CDI Has No Plans To Move Kentucky Derby Into Primetime Slot

Churchill Downs Exec Says Idea Of Nighttime Kentucky Derby "Never, Ever Been Raised"

PULLING UP SHORT? In N.Y., David Hinckley writes tonight's "Run for the Roses" special on CNBC, in which the net's Melissa Francis examines the thoroughbred business, offers an "optimistic glow as bright as the roses that will be draped" over Saturday's Derby winner. But while the special "generally pursues its mission, it also feels at several points like another part of the promotion machine at NBC." It is not that Francis "finds everything good," but the "troubling news feels tucked away." Doping scandals in the sport "get only a minute or two, mostly devoted to the dismissive remark that every athlete in every sport looks for an edge." Also, the "bankruptcy of several track owners is mentioned almost in passing" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 4/30).

JOCKEYING FOR POSITION: BLOODHORSE.com's Lenny Shulman noted NBC is planning a "full-court press" in covering the Derby, and the net is "attempting to get the Derby message out in less-traditional places as well." A three-minute piece on the race has been airing on American Airlines' in-flight programming throughout April, "potentially reaching five-million viewers," while Derby commercials also are "running on screens in taxi cabs, universities, arenas, PATH train stations, and at gas pumps" (BLOODHORSE.com, 4/28).

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