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Sports of All Sorts

A movie worth seeing

Posted by: Tony Bleill

Monday, April 28, 2008 7:36 PM

Thanks to Boardman's Art Theatre, folks in this area can get a glimpse of a good independent film. Unfortunately, that's just about our only recourse, and the Art Theatre can't show everything. I've found one film that might not make it to C-U, but it is worth your time.

The documentary "The First Saturday in May" is the story of six trainers as they seek to get their thoroughbreds to the 2006 Kentucky Derby. And while the film is ostensibly about horse racing, it is more than that. Think "Hoop Dreams" with horses (although I'll admit "Hoop Dreams" is a better film.)

The six trainers were tracked for months leading up to the big race. There's the dry-witted Dale Romans (trainer of Sharp Humor), with his hilarious young son and wild cousin, Paul, who steals every scene he's in. There's Kiaran McLaughlin (trainer of Jazil), who battles multiple sclerosis while working for some of the most powerful people in the world. There's Frank Amonte (trainer of Achilles of Troy), an obscure New York-based trainer and with a typically big New York-sized personality. There's Dan Hendricks (trainer of Brother Derek), recently confined to a wheelchair after an ATV accident left him paralyzed. There's 72-year-old Bob Holthus (trainer of Lawyer Ron), more popular in his native Arkansas than Bill Clinton. And there's Michael Matz, who trained Barbaro, whose story you no doubt know by now.

The film opened April 18 in about 20 cities nationwide, and I saw it last Thursday in Lexington, Ky. It is a terrific film, funny and touching, and it is worth your $8 investment. Fortunately, a few cities held over the film for another week, and that includes a theater in Chicago. For more information on the film and to watch a trailer, go here: http://www.thefirstsaturdayinmay.com/

To get more information about this week's viewing opportunities, go here: http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=44779

--On another racing-related note, everyone's favorite thoroughbred, Illini Nation, finished second again. Illini Nation was sent off at 5-2 odds Saturday in a maiden race at Calder Race Course in Miami, and he finished a good second. He's now 0-for-3 but getting better. He won't be a maiden much longer.

--Back later this week with a Derby selection and a reason why you shouldn't bet on the favorite, Big Brown.