Kentucky Derby Undercard 2012: Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Can't Be Missed

The Kentucky Derby is one of the classic events on the sports calender each year, as well-known for its many traditions as the actual two-minute race itself.

But one of those traditions that is often overlooked by the general public—those of use who don't love horse racing so much as the spectacle of the Derby or aren't of the betting ilk—is the Derby's undercard.

And the premier event of that undercard is the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic. If nothing else, it has to be the best race to watch from the infield.

And c'mon, how often do you get to watch the horses run on turf?

Plus, it's a good way to see some of the veteran horses run, or even catch a few Derby horses from day's past. Ever wonder what happened to Brilliant Speed, who finished seventh at the Derby last year and third at the Belmont Stakes?

Well, look no further than the turf during the Woodford Reserve this afternoon.

And there's Get Stormy, who has the chance to do something quite special today. From Paul Rolfes of Courier-Journal.com:

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All of which makes it a tough assignment for Get Stormy, the defending champion of the Woodford Reserve Turf. The 6-year-old drew the No. 4 post and is a 6-1 program choice to join Einstein as a two-time Woodford winner. Ramon Dominguez is scheduled to ride.

“He’s been a very, very special horse,” said Bush of his earner of $1.5 million lifetime and in-the-money finishes in 20 of 28 lifetime starts. “It’s not often that you have a horse that’s a graded stakes winner at age 3, 4, 5 and 6.”

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And keep in mind, these are Grade 1 horses, still some of the finest specimens you'll ever see. That alone is worth watching.

Are you convinced yet? Sure, you may be more interested in the Race for the Roses, the mint juleps and the Southern belles adorning garish hats.

But don't miss the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic. It's another fine addition to the assortment of traditions the Derby has to offer.

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