SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY, May 1, 2010--It is the first Saturday in May. Happy New Year, America’s horseplayers.

And there will be no “Dead Roses” for the HRI faithful. Instead, we're content to stop at “sitting back in our rose pink Cadillac, making bets on Kentucky Derby Day.”

First, you must considerate it your patriotic duty to be the Kentucky Derby, two dollars will do. But, even if only a weekend warrior, you’re obliged to overbet the Kentucky Derby.

We’ve all lost before and we all will lose again. Even as early as 6:24 EDT today. But it’s a race that easily could make your year and, if you’re really fortunate, maybe even a life changer.

In what could only be greed as motivator, there will be no Dime Superfectas or 50-Cent Trifectas available on the Derby.

CDI cites logistics problems on track which, of course, is easily solved with dedicated self service machines scattered throughout the betting bays.

It’s a way for the common folk to get “rich” will relatively low risk for potential substantial award. Might even make some innocent bystanders and Christmas and Easter bettors friends for the game.

Gets old, doesn’t it?

Anyway, do a little of your own homework. Never before has so much information been available to so many, much of it free on the Internet.

If someone wants to tout you on a horse, fine, but don’t let them tout you off one, especially at long odds.

To date, the “best”, most accomplished horses, juvenile champion Lookin At Lucky, and Santa Anita Derby winner Sidney’s Candy, bookend the field from the extreme inside and outside posts.

Better the most probable or most likely winner is a logical, common sense approach. But it’s not always a good wager.

We will leave you to your own devices and keep the play simple here, betting our top choice, Super Saver, to win. Of course, we will use our second, third and fourth choices (Awesome Act, Lookin At Lucky and American Lion) in the multiple pools with our choice. And given the forecast for horrendous weather, we're going serious money considerations to Devil May Care, Paddy O'Prado and Mission Impazible.

We require at least 8-1 on Super Saver in the straight pool. If you like him, or others, it’s permissible to bet more than one horse straight win. It hurts value but, as racetrackers often say, better a short price than long face. Keep an open mind. Wet tracks change everything.

For the more adventuresome, and for those looking to score, there are more sophisticated strategies. Simply click on the Pricci Feature Race analysis, top right column.

Whatever you decide, have fun! It’s Derby Day! And, so, in the words of Dan Fogelberg:

“It’s run for the roses, as fast as you can.

Your fate is delivered, your moment’s at hand.

It’s the chance of a lifetime in a lifetime of chance.

And it’s high time you joined in the dance.

It’s high time you joined in the dance.”