(Time to Towel Off at Churchill Downs / Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Editor’s Note:

It was a weekend to watch, wait, wiggle, worry (just a little) and then wow them. As the days leading up to the greatest time of the year have gone lately, the more contenders for this year’s Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks have come, greatly. Each day, it seemed, witnessed a semi-tractor trailer load of new horses. Each day, to be sure, there was a new star ready to unload, unwind and take up new digs on the backside of Churchill Downs. Each day, the celebrities got the red-carpet treatment upon arrival, and are now being treated to the best racetrack in the entire world.

In less than two weeks, from now, the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby will be in full bloom.

The horses.

The fans.

The drama.

The heroics.

And, now, it is time to get to know them all. The best two weeks leading up to the best two minutes in sports.

For your viewing pleasure, our great friend and ally — Holly M. Smith — journeyed out to the backside of Churchill Downs this week to catch some of the action and all of the horses.

Here’s a few clicks for you to enjoy:

Friday morning fare:

Sunshine on my shoulders…

Paradise, a KY Oaks Hopeful…

KY Oaks Hopeful Paradise Gets A Good Work…

Chief Wallabee: 

Virgin Collada: 

Albus: 

A Look Back on Friday’s Backside at Churchill Downs: 

Chief Wallabee: 

Right to Party: 

School Trip: 

Stark Contrast: 

Chief Wallabee: 

Fulleffort: 

Stark Contrast: 

Chief Wallabee: 

Chip Honcho

Fulleffort: 

 

Wonder Dean:

Right to Party: 

Chip Honcho:

A Picture Is Worth a 1,000 Words…But What Are 1,000 Words Worth?

Saturday’s Sit-In Session:

Toyota Blue Grass Stakes Winner Further Ado:

Saddle Cloths at the barn of trainer Brad Cox — the best in the sport:

Further Ado:

The “Eyes” Have It:

Florida Derby Winner Commandment:

Further Ado:

Commandment:

 

Fulleffort: 

KY Oaks Hopeful Prom Queen: 

Jockey Declan Cannon: 

The Mike Maker Barn: 

Trainer Riley Mott: 

It’s Towel Time: 

Right to Party:

Iris Is I-Catching: 

Wonder Dean: 

Chief Wallabee:

Right to Party: 

Chip Honcho: 

Wonder Dean: 

And…Sunday morning coming down:

The Grass Is Always…What Do They Say?…Greener?

Saudi Crown: 

Chief Wallabee: 

Saudi Crown: 

Chief Wallabee: 

KY Oaks Hopeful Lorelei Lee