Deborah Dolen's Blog

Monday, May 27, 2013

Deborah Dolen Creative Images

Photography is fun and here are some collage style photographs I think are so very cool. Images copyright and owned by Deborah Dolen. Here are some of my favorite things collaged into one photo.

A Florida sunset taken off Anna Maria Island, and if you notice a honey bee on my hand as well as a bird in the other hand. Visit me on Deborah Dolen or Deborah Dolen on Pinterest.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Cucumber Yogurt Sauce Tzatziki Recipe by Deborah Dolen

Cucumber Yogurt Sauce Tzatziki by Deborah Dolen

16 ounces plain yogurt (I use lowfat)

1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and minced (I do not peel all of mine to have some pretty green coloration)

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons vinegar

6 fresh mint leaves, finely chopped [Optional becaue few people have this handy]

Process all of the above in a food processor and chill to serve later with any Greek style dish. I bump mine so it leaves chunks of green cucumber in there which adds to the texture and color. RELATED RECIPES: Best Beef Jerky Marinade Ever Beef Jerky Recipe Book on Kindle Beef Jerky Recipe Book on Nook Deborah Dolen on Pinterest Gyro Ground Meat Recipe

Deborah Dolen is a Bestselling author on

Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Her books are primarily DIY related. Most of Deborah's recipes are "pinned" on Pinterest so if you want to read more unique recipes check out her board Deborah Dolen Recipes. Follow Deborah Dolen on Twitter or her Facebook fan page. Many people tell Deborah they wrote a book or want to break into writing and ask for advise. Based on the sheer amount of interest, Deborah Dolen wrote a great 3 series article titled "How to Market Your Book or Product" which comes up number one in a Google search out of millions of people competing for those words! This also demonstrates she not only knows how to market a book, she knows how you can be number one!

Best Gyro Meat Recipe by Bestselling Author Deborah Dolen

Best Gyro Meat Recipe by Bestselling Author Deborah Dolen

Gyros are great and even better with fresh sun ripened mushy tomatoes and sweet Vidalia onions as well as sliced cucumbers or lettuce. The cucumber yogurt dressing (known as Tzatziki sauce) [recipe link below] and grilled pita bread make it all happen. Many people get stuck on where to get Gyro Meat? Well, if you can find it - you can safely assume it is over priced. 33% ground lamb and the rest lean ground beef with garlic and other spices mixed in - and you have home made Gyro meat! You can mix this up, roll it flat and freeze it to almost frozen if you want to cut strips. Few recipes I have seen mention lemon and if you have ever had a gyro served to you - you can see them often spritz the gyro loaf on the rotisserie with lemon. That breaks up the fat a little and definitely compliments the flavor. This is an excerpt of my bestselling Beef Jerky recipe book. The eBook also has a recipe for making jerky Greek style in a dehydrator which is not a ground type recipe as this one is.

The simple Cucumber Yogurt Sauce Recipe is here:
http://deborahdolen.blogspot.com/2012/09/cucumber-yogurt-sauce-tzatziki-by.html

To make this you can also use a jerky gun if you happen to have one. A jerky gun looks like a cake decorating tool. You can quadriple this recipe and baste it on a rotisserie or just make it jerky style in a dehydrator. Mine gets made with the oven method. I make extra and freeze it for future entertaining.

Makes 1 to 2 pounds depending on cooking method

2 pounds lean ground meat

1 pound lean ground lamb

Combine the meat and knead these spices into it:

4 tablespoons Lemon Juice [This goes on at the end to baste]

1-2 tablespoons garlic powder

1 tablespoon thyme powder

1 tablespoon paprika

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon salt

1/2 tablespoon oregano powder

1/2 tablespoon marjoram

1/2 tablespoon cumin powder

1/2 tablespoon black pepper

Mix all desired ingredients and press through a jerky making utensil such as “Jerky Works." The Jerky should be dried at 155 degrees and may take anywhere from 8-15 hours to dry. Absorb any excess fat on paper towels. This recipe does not store for long periods of time as non-ground beef recipes that can last for several months. If you do not have a jerky gun, you can also use the freeze and cut method used in the "Hamburger Jerky" recipe in this book.

Baste your Gyro meat with the lemon in the last hour of dehydration.

This is wonderful served with toasted pita and fresh sliced sweet onions, tomatoes, lettuce and Tzatziki sauce also known as Cucumber - Yogurt sauce. The simple recipe is in this book.

Oven method at 140 degrees could be 12 hours, but I am not really out to dry it so much, so 4 hours is fine for me.

Deborah Dolen is a Bestselling author on

Monday, September 5, 2011

Aromatherapy Chapter I by Deborah Dolen

Aromatherapy Chapter I

INTRODUCTION TO AROMATHERAPY by Deborah Dolen

Intro to Aromatherapy– The term 'aromatherapy' was first used in the 1920's by the French chemist René Maurice Gattefossé who accidentally discovered in laboratory that lavender oil relieves pain and assists in healing of superficial burns. Please full excerpt of Aromatherapy Basics by Deborah Dolen at Apothecary University.

Aromatherapy Chapter II by Deborah Dolen

AROMATHERAPY - Chapter II What is Aromatherapy?

Excerpt How to Make Perfume and Aromatherapy Basics Copyright © Deborah Dolen 2011 This e-book is available in full version on Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook. by Deborah Dolen pen name Mabel White.

The word “Aromatherapy” is a compound Greek word made up by the words fragrance (aroma) and treatment (therapy).

Please full excerpt of Aromatherapy Basics by Deborah Dolen at Apothecary University.

Excerpt How to Make Perfume and Aromatherapy Basics Copyright © Deborah Dolen 2011 This e-book is available in full version on Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook. by Deborah Dolen Mabel White. Follow Deborah Dolen on Twitter!

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Aromatherapy Chapter III by Deborah Dolen

AROMATHERAPY - Chapter III by Deborah Dolen
History of Aromatherapy

Deborah Dolen Aromatherapist Botantist

Excerpt How to Make Perfume and Aromatherapy Basics Copyright © Deborah Dolen 2011 This e-book is available in full version on Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook. By Deborah Dolen

Please full excerpt of Aromatherapy Basics by Deborah Dolen at Apothecary University.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Aromatherapy Chapter IV by Deborah Dolen Safety Issues

AROMATHERAPY - Chapter IV Safety Issues of Essential Oils by Deborah Dolen

Excerpt How to Make Perfume and Aromatherapy Basics Copyright © Deborah Dolen 2011 This e-book is available in full version on Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook. By Deborah Dolen Mabel White

Safety Issues of Essential Oils

The best course of action is always prevention. Meaning, do not allow essential oils in the hands of inexperienced people. Keep your essential oils out of reach of minors. Some smell so good, there have been reports of minors determining it smelled good enough to drink. Orange essential oil would be a good example.

Transference is not hard. For example, you could get a micro amount of Cinnamon on your hands and not realize it until you rub your eye. If you live to talk about it, chances are you will never forget that experience.

Please full excerpt of Aromatherapy Basics by Deborah Dolen at Apothecary University.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Aromatherapy Chapter V by Deborah Dolen Essential Oil Toxicity

AROMATHERAPY - Chapter V Essential Oil Toxicity

The first thing you should about essential oils is which ones are toxic. Most students learn this last, such as myself--and they need to know it first. You may be surprised what is considered toxic. The web is overflowing with 'recipes' and 'formulas' that are fairly ignorant to what is toxic and why. Pennyroyal and Wintergreen are all too often seen in web recipes. They should not appear in any with great words of caution and dilution. This does not mean the author of any 'recipe' knows what they are doing. In fact, just the opposite. Some essential oils can overwhelm the kidneys and liver and shut them down. Aromatherapy Basics by Deborah Dolen at Apothecary University.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Aromatherapy Chapter VI by Deborah Dolen

AROMATHERAPY - Chapter VI Adulteration; Dilution of Essential Oils by Deborah Dolen

Adulteration and dilution of essential oils to increase profit, like anything in today’s society, brokers are looking for a way to save a buck and stretch a penny. The area of essential oils is no different, and in fact, not regulated. All you can do is buy from a reputable 'house' who is published and would risk their reputation if they were ever caught cutting the product. When a company has a large customer base, you know those customers are educated and would just 'know' if standards began falling. I do buy from such a company who services the big name Perfume Flavor houses. Flavor cannot be adulterated with low end chemicals or it would be obvious very fast. It took me several years to secure that supplier, because few people want to reveal their source. I also secured a few more back-up suppliers in 2007 so I am not dependent on the great price fluctuations of my first supplier. Even if a vendor did not lower standards, often they have no clue if the broker they bought from did dilute. The country of origin is typically the first consideration.

Natural health food stores? You can forget it. Most are 10% EO and the rest carrier oil.

Please full excerpt of Aromatherapy Basics by Deborah Dolen at Apothecary University.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Aromatherapy Chapter VII by Deborah Dolen Storage and Life Span of Essential Oils

AROMATHERAPY - Chapter VII Storage & Life Span of Essential Oils by Deborah Dolen

Excerpt How to Make Perfume and Aromatherapy Basics Copyright © Deborah Dolen 2011 This e-book is available in full version on Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook. By Deborah Dolen Mabel White

Like a fine wine, some oils get better with age! These include clove, rose, patchouli, sandalwood, spikenard, myrrh and vetivert improve as they age, but others, notably the citrus oils, oxidize and can become irritating and toxic with age.

Excerpt How to Make Perfume and Aromatherapy Basics Copyright © Deborah Dolen 2011 This e-book is available in full version on Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook. By Deborah Dolen AKA Mabel White

RELATED ARTICLES:
Chat with Deborah Dolen here: http://deborah-dolen.com/ Deborah Dolen Amazon www.amazon.com/Deborah-Dolen/e/B00457BI2S Deborah Dolen on Petal Science: How to Make Perfume http://petalscience.com/ Deborah Dolen Library http://www.deborahdolen.org/Deborah_Dolen_Library.htm Deborah Dolen Flying Ringo Home http://www.deborahdolen.com/Ringo.htm

Flickr: Your Photostream Flickr: Your Photostream

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Chapter VIII by Deborah Dolen Methods of Distillation

AROMATHERAPY - Chapter VIII Methods of Distillation

Standards and definitions regarding essential oils are defined best by NAHA. NAHA, pretty much the governing organization in Aromatherapy and defines an essential oil as the following:

"The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in their Vocabulary of Natural Materials (ISO/D1S9235.2) defines an essential oil as follows: "An essential oil is a product made by distillation with either water or steam or by mechanical processing of citrus rinds or by dry distillation of natural materials. Following the distillation, the essential oil is physically separated from the water phase."

When making my own macerations, I will usually order in a professional grade essential oil from that same herb and compliment my blend with a little of the real stuff. Lavender would be a great example. Many lavender festivals grow their own, but often order out any lavender notes they cannot achieve or just for more supplies than they can grow.

Chat with Deborah Dolen here:

http://deborah-dolen.com/

Deborah Dolen Amazon

www.amazon.com/Deborah-Dolen/e/B00457BI2S

Deborah Dolen on Petal Science: How to Make Perfume

http://petalscience.com/

Deborah Dolen Library

http://www.deborahdolen.org/Deborah_Dolen_Library.htm

Deborah Dolen Flying Ringo Home

http://www.deborahdolen.com/Ringo.htm

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Aromatherapy - IX by Deborah Dolen

Aromatherapy - Chapter IX by Deborah Dolen Attars, Compounds; Hydrosols by Deborah Dolen

Excerpt How to Make Perfume and Aromatherapy Basics Copyright © Deborah Dolen 2011 This e-book is available in full version on Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook. By Deborah Dolen Mabel White

Once you learn the beauty of essential oils, you will learn about more affordable 'by products' of the manufacturing process. Run off water is known as a 'Hydrosol'. Examples are Rose Water, Lavender Water, Neroli and my personal favorites Roman Chamomile and Witch Hazel hydrosols. Hydrosols tend to run 10% the price of the actual oil, and a great way to experience an oil--such as Neroli and Chamomile, that are ordinarily cost prohibitive. I use hydrosols in componding skin toners, in some perfume formulas, in lotion and witch hazel for medicinal preparations.

SOURCES

Platto A. & Roberts D. (2001) The Aroma Quality of Lavender Water: a Comparative Study" Perf. & Flav. 26(3), 44-64]

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Aromatherapy - X by Deborah Dolen Top 12 Essential Oils

Aromatherapy - Chapter X by Deborah Dolen Top 12 Essential Oils

AROMATHERAPY - Chapter X Top Twelve Essential Oils Everyone lists their “top ten” differently--perhaps depending on what sells the most (could be what is most affordable), what they learned first, or simply what they can access easiest in their location. I can’t help it, these are twelve I depend on. I am delineating my 'Top Twelve’ based on what we will use the most in my daily life. Ones that do double and triple duty. You can bet Lavender, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus are on every list. Later we will get into exotic and interesting essential oils. This is just a list of my favorite primary essential oils, the ones I would want in my family medical bag, and their top contributions and attributes. Dosage and application will be in the next chapter.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Aromatherapy - Chapter XI by Deborah Dolen Cooking w/ Essential Oils

AROMATHERAPY - Chapter XI by Deborah Dolen

Cooking with Essential Oils

Essentials in the Kitchen - Cooking with Essential Oils Most of our use in cooking with essential oils, such as Rose and/or Lavender Jelly, will simply be stirring them into salts, sugar, fats (such as butter, ice cream) and jellies. I feel this is the prudent way to become familiar with the use of essential oils in the kitchen as well as the most delicate approach to enjoying them. Keep in mind you will be using the amount on the end of a tooth pick for most.

*The recipes are in the book. They will not line up properly here anyway.

SOURCES
http://www.amazon.com/Deborah-Dolen/e/B00457BI2S
http://deborahdolen.blogspot.com/2011/07/aromatherapy-chapter-xii-by-deborah.html
http://deborahdolen.blogspot.com/2011/07/aromatherapy-xiii-by-deborah-dolen.html
http://open.salon.com/blog/deborah_dolen_1/2011/07/11/aromatherapy_-_chapter_i_-_by_deborah_dolen

Monday, July 11, 2011

Aromatherapy - Chapter XII by Deborah Dolen

AROMATHERAPY - Chapter XII

Cleaning with Essential Oils by Deborah Dolen

Excerpt How to Make Perfume and Aromatherapy Basics Copyright © Deborah Dolen 2011 This e-book is available in full version on Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook. By Deborah Dolen Mabel White

Cleaning with Essential Oils Cleaning with essential oils is a non-toxic way to clean the home while lifting your spirits at the same time! As we see below, the power and energy of an essential oil can be delivered through a variety of systems, alcohol (for disinfecting) and the most common cleaning medium-good old soap and water. Most products in the store shelves are not "soap" and you will not see the word "soap" on them. Some people even try to brand SLS as "natural soap" and it is not. As you may all be aware, I use my own organic liquid soap to clean almost everything.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Aromatherapy XIII by Deborah Dolen

AROMATHERAPY - Chapter XIII by Deborah Dolen
Essential Oil Chemistry and Pharmaceuticals

Excerpt How to Make Perfume and Aromatherapy Basics Copyright © Deborah Dolen 2011 This e-book is available in full version on Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook. By Deborah Dolen Mabel White

How did essential oils become known for having particular medicinal qualities or target effects? Did someone sit around and think these up or just hand down stories from generation to generation? I wondered that myself because not one Aroma therapist I ever ran into would mention phenols, keytones or terms used in organic chemistry. It is very possible they avoided using “techno” words as not to open up the next question…what is a keytone, aldehyde? And so on. The truth is, essential oils are very much used in the world of pharmacy and most descriptions below were taken from a Merck Pharmaceutical manual! (1988 Merck Index Eleventh Ed.)

Monday, June 20, 2011

Deborah Dolen's Perfume Formula | Cashmere

Deborah Dolen's Cashmere Perfume Formula

Excerpt How to Make Perfume Copyright © Deborah Dolen 2011 This e-book is available in full version on Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook. By Deborah Dolen Mabel White

This is a seductive arrangement reminiscent of Chopard's Casmir. Chopard's Casmir embraces oriental vanilla, mango and subtle spices. You can craft this with essential oil or fragrance oils - just try to stay within the boundaries of the ratios below. Fruits generally do not come in essential oil mediums. This is why I listed them as just fragrance oil below. You can add a few of your own notes in, I think incense is awesome as a note (if you have captured any incense by infusion) and potentially sandalwood. You can anchor with a drop of Bergamot, I chose not too.

5 drops of Mango or Peach fragrance oil

5 drops of Jasmine fragrance oil
4 drops of Musk fragrance oil

4 drops Coconut fragrance oil

3 drops Lilly of the Valley fragrance oil

2 drops Patchouli essential oil

2 drops Amber essential oil

2 drops Oriental Vanilla essential oil [Tahitian]
1 drop Cinnamon essential oil [Cassia is fine]
1 drop Allspice essential oil
1 drop Clove essential oil
1 drop Nutmeg essential oil

Since all of the top, middle and base notes are perfected above - this formula tolerates the addition of florals and other spices very well. So, if you want to add more florals or spices or a variety of them-you will probably end up with another designer scent.

When you feel you have a perfume expression you love, you can then drop it into ethanol or perfumers alcohol to a dilution ratio you are happy with. This is the best way to convert an oil based recipe to a water based recipe. This formula is so special I do not use it for room spray. I use it for myself, in my bath, body lotions and so on. I discuss perfume dilutions here, in Perfume Crafting, and how to make solid perfume here. Savannah Botanical Perfume Formula is here.

COMMENTS are on another platform because BlogSpot has too many comment issues, including the fact my own comment ability is not working and has not been for months. http://petalscience.com/#COMMENTS

Friday, June 10, 2011

Deborah Dolen's Perfume Formula | Savannah Botanicals

Deborah Dolen's Savannah Botancial's Perfume Formula

Formula #01

Fragrance Oils

Rose Fragrance Oil 2 Ounces

Musk Fragrance Oil 2 Ounces

Clove FL 1 Ounce

Vanilla 1/2 Ounce

Cinnamon 1/2 Ounce

Oak Moss 1/2 Ounce

Vetivert 1/2 Ounce

Lilly 1/2 Ounce

Jasmine 1/2 Ounce

Hyacinth 1/2 Ounce

Orange Blossom 1/2 Ounce

Bergamot 1/2 Ounce

Savannah Botanicals Perfume is a beautiful expression of the Savannah Garden's Crabtree fragrance. At one point it was discontinued for several years, and why I felt compelled to make a close reflection. I worked on this for a few years and came up with a spicy, sweet floral that is a professional smelling blend. I formatted the formula in fragrance oil terms as well as essential oil terms. Most people cannot afford essential oils but have an easier time securing fragrance oils.

Formula #2

Essential Oils

Rose Attar oil 4 drops

Musk Essential oil 4 drops

Clove Essential oil 2 drops

Vanilla Essentail oil 1 drop

Cinnamon oil 1 drop

Oak Moss Resin oil 1 drop

Vetivert Essential oil 1 drop

Lilly of the Valley oil 1 drop

Jasmine essential oil 1 drop

Hyacinth essential oil 1 drop

Neroli essential oil 1 drop

Bergamot essential oil 1 drop

You can test this on a small scale, using fragrance oils - to see if you like the end result. Basically, to conduct a test using fragrance oils-just use the second formula that call for drops. When you feel you love it, you can then drop it into ethanol or perfumers alcohol to a dilution ratio you are happy with. This is the best way to convert an oil based recipe to a water based recipe. I use it for room and linen spray, and at times, I give it as a gift in a solid perfume form. I discuss dilutions here, in Perfume Crafting, and how to make solid perfume here.

If you like the perfume you can also put it in bath oils, body lotions, and so on. You may want to get picky about your fragrance oil sources anytime you put products on your skin - meaning when you are going beyond making room and linen sprays. To see what is your favorite fragrance profile, meaning what notes you are attracted to, click here. Select a few of your favorites scents and I am positive you will find they all have common notes. Click here for more on Perfume Blending. Deborah Dolen also teaches how to make perfume at Petal Science.

Excerpt How to Make Perfume and Aromatherapy Basics Copyright © Deborah Dolen 2011 This e-book is available in full version on Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook. By Deborah Dolen Mabel White

Spreading Joy by Rose Maison also has a great narrative of Deborah Dolen's work.

COMMENTS are on another platform because BlogSpot has too many comment issues, including the fact my own comment ability is not working and has not been for months.http://petalscience.com/#COMMENTS

Friday, June 3, 2011

Twitter Deborah Dolen | Deborah Dolens 20 Twitter Favorites

Twitter Deborah Dolen @DeborahDolen on Twitter

I love Twitter so much because you can perform a focus search on just about anything you are interested in. If you are into DIY, you can read educational news and posts about anything in DIY, and if you feel like it-you can even participate in the conversation. The same is true for couponing, if you are into coupons, or even environmental postings you can select that area to learn how to "go green."

I think Twitter will play a huge role in the next Presidental election. Never before have so many people been able to post ideas, during their busy schedules, and share why they feel what about who and why. I wonder if we won't all get on line some day to simply click a button to elect our president. Beyond polictics, DIY, crafting, and coupons-you can even follow your favorite music artist, sports, or just stay current on the news. I follow sports, mainly NASCAR and horse racing. Other area's I follow are the perfume makers as they always have neat ideas.

Cooking up a storm? Probably the best recipes in the world are shared on Twitter. I have many friends on Twitter who are Chefs. I find their posts amusing and informative. Suggested people to follow? Here is my list of who I enjoy following on Twitter: [Join me on Facebook because most of these people are my Facebook friends also!]

http://twitter.com/#!/DeborahDolen

http://twitter.com/#!/SpreadingJoy

http://twitter.com/#!/RockingJude

http://twitter.com/#!/Banksey78

http://twitter.com/#!/wood_brothers21

http://twitter.com/#!/CesarMillan

http://twitter.com/#!/Amazon

http://twitter.com/#!/andersoncooper

http://twitter.com/#!/pcousteau

http://twitter.com/#!/TIME

http://twitter.com/#!/NewsWeek

http://twitter.com/#!/LittleBrown

http://twitter.com/#!/THEROCK

http://twitter.com/#!/C_Brinkley

http://twitter.com/#!/DavidBowie

http://twitter.com/#!/DAVIDARCHIE

http://twitter.com/#!/mittromney

http://twitter.com/#!/aliciakeys

http://twitter.com/#!/UN

http://twitter.com/#!/Paul_Hewson [Bono]

Happy Twittering - Twitter Deborah Dolen and my Dog Ringo too!

@DeborahDolen

@RingoDAWG

Friday, May 20, 2011

Deborah Dolen's Preakness Predictions

Deborah Dolen's Preakness Predictions 2011

The 136th Preakness on May 21,2011 is drawing a little comedy on Twitter. Twitter people want to see "Rapture" and "LeftBehind" in the running. I was thinking "ThereIsNoHeaven" should run in that litte trifecta-owner, naturally, Stephen Hawking, to make a shocker of an ending promised by major know nothing (no not Hawking) but the real master of doom Harold Camping. My take on that expiration date is more a Lucifer date-he knows his time is almost up-not to mention the small detail that Harold Camping signed business contracts that begin after May 21, 2011 .

Back to the real world, betting on the Preakness is always a lot easier than the Kentucky Derby because there are far less horses and those horses who performed well at the Derby usually perform better at the Preakness. The caveat to all of this is horses do not usually win on dirt and go back to win on synthetics. I know I said in my last article, Animal Kingdom had no dirt experience at all and I ruled him out, albiet his Jockey I ruled in. Animal Kingdom won the Derby anyway and I learned an exception to every rule. Animal Kingdom was my belated pick at the Derby because of the Jockey. That Jockey, John Velazquez, was supposed to ride Uncle Mo – who became ill with suspected gastric issues as the Derby approached.

Uncle Mo is still recovering at Winstar Farm where he has been since May 9th. Uncle Mo is doing better and has gained 30 pounds. He had lost at least 60 pounds during his perplexing illness. Speaking of rest, Nehro has been pleasantly excused from the Preakness. His owner, Ahmed Zayat did not feel compelled to enter Nehro in the Preakness and loves his horse enough to give him a break. For that reason alone, Nehro’s owner just won five Preaknesses in my book. This leads to my other point about Animal Kingdom, I think beyond going back to a synthetic track, and the fact he is probably tired – I am betting on him for show. That is third place. He has been run a lot the last year.

Midnight Interlude [7] had a jockey change since the Derby, to Martin Garcia and there is no doubt Garcia knows how to bring Interlude to his best racing potential. My best guesses Derby wise were the Jockey guesses. Since I am talking Jockeys, I need to mention Julien Leproux and “Dialed In” [12.]

Based on all of that, my picks are Mucho Macho Man [9], Dialed In [12], Animal Kingdom [11], and Midnight Interlude [7]. I will just probably trifecta box those four.

To see the Preakness line up click here.

Deborah Dolen on Kentucky Derby 2011