News and notes from around the Thoroughbred racing world, compiled by Thoroughbred Racing Communications, Inc. (TRC) (212.371.5911..)

SHORT FIELD PROBABLE

As of Monday, there are 11 probable runners in the Derby, the smallest field since 1979, when Spectacular Bid beat nine rivals. Spectacular Bid, at 3-5, was also the last favorite to capture the Run for the Roses.

SEATTLE SLEW TRIBUTE

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Seattle Slew's Triple Crown triumph. He now stands at stud at Three Chimneys Farm in Midway, Ky., just down the road from Lexington. Three Chimneys will pay tribute to their prominent stallion Tuesday when it hosts a media luncheon. Mickey and Karen Taylor, who owned the horse during his racing days, will be there as will former jockey Angel Cordero Jr., who rode Slew in the last four races of his career. ABC's 'Good Morning America Sunday' will include a feature on Seattle Slew and his anniversary when it airs Sunday, May 4.

DERBY DAY INFO

On Derby Day, Saturday, May 5, the Churchill Downs gates will open at 8 a.m., with the first race set for 11:30 a.m. The Kentucky Derby is scheduled for 5:32 p.m. Derby Day general admission is $30 and includes access to either the infield, grandstand or clubhouse (standing room only).

DERBY FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS DERBY WEEK

The Derby is known as 'The Run for the Roses' but the Kentucky Derby Festival includes an event known as 'The Run for the Rose (as in wine),' billed as a 'spirited' event in which waiters and waitresses from area restaurants compete for prizes and pride as they race around an obstacle course balancing six full glasses of wine.

Among the many other Derby Festival events (there are 70) are: a $1 million hole-in-one golf contest, a volleyball tournament, the Fillies' Derby Ball, a spelling bee, a steamboat race, a student art contest, a mini-marathon, a hot-air balloon race, a bass fishing contest, a 'Bedlam in the Streets Bed Races', Kentucky Colonels Banquet and Derby Eve Jam featuring Bush at Freedom Hall. The Derby Festival has over 300 sponsors and approximately 4,000 volunteers.

BET ON THIS ONE

If members of the clergy are looking for a horse on which to place a wager Saturday, they'll have to go with Pulpit, whose mother was named Preach. When Claiborne Farm spokesperson Dell Hancock was asked Monday morning if they'd heard from any priests or nuns, she said, 'A priest gave us the little trophy when Pulpit broke his maiden (won his first race) but I haven't heard from any (lately). Now Frankie Brothers (Pulpit's trainer) is a Catholic so he might be on the right side of the fence there.'

The Running Horse (http://www.isd1.com/)