KSR Today: Back on the Backside at Churchill Downs

There’s something special about the feeling in the air on the backside at Churchill Downs during Derby week. The crisp, damp cool air is inviting. It mixes with a distinct smell. You’re not quite sure if it’s the dirt track or the horse poop, but it’s 100% horse territory. Even though there typically are more horses than humans on the backside, this week there’s a buzz with glad-handers, partial-owners, talk show hosts, wise guys and everybody in-between asking one another, “Who’s your Derby horse?” Today the soggy weather has slightly dampened the buzz, but it still feels oh so good to be back after two years away.

There’s no better place to catch Derby Fever. Thanks to the early post position draw, I’ve caught it. The only prescription is tomfoolery. Before the days descend into madness at Churchill Downs, take a look at the draws for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks to get an idea of who you might play. I’ll try to narrow my focus this morning, but there are so many good horses running Friday, making a choice is difficult. It’s just as difficult Saturday, but for the other reason. There aren’t a bunch of proven winners, creating a wide open race that will surely blow up the tote board Saturday evening.

While all eyes in the city of Louisville are on Churchill Downs, the BBN has its attention on the latest from John Calipari’s rocky offseason.

Calipari weighs in on Lucas, NIL, Upgrades

For the second time in as many weeks, John Calipari joined Issel and Pratt to touch on a few pressing matters. The one on the top of everyone’s mind was Jai Lucas’ departure to Duke. In a strange twist, he did not elaborate much on the topic, just to say he didn’t fire Jai Lucas. Nobody thought he fired Jai. Weird.

In other news, Calipari had some strong statements about upgrades to the aesthetics of the Kentucky basketball program. Not just facilities, Coach Cal is ready to give Big Blue Madness a much-needed makeover. The roster could also get an addition or two. Calipari teased a silent commitment, while also throwing some not so subtle jabs at transfers who demand NIL money up front (cough, Baylor Schiereman, cough cough).

KSR catches up with Adou Thiero

Many people are saying the silent commitment John Calipari teased was Adou Thiero. KSR’s Jack Pilgrim spoke with the unranked prospect after he officially visited Kentucky and things sound like they went as well as the could have.

“Conversations were about the opportunity, how it’s a big family and everything,” he told KSR. “He says I’m going to have a great chance there. We didn’t really specify roles a lot, we just talked about the things I could do there. He says he doesn’t know what I would play yet, but that could be figured out down the road.”

Chris Rodriguez Let’s it Rip

It’s finals week at the University of Kentucky. That’s why the Kentucky baseball and softball teams are taking a break from mid-week games on the diamond. However, you can still get your fix tonight when the Wild Health Genomes play their first ever game in Lexington. If the weather cooperates, Kentucky running back Chris Rodriguez will be there to throw the ceremonial first pitch. Hopefully he can spin it as well as he can run it. He’ll take the mound around 6:35 pm ET on free hot dog night.

Buy Will Levis Stonks

Not every person checks the next mock drafts as soon as the NFL Draft concludes. If you take a peep, most believe Will Levis will be a top 10 pick. Of course, many things will change between now and next April, however, it’s a good gauge of the quarterback’s current stonks. There’s no need to pump the brakes. The Will Levis hype train is going out of control. Jump on the bandwagon with a brand new edition of 11 Personnel.

Transfer Portal Blast from the Past

Remember Amani Gilmore? Kentucky recruited the left-handed quarterback to attract his high school teammate, wide receiver Devonta Lee. The Louisiana wide receiver went to LSU, Gilmore came to Kentucky in 2019 and left after one season. Gilmore recently hopped back into the portal, moving from North Texas to Grambling State. Best of luck to Gilmore as he makes the move to an HBCU closer to home.