Well, in horse racing nothing is guaranteed (except, as my old man always told me, that the horses have to eat–always bet on that).  But, learning a bit about handicapping can make you feel smarter, no matter what happens at the wire.

And you can learn about handicapping the Derby Monday, April 28, at Bourbons Bistro, 2255 Frankfortt Ave., at a dinner with special guests Marty McGee of the Daily Racing Form and Pat Cummings, Director of Racing Information, Trakus.

McGee, who worked for seven years as working for seven years as a handicapper, reporter and columnist for the Baltimore Sun, now covers Churchill Downs and Keeneland as well as special events at Turfway, Gulfstream, and Arlington. He has been with Daily Racing Form since 1992.

Pat Cummings, founder and editor of DubaiRaceNight.com, has covered the Dubai World Cup and Carnival since 2007. He has worked as track announcer at several US racecourses, and as an intern with the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame. He is currently with Trakus, which provides high-tech horse-monitoring equipment for race tracks.

Bourbon Bistros’ chef Jeff Bridges will serve up a three course dinner, for $55.  Call (502) 894-8838, or go online to www.bourbonsbistro.com