2011 Kentucky Derby Live Blog: Odds, Picks and Results

Nothing says spring like the Kentucky Derby. The sound of 19 thoroughbreds (after the scratch of Uncle Mo) thundering out of the gate and down the home straight, at first almost in unison before struggling for position as they approach the first turn.

It's a beautiful thing, something not approached in any other race in the country or almost any other race in the world.

No other American race accepts a field larger than 14 anymore. Even Woodbine in Canada, which used to take 16, has followed the American tradition and cut two off of its maximum.

It is a unique spectacle, and it is just so beautiful to behold.

Over the next 30 hours or so until we crown our 137th Kentucky Derby champion, I'll bring you updates on weather, odds, stories and everything Derby. I will also give you my picks and wagering selections for the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and the 10 races before the Derby on Saturday's Churchill Downs card.

This will be your headquarters for betting advice.

I'm not a fan of Twitter; in fact, I log in about as often as I pull into the emergency lane on 1-45 in Houston, get out of my car and try to hand-stand across the highway. But for today and tomorrow, I'll give in. Tweet me @bsd987 with any picks, suggestions or questions you have and I'll answer them as quickly as possible.

So here is my first live blog for Bleacher Report. Depending on how my picks do, it may be my last!

P.S. As a special treat tomorrow, I will post a song I wrote about the Kentucky Derby to the tune of a very famous song. Don't worry, it's only lyrics. You don't have to listen to me sing. Even I wouldn't want to hear that!