..they are the real deal..real complete horsepeople!! i love how larry gets up on his horses to see how they are doing.i hope this is their year..i would put shug on for second..super horseman

MY CHOICE WOULD BE FOR A TRUE HORSEMAN ONLY! THERE'S ONLY 3 I CAN THINK OF. STEVE JERKENS, ALLEN JERKENS AND JIMMY JERKENS! NOW WHERE TALKING RACING!!!

Kristin Mulhall has the heart and love of horses that I admire.  I hope she gets a turn at glory someday soon.

Larry!!!

Larry Jones - classy, loves his horse, great trainer!

THE ROCK...Do you remember the 1992 El Camino Real Derby?  Casual Lies the only horse trained by a female (Shelly Riles) to complete the entire Tripple Crown.  He later was second to Little E. Tee in the Kentucky Derby, ran third in the Preakness, and fifth in the Belmont.  Owner/Trainer (Riley) purchased him for $7,500 and based her business out of the Pleasanton Fairgrounds off the I-80 in Vallejo (Never been there, I was in Davis at the time, but it may have been a 1/2 mile bull ring).  Riley later turned down 2.7 million for the horse.  For this reason alone Shelly Riley deserves another shot in the Big Dance (If she is still alive and training).  What a story...took the Santa Anita Derby as well.  M.C. Hammer and Oaktown Stables (Dance Floor) also was a unique No. Cal story.

Got go with the hands on, down to earth, Hay, Oats and Water guy Shug.  He's got a colt, Rescue Squad, that may be real nice for him,  Stuart S. Janney and the Phipps Stable, all well over due for a Derby Winner. My second choice would definitely go to Larry Jones

Hands down the cowboy deserves this win the most. Larry Jones is one of the best trainers in the land and old fashioned is one of the best 3 year olds in the land. Granted Larrys has some really good stock but the Jones-old fashioned connection is powerful enough to take the roses this year. Larry Jones is an outstanding trainer and if anybody deserves it the most it would have to be him. Good luck to you Mr. Jones and I hope those roses smell very sweet.

LETS VOTE FOR SOMEONE SMALL CARL O CALLAGHAN THE NEW UP AND COMING,SAW HIM AT SANTA ANITA HIS HORSES LOOK GREAT AND HE COMES FROM THE SCHOOL OF TODD PLETCHER,, I VOTE OTHERS

Larry Jones because he came so CLOSE with Hard Spun and beautiful Eight Belles, because he's an awesome trainer and because it would do so much to raise his morale after the unconscionable things hurled at him last year. And because it's nice to see someone who really loves his horses and places them first come out on top. Who knows? Maybe it would even give him the healing to stay in the game! If he doesn't get it, I (and no doubt The Tin Man, my horse hero) would love to see Richard Mandella do it.

I picked Frankel because he deserves one, but would have considered Mandella for sure, as he knows what he's doing for sure.  Hopefully this year it's Larry Jones because I like Old Fashioned to take it down, not because of the story, but because the horse looks awesome.

I'd like to see Mark Casse win a Derby. He is based at Woodbine but runs horses at several American tracks, and he always has good ones.

Another trainer I'd like to see win one is Roger Attfield, but I doubt if that will happen, as he peaks his three-year-olds for the Canadian Triple Crown, which is later in the year.

I like to see a smaller stable win the big one once in awhile. At least, small in comparison to some of the big guns, who have dozens and dozens of three-years-olds to choose from every spring.

SENTIMENTAL???...just watch Mr. & Mrs. Jones in action LIVE...it's PURE LOVE of the Horses & the GREATEST SPORT OF ON EARTH!!!...Long Live THE King!!!...

Don't dismiss Ian Wilkes.

I'd love to see Graham Motion win.  He's a Class Act, as is his whole team!  

Steve Assumussen's NEVER won a derby??? Wow, surprising since he's got so many horses. — I'm going with Julie: Graham Motion!!

I have to go with Kieran. Nicest guy ever. To be battling his disease, never complains handles everything with class.

Also Bret Calhoun actually has a really decent shot.

For the guy who didn't know who he was?????  He trains Indygo Mountain. Also trains Silver City who just recorded a 99 Beyer in the Dixieland and is headed to the Southwest Stakes.  Trains them both for a guy named Clarence Scharbauer Jr. Ever hear of him?  He owned a little colt named Alysheba, maybe you've heard of HIM?

Grant Forster,he has a nice Quiet American colt  called Quiet Thanks that could win  this year

Yo Brad how are you buddy? Hey alot of people don't follow racing as close as you and me bud. Thanks to you and Big they know who he is now.

2 weeks till Vegas and my Derby bets!!!!!!

No favorite choice but just hope it's not any trainers on the list who are also known for breaking down more than their share of horses in the mornings, when the press and fans aren't around!

Wanda, What's up, buried in Snow and frost? A self imposed sabbatical from here for a while. Sure you know, not so much involvement now.  I'll just say pull for Bret, you'll be happy you did.

Vegas for Valentines Day?  Good Luck with your futures. I think we're going in early March, not sure yet. Was just there in Dec so, who knows for sure.

Are you giving me hints Mr Brad? 10-4 as we say at work. Hey show up sometime between Feb 5-8 and we'll find a bale of straw to sit on and yap!

We had a chinook last week +13C, now it's snowing and -15C. Oh well nobody twisted my arm to live here.

Trust me Wanda, If we met in Vegas we'd go to every club and show in town, eat at the best restaurants, gamble with my buds who own a casino. If our spouses want to join us in painting the town red, that'd be great.

We wouldn't be sitting on a bale of hay and chatting, too much to do and see. Save that for another day, like Saratoga or Churchill Downs.

Just hope it's warm when you get there. They'd have to twist my arm, leg and break my neck to get me a) that far from the ocean

b) into cold snowy weather for anything more than a week of skiing and snow boarding.

THE ROCK...1992 was also the year of ARAZI (Pat V up).  It took everyone's money and Casual Lies paid $22.00 to place.  

LARRY JONES !! He has worked hard 24/7 for 25 years to get to the place where he is now. He started with 1 crippled horse at Ellis Park and worked his way up the ladder. He deserves it!!

Larry Jones!  He seems to really love his horses (I'm sure the others do too) and after two runner up finishes and poor Eight Belles, I'd like to see him get the glory.  Old Fashioned is my Derby horse so far.

Tom Amoss. He has won at an incredible clip for years. Would be great to see him get one with a live shot on the first Saturday in May. After Tom, I vote for Larry Jones then Shug. Hard Spun ran one of the most impressive losing Derby efforts I have seen. Larry has proven time and time again he knows how to get them ready.

"The Giant Killer". One of the BEST horseman EVER!!!!

I vote for Dallas Stewart. He is a good guy and deserves it.  I feel the say way about Larry Jones.

I vote for Ken McPeek to win it all this year! Sharp Horseman with all the right moves. Free Country

Couldn't resist voting and commenting on this one ...

LARRY JONES!!!!! Definitely and all the way, Larry Jones!!! It would be awesome to see the smiling man with the cowboy hat win the roses this year!

No one deserves it more than he does, in my opinion. I think he's a great, great guy as well as an awesome trainer. And after all he went through last year, to me, it would be absolutely the best thing in the world for him to be able to take the 135th Kentucky Derby!

Good luck and God bless always, Larry; I so hope to see him smiling big in that red horseshoe at Churchill this year! I know I'll be cheering with all my heart for him!

Larry and Cindy Jones!!!!!!!

We'll all (and there's a BUNCH of us!) be rooting hard and cheering like crazy for both Larry and Cindy Jones on the first Saturday in May.

We all really hope they win those roses! They sure deserve them. Go, Larry and Cindy!!! You guys are the best! God bless them both, and gooo Jones horses!

Larry Jones is one of the best of the best trainers in Thoroughbred racing.  He not only gives his all for the race, but really cares for it's well being.  His love, devotion and hard work needs to be commended.  What could be better than winning the most famous race in horse racing.  Come on Larry....  I will be there cheering you on....

Larry Jones, without hesitation.  Larry rides his own, hauls his own, and loves his horses as children.  The grace under pressure that he and Cindy have shown through the trials of this past year is remarkable.  They are my heroes and they deserve to go out with a Derby win.  :)

My Vote goes to the Jones Team. Larry and Cindy are awesome trainers, salt of the earth folks and this is their lifes work. It is no mistake they have been close to winning twice and this is their time to shine bright in the winners circle.