Poll Vault: Have you ever bet on a horse race?

With Arlington Park opening today and the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, it's tempting to place a little wager on a pony.

Too bad I don't know the first thing about horses. I'm one of the uneducated who favor a thoroughbred based on whether it has a witty name, how pretty it is or the color of the jockey's silks.

My colleague Kathleen Danes, in addition to being our resident expert on reality TV, knows a thing or two about horse racing. She's been to the Kentucky Derby three times, and I asked her which horse she likes this year. Her answer: Union Rags.

There's a suburban connection in this year's race. The owners of Take Charge Indy (15-1), whose jockey is three-time derby winner Calvin Borel, are Marengo residents Chuck and Maribeth Sandford.

Are you a betting man or woman? Do you have a favorite for the derby? Do you know the difference between an exacta and a quinella? What's the most you've ever won?