The final point of interest in the Blue Grass was the performance, or lack of it, by a West Coast invader named Avatar. Jockey Willie Shoemaker says that the horse had his head down in the starting gate and got away poorly, which should explain his lack of punch.

That's okay, but it's an old saying, or a fact, that West coast horses don't win the Derby. Avatar (Santa Anita Derby winner) will be joined this Saturday by his California nemesis Diabolo (California Derby). While Diabolo is the better of the two, both horses will be fighting a long California tradition of Derby losses that will be hard to shake.

I suppose that if you consider Master Derby then you have to make note of Honey Mark, who closed strongly down the stretch of the Blue Grass but ran out of running room. Add an eighth of a mile, and the horse could be an upsetter, but it's doubtful.

Rounding out the field will be a group of possible starters named Round Stake (an Allen Jerkens contribution). Gatch (one of those Argentina horses who never should win but do occasionally), Promised City. Fashion Sale and Bold Chapeau.

The list of credentials for the contenders is impressive, but none approach those of Foolish Pleasure. So he'll be the favorite, even money or thereabouts, with Master Derby and the rest of the gang close behind.

For my money, Media could very well be the best of the lot, which is saying a great deal considering the caliber of the competition. But he may have some developing to do, so I'll pick him--for the Travers Stake at Saratoga this summer.

As for this year's Derby, you can take your pick. Foolish Pleasure will be right there at the finish, but whether his head will be in front or behind is hard to say. He's the king right now, and it will stay that way until somebody proves differently.

But there are easily enough nay-sayers to make this year's race a classic.