Getting excited about the Kentucky Derby! And I just discovered that I get the NBC Sports Network, so I'll get to watch the Kentucky Oaks, too! Yay! It looks it's going to be a really strong race. I'm betting on Rose to Gold (ridden by Calvin Bo-Rail himself), although I also have my eye on Seaneen Girl (go Rosie!), who may not have much of a shot, but stranger things have happened.

I'm wondering what people think of the new points system for horses to enter the Ky Derby? My initial feeling is that it strikes me as a way to be elitist in a way that keeps the old boys' network intact at the expense of the sport and makes it unlikely for another Mine That Bird to win the Run for the Roses.

Here's someone who also thinks the new system is broken:

http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/triplecrown2013/story/_/id/9119586/derby-day-ladies-day

And now it's nearing time for the Second Jewel of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico! Quite a few Derby also-rans in it, along with a couple of newcomers. And of course Orb will be going for that Crown!

1 … Orb … Joel Rosario

2 … Oxbow … Gary Stevens

3 … Will Take Charge … Mike Smith

4 … Goldencents … Kevin Krigger

5 … Departing … Brain Hernandez, Jr.

6 … Govenor Charlie … Martin Garcia

7 … Mylute … Rosie Naprvanik

8 … Itsmyluckday … John Velazquez

9 … Titletown Five … Julien Leparoux

I would really love to see a Triple Crown winner. There hasn't been one since 1978!! So, I hope Orb succeeds.

But, if he should happen to lose, I hope it would be to Mylute, because I would love to see another female jockey (Rosie) win a Triple Crown race! There hasn't been one of those since 1993.