Are there ANY Derby preps on network/ESPN?

[Merlinsky]

I went to see what races were being shown on network or ESPN/ESPN2 on NTRA.com, and until the Derby, it's basically a sea of HRTV and TVG, even for the Wood, Florida Derby, Blue Grass, etc. I remember being able to watch the El Camino Real on ESPN for pete's sake. I know Calracing.com shows free live feed, but obviously that leaves out the rest of the country. I'm gonna have to break down and get HRTV.com I suppose. I know it's relatively cheap, but I was trying to save pennies like a lot of people. Also, it just saddens me a bit. Since I was a kid, watching the spring Derby preps with a certain amount of pomp and circumstance (and also the prominent filly races) was something I always looked forward to. The overwrought orchestral scores, puff pieces, everything cheese because hey, I was a kid, I ate that up. Jim McKay always classed up the joint on the big day. I still have a fondness for it, stupid camera angles and all.

Even the Kentucky Oaks is listed as an HRTV. Not even Bravo? Geez. I can't tell from the schedules on most of the websites because they don't go out past 2/22, but did we even manage to drive away the Real Housewives people? Not that I'm complaining about not seeing Heidi and Spencer (gag), but I figured there'd be something. I thought I'd ask here in case anybody knows anything beyond what I've found so far. I guess they should've called NTRA Live the Zenyatta Show because basically since she's stopped running, there's nothing listed on the schedule that's new for this year.

[lemoncrush]

I'm curious...
Do one of the main networks have an "option" of picking up one of the final preps, say..the Florida Derby or Wood, if a contender emerges that becomes a national story (aka...Smarty Jones)?

[randallscott35]

Shocking since Zenyatta made so many new fans.

[Thunder Gulch]

I can remember just 10 years or so ago video taping all the ESPN broadcasts and watching the races over and over. Nowadays, you can see a replay of all the stakes and preps a half hour after it's over, and you can hear just about any talking head you want comment on what happened.

[Bigsmc]

Originally Posted by Thunder Gulch

I can remember just 10 years or so ago video taping all the ESPN broadcasts and watching the races over and over. Nowadays, you can see a replay of all the stakes and preps a half hour after it's over, and you can hear just about any talking head you want comment on what happened.

Yeah, it's called progress. I remember being thrilled with my first (and very expensive) DVD burner that allowed me to transfer my Breeder's Cup video tapes to DVD.

Now? I have every Breeder's Cup replay at my beck and call on my ipod.

[OldDog]

Last year NBC did 3 Saturday shows of Derby preps. I can't find anything on NBC's website yet, but this

http://www.kentuckyderby.info/kentuc...y-schedule.php

says they're going to show 4 races:
Louisiana Derby
Santa Anita Derby
Bluegrass Stakes
Arkansas Derby.

Of course, you'll want to miss this:
“Access at the Kentucky Derby / Kentucky Derby Red Carpet Special”
Saturday, May 7
4-5 p.m. EDT
NBC

Join Access Hollywood and NBC hosts as they interview celebrities arriving on the Kentucky Derby Red Carpet and get a behind-the-scenes look at the fabulous fashion, food and social scene that leads up to the “Run for the Roses.”

[Merlinsky]

Originally Posted by OldDog

Last year NBC did 3 Saturday shows of Derby preps. I can't find anything on NBC's website yet, but this

http://www.kentuckyderby.info/kentuc...y-schedule.php

says they're going to show 4 races:
Louisiana Derby
Santa Anita Derby
Bluegrass Stakes
Arkansas Derby.

Of course, you'll want to miss this:
“Access at the Kentucky Derby / Kentucky Derby Red Carpet Special”
Saturday, May 7
4-5 p.m. EDT
NBC

Join Access Hollywood and NBC hosts as they interview celebrities arriving on the Kentucky Derby Red Carpet and get a behind-the-scenes look at the fabulous fashion, food and social scene that leads up to the “Run for the Roses.”

Thanks for the heads up (both on the watch and avoid angles ). I keep saying things like 'when I get more prosperous I'll get..." things like iPods, a satellite dish, fancy phone, etc, but I've about reached my wits end on some of this stuff. Might see if some shifting around in the budget is possible. Right now I'm getting my racing fix online via FB, Twitter, and haunting the Bloodhorse, TB Times, and DRF sites. When it's over and done in 2 min or less, it's kinda depressing. Thankfully there's always ATR and Haskin articles.

Scale of 1 to 10, how are the talking heads on HRTV vs. NBC, ESPN, etc? Are camera shots weirder? Less weird? What are the biggest negatives/pluses? Anything where you go "well that was a waste of money"? I'm not sure what I'll be able to do, but I can't take another year of this. It's ridiculous.