When picking a Kentucky Derby horse, take a long look at the horse’s name. In a totally unscientific theory, the smart money will be on Street Sense (4-to-1) and Scat Daddy (10-to-1) in Saturday’s running.
Why? Simple. In the near century between 1875 and 1972, only a few horses beginning with the letter “S” won the Kentucky Derby. Since Secretariat won in 1973, there have been 11, more than twice any other letter of the alphabet. Think of the names: Seattle Slew (1977), Spectacular Bid (1979), Sunny’s Halo (1983), Swale (1984), Spend A Buck (1985), Sunday Silence (1989), Strike the Gold (1991), Sea Hero (1993), Silver Charm (1997) and Smarty Jones (2004). Interesting.
In the same span, there have been five “G” horses and there is one in year’s race–Great Hunter, a 15-1 shot, and four “Fs,” but there are none this year.

Why would you bet on such a silly idea. Why not. Last year I picked Barbaro because my wife’s first name is Barbara and won. With I’m A Wild A Crazy Guy at 50-to-1, I think I’ll go across the board with Street Sense.

In all there are five “S” horses in this year’s field, but I’m not sure I’d trust my theory on Sam P. (20-to-1), Storm in May (30-to-1), Stormello (30-to-1) or Sedgefield (50-to-1), but wouldn’t Stormello and Storm in May make a lucrative exacta box?