Bob Ehalt and Tom Pedulla became fast friends when they met on their first day at Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx, N.Y., in 1970. Bob soon introduced Tom to the joys of Thoroughbred racing.

They have endured some rough moments at the track, with Tom taking exception when Bob repeatedly smacks him on the back with a program as one of their horses launches an all-out drive. Much to Tom’s chagrin and the amusement of onlookers, Bob has been known to call for security as he proceeds to cash a $27 triple.

They have owned a number of horses together and were part of the group that owned 1998 Whitney runner-up Tale of the Cat. They are often seen carrying on as if they never left their teenage years.

Here is their take on the $5 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve at Churchill Downs:

PEDULLA: After Sovereignty closed to place second in the Florida Derby, Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott was quick to remind reporters that he was not intent on that 1 1/8-mile prep race but the one that followed on the first Saturday in May. Bob, this is one runner that I can definitely say will welcome the Derby’s mile-and-a-quarter test. Look for him to be flying down the stretch.

EHALT: Thomas, how can we go against a 3-year-old named Journalism? He’s unbeaten around two turns and I loved the grit he showed in winning the Santa Anita Derby despite some major trouble. He’s definitely the one to beat. I don’t know if you can write it down, but you can file it on deadline. Journalism wins the 151st Kentucky Derby.

PEDULLA: Journalism is a deserving favorite. He has done nothing wrong in sweeping four straight since a belated charge left him short in his six-furlong debut on Oct. 27. He was extremely impressive in running down Baeza by three-quarters of a length in the Santa Anita Derby. But I am not sure how much significance can be attached to that race. He needed to defeat only four other horses that day as opposed to 19 foes in the Derby. With so much at stake, the Derby is always a roughly-run race and the imposing son of Curlin is certain to have a target on his back, leaving him second best.

EHALT: Sovereignty is the main threat here. He’s in great hands with trainer Bill Mott and should get a nice pace to close into. It could be a highly entertaining stretch duel with him and Journalism battling it out in the final furlong.

PEDULLA: Bob, it is impossible to leave Sandman out of the exotics. He launched his rally from far back to get the job done in the Arkansas Derby and, like Sovereignty, should relish an additional furlong. His style as a deep closer works against him, however.

Japan-based Hyacinth and Fukuryu Stakes winner Luxor Cafe (Coady Media)

EHALT: There hasn’t been as much talk about the Japanese runners this year, which is surprising as Forever Young only lost by two noses last year. Luxor Cafe may not be as good as Forever Young, but he seems to have enough talent to hit the board.

PEDULLA: Here is a tip of a faded Yankees cap to Publisher, a maiden through seven starts that do not begin to indicate his talent. This is an ever-improving colt by American Pharoah with $407,756 in earnings, one good enough to get up for second in the Arkansas Derby and to nab a piece of the pie here.

EHALT: Bob from Queens is going with Mike from Queens with Repole Stable’s Grande. He showed promise in the Wood Memorial and he has the look of an improving 3-year-old who can be a factor in the stretch. The odds are also inviting and I’ve been known to bet a dollar or two in my lifetime. You can attest to that, right, Thomas? NOTE: Grande was scratched from the Kentucky Derby by veterinarians on May 2.