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Movie leading to dynamite results

By DAWN REISS
Published May 4, 2006

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Marc Casse owns a "Vote for Pedro" red and white T-shirt. It's a product of having seven children and watching the cult movie Napoleon Dynamite the morning Seaside Retreat had his best showing this season - second to the late With a City in the $500,000 Lane's End Stakes March25 at Turfway Park in Florence, Ky.

"For some reason we had it on," said Casse's 22-year-old son, Norm, who will graduate Saturday from nearby Bellarmine University and move to Ocala to help with the family's farm. "We weren't necessarily watching it. But I think he's superstitious."

Casse had that original group, including jockey Patrick Husbands, watch the movie before the Blue Grass April 15 and plans another viewing this week.

"Every time I watch I say this is the stupidest movie, but they've got me watching it," Casse, 45, said. "I don't know if I can go through too many of these. But if it'll help me win I'll watch it."

SOMETHING SPECIAL: Trainer Dan Hendricks has the favorite in Brother Derek at 3-1.

"He's a real special horse to me, but he's still right below proving what I consider to be special like Secretariat or Affirmed," Hendricks said. "One of these horses is going to step up Saturday and be a real special horse. I think you should reserve that for the first that are proven to be that. Hopefully he'll be one of those real soon."

NO WINNERS HERE: Despite Lawyer Ron's 4-1 odds and unbeaten streak that extends to December, history is against him. Since 1900, no horse has won from Post 17 - the position trainer Bob Holthus selected, after a lottery determined the selection order, over Post 3 or 18-20. History is also against Kiaran McLaughlin's Flashy Bull. No. 20 is the other winless post position.

"The 15 would have been ideal, but it was taken," Holthus said after the draw Wednesday. "I'm happy. I did not want to be trapped inside. There is a lot of speed to the inside of us and if we can follow somebody we will be in good shape."

FINISHING FIRST: The first and fifth positions have had the most winners, 12 each, since 1900, with posts No. 4 and 10 next with 10 each. The last two Derby winners have come from the middle to outside in the 10 and 13 slots after War Emblem (2002) and Funny Cide (2003) won from post No. 5. ... Brother Derek drew the No. 18 post. Only one horse has ever won the Derby from that spot - Gato Del Sol in 1982.

SECOND THOUGHTS: Trainer Bob Baffert, who has three horses led by 12-1 Sinister Minister in the No. 4 post position, started second-guessing his spot. "After we took the 4, I thought maybe we should have taken the 11 (now occupied by Sweetnorthernsaint). He will probably be your pacesetter."

LOOKIN' GOOD: Bob and John and Point Determined made their debuts Wednesday at Churchill Downs, galloping strongly for 13/8 miles. "They looked good out there," Baffert said. "But then, they're good horses. They're supposed to look good. We didn't bring any scraps here."

[Last modified May 4, 2006, 01:00:07]