Welcome to DAY #4 of DERBY DAYS on Lex What Wear! Since I started this blog last August, I’ve had support from many, but none like this guy. He was often the older brother who picked fights with me, but he grew up to be my biggest cheerleader. My brother is a ridiculously smart and handsome fella who reads my blog day in and day out. He may not care much for the female trends I report on, but he is definitely one of the best-dressed guys I know (and I’ll take credit for that)! If I could honor his continuous support by doing anything it would be this …

Horse racing is big in my family and we’ve grown up around the industry. I was more into the jockey silks and the cute little horses, while my brother spent hours studying the logistics, the rich history, and handicapping. To this day, I’ve never met someone with such talent for handicapping a horse race. Call it luck if you will, but he know’s his stuff.

As a part of Derby Days on Lex What Wear, I’d like to offer a bit of non-fashion-related information. My brother, Brad has offered up his selections and bets for Saturday’s big race, and if I were you, I’d make note of it. Take it away Brad…

Brad McLean’s 2013 Kentucky Derby Selections

1)     Revolutionary – Todd Pletcher (trainer), Calvin Borel (jockey)

1. This horse has done nothing but win, even when he found himself in seriously bad positions. Just take a look at his win in the Withers. He was dead to rights with traffic problems but found a way out of the mess to win. The same can be said with the Louisiana Derby. Once again he found himself in a less than ideal position going 4 wide all the way around only to nip Mylute at the wire.  I have loved this horse since the gritty win in the Withers and there is no way I am getting off of him now. A Todd Pletcher/Calvin Borel trainer/jockey combo only makes it even more appealing (remember Super Saver?).

2)     Orb – Shug Mcgaughey (Trainer), Joel Rosario (jockey)

1. I have to be honest, I have bet against this horse every chance I’ve had. The result? Me looking like an idiot, repeatedly. That will not happen this time. This horse is undoubtedly the talk of the backside this week. His workouts have been outstanding and the normally quiet trainer has been gushing since his win in the Florida Derby. Anytime Shug brings a horse to the Derby, you have to give it major consideration. His two wins in the Fountain of Youth and the Florida Derby were outstanding. With his level of improvement over the past year, his bloodlines suggesting the distance will be no problem, and having the hottest jockey in America will all make Orb the likely post-time favorite, and for good reason.

3)     Goldencents – Doug O’neil (Trainer), Kevin Krigger (jockey)

1. Most experts had written this colt off prior to the Santa Anita Derby, but yours truly was not one of them. When he needed the best race of his career, he delivered in a wonderful fashion. Stalking a very quick pace, the race seemed to set up for a deep closer. Coming around the turn, however, Goldencents was clearly going to be the horse t o beat. The question now is, does he bounce off a career best race? I say no. He has the talent to win and may just now be coming into his own. Anxious to see what the post-time odds are but you better believe that Doug O’neil (trainer of last year’s winner) will have this colt primed.

4)     Longshot Picks

1. Frac Daddy – Ken McPeek (trainer) Victor Lebron (jockey)

Seems to be peaking at the right moment. Has shown tons of talent prior to being injured. Has two good runs under his belt since the injury and could be peaking at the right time.

1. Itsmyluckyday – Eddie Plesa Jr. (trainer) Elvis Trujillo (jockey)

After two sensational runs in the Gulfstream Park Derby and the Holy Bull, this colt ran a good second to likely post-time favorite Orb in the Florida Derby. Some question his ability to get the distance which will make him a higher price than he deserves in the Derby. Definitely worth a bet for a horse as fast and talented as this one.

Brad’s bets:

• $5 exacta box: Revolutionary, Orb, Goldencents, Frac Daddy
  • $1 tri box: Revolutionary, Orb, Goldencents, Itsmylulckyday, Frac Daddy
    • $20 WPS: Revolutionary
      • Total: $60
      • $10 WPS: Frac Daddy
        • Total: $30

** You can follow Brad all Derby weekend on Twitter @Tbradmclean