Dialing it in: Borel's 'Twice the Appeal' is Appealing but I'm Rolling with Zito's Colt

(Photo courtesy of Reed Palmer Photography) 

Plenty of story lines including a wet derby track makes this year's Kentucky Derby one of intrigue. 2011 could very well end up like the 2010 edition of the "Greatest two minutes in sports." 2010 Derby winner Calvin Borel once again returns to Churchill Downs on a horse that is once again an underdog. Could Borel's Twice the Appeal be twice as appealing?

Borel rode Super Saver to victory last year but this year, he might not come home with the prize. It is still yet to be determined whether Uncle Mo will participate, even if he is entered, the uncertainty is enough for me to scratch his odds.

(Photo courtesy of Hodges Photography)

Dialed in draws lane 8 and his Derby favored 4-1 odds gives me enough confidence to put my money on  Zito's young colt. Nehro (6-1) may give the field a run for its money and Mucho Macho Man (12-1) has also been generating recent buzz. Don't be surprised if MMM makes a run for the finish.

The reason I am rolling with Dialed In is simple; consistency. In four career starts, Dialed In has won three, only losing by a half-length in the one loss. Trainer Nick Zito has already won the Kentucky Derby twice and Dialed In has been known to show favoritism toward Churchill Downs. My only concern is that in the four career starts, Dialed In has only faced a field as of at least 12 horses once. The real question will be how will he deal with the 20-horse field the Derby presents?

Regardless of the outcome, this should be a great Derby. There is no overwhelming favorite, which makes almost any winning horse of the 137th Kentucky Derby an underdog victor.