Post Parade

Shake, Rattle, and [Heads] Roll

2012-01-30T22:38:00.005-06:00

Next Sunday is the Super Bowl. And if you look closely, you’ll see that the Cowboys aren’t playing. In fact, further inspection shows that the Dallas Cowboys have only been to the playoffs once during the past 713 seasons, or something to that effect. Regardless, there is suffering and angst here in Texas; teeming millions are calling for owner/general manager, Jerry Jones, to fire himself and hire a real GM.

It’s a popular business model: When business is crappy, it’s time for a shake-up. Change management. Change strategy.

I bring this up because a few days ago Lone Star Park announced its 2012 Spring Thoroughbred Season. It will feature 12 stakes. That is not a typo. 12 – yes, count ‘em, 12! – stakes, down from 19 stakes in 2011. Lone Star Park has effectively obliterated its best day of racing, Lone Star Million Day.

"We took a long hard look at our purse structure and felt the best way to support local horseman was to make some difficult cuts to our stakes program," said Lone Star Park President and General Manager Drew Shubeck. “Eliminating stakes from our calendar was a difficult but necessary decision in order to preserve overnight purses as we attempt to remain competitive with tracks in neighboring states that have purses supplemented by gaming.”

Oh, like this is going to increase handle???

How did Lone Star Park go from its horse racing glory and crowning achievement – hosting the 2004 Breeders’ Cup – to crap in 8 short years?

It’s time for somebody to do something because doing nothing is not working. A shake up is in order; horse racing at our premier racetrack is officially crappy. Eliminating great stakes such as the Grade 3 Ouija Board, and supplanting them with an assortment of cheap claiming races is not going to lure bettors. Using this business model, the 2013 season should feature about 4 stakes!

Don’t get me wrong: I like Drew Shubeck. He’s a nice guy and snappy dresser. But he originally landed his position as part of Magna brass. You remember Magna Entertainment (MEC) whose claim to fame was a swan dive into bankruptcy. It seems to this horse racing fan, each year Mr. Shubeck just brushes off his usual doom-and-gloom speech, never offering up even the slightest shred of optimism.

Lone Star Park has new owners this year and a nice, bright, shiny updated simulcast facility. Additionally, Global Gaming is making some sort of attempt to “improve” Texas racing by introducing the Global Gaming Triple, a three-race series linking the Grade 3, $200,000 Texas Mile, Grade 3, $300,000 Lone Star Park Handicap, and the $200,000 Governor’s Cup at Remington Park. There’s incentive for horsemen to enter all 3 races but is it incentive for the wagering public?

New vision is needed. New strategy is required. It's time to get shakin'!

New Year's News

2012-01-10T18:06:00.009-06:00

After suffering through weeks of post-Breeders' Cup malaise, I started the New Year feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

So I immediately took a week off.

But now I have a solid toe-hold into the New Year so let's see what's new for 2012, as well as the rapidly approaching Chinese New Year, 2012 being the Year of the AARP Card.

1. I've updated my blog. New photo, new motto, same old crap.

2. A sordid variety of Eclipse Award voters have taken the time to publish their thoughts and commentaries as to how and why they voted for the prestigious Eclipse Awards. After reading how many of the voters cast their ballots, I can safely predict that Horse of the Year will be either Zenyatta or some other horse that actually raced in 2011.

3. Gulfstream Park started its meet in December which, I don't know about you, kind of wobbled my internal calendar. No word as to whether or not it will affect the Chinese New Year. Regardless of what I term The Calendar Effect, it appears to be a popular decision. Additionally, on New Year's Day it featured the inaugural running of the $ 100,000 Gulfstream Park Derby, the first derby in the country for 3-year-old colts. The race was won by Reveron, immediately catapulting him to the top of Steve Haskin's Derby list.

4. Speaking of Derby lists, Post Parade's pal, Gary West, is now a contributor at espn.com. Unfortunately, it is not the easiest column to locate. However, he recently posted his own list of Top 20 Triple Crown "noisemakers". Reveron and Steve Haskin didn't make the list.

5. On Friday, Hot Springs, Arkansas, turns into a horse racing mecca when Oaklawn Park begins its meet. Gone from the popular meet is Terry Wallace calling the races, with the announcing duties turned over to his long-suffering-dammit-Terry-when-are-you-going-to-retire-so-I-can-have-a-turn understudy, Frank Mirahmadi. Meanwhile, it appears that Mr. Wallace has taken to blogging with gusto!

6. The Not-so-Naughty New Yorker, Ms. Genaro of Brooklyn Backstretch, is on a bold turf writing conquest. She's now a contributor to Forbes.com. Forbes used to be for geeks and nerds. When did Forbes get hip and cool?

7. And when it comes to hip and cool, our local simulcast digs at Lone Star Park has been renovated, renamed, and reopened. Horseplayers of North Texas have not suffered the fate of those who toil away at Aqueduct as the newly christened "Bar & Book" (formerly known as the Post Time Pavilion) recently opened its doors. The facility features a new expansive Sports Bar with a colossal TV screen, hundreds of individual racing carrels with individual 19" flat screen televisions, and - my favorite - big comfy club chairs! Betting has never been so comfortable!

I invite you to peruse the photos on Facebook. It's truly a remarkable venue. And it's free! The grand opening gala is January 12th, by invitation only. Clearly, my invitation to cover the event was lost in the mail or perhaps displaced by The Calendar Effect.

Regardless, this New Year is off to a pretty good start.

_____________
Photos courtesy of Lone Star Park

A Visit from the Ghost of [Breeders' Cup] Christmas Past

2011-12-02T08:08:00.005-06:00

Another day into December and I'm still the ultimate Crabby Patty. But our friends at Breeders' Cup are in the holiday spirit and they've set up shop with their 2011 Breeders' Cup Champions Collection! Additionally, they've added a little shopping incentive:

Now through Sunday December 4th, receive this beautiful Limited Edition Porcelain Christmas Ornament featuring Zenyatta & Blame.

This particular Breeders' Cup promotion raises a couple of glaring concerns such as (1) a good review of English grammar and capitalization rules is in order, and (2) Zenyatta and Blame raced in last year's Breeders' Cup Classic.

Humbug!

2011-12-01T08:50:00.003-06:00

December. This is usually where I begin whistling "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" as I voraciously decorate the hearth and home for the yuletide season. Yet for some reason - probably because I'm still all snarky that that ne'er-do-well Court Vision defeated the great Goldikova in the BC Mile - has me feeling like a crabby ol' grinch.

And the headline in this morning's paper doesn't exactly buoy my holiday spirits,

Horse slaughter legal again in some states

Seasons' Greetings! Congress has quietly lifted a 5-year-ban on horse meat inspections which could potentially put U.S. slaughterhouses back in business.

Granted, perhaps not all horse racing fans and bettors would consider themselves animal-rights activists, however, it was a rather appalling revelation that our 1986 Kentucky Derby winner, Ferdinand, became basashi. And if we are going to enjoy horses as part of our "sport" or "past time" or "entertainment", we need to be responsible for their lives after racing. A slaughterhouse should not be the final destination for racehorses, even irritants like Court Vision.

As one holiday song would describe this situation, it's like "a three decker saurkraut and toadstool sandwich. With arsenic sauce!"

2011 Breeders' Cup Selections

2011-11-03T19:19:00.005-05:00

The tingling sense of excitement and anticipation that you feel can only mean one thing - The Breeders' Cup World Championships! A two day racing bonanza comprised of 15 Championship races with millions and millions of dollars in purses, along with its strategery of wagering opportunities, and, last but not least, Post Parade's Fifth Annual Magic Beer Bottle Breeders' Cup Selections.

This year, the famed and somewhat eccentric Irish laddie, Pauly, inspires us to feature Moose Drool as the Magic Beer Bottle. We're sure he has some colorful quip about his beverage of choice but we're afraid to ask. And it probably wouldn't make it past our censors anyway.

So you know the drill: As Sue painstakingly labors over past performances and reads The Brock Talk, the Magic Beer Bottle takes a spin. It should be duly noted that last year Sue demonstrated her handicapping prowess with 5 winners, soundly drubbing her TBA brethren. However, the Magic Beer Bottle did have one shining moment of glory with Dubai Majesty winning the Sprint.

2011 Breeders’ Cup Selections

	Sue	Magic Beer Bottle
Juvenile Sprint	Secret Circle	Blacky the Bull
Juvenile Fillies Turf	Sweet Cat	Stephanie's Kitten
Filly & Mare Sprint	Turbulent Descent	Irish Gypsy
Juvenile Fillies	Homecoming Queen	Say a Novena
Filly & Mare Turf	Nahrain	Announce
Ladies Classic	Ask the Moon	Miss Match
Marathon	Brigantin	Cease
Juvenile Turf	Majestic Spirits	Lucky Chappy
Sprint	Force Freeze	Amazombie
Turf Sprint	Regally Ready	Caracortado
Dirt Mile	The Factor	The Factor
Turf	Sarafina	Sea Moon
Juvenile	Union Rags	Speightscity
Mile*	Goldikova	Goldikova
Classic	~~Zenyatta~~ Havre de Grace	To Honor and Serve

*Our Mile selections have been successful for the past three years so we're not about to challenge the greatness of Goldikova BUT if there's a teensy-weensy possibility of vulnerability, Gio Ponti, Byward (GB), and Turallure get our attention.

As an added bonus to this year's selection, we present The Sushi Stapler Longshots:

In Friday afternoon's Juvenile Fillies Turf, European shipper Dear Lavinia (M/L Odds 30-1) looks to have some talent, having finished third to favorite Elusive Kate back in July.

The Sushi Stapler is also fascinated with the good European filly, Questing (M/L odds 20-1) in the Juvenile Fillies. Her last two efforts, G3 races, had her mere steps and/or head-bobs from winning. Her sire Hard Spun would suggest two turns on the dirt shouldn't be a problem.

And in Saturday's Juvenile, Hansen (M/L odds 10-1) looks to set the pace. If he can make the switch from synthetic to dirt and if speed is holding on the track, the rest of the field is gonna have to catch him!

Good luck!

Wine For My Fillies

2011-10-20T23:34:00.003-05:00

I enjoy reading Valerie's blog, Foolish Pleasure. And it's not just because I'm sucking up to her because she and five of her drinking buddies invented TURF. It's because she's smart. And intelligent and pointed and thought provoking, and if she were a mare, she'd burn her ~~bra~~ halter! Anyway, Valerie recently laid it on the line and detailed her own scientific and/or not-so-scientific observations that effectively surmised that fillies and/or mares that race in the U.S. are a bunch of wusses. Okay, she didn't exactly use the word wuss; she alluded that horse racing in the United States is "pitifully locked into a myopic mindset when it comes to challenging open company events." This is a very important phrase because I'm planning on working it into my future dissertation.

Anyway, Valerie provided some food [but mostly wine] for thought. I pondered over a rather modest sampling ...

Blind Luck? Has she ever raced in open company? Wuss.

Goldikova? Oh yeah, she's the real mucho macho [wo]man!

Zazu? Za-who?!?

Danedream? A dream come true! Magnifique! Oops ... she's German: Herrlich!

Never Retreat? Won the First Lady, not the Lady/Gentleman.

Secret Admirer? A lot to admire!

Life At Ten? Still investigating ...

Well, that's not a very fair sampling but the wunderfillies that come to mind don't exactly reside on this side of the pond. And, as an interesting footnote, I read in today's issue of Breeders' Cup ~~spam~~ email alerts that European Sarafina is headed to Churchill Downs to race [against the boys] in the Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Turf.

Not only is open company horse racing "pitifully myopic" here in the U.S., it seems borderline tragic. And speaking of tragic, there is nothing more tragic than the news out of Sheboygan, Wisconsin:

Shelf collapse shatters 6,810 wine bottles

So much for ~~wine~~ food for thought ...

Peeking Into Dutrow's Medicine Cabinet

2011-10-13T14:43:00.011-05:00

Oh, surprise. Trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. had his license revoked and was barred from racing in New York for 10 years. It appears that the state's Racing and Wagering Board’s ruling was based on two specific incidents that occurred last November: (1) Fastus Cactus failed his drug test and tested positive for butorphanol, and (2) Dutrow apparently enjoys keeping a collection of hypodermic needles containing xylazine handy. Or “xyzaline” if you’re following along at home with your copy of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (motto: "Saving money by eliminating turf writers AND copy editors!").

This news raises a number of questions, such as “Why did it take so long to finally bust this guy?” and “What exactly is butorphanol and xylazine? And will those words be included in the National Spelling Bee?”

Of course, we here at Post Parade don’t have all the answers, but when it comes to drugs we might be able to shed a some light. As you are probably aware, we have a sound scientific background as well as Wikipedia at our disposal.

Butorphanol is a synthetic opioid analgesic; a narcotic pain reliever, similar to that of morphine. In humans it can be dispensed as a nasal spray to treat migraine headaches. In veterinary practice or in Dutrow’s stable, butorphanol is used to relieve pain making a horse easier to handle. It is considered five times more effective than morphine in controlling pain, beginning to alleviate pain within 15 minutes and lasting up to as long as 4 hours. It is a class A medication and prohibited for use in competitions. Interestingly enough, butorphanol is also used for sedation when combined with tranquilizers such as xylazine which, coincidentally, Dick Dutrow keeps on his desk.

Xylazine hydrochloride is a non-narcotic compound used as a sedative and muscle relaxant in horses. The drug reduces the respiratory rate to that of natural sleep. It has been successfully used in diagnostic, dental, and orthopedic procedures in horses. Xylazine has also been used to calm fractious animals as well as serve as therapeutic medication for sedation and pain relief following injury or surgery. And an extra tidbit of information: Xylazine is used to shorten musth in bull elephants, however it is extremely important to know that drug dosages vary between Asian and African elephants, so know your species before administering the drug. Also, be sure to “like” Xylazine on Facebook!

Whatever Dutrow’s “medication violation” this time, it’s not his first. His past performances of infractions and violations is damaging to horse racing. There needs to be greater strides to separate pharmacology from horse racing. Even if we have to go through one medicine cabinet at a time.

"Oh, look! Our local newspaper has invented a new drug!"

O Curlin, Where Art Thou?

2011-10-11T17:46:00.003-05:00

My husband tells me that my email Inbox is absolutely obscene. It’s cyber-stuffed with 648 messages that I think might be important, like Kay Bailey Hutchinson’s message, “Texas can do better” (2/4/09) proclaiming, “We must start now to bring bold, innovative leadership to Austin ... with your generous gift of $25 or $50.”

So, the other afternoon I perused through the cyber log jam of DRF Morning Line email alerts when I discovered a couple of very important pieces of information. (1) Alice’s pogo stick has been recalled (3/18/11) and, (2) the possibility of a Breeders’ Cup “showdown” between Uncle Mo and Havre de Grace in the Classic (10/5/11).

Malfunctioning pogo sticks aside, this was rather troublesome. Uncle Mo as an awe-inspiring and overwhelming dominant force in the Classic? Havre de Grace – “super filly” – comparable to that of Zenyatta?

Am I supposed to be excited?

When I think of Breeders’ Cup Classic winners, I think of commanding and dominating horses that spent the entire year captivating the racing public, and the Classic is their exclamation mark on their way to winning Horse of the Year. For instance, take Curlin. In 2007 he raced in the Rebel, the Arkansas Derby, Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont, Haskell, Jockey Club Gold Cup, all before he raced in (and won) the Classic. When Uncle Mo hasn’t been in sick bay, he’s raced in the Timely Writer, Wood Memorial, King’s Bishop, and the Kelso. True, Uncle Mo had an impressive 118 Beyer in the Kelso but his whole 3-year-old campaign wasn’t exactly what I consider dazzling.

And does Havre de Grace really get you roused like Zenyatta? Well, apparently even Breeders’ Cup is a little skeptical about that notion as I see in my Inbox an email from Breeders’ Cup (10/11/11 – hey, that’s today!) that Friday, November 4th will be the inaugural Zenyatta Celebration,

Celebrate Zenyatta’s Greatness All Day on Championship Friday
Come celebrate one of the greatest horses to ever grace the Breeders' Cup Winner's Circle. Zenyatta spent her career capturing the hearts and minds of horseracing fans everywhere.

As Kay Bailey Hutchinson might say, “Horse racing can do better.”

Shtick

2011-09-25T19:22:00.004-05:00

Somehow I have an email subscription to Monmouth Park's weekly news and promotions. Regardless, I do take a few moments to peruse over the upcoming weekend's happenings, and there's always some sort of shtick going on - barbecues, beach parties, hurricanes, and so forth. Monmouth Park's promotions always look hip and inviting; the place to be on a Saturday afternoon. I know that I'd go if only I didn't live 1,384 miles away.

But closer to home, Lone Star Park is perfectly capable of assembling its own set of unique and wondrous promotions. And Friday night was the pinnacle of shtick: ostrich and camel races.

Yes, you read that correctly. Jockeys raced ostriches and camels down the main track. And as crazy as this whole event sounds, it brought out swarms of people, crowding five deep along the rail as if they were jamming the stage at a Bruce Springsteen concert, holding their iPhones, Smartphones, camcorders, super 8's, firstborns aloft, all to secure footage of the big "event".

The Ostrich Derby:

The Camel Derby:

(Thanks to the well-positioned lizbethbeadles who promptly shared her videos. For her generosity, she'll receive a free copy of Lone Star Today and a dictionary).

I don't have the statistic so I'm unsure as to whether this rather unusual "promotion" - all for charitable causes, by the way - increased attendance and handle significantly, but I can ascertain that the $1 beer sales were robust.

As fun as it was, this whole ostrich/camel shtick and the circus-like atmosphere got me to thinking, "What does the horse racing purists think about all this stuff?" It's not as though I saw Gary West wedged along the rail, or anything like that. Do they just roll their eyes, exasperated? Why can't horse racing just be horse racing? Why do we need casinos and/or exotic fowl to attract people to the racetrack?

Spending an evening at the races can be fun. But throw in a little shtick - ostriches, camels, dancing guinea pigs - and it can be really fun!

Spectral Analysis

2011-09-22T12:27:00.005-05:00

For those of you who think that I misplaced my keyboard under a pile of laundry, I would like to inform you that you are incorrect. I have been doing lots of writing over the past few weeks, however it is neither entertaining nor amusing. But I get to use some big fancy words, like fluorochrome and spectral overlap, both of which, by the way, would be good names for a racehorse.

Actually, my 9-year-old daughter has written more about horse racing over the past couple of months that I have!

I did, however, squeeze in a trip to the racetrack once or twice, most recently last Sunday to enjoy the Woodbine Mile. Turallure (which is also a good name for a fluorochrome) caught Courageous Cat just at the wire, giving me a winning exacta ... or so I thought. It turned out that this so-called great scientific mind didn't box the exacta. There's a scientific word for mistakes like that: Damn!

Meanwhile, Lone Star Park has kicked off its 2011 Fall Meeting of Champions for American Quarter Horses and Ostriches. Renovation continues at the simulcast facility, Post Time Pavilion, so simulcast operations and smoking privileges are temporarily located to the first floor of the grandstand, making milling around during races somewhat trying. However, tomorrow night there is a full spectrum of events: $1 beer specials, Dash for Cash Derby Trials, and camel and ostrich races for charities. Makes me think of another big word that I've been writing lately: excitation.

Drought

2011-08-05T09:47:00.002-05:00

34 consecutive 100-degree days.

41 100-degree days this year.

81 days since the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (motto: "The absence of staff writers does not preclude us from publishing a newspaper!") began neglecting horse racing coverage. However, on a rare occasion, there is some snippet buried in the Sports' Briefs. Like today's,

Horse racing

Breeders' Cup decision:

Additionally, a person familiar with a Starbucks barista who is familiar with someone who watches the weather channel once a week told me that it's going to rain sometime.

"What a terrible thing to happen to a rescue!!!"

2011-08-04T15:22:00.003-05:00

No secret here ... I've been a fan of the Keens for a while. They are an energetic and compassionate training tandem with a devotion to the well-being of the horses that they train. And, sadly, of those that are discarded by the less-than-compassionate individuals. Hence, the homegrown Remember Me Rescue organization that, I like to think, I was able to witness its inception when Donna stoutly proclaimed, "I'd love to spend more time rescuing unwanted racehorses and drinking merlot!" Or something to that effect.

Recently I spent a little time getting caught up with important people (read: Facebook) and was glad to read the following on Donna Keen's wall,

I would like to sincerely thank Lilly Armstrong for doing such a great job finding homes for our Remember Me Rescue horses. Only thing is we are almost out of horses. What a terrible thing to happen to a rescue!!!

So to Donna, Dallas, Lilly, and your teeming army of horse-loving volunteers and supporters: Definitely worthy of 'Like'! (And thanks!!)

Visionary Turf Writers

2011-07-18T23:20:00.007-05:00

Lately, I've had a number of people ask me, "Do you know what's up with Gary West?"

Well, aside from traveling and selling his plasma, he's keeping his options open. And, oddly enough, through the cosmic ability of psychic dreams and spiritual metaphysics, I may have had a glimpse into the realm of Gary West's options.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a most vivid and somewhat befuddling dream. In my dream, Gary West walked away from horse racing to embrace an eccentric Bohemian lifestyle selling pottery. And in my dream, he looked a lot like Mr. Sikowitz.

Who is Mr. Sikowitz, you ask? Mr. Sikowitz is the eccentric Bohemian acting teacher on Nickelodeon's "tween" sitcom, Victorious.

Interestingly enough, as I was intensely researching the meaning of my psychic dream (read: googling images of Sikowitz so I could photoshop Gary West's head on it), I discovered a fact of mystic proportions: The actor who portrays Mr. Sikowitz also portrayed Andy Beyer in the film Secretariat.

Coincidence? Visionary? Psychic phenomenon? The truth is out there ... in coconut milk.

Review of the 2011 Lone Star Park Spring Thoroughbred Meet

2011-07-12T22:24:00.011-05:00

Today we’re putting our opposable thumbs to good use as we review the 2011 Lone Star Park Spring Thoroughbred Meet.

If you build it, they will come [and they will bet]: Lone Star Park ended its 52-day spring meet with a 10 percent increase in daily attendance. Average daily attendance increased to 7,621 from 6,952 despite it being ridiculously hot. And they wagered, too, as on-track handle increased 4%. Thumbs Up!

Simulcast woes: Although the on-track handle increased, total All-Sources handle dropped 7%.

“We continue to be disappointed in the simulcast out number. This decline is a signal that the national simulcast customer is telling us they are not interested in our product offering,” said Lone Star Park President and Snappy Dresser, Drew Shubeck

No kidding. Bettors peppered around the country are not exactly inspired to wager on a race card where the featured race is a Clm 15000nw2 and 25% take-out. Thumbs down!

Star power: On average, perhaps the quality of racing product wasn’t exactly overwhelming. However, Lone Star Park did stage a few spectacular days of racing. Lone Star Million Day gave us notable winners such as Wasted Tears and Awesome Gem. And this past Saturday – a Stars of Texas Showcase Spectacular – we were treated to a couple of very promising 2-year-olds: Sword Trick and Miss Lederhosen. Of note, Sword Trick is trained by Bret Calhoun (winning the training title for the second year in a row … who’s Steve Asmussen???) is owned by the legendary Texas horseman, Clarence Scharbauer Jr. And I, for one, get pretty darn excited every time I see a good lookin’ young horse with the Scharbauer Silks. Thumbs up!

Your NBA Champions, the Dallas Mavericks: THUMBS UP!!!

Saturday morning breakfast routine: The much touted program, Jockeys & Java was once again wildly popular, proving that fans are really interested in talking to industry short people and eating free food. Trainers Dallas and Donna Keen and J.R. Caldwell deserve special recognition – opening up the barns for fans to learn more about the whole backside experience. They are true ambassadors of horse racing! Additionally, I know I’ve said it before but it needs to be said again, track announcer John Lies is exceptional at conducting guest interviews, be it the special guest a jockey or a horse chiropractor. And he handles the Q&A portion of the program with complete ease. Kind of like Oprah. Two Thumbs Up!!

Nowhere man: The Star-Telegram (motto: “Your local news featuring all wire reports all the time!”), in a ridiculously stupid cost saving move because integrity, professionalism, and writing no longer matters in newspapers, handed local turf writer and friend of Post Parade, Gary West, a pink slip in May. Smack dab in the middle of the spring meet. Gone are his impressions of morning workouts, handicapping insights, race selections, and good ol’ fashion racetrack gossip. Two Thumbs WAY WAY DOWN!!

Paradise Lost: The Texas Legislature failed to approve any measure that could expand gaming in the state, instead opting to fund Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico with Texans’ gambling dollars. Thumbs down!

Paradise Found: Pauly, the happy Irish pari-mutuel laddie that sold me my cluster of Derby wagers featuring Animal Kingdom, Nehro, and Mucho Macho Man. Thumbs up!

Overall happiness quotient: Reducing the meet to 52 days was wise. The wilting days of mid-July is unappealing for the hardiest of racing fans. And many of us fans are giddy with anticipation with the impending Saratoga and/or Del Mar meets. The season proved satisfactory, however there is plenty of room for improvement. And the brand new spanking owners, Global Gaming Solutions, are slated to begin a multi-million dollar renovation on the daily simulcast facility, the Post Time Pavilion, in any minute. Ergo, apparently a few of those dollars that are poured into WinStar World Casino at Exit 1, Oklahoma, are finding their way back into North Texas - and for the good of horse racing. Thumbs up!

Dateline June 31: Horse Racing Happenings

2011-07-01T18:36:00.002-05:00

No, I'm not a moron. Nor am I drunk. I'm perfectly aware that "Thirty days has June and some other month or two". It's just that this mother/blogger/scientist/VBS-volunteer-(what was I thinking??) finds it difficult to believe that summer is getting sucked into some sort of time warp vortex! Ergo, I'm temporarily adding an extra day. And for those of you at home with calendars, feel free to play along.

So, what's happening?

1. What does Pauly D and Snooki and Monmouth Park all have in common? Beach mats, of course! This weekend Monmouth Park has a beach mat giveaway along with a $100,000 Guaranteed 50-cent Late Pick 4! And included in the Pick 4 is the premier turf race, United Nations (gr. 1) that will feature a number of international runners, one of which will not be Mike "The Situation."

2. Canterbury Park is closed. So are Minnesota state parks and museums and zoos. So are Minnesota rest areas, so remember Mom's advice: Pee before you leave. Meanwhile, all holiday weekend entertainment has been officially relocated to Iowa and North Dakota.

3. Churchill Downs will feature the 110th running of the Bashford Manor (gr 3) for two-years-olds. Steve Haskin will immediately compile his 2012 Kentucky Contenders List following the race.

Additionally, the Bashford Manor features unbeaten Texas-bred Lil Cherokee (Cherokee Run) who won the colts and geldings division of the Texas Thoroughbred Association Sales Futurity on June 11 at Lone Star Park for trainer Bret Calhoun.

4. Speaking of speedy Texas-bred two-year-olds, Canigotoo won his career debut at Lone Star Park June 16, 2011, posting a 96 Beyer Speed Figure. According to Dave Hooper of the TTA,

[Canigotoo] is now eligible for the Breeders’ Cup after Jerry Durant and Bill Jordan made a one-time open enrollment payment by today’s deadline, and they will point the Bret Calhoun-trained runner towards the newly created $500,000 Juvenile Sprint.

Take note, all ye whoeth scoffeth at the newly createth Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint ... somebody's interested!

5. Well, Lone Star Park is hosting a truly 4th of July Spectacular this weekend. In addition to fireworks, there will be a Jockey Drunk Tank!

Oops, my mistake. I misread the press release. It's a Jockey Dunk Tank.

Join us in the paddock area to Dunk-a-Jock. Riders will take turns in a dunk tank. For $1 a ball or $3 for five balls fans will have an opportunity to showcase their throwing arms as they attempt to hit a target that will release a rider into the drink. All proceeds benefit the Don MacBeth Fund benefiting injured and disabled riders.

Raising proceeds for the Don MacBeth Fund is a big deal for the Lone Star Park jockeys, clearly demonstrated by their perseverance in the annual charity softball game where they get a drubbing from their opponents, the Lone Star Brass and Media Brigade. I didn't get a chance to attend this year's game, however I was rather shocked to learn that the jockeys swept the doubleheader, 16-7 and 8-5! Thus, I surmise that (1) the Lone Star Park management/media team was played blind-folded, or (2) Josh Hamilton was playing DH for the jockeys.

Have a great holiday weekend. You may now safely turn your calenders to July.

Who is Lindey Wade?

2011-06-07T22:39:00.004-05:00

An unfamiliar name popped up in the racing program this season: Lindey Wade.

I'm sure a number of you are saying to yourselves, "Who's she?", only because you're thinking of your wives/sisters/girlfriends/bad prom dates who are named Linda. But the name is Lindey.

And here are 5 Fun Facts that you should know about Lindey Wade:

1. Lindey is a he.

2. He is a jockey.

3. He's a 20-year-old cutie-pie; kind of reminds me a lot of American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery without the singing part. But I'm sure if Lindey had a Facebook page 17,587,661 teenage girls would want to friend him.

4. Lindey's somewhat tall for a jockey, standing at 5'7". So of course, that means he's about as round as a No. 2 pencil. His weight management strategy is comprised of watching his diet and working in the Texas heat.

5. A Louisiana native, Lindey headed north and spent the past couple of years in Chicago. Frustrated with an unsuccessful riding career at Arlington Park, he packed up his boots, saddle, and skinny jeans and headed to Texas where he jumped into the fray at Sam Houston Race Park. His reward for changing locale? He tied for the riding title with Quincy Hamilton at SHRP. And currently, he's winning at 21% at Lone Star Park meet (read: Don't bet against him).

And a Bonus Fun Fact: You remember a horse named Blame? Well, so does Lindey. He was the jockey aboard Blame's first start - a MSW at Turfway Park where he ran 3rd.

So now when you see his name pop up in your racing program - maybe the Derby? Preakness? Breeders' Cup? - you'll think of a talented young jockey and not your irritating older sister.

Horse Racing at 100°F

2011-06-06T07:35:00.003-05:00

A good handicapper can beat the heat at the racetrack in the air conditioned grandstand along with a couple scoops of Blue Bell ice cream. BYOWMF*

*Bring your own Water-Misting Fan

The Return of My Favorite Breakfast Food

2011-06-03T10:26:00.005-05:00

Last Saturday morning, Lone Star Park brought back their highly successful and somewhat nutritional Jockeys & Java, a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed morning program that enables racing fans an opportunity to watch workouts, ask questions, tour barns, and eat free breakfast burritos.

Lone Star Park's all-time leading rider, Cliff Berry, was the first guest of the program. One piece of Betcha-Didn't-Know information: Cliff Berry set a record last December at Remington Park, going 7-for-7 on one race card. He certainly spends his time doing his homework on each race, "I handicap the race not see who can win, but if I can win."

Of course, the one question that is consistently asked of jockeys, "Tell us about your injuries?" is a fan favorite. These 110 lb. guys are like midget gladiators; broken bones and bruises and stitches. Berry referred to himself as "lucky", as he nonchalantly said that he's broken his leg twice and bruised his ribs once. And here I am, moaning and wailing and consuming stockpiles of Advil when I have a hangnail!

The tour of the backside and trainers' barns remains a highlight, save for those mean ol' horse flies that come after you like the paparazzi. Dallas and Donna Keen are once again opening up their stables to fans, giving them the opportunity to see racehorses up close. And, interestingly enough, all the horses have their heads sticking out of their stalls, observing these burrito-stuffed individuals in return.

Tomorrow's guest is jockey Lindey Wade. I don't know anything about him other than he's new to Lone Star Park and he's having a pretty good meet, winning at about 21%. I'll learn more in the morning, after I eat my breakfast.

Lone Star Million: Some Hot Stuff and Wasted Tears

2011-05-31T11:02:00.018-05:00

Yesterday was a true showcase of racing at Lone Star Park, Lone Star Million Day, which comprised of six stakes races with purses totaling - I'm just guessing here - $1 million! It's heralded as the richest day of Thoroughbred racing in Texas; its featured races include the $300,000 Lone Star Park Handicap (G3), the $200,000 Ouija Board Distaff (G3) and the formerly-graded-run-on-dirt-but-now-switched-to-turf $200,000 Lone Star Derby!

Under the glorious North Texas sunshine, fans and bettors were treated to some great races and quality horses, albeit no Lone Star Park racing card is ever complete without its usual $4,000 claimer and $7500 maiden claimer races. Regardless, it's a pure delight and real treat to watch and wager on wonderful and talented horses such as Wasted Tears, Irish Gypsy, Game On Dude, Awesome Gem, and two former Kentucky Derby entrants (so duly noted by Kenneth Ramsey) Dean's Kitten and Derby Kitten. Gee, I wish we could be treated to this kind of talent every weekend around here!

Wasted Tears recorded her third consecutive victory in the Ouija Board Distaff (G3), winning by five lengths over Category Seven. FYI: Wasted Tears set a still-standing course record of 1:32.81 for the one-mile distance when she won the 2009 Ouija Board. FYI Part II: Wasted Tears is perfect over the Lone Star Park turf (6-for-6). FYI Part III: Wasted Tears was [obviously] bet down to nothing, paying $2.80 for the Win, ergo she was the only one to make any money, $119,000 first-place prize, increasing her career earnings to $889,598.

Here's Wasted Tears in the paddock ...

And in the Winner's Circle (Okay, I clearly had to edit this photo 'cause there was a bald guy in the way) ...

You know, Lone Star Park should name the Winner's Circle after that mare.

Bob Baffert came to town and brought a trio of horses with him: Irish Gypsy, Uncle Sam, and Game On Dude, with Irish Gypsy being his only Winner's Circle opportunity with the Valid Expectation Stakes. These days, with Texas horse racing toiling away in its troubles, he reminds everyone that it's fun to come to Texas and that Lone Star Park is a great place to race. It was very refreshing for this disheartened Texas racing fan. As far as I'm concerned he can come back any time!

And that goes for Nancy Whatever-her-name-is, West Point Thoroughbreds Western Operation [insert title here]. Her post-race interview following Awesome Gem's Lone Star Park Handicap (G3) victory also included glowing remarks about Lone Star Park facility and hospitality. I should've recorded it and put it on You Tube as a public service to Texas racing.

Another highlight of the day was the Lone Star Derby, the first year it's moved to the turf. A very competitive field, however it was a real joy to see hometown favorite and future PGA-star, Chris Landeros win the race aboard Thirtyfirststreet, who somehow was completely overlooked by bettors and went off an appalling 22-1.

And here's the Lone Star Derby winner with jockey Chris Landeros in the Lone Star Park Wasted Tears Winner's Circle ...

If that little betting oversight wasn't enough to have anybody running for the Pepto-Bismol, there was the 2nd annual Chili Cook-Off competition sanctioned by the Chili Appreciation Society International, Inc., with proceeds benefiting Remember Me Rescue and LOPE Texas. I had the pleasure of judging the competition last year; this year I merely sampled chili from various cooks at my leisure. All for the good causes of taking care of retired racehorses and ensuring my intestinal tract will make it to the next decade.

As much as many of you have enjoyed looking at my Annie-Leibovitz-type high quality photos snapped from my Cannon Sure Shot on Lone Star Million Day, I offer up a few exceptional photos from exceptional photographers with exceptional cameras for your viewing pleasure:

Texas' Timely Writer

2011-05-22T23:56:00.003-05:00

It's Sunday. Post Preakness. Time to open up the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and read what the Turf Writing Professor, Gary West, has to say about Shackleford and Animal Kingdom and any Barry Irwin-ism Derby Day Nonsense addendum. So I flip through the sports section and ... hey, wait a minute ... what the heck??? He's NOT HERE?!?

A quick glance at Lone Star Park's race card revealed the distinct absence of "Gary West's Picks". Something was amiss here in North Texas ...

My initial knee-jerk reaction was that the Professor was clearly caught up in The Rapture yesterday. But just in case, I hunted through my last few copies of the Star-Telegram when I stumbled upon his Friday column,

An awkward goodbye

This is my last column for the Star-Telegram.

What?!?

The Star-Telegram (motto: Hanging on by our fingernails! Oh boy, wish we'd never bitten 'em!) is a McClatchy newspaper, which is not exactly a financial juggernaut these days. Needless to say, the newspaper couldn't afford 1,427 Dallas Cowboy writers, a Rangers' beat writer, a Mavericks' reporter, a NASCAR/Dallas Stars/Texas lake's fishing report guy, and a reputable turf writer. Someone had to go, thus the reprieve that the Professor received back in 2009 had expired.

How ridiculously untimely.

Lone Star Park's ownership was officially transferred to Global Gaming Solutions [and their Texan buddies] recently. Global Gaming Solutions, a subsidiary of the Chickasaw Nation, is no slouch when it comes to successful gaming, as clearly demonstrated by their mega-super-uber-successful WinStar World Casino at Exit 1, Oklahoma. They had purchased the foundering Remington Park in Okie City and immediately turned it around; increased attendance, increased handle, increased happy horse people. Lone Star Park is anxiously awaiting its turn - nay, Texas horse racing is waiting its turn! This has the potential of being something really big and really special!

But now who's going to write about it?

If no one writes about it, will Texans even know about it?

I'm not a journalist, merely a happy-go-lucky-blogger-who-enjoys-way-too-many-frozen-margaritas-on-a-hot-day, struggling to communicate a smidgen of useful racing news. For example, here's a my current report involving Global Gaming Solutions' acquisition of Lone Star Park,

Texas horse racing has a future. But Texas horse racing needs someone to write about it. Here's hoping that Gary West and all things flapdoodle will be showing up somewhere, sometime soon ...

TGIF?

2011-05-13T12:15:00.002-05:00

No feelings of friggatriskaidekaphobia here.

Friday the 13th, a day associated with bad luck or really dumb slasher movies, is a day met with great hope and anticipation for the Texas horse racing industry. Well, at least this particular Friday the 13th. For today, the Texas Racing Commission is meeting in Austin and item No. 1 on the agenda is (after coffee, donuts, roll call, and “general business”, of course),

Request by Lone Star Park for Approval of 100% Change of Ownership

Lone Star Park has been toiling away for months and months and months in ownership limbo since MEC cannonballed into bankruptcy and a Delaware bankruptcy judge approved Global Gaming’s $47.8 million bid to acquire the racetrack.

Global Gaming is a subsidiary of the Chickasaw Nation, located in Oklahoma. In recognition of the impending ownership transfer, I would like to offer up this most valuable and useful phrase,

$2 Trifecta: oshta - talhlhá'pi - tochchí'na

That’s would be a "4-5-3" trifecta in Chickasaw.

And if the potential ownership transfer isn’t exciting enough about today, it’s Party at the Park with $1 beer, and tonight’s featured band is the best Beatle Tribute band in all the land – Hard Night’s Day.

Will the Real Jockey for Animal Kingdom Please Stand Up

2011-05-10T08:04:00.003-05:00

On Sunday, I enjoyed perusing all the Kentucky Derby coverage and stories. Regardless of the fact that I'm a homer, I had to admit that Gary West wrote one of the best pieces about Animal Kingdom's victory and how the pieces fell into place - one disheartened trainer, two misfortunate jockeys, and a team of owners who made a business decision.

So trainer Graham Motion wins his first Derby. Jockey John Velazquez wins his first Derby. And jockey Robby Albarado, broken nose and all, watched the race and later announced, "I'm not happy,"

“It was unfortunate I got taken off the Derby winner,” said Albarado

Umm, what?? Robby Albarado was not removed from the Derby winner, he lost his Derby mount - a long shot to boot! Animal Kingdom did not become the Derby winner until he crossed the wire first. And when he did, Johnny V just happened to be in the irons.

Interestingly enough, a simple observation of Animal Kingdom's previous races clearly indicates that Albarado was not his "regular" rider. In fact, there appears to be no "regular" rider at all. He's had four different jockeys in four races. It seems to me that if there had been a "regular" rider for the Derby, Motion and the owners would've snagged Alan Garcia, who guided Animal Kingdom to victory in the Spiral Stakes. But he's Soldat's rider and was already committed to him in the Derby. So, in my opinion, Garcia has a reason to be pissed off, too.

Yes, it's lousy Albarado lost his Derby mount but Barry Irwin and the teeming millions of Team Valor probably didn't possess an overwhelming cause for loyalty to Robby; they were making a decision that they thought was in their best interest (read: winning). Just business.

Irwin and Velazquez both said that they wanted to "make it up to him" in some way. That's a task that takes a lot of creativity. Sure, they can write a big, fat check to the Robby Albarado Foundation to Eradicate Homelessness in Louisville or underwrite his next golf tournament, but that still seems like a pretty feeble "make it up to him". What could possibly be "make it up to him" quality?

All aside, Graham Motion, Johnny V, and Team Valor should revel in Fate as it sweeps them into Pimlico.

2011 Kentucky Derby Picks

2011-05-07T08:17:00.004-05:00

It’s time to go on record and make my selections for the 137th Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands. And with the aid of a mint julep or two, these Derby picks may not look too bad by post time.

I’m a fan of both Archarcharch and Nehro. Unfortunately, with sort-of-favored Uncle Mo scratched, their odds will be lower than originally expected. And of course there is that pesky little Derby statistic regarding their post positions. So I’m in need of an intriguing and worthy longshot or two that I’ll box and/or wheel with my two Derby favorites.

Originally, my thoughts were captured by Sunland Derby winner, Twice the Appeal, with a morning line of 30-1 and Churchill Downs’ Jockey Extraordinaire, Calvin Borel in the saddle. Borel had pulled off a stunning upset a couple of years ago aboard Mine That Bird and there remains the possibility of him pulling that stunt again. Well, apparently everybody else had that same idea as I see his odds are currently at a gaudy 7-1! Ridiculous! No Appeal there ...

So I’ve settled on Animal Kingdom (current odds 23-1). Although he’s lightly raced, he’s been consistent and I like his pedigree; he’s bred to run all day. And his trainer, Graham Motion, is going gangbusters. If his odds remain nice and fat, I’ll probably toss in an across-the-board bet on him, too.

Mucho Macho Man (currently at 12-1) will also enjoy a little attention at the pari-mutuel window, and will be considered for my exotics.

Have a great Derby Day! Good luck!

Derby Draw

2011-05-05T09:26:00.004-05:00

After many, many long and laborious weeks of the never-ending Triple Crown Mania and copious beer consumption, I had actually selected my potential Derby horses for the 137th Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands.

And then there was the Derby draw.

Post 19.

Post 1.

Ugh.

What's a bettor to do? According to Kentucky Derby history, Post 19 doesn't exactly have a glowing record of producing winners. As a matter of fact, it has never produced a winner. Neither has Post 17 for that matter, which is kind of bad news for Soldat.

And of course, Archarcharch landed in the dreaded 1-hole, where the onslaught of the prevailing cavalry charge to the first turn could push him up along the rail and maybe shuffle him back and provide enough traffic woes that his best alternate route would be I-64 through downtown Louisville. However, all may not be lost for Archx3. Post 1 has produced 12 winners since 1900, the last being Ferdinand 1986. And before that, you have to go back into your Way Back Machine, to Chateaugay (1963), albeit there was only 9 horses in the 89th Kentucky Derby - hardly a cavalry charge.

So now I'm faced with many, many long and laborious hours of never-ending handicapping and copious beer consumption - and maybe an antacid or two at this juncture - as I prepare to watch and wager the Kentucky Derby.

A Respite in Derby Fever for Non-Crustaceans

2011-04-29T10:27:00.007-05:00

Last Saturday was Dollar Day at Lone Star Park, where a throng of over 16,000 people stood in lines for beers, hot dogs, wagers, and bathrooms. And of course, next Saturday is Derby Day, where there is sure to be another, if not larger, horde of people. So, in an attempt to throw a lifeline to pari-mutuel clerks, beer vendors, the industrious janitorial staff, and the multitudes of harried handicappers, Lone Star Park is offering up a rather modest race card tomorrow. But wait! Should that give you cause to stay home and clean out your garage? Emphatically, NO!! Because tomorrow is Chef Jake's Cajun Crawfish Boil!

Now, I'm sure many of you are thinking, "What can possibly be the relationship of crawfish (or 'crayfish' for all you Yankees) and racing?" Well, interestingly enough, there are are numerous similarities between crawfish and racing, many of which remain unrecorded because Boudreaux couldn't find a pencil. However, it was reported that back in 1972, at the second annual Cajun Festival in Port Arthur, Texas, that a crawfish named Speed LeFloor won the Commissioners Sweepstakes Crawfish Race, setting a lively pace and going away handily. Speed LeFloor was immediately purchased for $1,000 by Henry Monte Jr. and turned out for stud.

Betcha you haven't read that one on Colin's Ghost.

Oh, and speaking of racing Cajuns, it's noteworthy that one of horse racing's favorite Cajuns, Calvin Borel, has secured a mount for next weekend's Kentucky Derby: Sunland Derby winner, Twice The Appeal. As they say, "It's déjà vu all over again".

Does Ted Nugent Have a Derby Favorite?

2011-04-18T23:24:00.009-05:00

Don't have a Derby horse? Neither does Ted Nugent.

Well, truthfully, I don't know if he does or if he doesn't. The Nuge was here on Saturday to perform a concert at Lone Star Park after the races and, being the intrepid blogger that I am, I had a stranglehold of desire to interview him. If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know that Post Parade knows no bounds when it comes to scoring the big interview! And, let's face it, ~~everybody~~ 3 people want to know, especially after the recent drubbings of favorites Uncle Mo and The Factor in The Wood and the AR Derby, respectively, who's on Ted Nugent's Derby Watch?

Sadly, there was no interview opportunity for me after the races. I just got to hang around with a bunch of my peers, a.k.a, paunchy middle-aged people who saw Ted Nugent in 1976 back when they were in high school. However, if I had had the chance to actually speak with Mr. Nugent, I was completely prepared to ask some very hard-hitting and highly informative questions, such as,

Beer for My Horses

Cactus Ridge

The Flying Lip Lock

So, at this writing, does Uncle Ted like Uncle Mo? Unknown. And frankly, as we rapidly approach the Kentucky Derby, I'm not so sure who I even like. I'll probably be contemplating my Derby selections over morning coffee on May 7th. Oh, and as good fortune would have it, Ted Nugent even has his own brand of coffee, Nuge Java,

"My life of rock-n-roll and hunting is a stimulating adventure every day. There is nothing average about my days, including my morning joe. Nuge Java prepares me for an amazing American Dream every morning. It's Spiritual Rocketfuel!" says Uncle Ted about his coffee.

Sounds good. Pour me a cup.

Lone Star Park Opening Night: Not Quite Blown Away

2011-04-15T10:11:00.007-05:00

Lone Star Park opened its 15th season last night, with Lydia’s Last Step taking the first step into the Winner’s Circle.

One expects a festival type of atmosphere on opening night; an evening rife with giddy anticipation and optimism during the upcoming weeks. Just the possibility of being the handicapping genius and/or lucky boob that scores a big fat payday on a winning 10-cent superfecta is enough to buoy anyone’s spirits. However, oddly enough, the opening night sizzle never quite materialized. And frankly, I’m unable to pinpoint exactly what element was missing.

Perhaps it was the familiarity of the pre-race ceremonies. Traditionally, a giant Texas flag is unfurled by a large contingent of high school kids, and everybody puts down their beers, listen to God Bless America and gets teary-eyed. However, last night the wind was whipping down the stretch at gusts of 30-40 mph, and do you know what that does to giant unfurled flags? It was a massive waving monster! The kids struggled to maintain their grips, a few of them completely unable to hold onto it. And the only thing I could think of at the time was that I needed to get this on video - if the flag wrested free from the handlers it would blow all the way to New Mexico! That would make for great YouTube!

Or maybe some of the onus goes to the self-serve AmTote kiosks. It’s the first day of live racing and they should be running like a well-oiled machine, but many performed like a rusted-out 1980 Chevette. Touch screens were temperamental and paper jams swallowed up vouchers. The self-serve banks of tote machines are very popular with the bettors at Lone Star but more than one person voiced a little frustration.

Or perhaps hot dog buns should receive a little blame, too. Lone Star Park could sure use buns with some courage. It’s a great source of irritation when a hot dog bun splits into two pieces. My Grand Prairie Dog was placed in a wimpy bun that broke in half immediately and, I’m sorry to say, there is no tidy way to eat a hot dog in a broken bun with mustard and relish and onions dripping all over your hands and you’re a sticky mess by the time you’re done eating and then you have to go to the bathroom to wash up but it’s on your way to the bathroom that you run into the Vice President of the racetrack who recognizes you and sticks out his hand in greeting and you have no choice to shake his hand with your sticky mustard-covered hand.

Perhaps there was some kind of cosmic misalignment in the Premiere Stakes itself. The favorite, Coyote Legend, broke through the gate in a false start; his regular rider, fan favorite Bobby Walker Jr., was notably absent, having broken [fill in bone here]. Coyote Legend didn’t recover from his miscue, and rallied to come in second to Lydia’s Last Step. And I’m sorry – no gelding should be named “Lydia” or any kind of variant or phrase or otherwise. It’s a girl’s name. They should refer to him as “Pete”.

Regardless of tote machine malfunctions and flimsy hot dog buns and boys named “Lydia”, Lone Star Park remains committed to live racing and providing great entertainment for fans. It’s no secret that the racetrack has struggled with ownership problems, but the team is hanging tough. The Lone Star Music Series kicks off tonight with the Randy Rogers Band, and tomorrow is The Nuge himself, Ted Nugent. Additionally, the racetrack now offers two new wagers: The 10-Cent Super Hi-Five and the Fortune 6.

FYI: Last night’s premier 10-Cent Super Hi-Five paid $1,666.65. And it wasn’t me. Maybe that was the missing element?

Lydia's Last Step, winner of the 2011 Premiere Stakes, Lone Star Park. Trainer J.R. Caldwell, jockey Bryan McNeil.

Tune In for the Florida Derby

2011-04-02T15:05:00.006-05:00

Sunday is the the much ballyhooed prep for the Derby: The Florida Derby. As I pondered the significance of the race, it gave me pause for reflection - the Kentucky Derby has "My Old Kentucky Home", the Preakness has a rendering of "Maryland, My Maryland", and the Belmont has whatever song that includes the words New York. It is truly a tragedy that the Florida Derby does not enjoy its own noteworthy tune.

But fear not! I have taken it upon myself to pen a song, a rather modest rendition if I may say so, in recognition of the Florida Derby:

All Hail Thee, Oh Gulfstream Park

O Tannenbaum

Footnote: For tomorrow's race, this lyricist is selecting Dialed In and Soldat, while recklessly wheeling horses in double-digit odds underneath.

Oaklawn Legend

2011-03-31T10:21:00.007-05:00

I go out of town for one little week, and look what happens? Casey Abrams very nearly gets sent home from American Idol all because I didn't vote. Luckily, the judges saved him. Speaking of judges, I met Steven Tyler once a long, long time ago. And no, he's not the father of any of my children.

Anyway, last week I trekked to Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Last year, as an Oaklawn maiden, I was completely gobsmacked by the racetrack - oozing with rich racing history and a festival-type atmosphere. A return engagement was required. So my only objective on this particular Friday afternoon was to enjoy the ambience, drink a little beer, and make a little money.

As I perused through my 2011 Official Program, I noted an interesting blurb published below the 2nd race's past performances:

Join Terry Wallace for Friday's Seventh Race Stretch

Oaklawn Park's legendary track announcer, Terry Wallace, now has a "meet and greet" following the sixth race on Fridays. If you recall, back in January he ended his record streak of consecutive race calls at 20,191 and enjoyed watching his first race on the apron. Well, apparently after 37 years, he's decided that handing over the microphone and mingling among the railfolk isn't so bad after all and now he does it on a weekly basis.

Legends are not to be ignored, so like a bubble-headed groupie, I hunted him down for a photo op. At first, I went to the wrong place and the only notable individual I could find was a guy working food service. However, I eventually located Terry - just as he was wrapping up his meet-n-greet in the Arkansas Sports Tavern. I requested a photo, drafting Miss Texas Torilla to snap the picture.

"Just pretend I'm some long lost girlfriend," I told Terry.

Unfortunately, there was no time for chit-chat. No opportunity to ask hard-hitting and fact-finding questions, like "What kind of pace can we expect to see in the Rebel?" or "What's up with your prominent display of the Beulah Park Twins' bobbleheads?" or "Do you know if Bob Baffert is going to be in town this weekend because I met him once. And I've met Steven Tyler. And now I've met you. Kinda like a pretty weird trifecta, huh?"

In retrospect, it's a good thing it was time for the 8th race.

Blogger Envy

2011-03-06T13:10:00.002-06:00

One of my favorite bloggers, Valerie of Foolish Pleasure, announced that today is her 4th Blogging Anniversary. In true celebratory fashion, she described her evolution from an "ill-informed blowhard" to a knowledgeable and confident horse racing commentator. And as a little anniversary gift for her bevy of loyal followers, she served up a modest list of some of her favorite posts.

Valerie got me to thinking about my own venture into this whole blogging business a few years back. I looked at my first post that read of sharing touts and "tidbits of information" and "occasional picks" a la some kind of handicapping whiz. What a crock!

Let's face it - handicapping and pedigree study and well-formed opinions just takes up too much valuable time, so unlike Valerie, I embraced devolution. It was a whole lot easier [and personally entertaining] to write about plastinates or Bob Baffert Adventures that, frankly, sharing some so-called analysis wasn't fun. So I haven't really learned anything from this blog other than a little grammar improvement and my biggest burning question, "Do I use a dash or a semi-colon?"

However, like Valerie, I'll share my very brief list of personal favorites:

1. John Henry's Irish Wake, October 2007.

Cheers to you, Val, and all the other great bloggers and turf writers and turf writer wannabes that make reading about the Sport of Kings great!

Who Is That Masked Handicapper?

2011-03-01T09:19:00.004-06:00

A couple of years ago, I had the joy of experiencing the Fountain of Youth first-hand; basking in the glorious Florida sunshine and watching a collection of talented Derby hopefuls race around Gulfstream's oval. Whatever every happened to Scat Daddy, anyway?

Nowadays, my jobs and kids and band practice and choir practice and 14 weekly loads of laundry and one ill-behaved puppy get in the way of keeping up-to-date with horse racing, much less any kind of horse racing adventure. This year's Fountain of Youth Results Ticker came at an unlikely venue: A Mardi Gras gala.

Saturday evening, as my husband and I arrived at a Mardi Gras party [and benefit for Arts Fifth Avenue, Fort Worth], we were greeted by a congenial masked well-known handicapper / turf writer. And in our brief meeting, as a stream of revelers continued to arrive, I was informed that Soldat had won the Fountain of Youth, "where he controlled a moderate pace and just ran away with it. Meanwhile, help yourself to drinks over at the bar."

Debacles, Investigations, and Restitution

2011-02-10T09:56:00.003-06:00

The Super Bowl Seating Debacle has garnered much attention in the past few days. Hundreds of valid ticket-holders were turned away because their temporary seats were deemed unsafe by the fire marshall a couple hours before kick-off. And as more facts come to light, the NFL was well aware of the problems plaguing the installation of the seats long before Super Bowl Sunday. So now the NFL is offering these ticket-holders restitution of sorts, like cash refunds, tickets to next year's Super Bowl, canned hams, and so forth.

And now, as I turn my attention back to horse racing, I read this headline from yesterday's Daily Racing Form,

Inquiry into Life At Ten's Breeders' Cup performance continues

A probe by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission into the circumstances surrounding the poor performance of Life At Ten in the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic at Churchill Downs on Nov. 5 remains ongoing,[DRF]

There's still an investigation?

Okay, apparently there was some sort of debacle, whether it be the trainer and/or track veterinarian failing to scratch Life At Ten before the race or Johnny V voicing his comments for all the world to hear. Regardless, she came in last, the "Official" sign was posted on the board after the race, and millions of dollars worth of losing tickets were shredded, mine included.

Furthermore, if and when this "probe" is concluded, what could the racing industry possibly do for restitution? Losing wagers are long gone and Todd Pletcher already has his Eclipse.

And one more thing: Who won that race anyway? The focus has been so much at Life At Ten losing that I can't remember who even won anymore ... and that's unwanted "restitution".

The Road to the Super Bowl Goes Through Lone Star Park

2011-02-06T23:12:00.008-06:00

Generally, the exciting happenings at Lone Star Park this time of year is the $5 Grilled Turkey Melt special offered on Wednesdays in February. However, today - Super Bowl Sunday - tens of thousands of people streamed into the racetrack grandstand. The crowd was loud and boisterous; giddy with anticipation. The excitement! Yes! They were at Lone Star Park ... to pick up their credentials, board buses and head over to Cowboy Stadium in Arlington to work the Super Bowl.

I felt a great need to capture this bit of the Super Bowl hoopla being held at the racetrack. So I enlisted my good friend and neighbor, Gimpy, to record all the action.

Gimpy is a professional ticket-taker at Cowboy Stadium. And he's an usher at Rangers Ballpark. And he does lighting for a small local theater troupe. And he's a part-time actor, most recently earning rave reviews as Vinnie in The Odd Couple where he famously voiced the line, "Oscar, it's your deal," and then accidentally knocked all the poker chips off the table.

However, today I learned that Gimpy is not a photojournalist.

I was rather amazed by the first image that he sent: J Lo and Randy Jackson! I can't believe they were there at Lone Star Park before the Super Bowl! Wow!

Hey, wait a minute ... that's American Idol!

Apparently, Gimpy needed to test his cell phone photography skills.

Okay, here's a photo of the Game Day briefing on the third floor of the grandstand. Clearly, Gimpy is indicating that this was the only space available in the grandstand.

And finally, here's some kind of "crowd" shot. Too bad they couldn't incorporate some kind of handicapping seminar for these folks.

Sadly, this exciting February action of Lone Star Park was not fully realized in this photo essay. But the National Anthem auditions are coming up on February 22nd. Maybe another chance for Christina Aguilera to get the song right.

Groundhogs, Gaga, and Other Ramblings

2011-02-02T18:55:00.010-06:00

Last month, my microwave broke. I have had to cook. Real food. Gone is the luxury of quickly heating up some kind of frozen pre-made concoction that my children happily devour. Instead I find myself perusing cookbooks and writing shopping lists; preparing an adequate menu that will satisfy my children and my no-carb-heart-healthy husband.

Naturally, there is fallout from this lifestyle change: (1) increased martini consumption, and (2) less time for the ponies.

So today, in honor of Groundhog Day - because we all know Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his hole, pretended he didn't see his shadow and said, "Screw this winter crap!" and took off to Florida to hang out at Gulfstream with Andy Beyer - I would like to share with you the tidbits of horse racing news/rumors/gossip/completely-unrelated-items.

Lone Star Park Wire Report. No news of ownership transfer to Global Gaming but apparently optimism is running rampant with what's left of track management. A recent email blast announced the line-up for the upcoming Lone Star Music Series,

Lone Star Music Series line-up includes seven concerts during the 2011 Spring Thoroughbred Season, featuring debut appearances by Ted Nugent on opening weekend, Saturday, April 16 and Dwight Yoakam on closing weekend, Saturday, July 9.

It's noteworthy that the series consists of two known acts and The Five Mystery Acts. For all we know, it could include Stryper. Or Scandal.

However, our illustrious local racetrack is getting a piece of Super Bowl action this weekend. It will be a staging area for the employees working the Super Bowl. And Post Parade will have our "Man on the Inside" to place you right there in the action! It promises to be as big as Troy Polamalu's hair.

Triple Crown Contenders. My list is brief:

Fortunately, here in Dallas/Fort Worth, not only do we have the Super Bowl, but we also have turf writer extraordinaire, Gary West of the Star-Telegram (motto: "We have officially put 'Roethlisberger' on spell-check"). The Professor recently published his list of 100 "Triple Crown Noisemakers." He once told me that he fills up 72 spiral notebooks with news and observations of 1,334,275 Derby prospects. Or something to that effect. His exact number is in an email somewhere in my Inbox, along with 36,000 other messages so I'm not looking for it any time soon because I don't have time to clean out my Inbox. I have to cook. Or buy a new microwave.

Anyway, I'm glad the Professor is doing all this work for me. I read his list. I recognized four horses. At this writing, I can bet my Derby Superfecta with confidence.

The Horse Racing Information Superhighway. In this fast-paced, hectic world of being a pseudo-quasi-homemaker, obtaining relevant albeit brief information has become a necessity for me. DRF and Paulick Report have spruced up their websites and I still haven't found the time to go clicking through the myriad of tabs and pages and links and whatnot to get my relevant albeit brief information. On that note, one can argue of the virtues of Twitter ... OMG! Everybody seems to be on Twitter! And here I sit; I'm still trying to figure out how to even use my cell phone. And now I have to figure out how to obtain my relevant albeit brief information on it? I'd rather cook. Or clean out my Inbox.

Odds and Ends, with Emphasis on Odds. Recently, I discovered an artist with too much time on her hands and a closet full of My Little Pony. It's the closest thing to horse racing I've seen in a month.

Here's Lady Gaga,

And here's one that Brian and other Trekkies can appreciate,

And finally it should be noted that only a few days ago, the only thing frozen around here was the margarita I was drinking on the patio at Rio Mambo. And now it's like The Day After Tomorrow. Minus Jake Gyllenhaal. And the wolves on the Russian ship. Because, after all, that's kind of silly.

Holiday Decorating

2010-12-14T08:28:00.005-06:00

Yesterday, I finally finished putting up all of our Christmas decorations. Well, almost. There's still a moderate junk-pile of Santas/reindeer/angels/snowmen heaped on the TV cabinet but they are well hidden from view, obscured by the TV remote/DVD remote/VCR remote/Cable Box remote/Wii remotes.

Anyway, the point to this holiday anecdote is our family's new Christmas ornament. Every year we purchase at least one new tree ornament, usually from a vacation destination, i.e., DisneyWorld, or to commemorate some wonderful life altering event, like adding a child or a guinea pig to the family. This year, adorning our tree, is our first ornament prominently featuring horse racing: Oaklwan Park. And I have lovingly given it a place of honor on the tree - next to Troy Aikman.

Interestingly enough, my husband does not agree that being next to Troy Aikman is an the place of honor; that would belong to Seven of Nine.

Lone Star's Unpopular - and Heartbreaking - Decision

2010-12-08T10:02:00.008-06:00

I’ve been away from my keyboard for a couple of weeks, and with good reason. I finally took the plunge and had Photo-Refractive Laser Thingy Vision Correction last week. So needless to say, looking at a computer screen was tantamount to Chinese water torture.

Anyway, yesterday I finally found some time to catch up on the recent events of the Horse Racing World. Zenyatta’s Farewell Parade … Baffert’s 2000th win … Layoffs at Lone Star Park …

What?!?

A few days ago, Gary West reported that several employees of Lone Star Park were laid off last Friday. And as I continued to read his blog entry, I reached a startling conclusion: something was clearly wrong with my vision because it said that Post Time Pavilion Director and good friend to Post Parade, John Records, was reportedly one of the layoffs!

NO!! THIS CANNOT BE!!

Confirmation was required; I called Lone Star Park and indignantly demanded to speak with Drew Shubeck. Mr. Shubeck was not available so I had to settle for the Vice President, G.W. Hail, who confirmed the bad news,

Sue(irate): What pin-headed moron would make such a ridiculously stupid decision to layoff one of the greatest and friendliest and affable and approachable people associated with Lone Star Park and in horse racing overall?!?!?

Okay, I really didn’t say that.

Sue: Mr. Hail, can you confirm that John Records was one of the laid off employees?

G.W. Hail: There were a number of full-time and part-time employees … (insert corporate speak here) … layoffs required because we are committed to the return of live racing, April 14th … (insert more corporate speak here) … yes, he was one of the employees laid off … (insert more corporate speak) … committed to live racing, April 14th.

The gist of the conversation was that Lone Star Park – foundering without any real ownership other than bankrupt MEC which really doesn’t exist, and unknown intentions from Global Gaming – is trying to stay afloat and commit to horsemen that there will be racing next spring. And like a listing ship, struggling to make it into port, the captain orders all topside weight overboard. Not that I would consider John Records topside weight or anything like that.

It’s no secret that over the past few years, I have written of John Records, many times referring to him as Super-Manager and Friendliest Guy on the Planet. He knows customers, resolves troubles, chats up lively conversations, and is quick to share a laugh. I’ve brought numerous “first-timers” to the track and John has personally provided facility tours and shared insight each time. He is Lone Star Park’s biggest asset. If it were not for him, I would not have met Calvin Borel or Garret Gomez; John made much of horse racing accessible for me, the cheap bettor and turf writer wannabe. And he’s always been kind and generous to my children; Alice adores him, demanding on each sojourn to the racetrack that I “call my friend” so she can score some ice cream and dole out a giant hug.

According to a source, some of the laid off employees will be invited to return to their positions come April, maybe sooner if the whole ownership debacle can be resolved. However, it would be of no surprise if some other successful and notable racetrack would snap up John. He is a treasure.

Although there will be a team of managers taking over his duties, per G.W. Hail, it will not be the same, at least for me. I will miss the bright sparkle and friendly greeting when I wander into the Post Time Pavilion. If I wander into the Post Time Pavilion …

Good luck, my good friend, John.

Irish Whiskey and Texas Politics

2010-11-18T23:03:00.003-06:00

I AM NOT Sarah Palin!

I AM NOT Glenn Beck!

I AM merely a simple somewhat drunk opinionated ~~Irishman~~ Irishwoman that has something to say:

Global Gaming captured the hearts/minds/souls of the Texas horse racing faithful by simply allowing their hopes/dreams/visions of successful/prosperous/influential Texas horse racing when Global Gaming finally acquired/procured/snagged ownership of Lone Star Park. Fans and horsemen thought they hit the jackpot with Global Gaming, however it appears to be another case of the "malfunctioning slot machine" where the tiny warning label reads, "Malfunctions void all plays and pays."

Gary West of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (motto: Hail the Red Head!) reported that Global Gaming requested its action items be removed from the Texas Racing Commission's agenda. The funny part was that the Global Gaming action items were about the only things on the TxRC agenda, other than donuts, coffee, and a rendition of "Texas, Our Texas" performed by the Blanton Elementary School 3rd graders. Anyway, the Professor insinuated political shenanigans - basically, someone besides me was irked that Rick Perry got re-elected.

Additionally, the Professor noted that Global Gaming and the Chickasaw Nation had done an "done an exemplary job at Remington Park" and were "committed to the horse racing industry in Texas", so why submit the application for license transfer at a later date?

Well, here's my Sarah Palin/Glenn Beck/Drunken Irishwoman ~~diatribe~~ perception: Remington Park already had slots when they acquired the facility. Global Gaming's in the gaming industry and obviously quite good at it, so it was in their best interest to improve the track and casino, notably since their expertise is casino and slots. "Horse racing" need not be their primary concern when acquiring the racetrack, only a nice beneficiary. However, Lone Star Park, at this writing, does not have a casino or slots. So why would Global Gaming commit to the Texas racetrack? Clearly their "guy[s]" didn't get elected earlier this month, so maybe the Slot Optimism is flagging somewhat - a malfunction. And now they loathe to pay. Furthermore, as Texas racing continues to struggle and bicker - and even if it hits its death spiral - Global Gaming can be comforted in the knowledge that Texas racing fans merely have to drive north ... just like all the other gambling Texans.

Sad.

Dumb.

~~I can see Russia from my backyard.~~

Breeders' Cup Turf Logic

2010-11-09T12:29:00.008-06:00

Valerie, the famed writer of Foolish Pleasure applauded my successful selection of Dangerous Midge in the Breeders' Cup Turf but asked,

How the hell did you correctly pick Dangerous Midge?!?!?

Well, Valerie, I will gladly share with you my reasoning behind my selection of Dangerous Midge:

I remember Donativum winning the 2008 Juvenile Turf ...

And I remember Wilko winning the 2004 Juvenile ...

2010 Breeders' Cup Selections

2010-11-04T01:28:00.004-05:00

Crack open your piggy banks! Cash in all of your aluminum cans! Dig for loose change under the sofa cushions – and throw out the old popcorn kernels and stale Cheetos while you’re at it. The 2010 Breeders’ Cup World Championships is a mere day away, which means it’s time for Post Parade’s 4th Annual Magic Beer Bottle Breeders’ Cup Selection! This year we salute good friend and fellow blogger, John of Not to the Swift fame, and use the beer of his choosing: Bud Light Lime, proudly proclaimed “Instant Summer” by Hillside Liquor Store.

"My taste in beer is as quirky and eclectic as my taste in subject matter for the blog." [John]

Of note, I enjoyed modest success with my selections last year (5 winners, 4 others in the money). However, the Magic Beer Bottle, still gloating over its 2007 BC Mile Kip DeVille hit, fared poorly last year, Goldikova being its only winner. And who didn’t have Goldikova?

So, without further ado, let’s spin the bottle!

2010 Breeders’ Cup Selections

	Sue	Magic Beer Bottle
Marathon	Bright Horizon	Alcomo
Juvenile Fillies Turf	Together	Kathmanblu
Filly & Mare Sprint	Informed Decision	Dubai Majesty
Juvenile Fillies	Awesome Feather	Theyskens' Theory
Filly & Mare Turf	Midday	Eclair de Lune
Ladies Classic	Life At Ten	Acting Happy
Juvenile Turf	Mantoba	Banned
Sprint	Wise Dan	Smiling Tiger
Turf Sprint	Chamberlain Bridge	Grand Adventure
Juvenile	Uncle Mo	Jaycito
Mile*	Goldikova	Goldikova
Dirt Mile	Here Comes Ben	Hurricane Ike
Turf	Dangerous Midge**	Behkabad
Classic	Zenyatta	First Dude

*Our successful selections last year. Let it ride!
**I tossed Workforce - I don't care if he just won the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe. Refer to the Dylan Thomas history lesson in 2007.

Be sure to stop by the TBA homepage as TBA members and a sundry to Twittering handicappers have posted their selections for the 2010 Breeders' Cup. Good luck!

Plan B

2010-10-27T23:05:00.006-05:00

Oh, the excitement! To think the Breeders’ Cup World Championships is a mere week away – next Friday and Saturday! But before that, there’s Thirsty Thursday at Rio Mambo with $2.99 margarita specials! But before that, there’s mid-term election on Tuesday!

So first things first: there’s some important politics to discuss, most notably here in Texas, and the hopes and dreams and visions of a 2011 Texas Legislature that will embrace slots!

It’s no secret that the ailing Texas horse racing industry would like to “expand the footprint of gaming” to “generate more revenue for the state and raise purse levels to improve the quality of racing.” So once again, the horse racing industry and horsemen associations are firing up the gambling lobby and painstakingly devising their plans as follows:

Plan A: Slots
Plans B: see Plan A

Well, it’s no secret there’s a lot of opposition to expanding the “footprint of gaming” in Texas Legislature. And our gun-totin’-coyote-killin’ Governor doesn’t support it either (read: veto). So, it would be in the best interest of the horse racing industry to devise an improved and more palatable Plan B.

And I’m here to help.

I have assembled a modest list of potential Plan B’s, all of which could generate more revenue for horse racing, as well as for the state. And all these proposals are VLT-free!

Plan B-1: Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW, or Account Wagering). Texas is the second largest state in size and population. 268,820 square miles. And there’s only 8 7 places where you can legally place a parimutuel wager. It’s 2010: There are iPhones, iPads, TiVo, direct deposit, electronic transfers, FIOS, video streaming, Skype, Toll Tags, debit and credit cards, etc. The last time I paid cash at a Sonic was June 2008. If I can [painfully] watch Cliff Lee get shelled by the Giants on a 30 minute delay courtesy of my DVR, then I should be able to wager on any race at any time while I’m at home, in my pajamas, doing laundry. It’s a no-brainer.

Individuals have griped about the Texas Lottery; it hasn’t lived up to expectations and has not provided the promised mega-funding. Well, here in the ADW model, Texas provides a controlled (read: Texas monopoly) internet betting exchange and enjoys their chunk of commissions on winning tickets. The racing industry supplies the product. It’s ridiculously easy money.

And Texas sells. TexasBet, TexBet, LoneStarWager, or something to that effect. I’d sign up. “Remember the Alamo!” and “That’s the way baseball go!”

Plan B-2: Strategically Placed Toll Road (SPTR. Or SPaToR. Oh, well, I’m workin’ on some kind of clever acronym). I hear the Texan Battle Whine over and over: “Texans pour into neighboring states to enjoy casino gambling. Texas is losing millions of dollars.” Well, one thing that Texas has been enjoying and implementing over the years is The Toll Road. It seems that every time a new road or express lane is constructed, there is a toll holding its hand. And the fees increase. However, Texans and their beloved motor vehicles just continue going about business (we all have Toll-Tags, which is nothing more than ADT – Advanced Deposit Toll – because we don’t really handle money … see Plan B-1). Anyway, I have provided in a schematic below, where the state of Texas could strategically place toll booths:

Of note, one would be in El Paso going into Sunland Park, NM (casino); toll booth on I-35 North going into Oklahoma (casino); and a toll booth on I-20 East into Shreveport, LA (many casinos). The funds generated from these toll plazas would be dispersed among highway maintenance, education, horse industry, SPCA of Texas, the Governor’s hairdresser’s annual gratuity, and the establishment of The Culinary Institute of the Cooking Impaired in Blum, Texas. An annual surplus would be expected.

Plan B-3: Lower the age restriction on gambling. “Texans pour into neighboring states to enjoy casino gambling” and so forth. Would you like to know what else New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Louisiana have in common? The legal age to gamble is 18. The legal age to gamble in Texas is 21. So let’s amend the Texas Battle Whine: “18, 19, and 20-year-old Texans pour into neighboring states to enjoy casino gambling …” These folks are adults. They earn a paycheck and they aren’t allowed to enjoy gambling – even pari-mutuel wagering – in Texas. Think of the notable military bases here in Texas, like Fort Bliss in El Paso, a block away from Sunland Park and Casino. Don’t you think these young soldiers would enjoy a day at the racetrack on their day off, versus sitting in the NCO Club listening to the same ol’ tunes from Led Zeppelin? Think about it: Lone Star Park offers free general admission on Thursdays for military personnel. Well, that would mean a whole lot more if they could entice the younger crowd. And instead of UT Alumnae Night, where everybody present graduated between 1964 and 1977, they could offer UT Night – free admission and dollar drafts with student ID. College students would have more fun betting $1 exactas and dime superfectas – but there would be a helluva handle.

Plan B requires a little creativity, a little guile. Don’t risk all your money on just one horse – this upcoming Texas Legislature session needs a good “saver” bet to aid the horse industry.

October Occupato

2010-10-19T11:00:00.003-05:00

Horse racing?!? Breeders' Cup?!? Kind of forgot about that stuff.

Needless to say, my usual October dalliance with impending Breeders' Cup hoopla has been momentarily voided. My time and attention is currently occupied on an unusual anomaly: Texas Rangers playing baseball in October.

Notably, this distraction has wreaked havoc somewhat in my Horse Racing World; it is a sport and/or hobby that requires constant attention and observation, otherwise I'm completely discombobulated.

There are racing stars that are a given: Zenyatta, Blame, Quality Road, Looking At Lucky. But recent Breeders' Cup chatter brings up other names that, as a fan, I should recognize and get a thrill: Harmonious, Joshua Tree, Espoir City. Who??? If I didn't take a brief moment or two this morning to read Steve Haskin or other some other turf writer, I would've have thought they were a trio of artists that played at the Kerrville Folk Festival.

Although I may be [temporarily] clueless is not the point. The issue is that to really know and love and appreciate and get really really excited about the impending Breeders' Cup, it requires serious homework and devotion by racing fans. If I'm already feeling somewhat uninformed of the star-power featured in this year's Breeders' Cup, how does the occasional fan and horseplayer feel? Will they care that this is a championship? Or will it be just a really good betting opportunity? And maybe, just maybe, this could be an example of some of the troubles that is plaguing the industry? I mean, it takes some effort to keep up with all the players, and a lot of us lazy slugs just don't wanna do it ... or we're distracted by other things.

Well, I best get crackin' on Who's Who in the Breeders' Cup or else I'll have to rely solely on the Magic Beer Bottle.

And by the way, whatever happened to Rachel Alexandra?? (Just kidding ... I'm not that clueless!)

Horse Racing When You Least Expect It

2010-09-17T09:23:00.003-05:00

We have one TV in our household. Well, not really. There is TV in the girls' ~~playroom~~ ~~study~~ junk room but it's small and the remote needs new batteries, which would explain why the girls have migrated into the family room and claimed the 50" flat screen TV as their own.

Anyway, last week as my daughters were watching Hannah Montana or some other lighthearted show on the Disney Channel, a brief infomercial - Disney's Movie Surfers - was broadcast (video), the movie being featured, Secretariat.

I've read the buzz. I've seen the movie trailers. And even in some vague subconscious notion, I knew that it's a Disney film. But I forgot about the kids! Horse racing on the Disney Channel?!? Who would've thunk!

The Disney infomercial included a little Q&A with "real life jockey", Kayla Stra. Kayla Stra, of course, was one of the featured jockeys on Animal Planet's "Jockeys". I remember that one of my TBA brethren - I can't exactly remember who, but I figure you know who you are - thought she was a real attractive reason to watch the show. So, whoever you are, this is for you:

Kayla Stra featured on Disney's Movie Surfers

Texas Racing Commission Approves Reduction in Racing Dates

2010-09-15T09:25:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, the Texas Racing Commission approved the 2011 Race Date Calendar which prominently featured a lot less racing.

Sam Houston Race Park will host 27 days of Thoroughbred racing starting in January and 30 days of Quarter Horse Racing beginning in March. Sam Houston Race Park will not run its Thoroughbred dates in November and December of 2010. Lone Star Park will host 52 days of Thoroughbred racing starting in mid-April and 26 days of Quarter Horse racing starting in September 2011.

Retama Park will host 10 Quarter Horse days starting in July, a 14-day mixed meet beginning at the end of July, and 21 Thoroughbred days beginning in September 2011. Gillespie County Fair and Festivals will host its traditional eight-day mixed meet in July and August. [TRC Press Release]

So, taking out your handy-dandy calculators, you'll see that it comes to 100 days of Thoroughbred racing and a handful of gemistewurst because nobody really knows what the heck they mean by "mixed meet".

The good news is that there will be racing at all three Class 1 racetracks in Texas. The original consolidation plan that took a machete to 48% of the race dates was scuttled as it hurt too many horsemen whose livelihood depend on the Texas racing circuit.

The bad news is that there will be racing at all three Class 1 racetracks in Texas.

“We have to supply racing dates and support the horsemen even if we lose money.” [Bryan Brown, CEO of Retama Park]

Not a very good business model.

With less racing days, the racetracks can increase their daily purses. Lone Star Park, going from 60 days to a 52-day meet, can increase purses to $180,000 per day. Frankly, to some owners and trainers, that doesn't look any more appealing than $150,000 per day. And will this improve the quality of racing product? Or is it just providing life support for Texas racing?

Texas Racing Dates Under Siege

2010-08-31T22:28:00.005-05:00

Texas horse racing is foundering. Handle is declining, purses plummeting, quality racing diminishing, bettors bitching, and Fred-the-Beerman grousing that he doesn’t make tips like he used to. So in an effort to do something – because doing nothing has proved to be a pretty poor model – the Texas racetracks and Texas horsemen put their noggins together and devised a proposal: reduce the number of racing dates in Texas, effectively increasing the size of purses thus attracting better horses and fields thus attracting bettors thus increasing handle.

Sounds sound, huh?

Whoa, Nellie! Hold your horses ...

Apparently, not all Texas horsemen were in on this scheme. And they are not happy. Nor are they quiet.

The Racetracks/Most-of-the-Texas-Horsemen proposed a 48% reduction in racing dates, which includes eliminating thoroughbred racing at Sam Houston Race Park and doing something or other with a handful of Retama race dates. Losing that many racing dates would effectively put the small Texas owner/trainer/breeder out of business. It’s their livelihood. And if it were my livelihood, I’d probably put up a fight, too.

The horsemen dissidents – self-described mushrooms (“They have kept us in the dark and fed us crap for years”) – are valiant defenders of the status quo. True to their beliefs; fighting for the cause. Much like the defenders of the Alamo – except that didn’t exactly turn out too good for those guys.

Out of this opposition emerged a leader, Joe Kerby. He operates a breeding business in Salado, just north of Austin. In an impassioned letter to the Texas Racing Commission, he argues his case for 155 racing dates throughout Texas:

More race dates = higher handle = higher purses.

Apparently there is an assumption that “better” horses generate more handle. Lone Star Park’s Grade III races, with their large purses, handle far less than an allowance race bet at places like Gulfstream Park or Churchill Downs, or the New York and California tracks. Quality horses do NOT beget handle. Reality is that bettors prefer to bet on full fields of reasonably matched horses. Write races that will be more attractive to bettors, and handle will increase.

Well, I’m neither breeder, owner, trainer, nor odd-ball horseman. I’m a bettor. And I know numerous other bettors. And bettors want better. So yes, I’m all for writing races that are more attractive to bettors; quit filling cards with older claiming maidens and non-winners of two. But with purses sitting at $150,000 per day, it doesn’t exactly attract the likes of Afleet Express.

The vast majority of Texas horsemen would prefer to run at less money per day with more opportunity to race

This is a troubling assumption. How can horsemen afford to maintain stables? Good trainers – those that provide good feed, excellent veterinary care, and top notch training –can’t afford an operation such as that. According to trainers Dallas and Donna Keen,

It costs on average $2500-3000 per horse per month to have a horse in race training. Lone Star Park was the only track someone could break even at if their horse didn't win at least one race a month, but they still have to run second in an allowance type race to make enough money just pay for their training.

Owners are reluctant to send their horses to Texas, as their horses have to win every race they’re entered. Trainers see their clientele dwindle. Moving their stables to other states, be it Louisiana or even Iowa, becomes attractive. You got to make some money – you still got to pay the hay guy.

So what does that leave? The little operations – stables that can afford to run at that purse level - and a bunch of skinny fillies? Is that going to fill grandstands and increase handle? Truly, is that our vision of Texas racing? Once so promising – hosting the 2004 Breeders’ Cup where superstars Ghostzapper and Ouija Board graced our presence – only to deteriorate to a sad conglomeration of perpetual claimers?

Additionally, there remains a conspiracy theory that racetracks are using their clout to expand gaming. “It’s all about the slots”, as some vocal horsemen proclaim. Now, I’m a conspiracy theorist at heart – I don’t subscribe to the Lone Gunman and Elvis is still alive, retired after years of working for the CIA and is now living under the name of Buford Winnebago in Ochlocknee, Georgia – but this is a case of economics. Racetracks have to sell a product (horse racing) and if the customers (bettors) don’t buy, racetracks go out of business. If the racetracks go out of business, then none of this will matter anyway.

True, there is a burning desire to bring slots and casinos into Texas by the racetracks, as well as other gambling lobbies. And each legislative session Texas horsemen are optimistic; the Almighty Slots will be the savior of Texas’ purses. Perhaps one day when the Baptist Convention isn’t paying attention, this will indeed happen. However, Texas racing is in trouble and it’s time to find a creative solution now.

One can only hope that a consolidation of race dates would be merely temporary and that there could be some sort of compromise between the opposing factions of Texas horsemen. Dialogue. Innovation. Creativity. Work towards a solution that is good for Texas racing.

Horse Racing in New Mexico: A Tale of Two Tracks

2010-08-26T00:20:00.010-05:00

Horse racing fans in Texas hear a lot about racetracks in New Mexico. Mainly that all the good horses are leaving Texas to race in New Mexico because they have higher purses, thanks to the Almighty Slots.

A recent trip to New Mexico afforded me an opportunity to briefly visit two racetracks, Ruidoso Downs and Sunland Park.

Nestled in the Sierra Blanca mountains of south-central New Mexico, along US Highway 70 - the aptly named Billy the Kid Scenic Byway, because we all know that Billy the Kid was a great environmentalist when he wasn't killing people - sits Ruidoso Downs. It's a small and charming little track, with an open-air grandstand and pleasant view of its surroundings. Unfortunately, the day of my little stopover was a dark day, so I relied on my imagination: Breathe in that mountain air, enjoy a cold beer, and watch and wager on horses; clearly an afternoon at the racetrack would be nothing but relaxing and enjoyable.

The facility is modest, however at one end of the grandstand there's an ugly addition: The Billy the Kid Casino, where all that lovely slot money is generated.

Well, it used to be generated.

Adjacent to the town of Ruidoso is the Mescalero Apache tribal land and their - you guessed it - casino. A few years ago, under a separate gaming compact with the state, the tribe opened a permanent temporary Travel Center (read: casino) 3 1/2 miles down the road from Ruidoso Downs. Within the first 18 months of its operations, casino gaming at The Billy the Kid Casino dropped 28%.

The racetrack's in trouble; competition from the tribe is driving the racetrack out of business. And now track and casino owner, R.D. Hubbard, is hoping for Lincoln County voters to pass the Business Retention/Gross Receipts Tax in a special election September 21. The community appears divided - the town doesn't want to lose the racetrack but hard-working taxpayers perceive it as a bail out for a failing gambling business. I wouldn't be surprised if the quaint racetrack becomes shuttered in the near future. And Mr. Hubbard will take his racing and gaming licenses and move his business somewhere else, probably closer to Texas.

At this point in my trip, I'm pretty confident that Ruidoso Downs isn't enticing all the good horses from Texas.

As for my quick stop at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, that also proved to be insightful: When it comes to capitalizing on maximum gambling dollars, it's all about location, location, location. Sunland Park, tucked into a tiny corner of New Mexico, is geographically greater El Paso, Texas, with a population of over 700,000. However, combine that with Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, the international metropolitan population is a whopping 2.2 million. Interestingly enough, you can go down Sunland Drive (in Texas), grab a lunch-on-the-go at The State Line Bar-B-Que (in Texas), and walk over to Sunland Park (in New Mexico) before you've taken a second bite of your brisket sandwich!

Here's a lovely view of the scenic backside of the track, the photo taken from Texas:

The attractive and well-kept grandstand isn't actually situated in the most picturesque setting, but there isn't any gambling competition and they can draw from a large population. Recently, Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino gave a $12 million grant to develop the local border crossing, because let's face it, there's nothing wrong with Mexicans' money either.

So the racetrack has money. Lots of money. Enough to bolster its purses to $200,000 to $300,000 a day. And Texas horses are pouring over the border - 50 yards over the border - into New Mexico.

* * * * * *

2009 Kentucky Derby Winner and favorite son, Mine That Bird proudly stands in front of Sunland Park Racetrack

936 Miles from Planet Del Mar

2010-08-24T11:42:00.006-05:00

I recently returned from a family vacation in southwestern New Mexico. It should be noted that the verbiage family vacation is almost an oxymoron these days. In our youth, my husband and I enjoyed the long drives through the rugged deserts of the Southwest, stopping for scenic hikes in the wilderness, or soaking up Native American culture in little towns; bygone days. Instead, there's a continuous stream of Nintendo DS "noise" emanating from the backseat of the car from the two Gen Z traveling companions, with an occasional interruption of "Are we there yet?"

Anyway, I had hoped that during the trip that I could perform a brief reconnaissance of horse racing in New Mexico; lately in Texas, there has been much talk of racing in New Mexico, i.e., "Horsemen are streaming over the Texas borders to New Mexico, Louisiana, and Oklahoma where the purses are bolstered by slots!" Or something like that. So, I felt that it was imperative to discover where exactly all these folks are streaming to.

Interestingly enough, the only horse I saw on our vacation was at Roswell. In the International UFO Museum.

Oh, and its jockey, too.

Okay, all kidding aside, we did include Ruidoso Downs and Sunland Park on our traveling itinerary. The visits to the racetracks were short and sweet, as this was technically family vacation. But, amidst the backdrop of Texas horse racing troubles, it provided this fan some food for thought that I'll soon be sharing ...

I'll be back. Na-Nu Na-Nu.

It's Always [An Incovnenient] Post Time Somewhere!

2010-07-29T21:55:00.003-05:00

This evening I received my Lone Star Park Online Jockey Club All The News You Can Use And Then Some email alert. I'm usually appreciative of these little email alerts as they provide timely reminders of crucial events, i.e., Belmont Stakes, Dollar Day, Pick-6 carryover at [insert name of racetrack here], etc. Saratoga and Del Mar being no exceptions, of course. However, one item caught my eye ... and upset me greatly,
Wednesdays in August, from 5 to 7 p.m., Lone Star Park has the Del Mar Happy Hour with $2 Margaritas. $2 Margaritas!

This really has a burr under my saddle!

$2 Margaritas! Wednesdays!

Son-of-a-.... Wednesdays are the ONLY day that I have to work the afternoon/evening shift at the lab.

Grrr ...

Enjoy Happy Hour everybody.

A Little Sparkle, A Little Zest Found at Lone Star

2010-07-20T00:11:00.016-05:00

Attendance up. Handle down. But one burning question remains unanswered: What the heck did they add to my margarita that turned it so green?

Regardless of its color, it’s still the same tasty refreshment. Likewise, I can say the same thing about Lone Star Park’s 2010 Spring Thoroughbred Meet – perhaps the racing product wasn’t exactly “top shelf”, but it was still a fun and enjoyable refreshment.

Last year, racetrack management, toiling in bankruptcy misery and imminent auction, couldn’t provide a spark of innovation if they had a flamethrower. However, this year – energized with the impending transfer to Global Gaming – fan-friendly fresh ideas blossomed. Here’s a sampling of a few of the recent zesty racetrack happenings:

Jockeys & Java. I’ve been touting this trackside program since Dan Leary and his media/marketing posse whipped it up in May. People are eager to learn about horse racing and what better way than to ask questions, tour the backstretch, and walk down a shedrow while being bit by evil horseflies. After eating a free breakfast burrito, of course. The “special guests” featured on these programs were informative and entertaining; gladly fielding fans’ numerous questions. Of note, teeming millions showed up for the final installment of the program with guest, jockey Chris Landeros; don’t have the actual attendance figure but according to Hospitality Man, they went through 500 burritos.

Additionally, Lone Star’s track announcer, John Lies, deserves a shout out for his involvement with Jockeys & Java. His interview style put the guests at ease and encouraged interesting topics and anecdotes. And not once did he say my questions were dumb.

Lone Star Music Series. Okay, I didn’t go to any of these concerts, but lots of other people did.

Dollar Day. Lots of people went to Dollar Day. Value entertainment. Wish every day was Dollar Day.

Clarence Scharbauer, Jr. The famed Texan of Alysheba lore is steadfast and true to the Lone Star State, lending dreams of greatness to Texas horse racing one day. His Coyote Legend won the $50,000 Premiere Stakes on opening day, won the $100,000 Texas Stallion Stakes on May 8, and won the $75,000 Assault Stakes on July 10. He earned the meet’s Champion Texas-Bred Male Award.

Party at the Park. Friday nights with $1 beers and great local bands, one of which included my favorite Beatles tribute band, Hard Night's Day. I danced at the track – literally. The cheap beer helped ... with the dancing, that is.

Bob Baffert/Martin Garcia. Winning trainer/jockey combo was formidable here. Mythical Power won the Texas Mile (gr. III). Game on Dude won the Lone Star Derby (gr. III).

Recognition of racehorse rescue organizations. Lone Star Park aided Donna Keen’s fundraising efforts for her non-profit organization, Remember Me Rescue, with raffles and a chili cook-off. The care and well-being of horses after they’re finished racing is a concern for so many fans, and there’s a perception of indifference by the industry. I was glad to see Lone Star give the issue some high profile attention.

Chris Landeros. Last year’s leading jockey defended his title with 101 wins this year, just shy of a record. A couple of years ago, disgruntled with short fields and a shortage of mounts, this young man left California and was lured to ride in this region. At this writing, he’s committed to Lone Star Park and the PGA Tour. He’s loaded with talent and promise – California’s loss has been our gain. And he’s never had any kind of weight issue, which pisses off a lot of us chubby people.

Yes, there are money woes and sagging purses and handle decline, yet the spring meet was pleasurable. At this time, there are plans being hatched to improve the racing quality and make it more attractive to the serious bettors, however, I hope they don’t neglect those of us who enjoy horse racing as a tasty treat.

Batter Up!

2010-07-12T23:54:00.009-05:00

Abner Doubleday and Don MacBeth are forever linked in the Great Big Book of History.

Of course, Abner Doubleday being the “inventor” of baseball, and Don MacBeth being the “inventor” of charity softball games that features a line-up of jockeys.

Okay. Truthfully, as far as I know, Don MacBeth had nothing to do with softball, or Abner Doubleday, for that matter. MacBeth was a jockey who assisted those less fortunate; a recipient of the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award and the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award; first-class individual who passed away from cancer in 1987. A non-profit fund was established in his name to provide financial assistance to injured and disabled jockeys.

Lone Star Park – doing their part to contribute to the commendable cause – held their 2nd Annual Jockey Charity Softball Game this evening with proceeds benefiting the Don MacBeth Memorial Fund. A doubleheader, to be exact. Jockeys versus The Suits (read: Lone Star Park management and media who can pass themselves off as “fit”). Never one to pass up an opportunity to donate to a worthy cause and/or have my picture taken with really short people, I spent a little time at the ol’ ballpark to take in the festivities and heckle Drew Shubeck when at bat.

Disappointingly, there was not much of a crowd. Even more disheartening was the absence of Gary West – I had greatly anticipated watching him shag a fly ball or two. Maybe make a sterling leap over the centerfield fence, denying jockey Cliff Berry of the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 6th! I mean, who wouldn't want to give a hefty donation to see something like that?

Anyway, great fun.

Jockeys in the dugout

Lone Star Park's G.W. Hail gloats as the Suits soundly drub the jockeys in the first game of a double-header.

Photo op with leading riders, Cliff Berry (left) and Bobby Walker, Jr. (right)

Don't recognize 'em? Maybe this might help ...

Coyote Legend, with regular rider Bobby Walker, Jr. aboard, wins the Assault Stakes, defeating Poltergeist with jockey Cliff Berry.

Aaron Gryder for Breakfast

2010-06-28T23:29:00.008-05:00

A couple of years ago - under the guise of being some sort of horse racing writer - I ~~received~~ finagled an invitation to spend a morning at Lone Star Park during workouts. Admittedly, I was pretty naive and green at the time, however I was fairly certain I could discern the difference between things like "horse" and "jockey".

When I went to the backstretch, I was absolute gobsmacked! It was a hive of activity, teeming with horses, jockeys, exercise riders, trainers, grooms, and "others" - horse racing folk that do something-or-another with horses and probably have very important job titles; horses moving on and off the racetrack with the grace and precision of the Bolshoi Ballet. All of this hustle and bustle every day in the backstretch; a secret world far removed from the mutuel windows. Who knew??

Last month, Lone Star Park rolled out Jockeys & Java, a program that gives racing fans a chance to watch morning workouts and eat a free breakfast, all the while listening to jockeys, trainers, and "others". Afterward, a tour of the backstretch with a visit to a trainer's barn and an opportunity to get bitten by some mean horse flies.

I've attended a few Jockeys & Java, and I have just one word: Brilliant. And I'm not trying to suck-up to anybody to score a wad of admission tickets or a free buffet at The Silks. Dan Leary and his little troupe of marketers and media-types have put some thought and energy into this program and it attracts a pleasant crowd of about 70-80 people on Saturday mornings.

The very first featured guest was the articulate and stylish Aaron Gryder. He regaled the audience with some of his jockey experiences - 17 trips to Dubai including his $6 million winning one aboard Well Armed - as well as some of his personal philosophy ("I try to stay away from slow horses and fast people"). Additionally, he offered up his insight on maintaining his weight, indicating that he has a personal trainer and a nutritionist to keep him out of 'hot boxes' and shed 3-4 pounds prior to races. "I loose about 1000 pounds per year," he remarked jokingly. Clearly, any inspiration was lost on me because at that moment I was stuffing my mouth with a second breakfast burrito.

The program two weeks later, we were treated to jockey Bobby Walker, Jr., whose articulation and style is, er, somewhat different from that of Aaron Gryder. However, he's a popular fellow here in this circuit, and he's quite a character. I'm under the impression that he does not have a nutritionist; he has a mixologist.

As for the barn tours, the trainers that volunteered their services, such as Dallas and Donna Keen, and J.R. Caldwell, have been most inviting and informative. And the fans participating in the barn tours are respectful and adhere to the rules: no flash photography, no cell phones, and don't touch the horses. Usually there's some dumb dork that ruins it for everybody but so far I haven't encountered any dorks.

Jockeys & Java has been an entertaining, informative, and delicious program, at the same time providing horse racing revelation to fans. I, for one, am an appreciative fan and hope that the program continues in future meets.

* * * * *

Backstretch bonus: Bonnie Blue Flag, at Lone Star Park to race in the Cinemine Stakes May 31, 2010, enjoys North Texas sunshine. A real treat to meet this beautiful filly!

Summer at the Racetrack

2010-06-21T22:23:00.008-05:00

Summer.

I wish I was at the racetrack watching something like this,

but instead I'm doing this,

No racetrack [or horse] in sight.

And there's so much news! Rachel Alexandra won the Fleur de Lis! Zenyatta won the Vanity Handicap, her 17th straight win! And all the excitement of Ascot! I don't even know who/where/what Ascot is! And Jockeys & Java, a remarkable program conducted by the fine folks of Lone Star Park over the past few weeks - so interesting/fan-friendly/entertaining - man, I wish I thought of it. But that would be the brain-child of Dan Leary, Director of Communication at Lone Star Park and Potential Star of Jersey Shore. Now I'm kinda feelin' bad about taking a swipe at him a couple of years ago ...

Anyway, I know that many of you are anxiously awaiting the details of breakfast with Aaron Gryder ... And you thought Jockeys was hot.

Meanwhile, gotta get a bunch of kids out of the pool.

WinStar Whirlwind

2010-06-07T23:32:00.004-05:00

It's hard to believe that a mere week ago, I was at Lone Star Park's Jockeys & Java program, listening as renown jockey Aaron Gryder regaled the hoard of free-breakfast-burrito-seeking-horse-racing-fans about his victory aboard Well Armed in the 2009 Dubai World Cup. Well Armed, of course, is owned by a couple of Texans, Bill Casner and Kenny Troutt, of WinStar Farm, which is located in a very nice place somewhere in Kentucky. Noteworthy, the WinStar Farm juggernaut also owns the 2010 Kentucky Derby winner, Super Saver.

Then a couple of days later, quite by chance, I ran into Bill Casner himself! Okay, it really wasn't "quite by chance" as he was autographing photos of this year's Kentucky Derby winner's circle, as demonstrated by the photo below that he personally signed for me:

Just in case you require a little assistance in deciphering his writing, it reads,
"To Sue of Post Parade, The greatest horse racing Blog on the Planet. Bill Casner."

And now, this last Saturday, WinStar Farm's Drosselmeyer won the 142nd Belmont Stakes, capturing the third jewel of the Triple Crown.

What a week! To think that I'm akin to Bill Casner and Well Armed and Super Saver and Drosselmeyer, in some free breakfast burrito sort of way.

Zenyatta and Mike Smith to Help Fight Crime

2010-05-27T00:16:00.006-05:00

The well-manicured Donna Keen is at it again – raising funds for Remember Me Racehorse Rescue, her non-profit horse rescue and rehabilitation organization she operates with her husband, trainer Dallas Keen. Usually the monies are used for purchase of a small herd of neglected horses, or building additional barns. Proceeds from this particular fundraiser will be used to build a mounted patrol training course. You know ...sshh ... cops.

Anyway, Remember Me Racehorse Rescue is auctioning off a Mike Smith autographed picture of Zenyatta, the spectacular undefeated mare, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and Horse of the Year in an Alternate Universe.

At first, I didn’t want to post the information for Donna because, quite frankly, I wanted the picture for myself. I already had picked out a lovely location in my home to hang the picture:

However, I was quickly outbid. That bugs me. So, it’s only fair to post the news of this auction in the hopes that a few of those rabid bidders who outbid me get their comeuppance and are outbid. Hah! That'll show them!

Auction runs through June 10th. A worthy cause, unless you are the crook and/or drunk that a mounted police officer is chasing.

A Big Bright Shiny Breakfast Burrito to Dispel the Gloom of Texas Racing

2010-05-25T15:30:00.006-05:00

Purses in Texas have fallen 31 percent ...

Texas Thoroughbred foal crop has dropped 48 percent ...

Texas horsemen, in a huff, are storming off to exotic locales such as Shreveport, Louisiana ...

Handle has declined, attendance is down, and they’ve added some sort of questionable ingredient to the frozen margaritas that has turned them an unusual shade of green.

Plenty of gloom and doom in these here parts.

But the newly energized and invigorated Lone Star Park management team (motto: "So long, Frank, sorry to see you go! Long live Global Gaming!") is making an effort to brighten things up; entice new fans and make things warm and fuzzy with their regular railfolk. And beginning this weekend, they’re giving racing fans, curiosity seekers, and the general public an opportunity to spend some quality time at the track during morning workouts – complete with free breakfast burritos.

This Saturday - bright and early at 8:30 a.m. - Lone Star will host “Jockeys & Java”, a free program that enables the public to watch morning workouts with track announcer John Lies along with his “special guests”, all the while enjoying a free breakfast. Following the program, the fans will be invited to attend a behind-the-scenes tour of the backstretch. Saturday’s “special guests” will be renowned jockey Aaron Gryder, and the Star-Telegram’s turf-writing professor, Gary West. Furthermore, everyone in attendance will receive a Lone Star TrackPack with coupons for free general admission and a Lone Star Today racing program.

Dan Leary, Director of Communications at Lone Star Park, said that the program would provide an opportunity to see “what it takes to make a race happen; to get those ten horses to race around the track.” He had been involved with a similar program when he worked for Arlington Park, which grew in popularity. “We started out with only one bus of 25 people for the backstretch tour, but pretty soon it grew to two buses. By the time I left, we had about 5 buses [of fans] going to the backstretch.” He’s hopeful that this program will spark similar interest with racing fans.

Lone Star Park will be hosting six Saturday “Jockeys & Java” during the remainder of the Spring Thoroughbred meet: May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 26 and July 17.

This is definitely a program that brightens any racing fan’s day! Well, other than cashing in on some big fat superfecta.

Hot Stuff! Bob Baffert, Bret Calhoun, and Chili #13

2010-05-12T00:33:00.013-05:00

On Saturday, Bob Baffert won his 4th derby… er, that would be Lone Star Derby. Game On Dude defeated five other 3-year-olds in the $200,000 Lone Star Derby (gr. 3) at Lone Star Park, and is now pointed toward the Belmont Stakes.

Additionally, trainer Bret Calhoun captured both divisions of the Texas Stallion Stakes with Coyote Legend and Tin Top Cat.

However, it was not the allure of horse racing or the mystique of Bob Baffert that beckoned me to Lone Star Park, but rather the Inaugural Lone Star Derby Chili Cook-off, benefiting two horse rescue organizations, LOPE Texas and Remember Me Racehorse Rescue.

As I previously posted, John Records had asked me to be a judge. Truly, this provided an excellent opportunity to serve as a horse racing ambassador to chili aficionados worldwide. I could, potentially, win them over – trade in their habaneros for racing forms.

Hah! Turns out, this chili cook-off stuff is serious business.

Lone Star Park assembled 10 judges. We were informed to sit down, as judging would promptly begin at 2:00 so we could just forget about starting any Pick-3’s. Our no-nonsense CASI chili judging moderator, a proud 30-year CASI member and prize-winning chili cook herself, reeled off a litany of instructions with the precision of a drill instructor:

“There are 22 chilis. You will judge each chili using 5 very important criteria: aroma, color, consistency, taste and aftertaste. You will use a clean spoon and check each chili for consistency and then taste it, sampling it only once. No double-dipping. You will record your score on a scale of 1 to 10 using only a single whole number. No 4 ½ or 7.286. You will record this score on the correct line. After you record your score, replace the lid and pass the chili to the right. Be sure to clean your palate between each chili using cheese or fruit or crackers or water or beer. You will not discuss nor comment on the chili but if you feel that the chili might be too hot, you may quietly warn the next judge.”

No mention of available first aid should my lip peel off.

Confidently, I picked up my first sample – chili #7. A delightful aroma greeted my nose, with an unmistakable “chili red” that is so prized. Deftly turning the chili over with my plastic spoon, I easily assessed its consistency. I nibbled a small sample, fully aware that (1) the chili could be really hot, (2) I would be consuming 22 spoonfuls of chili as well as enough cheese, crackers, and honeydew to feed the island nation of Tonga, and (3) I was aiming to require at least 3 beers in this whole palate-cleansing process. Anyway, the chili’s taste was delightful – not too hot – and it didn’t leave any kind of “negative” aftertaste, like burning-esophagus flavor. I recorded my score, discarded my spoon, replaced the lid and passed the chili to the right to Judge Jane, who is in actuality, my sister visiting from Way Way Way Up North Texas.

Clean the palate – cheese cube and a swig of beer.

Across the table, Judge Audrey opted for a bolder action in her judging strategy, shoveling a large spoonful of her initial chili into her mouth. A surprised *Cough! Hack!* escaped her lips and had her swiftly reaching for a bottle of water. I wanted to praise her for keeping her composure and not screaming, “Holy crap! This stuff is hot!” but I was reminded by the CASI moderator that we were to “keep down the chit-chat and get on with business.”

As it turned out, judging 22 chilis required a certain amount of stamina. After sampling 11 or 12 chilis and eating the equivalent of two honeydews – I had determined early in the chili judging that I could eat a piece of melon a whole lot faster than a cube of cheese, and I figured that the cheese would bind me up – a queue of chilis began to form on my left. Clearly, Judge Bob was setting a rapid pace; I was lugging in on the homestretch. Concentration became essential. So did more beer – chili #13 had set a bonfire in my mouth. Also, I began to find myself hoarding all the honeydew from the other judges.

22 chilis and a gross ton of plastic spoons later, all the score sheets were collected and the judges were released of their duties. In an effort to recover from the experience, Judge Jane and I stood up with no plans in the near future to ever sit down again. I had had the foresight to pack some Tums in my purse for dessert. Judge Jane called me a wuss.

* * * * *

My sincere thanks to John Records and CASI for providing me the opportunity to take part in such an entertaining and delicious event. And thanks to Lone Star Park for supporting two wonderful causes, Remember Me Racehorse Rescue and LOPE Texas.

Chili Cook-Off at the Racetrack

2010-05-07T10:03:00.005-05:00

The phone call came yesterday, amidst a swarm of 2nd graders attending a field trip to the Museum of Science. Calling me was Lone Star Park’s Post Time Pavilion Supermanager and Good Friend to Post Parade, John Records.

John Records:: What are you doing this weekend?
Me: I’m scheduled for European facial and Swedish massage, followed by a deluxe manicure and pedicure. Then I’ll be dining with a group of friends at Mi Piaci.

Okay. I actually didn’t say that. It went more like this:

Me: Nothin’ (read: I’m going to the track … what else would I be doing?)
John Records: How’d you like to be a judge for a chili cook-off?

Oh, I had heard a smattering of gossip about Lone Star Park hosting its Inaugural Lone Star Derby Chili Cook-off, benefiting two horse rescue organizations, LOPE Texas and Remember Me Racehorse Rescue. I had visions of a cook-off between Chef Jake’s “World Famous Chili” and Steve Asmussen’s entry of a can of Wolf Brand Chili. Everybody would contribute a few bucks to these two fine horse racing charities, snack on some chili, drink some beer, and bet on some horses. What’s so hard about judging something like that?

Well, John set me straight. The Lone Star Derby Chili Cook-Off is an official cook-off sanctioned by the Chili Appreciation Society International, Inc. (CASI). Apparently, CASI members and other chili-cookin’ competitors vie to compete in the renowned chili cook-off in Terlingua in November. “This is a big deal,” John emphasized.

So instead of reading my racing form tomorrow, I’m judging chili.

This requires a little preparation on my part, never having been a chili judge. So I performed not-so-extensive research last night. According to eHow, I need only a judging sheet, spoon, and saltines. No mention of Tums.

Additionally, columnist W. Bruce Cameron provided a little insight on what I might expect when I judge chili,

Chili # 1: Mike's Maniac Mobster Monster Chili

JUDGE ONE: A little too heavy on tomato. Amusing kick.
JUDGE TWO: Nice, smooth tomato flavor Very mild.
CAMERON: Holy smokes, what is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway with it. Took me two beers to put the flames out. Hope that's the worst one. These people are crazy.

I began to have a feeling of trepidation by the time I read of Chili # 5, Linda’s Legal Lip Remover,

CAMERON: My ears are ringing and I can no longer focus my eyes. I belched and four people in front of me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed hurt when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. ... Sort of irritates me that one of the other judges asked me to stop screaming.

Umm.

Well, tomorrow I'll be doing my part to assist injured and retired racehorses.

Better keep the frozen margaritas handy!

Kentucky Derby Celebration in Texas

2010-05-03T22:29:00.007-05:00

Super Saver wins the Kentucky Derby and his owners from Texas, Kenny Troutt of Dallas and Bill Casner of Flower Mound - a little burg 23.3 miles from Dallas, 32.8 miles from Fort Worth, 451.6 miles from Osawatomie, Kansas - celebrate in the Winner's Circle, amidst roses.

Jockey Calvin Borel proves, yet again, that the shortest distance around the Churchill Downs' oval is along the rail. "We're going to win the Triple Crown this year," he proclaims.

Todd Pletcher saddles his first Derby winner. Finally. (Phew!)

I enjoy my own success, as modest as it may be. Of note, I have included Ice Box and Paddy O'Prado into a 3-horse $1 exacta box ... with Lookin at Lucky. Kick me.

Truly, a celebratory day. Even at Lone Star Park where attendance and handle are up; Texas fans find their way back to the racetrack. I'm sure the Lone Star brass dance their own little Derby Jig and/or Boot Scootin' Boogie when they see an upward trend.

Donna Keen - well-manicured trainer, blogger, twitterer, founder and operator and champion fundraiser of Remember Me Rescue - uses the lively event to her advantage, raffling off a 'Moneigh' by Franconia. I do not win the raffle. Rats. I also have to google "Franconia" because the only thing I know about him is he's "a horse".

The participation in the Kentucky Derby Hat contest is remarkable. Vivid and creative Derby hats are seen throughout the venue. A visit to Lone Star Park's Facebook page highlights many of these unique and fashionable chapeaus, a couple of notable ones of which I have lifted their photos without proper authorization for your inspection:

This white little number is a favorite of mine - small and minimalist, simply adorned with clusters of red roses and a cup holder, complete with a siphon attachment for hands-free Mint Julep enjoyment. Of course, in order to procure Mint Julep refills, it would require a waiter or bartender with the height proportions of someone like, say Dirk Nowitzski, who would, by the way, be available to serve as a waiter because he's not very busy at the moment.

And what can I say about this Derby hat of unprecedented fashion, rivaled only by creations seen on Project Runway? It comes with additional accessories of a neck brace, a back brace, and a hat box roughly the size of Rhode Island. I also believe that if you take a very close look at the hat, you can see little tiny shreds of losing tickets fluttering down from the grandstand.

Yes, we celebrate the Kentucky Derby here in Texas, be it far from the Twin Spires and Millionaire's Row. We have the Derby Spirit. What we don't have are the words to "My Old Kentucky Home."

Kentucky Derby Selections: Make a Plan!

2010-04-30T08:52:00.004-05:00

"The best we can do is size up the chances, calculate the risks involved, estimate our ability to deal with them, and then make our plans with confidence."
-Henry Ford

Clearly, Henry Ford didn't have a Derby horse when he offered up those words of wisdom.

And here it is, the eve of the 136th Running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands and I don't have a Derby horse. All these months of prep races and I lack a favorite - a tout worthy of a confident proclamation and a fistful of dollars at the mutuel windows. It has come down to merely reading the past performances and Genius Alan's rundown. So, I've sized up and calculated and estimated and made a plan:

Stately Victor. After my recent pseudo-research on the colt, I'm really liking him. He ran against some nice horses in the Bluegrass, and I loved how he turned on the gas and closed. He's run on turf, dirt, and synthetic tracks; perhaps not displaying dazzling performances on dirt but, frankly, I fail to see a whole lot of "dazzling" in this Derby field. Jockey Alan Garcia, a plus.

Lookin at Lucky. The deserving Derby favorite, as he should be, but I hate that 1-hole. And, with a 20 horse field, lots of odds on the board, and recent memories of Mine That Bird and Giacomo, my WIN money will be somewhere else. However, he'll be boxed into an exotic wager or two.

Super Saver. Usually I avoid Mr. 0-for-24-in-the-Derby, Todd Pletcher. The last time I had a Derby relationship with a Pletcher horse was Bandini, which to say the least, was not a success. But Super Saver has won at Churchill Downs, has won in the slop - weather forecast for the Derby calls for rain - and he has Calvin Borel aboard. I'm not a fan of front runners, but Super Saver rated well in the Arkansas Derby (gr. 1), losing by a neck to front runner Line of David.

Jackson Bend. Ah, maybe appears too slow on paper, but this Florida-bred chestnut colt has been in the exacta all 9 of his races. Regarding his Wood Memorial performance, the chart reads, "No match 2nd best." Well, who was a match to Eskendereya? Eskendereya ain't here, and I think he can be competitive with this field.

Plans are for various exotic wagering strategies - exacta boxes, a tenuous dabble in a trifecta. No, I don't have a true Derby horse but it certainly won't keep my wagering dollars in my pocket tomorrow.

Good luck!

Test Your Texas Mile Knowledge

2010-04-27T00:08:00.006-05:00

Today, children throughout the state of Texas will be taking the TAKS test. Therefore, in celebration of standardized tests everywhere, I have created a short quiz covering this past weekend’s Texas Mile (gr. 3) and the events surrounding the race. This quiz should be easy and straight forward if you were one of the 18,232 in attendance. For the rest of you, please feel free to refer to your racing form or answer the questions to the best of your ability. Good luck!

Texas Mile Standardized Assessment

1. Mythical Power, trained by Bob Baffert, won the Texas Mile, completing the mile in 1:35.71. In the Winner’s Circle, the flower garland draped over his withers is of which state’s flag?

2. What remarks did winning jockey Martin Garcia use to describe the race?

Whataburger

3. Besides an impressive card that also featured the Grand Prairie Turf Challenge and the Irving Distaff, it was also Dollar Day at Lone Star Park: $1 admission, $1 beer, $1 hot dogs and so forth. Which line was the longest?

4. Lone Star Park boasted an attendance of 18,232 for the races – a pleasant and cheerful turnout enjoying a day of great racing with picture perfect weather. Walking amongst the throng of fans, which phrase were you most likely to hear?

where???

Jockeys

5. Suebroux, the author of the blog Post Parade, crossed paths with Lone Star Park’s Vice President and Assistant General Manager, G.W. Hail, and Global Gaming’s Michael Chang. How likely would it be that at that moment she would be drinking a dollar beer?

Stop! You have completed the quiz. Your standings in academia are completely and wholly unaffected by your results of the Texas Mile Standardized Assessment.

Stately Victor: Who's Your Daddy? And Why Should That Make You My Derby Horse?

2010-04-22T23:38:00.006-05:00

There’s one at every track. You know who I’m talking about. The loud-mouthed rube who proclaims he had the longshot winner “all the way”. Arrogant and cocky – it was no “guess” or “stab” or “accident”, but merely his uncanny expertise to read The Form – and he cackles all the way to the IRS window as a bevy of bettors contemplate tossing beer at the lout.

That lout showed up for the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes when Stately Victor won at 40-1. I chalked it up as a fluke. It was the Keeneland surface. It was the other horses. It was the pollen in the air. It was the line to the bathroom. I had reams of excuses. Stately Victor was not going to be my Derby horse. No chance. No how. No way. An immediate toss out.

However, Mr. Lone Star Loudmouth, as he swaggered up to the mutuel window, winning tickets in hand, spouted his [unsolicited] reasoning: Ghostzapper.

Ghostzapper, of course, is the 2004 Horse of the Year and sire to Stately Victor. The lout blathered on about Ghostzapper, yammering on about “running style” and “dominance” and “greatness” and blah blah blah. I’ll admit, I kind of tuned out, figuring the guy to be nothing more than another lucky blowhard.

But, I did perform a little research (read: I glanced at Ghostzapper’s past performances), just in case he knew what he was talking about. Ghostzapper only raced 11 times; twice as a 2-year-old, and was mainly considered a sprinter as a 3-year-old. He didn’t even compete beyond 7 furlongs until he was a 4-year-old, when he dominated the Iselin Handicap at Monmouth, against 4 other horses in the slop, if I recall correctly. And yes he won the 2004 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Lone Star, yet he wired the field - not exactly the style exhibited by Stately Victor in the Blue Grass.

Time out to scratch our heads and ponder ...

Stately Victor has already raced 8 times, with his campaign directed mainly at routes on either the turf or synthetic surface. His two routes on dirt don’t exactly knock your socks off. However, as Monsignor Steve Haskin wrote in his April 19th edition of his Derby Dozen,

... any horse who runs as well as he did on two occasions at Saratoga, on dirt and grass, has got to be legitimate. Other than his allowance at Churchill, after which he was very ill, and his return race after a three-month absence, he hasn’t shown any indication he won’t run well on dirt.

Hmm.

So, a little help here – I’m not exactly seeing a whole basketful of similarities between Ghostzapper and Stately Victor, just some intriguing speculation. Something like, “Since Ghostzapper was capable of dominating sprint, middle, and classic distances, we can extrapolate the potential that should have Ghostzapper ran routes and Triple Crown races as a 3-year-old, he would have most certainly dominated. And furthermore, had he attempted to run on either turf or synthetic surface he would have languished and have most certainly ended up a pony at Fonner Park.” Ah, a most plausible explanation for making Stately Victor a Derby favorite ... at some pretty long odds.

But didn’t you like that stretch run in the Blue Grass? And don’t you think Ghostzapper was pretty darn good? And isn’t all that speculation worth a few bucks on Derby Day?

In the meantime, the TBA and all of their really smart friends are posting their morning line for the Kentucky Derby starting field. It’s noteworthy that yours truly will abstain from this little exercise because it’s my little way of letting Mike Battaglia know that his job is quite safe from me. It requires way too much speculation, extrapolation, ingenuity, and vodka martinis to assign odds on the Derby field. Plus, I don't want anyone to make fun of me.

Celebrate Secretaries!

2010-04-21T09:12:00.004-05:00

Today is National ~~Secretaries~~ Administrative Professionals Day. And look who showed up among Alyson Ward's salute to famous secretaries:

Finest moment: In 1973, Secretariat won the U.S. Triple Crown, winning the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. And the famous name Secretariat? It was suggested by the secretary at Meadow Stable, where the horse was born. [Star-Telegram]

Haunted by Kela

2010-04-20T10:02:00.008-05:00

Six years ago, a Southern California invader named Kela shipped into Lone Star Park to race in the Texas Mile (gr. III). I recall that the turf writer for the local Dallas rag was quite smitten with Kela and proclaimed him a cinch to win the race.

Now at the time, I was new and pitifully naïve to horse racing; I could, I think, name three horses (Smarty Jones, Funny Cide, and Seattle Slew - I warned you it was pitiful!) so the significance of Kela was lost on me. For all I knew, "Kela" could’ve been the name of the Viking ship that Leif Eriksson used on one of his great explorations.

Leif: Men! We shall set forth tomorrow aboard Kela in our quest to discover Greenland! Smorgasbord will be served on the Lido deck at 1:00!

So, Kela shipped in and on that miserable rainy Saturday afternoon, charged down the sloppy track and won the race by 5 lengths. That race made a strong impression, so much so that when Kela returned to Lone Star Park later in the year to race in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, I confidently included him in my exacta with Speightstown and declared myself a handicapping genius.

Anyway, last week Gary West posted a brief story about a very promising – and speedy – 2-year-old, Aces N Kings. It’s only the middle of April and I gleaned from the Professor’s observations that one should “take note.” The juvenile race lured me out to the racetrack on Friday night; that, and the dollar beer.

After bobbling the start and bumping around like a typical 2-year-old, Aces N Kings “drew off under steady urging”, completing the 4 ½ furlongs in 52.78, winning by 6 lengths.

Dreams and possibilities swirl around juvenile races – are we witness to the start of something special? Future champions? Next year’s Derby winner? Is Aces N Kings – a Texas-bred sired by a teaser – on a path to be a champion sprinter? Could this be the name included in my exacta in the 2011 or 2012 Breeders’ Cup Sprint?

And since I'm busy asking all these questions, here's one more: Will I ever take a decent picture of a horse in the Winner's Circle??

Get Hip! Lone Star Park Opens Its 14th Season

2010-04-08T23:21:00.013-05:00

Lone Star Park opened its 14th season this evening and, it appears, it will be MEC’s swan song in Texas horse racing. Last week, Global Gaming submitted its application to the Texas Racing Commission to acquire the ownership license of Lone Star. Global Gaming isn’t the owners yet. But, if I may be so boldly optimistic, I was under the distinct impression this evening that the current Lone Star’s team is putting a little more effort into its final furlong.

According to reports, there’s to be a kiosk to assist newcomers to horse racing. And dollar beer - $1 Beer! - specials on Friday nights’ Party in the Park. And they hired an “entertainment host”, Ali Dee – she’s cute and perky and her mission is to make it “hip” to be seen at Party in the Park. And they have a cool line up of bands. And there’s 60 days of horse racing, replete with the Lone Star Derby, Lone Star Millions, and two days of fireworks extravaganza for the 4th of July!

Well, this evening I didn’t find any kiosk for newbies but I did run into Drew Shubeck, the President, General Manager, and Best Dressed Executive of Lone Star Park. He in turn, kindly introduced me to his equally dapper companion, Michael Chang of Global Gaming. At that moment, I was happy about three things:

I was not drinking
Drew Shubeck thinks that lil’ ol’ blogger me is worthy of an introduction
I did not use the words “nit wit” and “Frank Stronach” together in a sentence

Anyway, we all had a pleasant albeit brief conversation – Drew Shubeck appreciated the fact that I wrote complimentary things about Lone Star’s bathrooms, and Michael Chang announced that he would be at Oaklawn for the Apple Blossom (“I have a ticket!”).

I also ran into Gary West as he was making his opening day rounds throughout the facility. We both rather groused about the state of Texas racing, lamenting that there had been a wonderful opportunity to do something to captivate North Texas after the track hosted the 2004 Breeders’ Cup. But alas ...

Oh, and I ran into Railbird Roy, who I hadn’t seen all winter. His prediction is trainer Bret Calhoun will win the Training title this year as he’s been putting out some speedy critters.

Traditionally, the first race of the meet is the Premiere Stakes for Texas-breds. The race was won by the talented 3-year-old gelding, Coyote Legend, trained by Bret Calhoun. Coyote Legend had won his last three previous races, most recently the Jim's Orbit Stakes at Sam Houston. And it was fitting to see the Scharbauer silks in the Winner’s Circle at the beginning of the meet.

I'm giddy and optimistic, regardless of the woes that face this region. Be it sagging purses or impending changes in ownership, it's time to get hip to Texas horse racing.

Ummm ... I Gotta Question??

2010-04-01T09:06:00.004-05:00

Oaklawn's unique Information Desk in the grandstand - how can you not like it??

No Rachel? No Problem! Your Preview to Oaklawn Park.

2010-03-29T23:42:00.008-05:00

There are many of you out there, delicately fingering your highly coveted tickets dated April 3 and/or 9, momentarily giddy with the thought that you were soooo close to being there - at the Race for the Ages. And now your hapless soul dwells in the musty cellar of despair, especially if you purchased the tickets on eBay for an absurd sum of cash.

So Rachel Alexandra is not going to Oaklawn to race against Zenyatta in the Apple Blossom (gr. 1), and now you’re tempted to shred your tickets into itty-bitty pieces. But wait! You should go! You should go because, let’s face it, it’s all about horse racing!

And in the spirit of many great explorers, like Lewis and Clark and Sacagawea and her two whiny papooses (“Are we there yet?”), I ventured deep into the Ouachita wilderness to go on an Oaklawn Park reconnaissance mission.

The adventure begins last week Friday at the Boll Weevil Pawn Shop and Superstore at the corner of Central Ave and Woodlawn in Hot Springs, situated across the street from the racetrack. No, I was not securing wagering funds but rather I was parking my car. And it cost me $10 to park in their lot. I just about coughed up a hairball. This required some investigation, so I interrogated the friendly neighborhood Boll Weevil Pawn Shop clerk. The clerk informed me that parking is roughly $10 at the local businesses on race days, however the prices increases to $20 on Saturdays and Sundays. And on Arkansas Derby Day?? You’re looking at parking prices ranging $40 to upwards of $100 to park (cough). Rumor has it that some guy opens a snow cone stand along Central Ave during racing season and funds his retirement with the parking fees.

By the way, there is a parking lot associated with the racetrack and according to Mr. Boll Weevil Pawn Shop clerk it costs $2 to park – but only if you are a season ticket holder. And even then on Arkansas Derby Day they're out of luck as the whole parking lot is reserved for employees.

Entry into the racetrack was exceptionally reasonable at a couple of dollars for general admission. When we first entered the grandstand, my eight-year-old daughter made a very keen observation: “This place smells!” Of course, she would be referring to the saddling paddock that is actually situated inside of the grandstand by the main entry. There’s not a whole lot of elbow room for a multitude of horseplayers to observe the horses in the paddock, and there doesn’t appear to be any kind of walking ring at the facility. So rest assured, if Rachel Alexandra had been racing next week, you probably wouldn’t have been able to see her in the saddling paddock anyway.

It was a gorgeous sunny Friday afternoon for our racetrack adventure so we naively believed that we could enjoy the races lounging on the apron, enjoying the warm sunshine. I was informed that there were “concrete benches” outside, available first come first serve. It should be noted that most people in the English-speaking world would refer to these “concrete benches” as “steps”. At first I was rather shocked that Oaklawn would not have actual benches or outside seating, but then it struck me – racing is from January through the beginning of April, and who the heck is going to sit around outside during the winter? That said, one can easily mill about the lower floor of the grandstand – outside to inside to the mutuels to the snack bar. And the mutuel clerks – there are plenty of clerks - were friendly and very efficient.

The grandstand itself is peppered with lot of racing paraphernalia and photos, most notably some very clever horse racing cartoon murals adorning many walls. Surprisingly, box seats are not very exotic; they’re placed throughout the upper floors of the grandstand in a variety of locations. Come to think of it, I don’t recall that they even had their own TV monitors like I’ve seen at other racetracks. They’re just comprised of a few plain ol’ chairs in a box.

Ladies: Beware of Potty Parity! Admittedly, I have been spoiled at Lone Star Park as there is always plenty of bathroom stalls, and the restrooms are clean and well maintained during live racing. Anyway, the Ladies’ room at Oaklawn Park has 4 to 5 stalls each, and I was rather disgusted as to its condition by the 8th race. And this was on a day with an attendance of 8000 people!

So perhaps from my little expedition you gleaned that parking may not be so ample or affordable, outside seating is rather lacking, and it may behoove you to refrain from imbibing an excessive amount of liquid refreshment, but the facts remain that Hot Springs embraces horse racing and Oaklawn Park makes a remarkable effort to have an exciting meet.

And here’s a bonus: After a hard day at the racetrack, there are plenty of places to go for a nice long hot bath!

Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta, and Swirling Television Logic

2010-03-12T11:56:00.005-06:00

Alice has to buy a school lunch today.

Truthfully, I never got around to buying any bread (or cereal for that matter so I’m not exactly sure what she ate for breakfast) because yesterday I was called into the lab to do some stem cell analysis for a couple of impending transplants only to have instrument problems that took more time to troubleshoot than Avatar and when I was finally done with my work my husband sent me a text, saying he had caught an earlier flight and he was waiting outside terminal C and could I pick him up, and when I got him back to the house my daughter Sophie desperately pleaded for me to wash her gym clothes for the next day and that we also needed to dash over to Mr. E.’s Music because she broke her last clarinet reed and she was scheduled to play in an ensemble contest the next day, all the while as Alice recorded Scooby Doo and the Ghoul School as well as other assorted cartoons with the DVR which, in turn, automatically deleted my last two episodes of The Mentalist that I had never got around to watch.

My point: I don’t have time to watch TV.

The Odds On Intermittent blogger astutely remarked that horse racing fans will be excitedly watching the races of Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta, but who else will be watching?

I am mystified as to why none of the major networks deemed these races worthy to broadcast. Where are our marketing representatives those who claim to promote and market the sport?

Did they fight to get these races televised to a national audience?

Frankly, I’m not sure major networks really know how to broadcast horse racing. As a biased multitasking racing fan, sure, I can sit in the simulcast parlor and observe an array of television screens with varying racetracks, horses, racing conditions, and time zones. Okay, Tampa Bay Derby at 4:30 [Central time], Fair Grounds at 5:15, quick flip to Santa Anita at 5:36, and quickly get back over to Oaklawn for the Rebel for its 5:47 post time. Hopefully, I won’t have to go to the bathroom.

It would be a network meltdown.

For example, take the Kentucky Derby broadcast. It drives me nuts. I’ve watched it - once. It’s a two hour broadcast with stories and vignettes and celebrities and Mint Julep concoctions and the words of "My Old Kentucky Home" scrolled along the bottom of the TV screen for those of us who want to sing along at home, when instead we should be mowing the yard. I can’t recall if the broadcast showed any Derby prep races – maybe just snippets – but I clearly remember there was no broadcast of the undercard. 2 hours of schtick for a 2 minute race. I could’ve been washing my car.

Personally, I believe there should be a way to effectively broadcast horse racing in a concise and entertaining way. The Take Back Saturday mantra as touted by Aspiring Kevin seems like an interesting and doable model; the Triple Crown prep races being a good place to start. If live racing proves unfeasible, what of a weekly recap show hosted by an entertaining and informative broadcast ensemble? Maybe hire Charles Barkley?

Anyway, I’ll be at the racetrack watching the much anticipated seasonal debuts of Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta. And, admittedly, maybe I would have more time to watch TV if I didn't spend my Saturday afternoons at the racetrack. But the only way I can watch horse races I have to be at the track because racing's not on TV. Well ... what sort of logic are you expecting from someone who can't remember to buy a loaf of bread?

Extra Recess Time Spent at the Racetrack

2010-03-05T08:50:00.011-06:00

The other day, I received my little monthly flyer from Lone Star Park. I always enjoy taking a few moments of perusing through the leaflet, scouting for deals and freebies that are dappled amongst the upcoming simulcast stakes races. When it comes to free admission, free race programs, or even a free cup of coffee, I’m on board. I mean, who doesn’t like freebies? So when I noted a Spin the Wheel! promotion for a chance to win various prizes on Customer Appreciation Day, I became positively giddy!

Spin the wheel for your chance to win great prizes such as free wagers, free programs, food, and more!

What a deal!

I was slightly puzzled that the announcement didn’t indicate "free" food, the word “food” being rather vague. Maybe it would be free quesadillas? Or a free hot dog or hamburger? Or maybe just a voucher for a free meal at the Homestretch Grill? I glanced at the picture of the prize wheel on the flyer. It’s probably indicated on there, I thought. A closer inspection of the prize wheel was required.

Well, racing fans, here’s some freebies to get excited about. And I’m not making any of this up:

Additional prizes featured are Art Project, Extra Music Time, Movie Time, Special Snack (that’s the “food” part, obviously), and the highly sought after Prize Box Pick which undoubtedly holds the coveted “free wagers”.

Of course, there is an upside to spinning the prize wheel:

Each player who spins the wheel will automatically be entered to win Reserved Seats for two (2) people to see Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta compete in the $5 Million Apple Blossom Invitational at Oaklawn on Friday, April 9! Also included are overnight accomodations and $500 spending cash! *Complete rules at LoneStarPark.com.

That's better than Extra Recess Time.

Much Ado About Apple Blossom Tickets

2010-02-18T00:29:00.005-06:00

Bubbajoe is mad. He’s feeling ripped-off.

Bubbajoe has purchased a dozen tickets for an exciting day at the races at Oaklawn [Racing and Gaming] Park. But instead of being giddy with anticipation, he’s infuriated.

Bubbajoe purchased tickets with expectations to see the Apple Blossom (gr. 1) ... on April 3.

Of course, the Apple Blossom has been pushed back six days in an effort to accommodate Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta, and it is now scheduled to be run Friday, April 9. Tickets purchased for April 3 will not be honored on April 9 nor will they be refunded.

And Bubbejoe is not alone.

I’ve seen numerous comments throughout blogs and message boards written by folks that snapped up tickets for an April 3 Apple Blossom, with hopes of watching the much-anticipated showdown between Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta, only to feel cheated when the race was moved to a different day.

I feel bad for Bubbajoe and all the other individuals that are feeling duped and disappointed. If I were one of those individuals, I’d gripe and protest and hope for some kind of compensation, even though the fine print on the tickets probably simply reads, No refunds. No exchanges. All sales final.

Being the concerned horse racing fan and semi-diligent blogger, I contacted Oaklawn's General Manager, Eric Jackson, and expressed my concern about the ticketing flap regarding the Apple Blossom. What was Oaklawn’s perspective? And would there be some type of “horse racing consolation” for April 3 ticketholders, like really great racing and/or cheap beer?

Mr. Jackson responded with very sound reasoning,

We have been selling seats for the 2010 season since November 1. The primary stakes planned for that particular Saturday (April 3) is always the Oaklawn Handicap. Normally, the Apple Blossom is the undercard stakes (and has not always been run on that day). The majority of seats that weekend were sold well before there was any thought that Zenyatta and Rachel might hook up. In fact, Zenyatta was "retired" until mid-January.

In order to get both those horses in a race, we had to create a new race on a new date. We moved it to our closing weekend to accommodate the two stars. Unfortunately, that is our Arkansas Derby weekend, which has essentially been sold out since late 2009.

So if you have tickets for April 3, Mr. Jackson assures you that Oaklawn “will have excellent racing with the Oaklawn Handicap being our big race that day.” No word on beer specials.

And for April 9 ticketholders, he says they hope to have Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra there but shares this warning: “There are no guarantees that both stars will be here.”

Homecoming Revisited

2010-02-12T18:07:00.003-06:00

Way back in 1979, I eagerly looked forward to my high school’s homecoming dance. I was absolutely positively sure that this boy I adored, ‘Dwight’, was going to ask me to the dance. Well, ‘Dwight’ asked ‘Hillary’ to the dance. So instead I eagerly looked forward to my Homecoming Emergency Back-Up Plan which consisted of consuming a bag of Doritos, a pint of ice cream, and watching The Love Boat, all the while feeling sorry for myself and seething over the imagery of ‘Dwight’ dancing with ‘Hillary’ - secretly hoping that ‘Hillary’ would break her ankle or upchuck all over ‘Dwight’.

As it turns out, I didn’t even get to revel in the glories of my Homecoming Emergency Back-Up Plan because I got horrifically sick with the flu that weekend. Doritos and ‘Dwight’ never crossed my mind; I’m pretty sure that my fever-ravaged body only demanded some sort of relief, like death.

Anyway, there is a point: You can circle a date on a calendar for some greatly anticipated event but sometimes unforeseen circumstances beyond your control can muck it all up and the much ballyhooed said event turns into a big bowl of nothingness.

Horse racing fans have made it abundantly clear they have a burning desire to see 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra take on the undefeated Zenyatta. Or Champion Older Mare / 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Zenyatta take on that upstart punk Rachel Alexandra, depending on your point of view. Regardless, Mr. Oaklawn, Charles Cella, in a humongous humanitarian effort to make this race possible, whipped out a big fat purse and circled a new date on the calendar for the Apple Blossom Invitational Handicap (gr. 1).

So now there’s a big bowl of great anticipation and excitement along with copious amounts of skepticism, peppered with hopeful optimism that these two wonderfully talented fillies will race against each other on April 9th. And as our resident American-in-Paris trainer Ms. Rarick so astutely reminds us that “plans can change in an instant with one bad work or a little heat in a joint,” to which, I would assume, she would be referring to the horses and not Steve Asmussen.

Neither Rachel Alexandra nor Zenyatta have yet to race this year, both being targeted to race on March 13th. Is everybody all that hopped up in the excitement and big bowl of possibilities that they’re ready to take an extra day off work and pour into some little burg in the Ozarks or their local OTB? Okay, maybe not John … not surprised there.

For many, the “hot spot” is now Hot Springs, Arkansas, in early April. And, if all goes well and Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta remain healthy and happy (read: come out of their respective prep races well and have good workouts and don’t have any ‘hiccups’), this really could be a big bowl full of something.

Book Review of 'The Last Black King of the Kentucky Derby'

2010-02-03T21:35:00.006-06:00

Some time ago I was asked to read and review The Last Black King of the Kentucky Derby by Crystal Hubbard, a children's book about the life of jockey Jimmy Winkfield. It’s an excellent book and I quickly found my review resembling the back jacket of a book on the New York Times Best Seller list:

Lively and entertaining! I couldn’t put it down!

Wonderful detailed story … Ms. Hubbard weaves Wink’s exciting racing triumphs with his struggles of enduring racism, world war and exile.

Dramatic artwork …

An inspiring story of hope and dreams with important lessons about racial discrimination and injustices. But let’s face it, although it is a lively and entertaining detailed story with dramatic artwork, it’s a book that’s written for children and belongs in an elementary school library. So my opinion means squat.

Conveniently, my daughter, Alice, is in 2nd grade. Not only is she a voracious reader – Ramona the Brave by Beverly Cleary is currently on her bedside table – but she’s also my occasional companion at the racetrack, so she has a basic understanding of horse racing, albeit she’s kind of clueless about the prominence of the Kentucky Derby.

Nonetheless, I asked Alice to read and review The Last Black King of the Kentucky Derby. I merely transcribed and edited her review, answered a few questions, and made popcorn.

* * * * *

My Book Review of The Last Black King of the Kentucky Derby

By Alice

(Age 8)

This book is really really good. I give it two thumbs up. I like going to the racetrack with Mom but she says that the Kentucky Derby is not at Lone Star Park and that I will never see the race in my lifetime because it costs more that our trip to Walt Disneyworld and Mom says I would have to marry a millionaire. If Hudson becomes a millionaire I could marry him when I grow up and go to the Kentucky Derby! Also, I think that Hudson would like this book because he is smart. He also likes horses, I think. And cats, too.

In the story, Jimmy Winkfield is a jockey and he’s a good jockey. But I guess people don’t like him because he’s black. “Racial conflicts,” it says in the book. I don’t understand it. I mean, President Obama is black. So’s my friend, Alexis. Everybody likes them and they’re good people.

Anyway, Jimmy Winkfield – they call him Wink, for short – won two Kentucky Derbies in a row in 1901 and 1902. That was a long time ago, even before my Mom and Dad were born. The horses’ names were His Eminence and Alan-a-Dale. The next year he wanted to win another race but he came in second. Then he moved to Russia.

It is a good book and I will bring it to my teacher, Mrs. Lewis, and maybe she will read it to our class.

* * * * *

Mom says: This book provides a wonderful opportunity for young children to learn about horse racing as well the struggles endured by African-Americans; it certainly opened up some serious discussions with my own child. And more importantly, it teaches that you can achieve your dreams.

Rachel Alexandra Memorabilia Benefits Rescue Organization and Adds Panache to Living Room

2010-01-27T12:24:00.010-06:00

A little over a year ago, trainer Donna Keen got it into her head that she wanted to rescue ex-racehorses. Before you knew it, she filed her 501c3 papers, established Remember Me Rescue, and began assembling a collection of horses that needed some TLC, retraining, and happy homes. And in its first year, her little rescue operation that she runs with her husband, trainer Dallas Keen, has placed 36 horses.

And to think I can’t even give away a guinea pig.

Anyway, taking care of horses isn’t cheap. Many times Donna and Dallas stretch themselves financially. “We actually go in the hole about $[a lot] a month, (Dallas would flip if he knew so shhhh, lol),” Donna informed me. Since deficit spending is undesirable, unless of course, you’re the government, Donna and Dallas depend on grants, gifts and donations to keep the rescue operation going. And sometimes, it requires a little fundraising creativity.

Recently Steve Asmussen and Jess Jackson donated 2009 HOTY Rachel Alexandra’s stable halter to Remember Me Rescue and, right this very minute and throughout the month of February, Donna is auctioning this piece of memorabilia – history! – in an effort to raise funds necessary to build a new rehabilitation barn. The halter is enclosed in a shadow box that features the autographs of Steve Asmussen and jockey Calvin Borel, along with a plaque heralding 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra.

Of course, when I saw this item the other day, I immediately went to work around the house in attempt to scrounge up some money; rifling through drawers, old purses, not-so secret stashes of “mad” money. It’s a tremendous collectible and the proceeds go for a good cause. My husband didn’t exactly share my enthusiasm.

“Where are you going to put it?” he asked.

I shrugged. “Somewhere.”

“How about with your copy of To Kill a Mockingbird?”

Now those are fighting words in this house because any time he wants to poke me with a stick about money and auctions and collectibles he makes some snide remark about my book To Kill a Mockingbird that is autographed by my favorite actor of all time, Gregory Peck, who you may or may not know, won an Academy Award for Best Actor for the role of Atticus Finch, and I drove all the way to some auction in Norman, Oklahoma, just to buy it and my winning bid was for this coveted piece of memorabilia was a rather ridiculous $350. And the book has been stashed away in some storage box for the past 15 years. But I digress.

Nevertheless, this is not some flimsy paperback book. This is a halter worn by a horse that has carved her name into history, encased in a shadow box for proud display! And it would certainly look stunning up our living room!

Most of all, the money goes to a wonderful cause that horse racing fans can certainly appreciate.

For more information, visit Remember Me Rescue or Donna's blog. She also has more photos of the item on Facebook.

Quest for a Derby List

2010-01-26T11:04:00.008-06:00

The situation has become grave.

Three weeks into the new year and I have yet to assemble the beginnings of a list of my potential Derby hopefuls.

In an attempt to rectify the situation without the aid of plagiarizing Steve Haskin, I went to the racetrack on Saturday, figuring that the Holy Bull and the Lecomte Stakes would be an excellent place to discover additions for my Derby contender list.

Now, it’s been a little while since I’ve spent an afternoon enjoying the fineries of simulcast action and socializing with my racing brethren; horse racing hasn’t been receiving my utmost attention due to many other distractions, such as my family and work and NBC’s Leno/O’Brien late night TV debacle. However, I easily slipped back into the happy routine of handicapping races, placing simple bets, and shredding losing tickets. Okay, I cashed in a few winners, too. And one of those winners is now a prominent feature on my Derby watch: Winslow Homer.

Winslow Homer, winner of the Holy Bull (gr. III), has a smorgasbord of features in his past performances that I found attractive: trainer Anthony Dutrow, sire Unbridled’s Song, a January colt, raced at three different tracks breaking his maiden at Saratoga, winning his last race by 12 lengths at Philly which provides the sentimental angle of Thinkin’ About Smarty Jones. Jockey Ramon Dominguez is a plus, although he can make me a little nervous at times – that’s the Thinkin’ About Scrappy T Tripping Afleet Alex angle, even though I hit that exacta, too. And then there’s his name: Winslow Homer. I mean, who doesn’t like Homer?

I’m almost prepared to place the Holy Bull runner-up, Jackson Bend, on my Derby contender list. He’s dominated his competition at Calder Casino & Race Course and he certainly was no slouch on Saturday afternoon. It’s just the whole Nick Zito trainer angle; I’ve been disappointed on a number of occasions. And I’m still holding a grudge against Birdstone. See sentimental angle listed in previous paragraph.

As for the the Lecomte Stakes (gr. III), I’m not exactly ready to toss back some ouzo and shout “Opa!” Ron the Greek had a tremendous stretch run – what’s not to love about that? But I had a tough time sizing up the field.

"The Lecomte is a race where everybody wants to see what they have, us included."
-Tom Amoss, trainer of Ron the Greek [Times-Picayune]

Let’s see how the Risen Star goes next month before I decide to jump on this μόδα.

And finally, it was the 9th race at Oaklawn Racing and Gaming – a little 6 furlongs allowance optional claiming affair - that elicited a “worth watching” notation. Backwater Blues (Dixieland Band) trained by Mrs.-Larry-Jones-but-please-call-me-Cindy-Jones-because-I-call-the-shots-around-here-now won over a sloppy track, defeating the highly touted Moojab. In this new decade of considering lightly raced 3-year-olds as Kentucky Derby prospects, perhaps Backwater Blues is not wholly improbable.

So my list of Derby hopefuls is officially underway. The Kentucky Derby Countdown Clock displays only 95 more days. Plenty of time to go to the track.

Confessions of a Horseracingaholic

2009-12-31T09:17:00.004-06:00

Clearly, December is my unofficial off-season for horse racing. I went to the racetrack once, placing two pitiful wagers - one successful. Daily briefings from Paulick, the Form, and the multitude of horse racing blogs dwindled to occasional visits a couple of times each week, generating mild interest. Even Gary West's detailed Eclipse Ballot dissertations only received modest attention. (Sorry Professor. But on a happier note I really enjoyed your feature on TCU Horned Frog fever sweeping through Rome! Molto divertente!)

Actually, the closest thing to horse racing I experienced was taking my daughters to see Walt Disney's The Princess and the Frog - Ray the firefly sounds exactly like Calvin Borel. Kinda looks like him, too.

Anyway, the new year always brings hope and invigorates the horse racing soul. The smattering of 2-year-olds on a 2009 horse watch list - Lookin at Lucky, Caracortado, Evening Jewel - become a starter kit for Derby prospects. Gulfstream opens January 3, giving rise to a new season of Thoroughbred competition in sunny Florida where old-timers reminisce about the old grandstand while others take [continued] pot-shots at Frank Stronach. A short two weeks later, the Oaklawn meet gets underway, where many savor the memories of the racing campaigns of recent greats, Smarty Jones and Afleet Alex. Will another champion race through Hot Springs this year?

Derby prospects will grow. Lively discussions among fans and bettors will ensnare me. I'll begin to squirrel away a few extra dollars from my paycheck, contemplating wagering possibilities. Announced visits to the racetrack become more frequent, all the while covert trips - "Honey, I'm going to dash out and do a couple of errands!" - become routine. And before you know it, it's April and Lone Star Park will start it's 2010 Spring Thoroughbred Meet, and my family will be relegated to wearing dirty underwear because I simply don't have time to do laundry much less pack school lunches and ensure homework is done and whether the kids took a bath or not because we have a pool and they can just go swimming for cryin' out loud and wouldn't they be clean enough? I mean, it's not like we have an audience with the Pope or anything like that.

Yes, this horse racing fan is anticipating a new season, a new year.

Happy New Year!

Rachel Alexandra A Welcome Guest at Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T17:58:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, Rachel Alexandra arrived at my home.

Of course, I'm referring to the delivery of Kendall-Jackson's limited bottling of wine that "commemorates the 2009 racing campaign of Rachel Alexandra, the extraordinary horse who inspired millions."

The Pinot Noir, Vintage 2007, has the following flavor profile,

Dark ruby in color with crisp minerality. The wine explodes with flavors of black cherry, fresh strawberry and cola. Oak aging imparts notes of smoke and spice along with earth in the nose. The soft, sensuous tannins round out the velvety finish. Enjoy now or cellar for five years.

Aaah, a delightful compliment for my ~~Roasted Rosemary Turkey~~ ~~Pumpkin Pie~~ ... what the heck goes with Pinot Noir anyway?

Filet mignon with peppercorn, seared ahi, roasted tomatoes, crème brulée ... none of which is on the Thanksgiving menu. Anyway, I probably wouldn't share it with my husband - he wouldn't know Pinot Noir from Presto Wine.

Of historical significance, I once wrote that I thought Rachel Alexandra would be a good name for a wine, although I think I used the technical jargon '"special label" wine-vintage-thingie.' Now it would be presumptuous to believe that my blithe comment influenced Mr. Jackson and Kendall-Jackson Winery, however I once remarked to my husband that there should be a new updated version of Star Trek ... maybe that too, will happen one day.

And an additional bit of information, especially to a Railbird commenter, regarding Mr. Jackson's Curlin wine: According to an email I received from Carolyn Coryelle, Direct Sales Manager, "The Curlin wine label was used only for the Breeder's Cup and we don't sell that."

Regardless of whether I enjoy Rachel Alexandra tomorrow or I cellar it for five years, I am thankful for all the blessings in my life. And may you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Coming Soon to a Casino Near You - The Kentucky Derby!

2009-11-17T22:02:00.004-06:00

Last week, Churchill Downs Inc. and their new buddies, Aristocrat Technologies entered into a licensing agreement to create the world’s first Kentucky Derby slot machine because the Two Greatest Minutes in Sports isn’t long enough. And it’s only run once each year. And it’s in Kentucky, of all places!

So now the Kentucky Derby brand is considered “a new compelling entertainment product”, just in case you were finding the Kentucky Derby to be an old drudgery.

Of interest, the press release wove in some of the Derby's rich history,

Ever since Oliver Lewis rode Aristides to victory in the Kentucky Derby's first run in 1875, the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs has been the most prestigious and thrilling horse racing event in the world, and now its excitement and tradition will be captured in Aristocrat's new Kentucky Derby™ RFX™ stepper slot game.

Frankly, I'm sure there are numerous slot players out there who find that historical tidbit fascinating and significant.

Slot Player 1: What's Aristides?
Slot Player 2: Cheap bourbon. Now quit bothering me, I need to concentrate.

The new Kentucky Derby™ slot machine is currently making its premiere at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas. It is to be launched prior to the 136th Kentucky Derby in May 2010.

Dark Day

2009-11-16T21:54:00.006-06:00

To An Athlete Dying Young

This morning, trainer Bobby Frankel died from "complications of lymphoma" or "complications of leukemia", depending on the source. In the real world (read: not horse racing), I deal with them both on a daily basis. And I'm sad.

I didn't know Bobby Frankel. I never met Bobby Frankel. The closest I ever got to Bobby Frankel was when Ghostzapper won the 2004 Breeders' Cup Classic in my backyard, at Lone Star Park in 2004. He was probably meandering somewhere around the Winner's Circle while I was busy trying to cash in my winning trifecta and get one last beer before I would have to stand in line for another "potty break" before driving home.

His horses would win for me. How many times would I see, 'Frankel, Robert' listed as the trainer and say to myself, "That's good enough for me!"

There has been numerous tributes to Bobby Frankel throughout the internet. Amidst all the condolences on his Facebook Wall, Beverly Kenney indicates,

Bobby Frankel requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Old Friends Retirement Home, the Grayson Foundation, and CANTER, an organization to find homes for retired horses.

It should be noted that Beverly Kenney "only shares certain information with everyone" (read: I cannot verify Bobby Frankel final wishes ... but it's a GREAT idea anyway, so if you want to do something to honor Bobby Frankel's memory, that's a pretty good start: Old Friends, Grayson Foundation, and CANTER. And while I'm am it, I'll toss in my personal favorite organization, Remember Me Rescue).

Rest in peace, Bobby Frankel; 68 was too young ... my good ol' Irish grandma lived to be 100 ... you were too young, Bobby ....

_______________________

Ghostzapper photo credit: Paul Thompson, Flikr ... Fantastic photo!

Zenyatta Wins the Classic: A Tale of Swoons, Votes, and a Turf Writer's Really Full Email Inbox

2009-11-12T18:05:00.012-06:00

Zenyatta.

The shouts. The cheers. The thrills she provided when she won the Breeders' Cup Classic were immeasurable amidst the sea of horse racing humanity where I was enjoying the races. She brought a rousing finale to the day's festivities and a remarkable conclusion to her perfect career. Euphoria and adulation were freely available to the faithful as she stood in the Winner's Circle at Santa Anita.

So imagine my surprise when I cracked open the Sunday edition of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and right next to Tony Romo (so you know it's important), I read,

Zenyatta ... winner of the Breeders' Cup Classic, but the debate over Horse of the Year isn't settled

Uh oh.

Gary West is gonna get a lot of mail.

Sure enough, his Sunday column, "It was Zenyatta's Day, Not Her Year", prompted some mail. Apparently, so much so that he had to respond via his blog, West Points. Now the Professor doesn't seem to be much of a rabble rouser, but he sure stirred up a bit of ire regarding Horse of the Year because of his astute and unwavering support of Rachel Alexandra's campaign, and opining that Zenyatta's win in the Classic, although "scintillating", it was "not a strong Classic field."

Talk about deflating.

Okay, I'm not a person with strong opinions. And I certainly don't have a vote for Horse of the Year. But somehow, to shrug off a perfect - perfect! 14 wins in 14 starts! - deserves something a little more special than just the Eclipse for Champion Older Female and a bale of hay. But as I said, I don't get to vote, just swoon.

As fellow swooner Tom Goncharoff commented on Gary's blog,

What Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta both accomplished this year was amazing and provided a much needed shot in the arm for a sport I love and make my living at. It's refreshing after such a great Breeders Cup to not have to make excuses for horse racing.

Let's give Horse of the Year to the both of them - they deserve it.

At this swooning moment, that idea sounds mighty good.

Regardless, Zenyatta's win - and her career - provided a much needed reminder how exciting and captivating horse racing can be. Is there an Eclipse Award for that?

2009 Breeders' Cup Selections

2009-11-05T13:01:00.009-06:00

Live! From the beautiful patio of Rio Mambo Mexican Restaurant - home of the World Class Quesadillas and the Margarita Stimulus Package - it's Post Parade's Third Annual Magic Beer Bottle Breeders' Cup Selection. This year's featured Breeders' Cup Magic Beer Bottle is Dos Equis, the official beer of the Breeders' Cup.

"Good luck, and Stay Thirsty, my friends."
-the Most Interesting Man in the World

Once again, I will post my selections for each of the Breeders' Cup races; selections that utilized extensive handicapping and research and a couple Dos Equis. Additionally, Magic Beer Bottle selections are also posted. Last year proved to be a tough one for both me and the Magic Beer Bottle. Hopes are higher this year to cash in a few more winners.

2009 Breeders’ Cup Selections

	Sue	Magic Beer Bottle
Marathon	Mastery	Cloudy's Knight
Juvenile Fillies Turf	Lillie Langtry	Lisa's Kitten
Juvenile Fillies	Beautician	Always a Princess
Filly & Mare Turf	Midday	Forever Together
Filly & Mare Sprint	Ventura	Sara Louise
Ladies Classic	Careless Jewel	Rainbow View
Juvenile Turf	Pounced	Codoy
Turf Sprint	Gotta Have Her	Diamondrella
Sprint	Gayego	Capt. Candyman Can
Juvenile	Aikenite	Noble's Promise
Mile	Goldikova	Goldikova
Dirt Mile	Mastercraftsman	Midshipman
Turf	Conduit	Presious Passion
Classic	Zenyatta*	Einstein

*Sentimental selection. There's nothing more I'd like than to see her in the Winner's Circle. Of note: Twice Over (ML 20-1) is very appealing and will be included in exactas.

Be sure to stop by the TBA homepage as TBA members and various Twitter-folk have posted their selections for the 2009 Breeders' Cup. Good luck, and Stay Thirsty!

2009 Breeders' Cup: Not Just a Plain Ol' Doughnut

2009-11-02T23:13:00.003-06:00

'Twas a fortnight ago that the pedantic Valerie - respected member of academia, author of blogs Foolish Pleasure, Fillies First, NTRA's BC Fillies & Mare Turf Sprint, and in her spare time is Martha Stewart - swiftly scribed a brief list of horses that would not be participating in the 2009 Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita, all the while hot-gluing birdseed and acorns onto festive fall napkin rings that are sure to add a touch of glamour to any Thanksgiving table.

Of course, I jest. As everyone knows, birdseed decorum on the Thanksgiving table would be highly inappropriate. What if the birdseed came off the napkin rings and fell in the gravy?? How gauche!

Anyway, as more and more horses were added to the list of Breeders' Cup no-shows, I became alarmed: Am I even going to recognize any of the horses competing?

Ummm ....

Zenyatta
Mine That Bird
Summer Bird
~~Indian Blessing~~

Ummm ....

Zenyatta

Oh, I already said her ...

Mercifully, Lone Star Park hosted their annual Breeders' Cup Preview Party on Saturday morning, which featured the Star-Telegram's turf writer Gary West, and track announcer John Lies. Now it's no secret that a consecutive Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita has been a burr under the Professor's saddle, but he still drummed up enthusiasm and declared it still looked like "two excellent days of racing." Or something to that effect - there was also a free continental breakfast and I was intimately involved with a couple of delicious pastries which momentarily impeded my ability to take adequate notes.

But let me share a few highlights of the seminar:

Breeders' Cup Marathon is "made for the Europeans", according to the Professor. I'm introduced to Mastery and Father Time.

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf: Another introduction to the Europeans, most notably Lillie Langtry and Junia Tepzia. At this point I'm a little concerned as I have not heard of any of these favorites, as European races - especially Italian races - are not exactly readily available on any of my local cable channels. I consider a return visit to the continental breakfast.

Filly & Mare Sprint has a couple of names I recognize, Ventura and Informed Decision. The Professor tosses out an interesting longshot, Allicansayis Wow, who in her last two starts, ran against the boys.

If Zenyatta goes to the Classic, Music Note will be favored in the Ladies Classic. However, Careless Jewel is "tenacious and dangerous, and certainly ensures a lively pace." Additionally, my second banana muffin is delicious.

In the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, Interactif appears to be "one of the best 2-year-olds and might be good enough to beat the Europeans." Meanwhile, European bookies are hot for Viscount Nelson and Pounced. It's at this point that I recall last year's winner, Donativum - whatever happened to him? Maybe I'll just wait and see which horse has jockey Frankie Dettori.

The Turf Sprint elicits this staid piece of handicapping of advice: Swing for the fences and look for bombers. The outside post has an advantage.

Goldikova will win, place, and show the TVG Breeders' Cup Mile. All other entrants should just stay in the barn.

Europeans will sweep the Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Turf. Conduit, Spanish Moon, Dar Re Mi. Any order.

Breeders' Cup Classic: Rip Can Winkle looks formidable, Colonel John looks interesting, Einstein may be overlooked, Zenyatta will be a sentimental favorite, and Travers winners are 0 for 15.

After listening to the seminar, the Breeders' Cup No-Show list no longer discourages me. It still appears to be two days of exciting horse racing. Either that, or I ate too many muffins.

Farrier Hunks Have Lots of HEART

2009-10-21T22:47:00.007-05:00

Last year a group of women concocted a scheme to raise funds for horse rescue groups. These ladies – the Swingin’ SaddleBabes – decided to publish a calendar featuring a dozen attractive men with overpowering raw sex appeal. Deciding that Chippendale Dancers were rather blasé and ho-hum, they scoured the Arizona countryside in search of a group of sensuous and seductive you-show-me-your-hooves-and-I’ll-show-you-mine enticing farriers.

The Hunks & Horses calendar, filled with pages of dreamy farriers, inspired me to create my own calendar, Hot Men of Lone Star. Sadly, my calendar endeavor never reached fruition as the vast number the sexy men frequenting the racetrack was so incredibly overwhelming that I found it impossible to select a mere dozen –

Oops! I just knocked over my glass of merlot. Be right back – need a quick refill …

Anyway, Sharon Miller of the Swingin’ SaddlesBabes recently alerted me that the 2010 Hunks & Horses calendar is now available for purchase with a percentage of the proceeds going to HEART of Tucson. Twelve months of hot horses and hot farriers as well as the return on Mr. September.

This information beckoned two very serious questions: (1) Since they managed to secure twelve local farriers for the calendar, is there a preponderance of farriers in the Santa Catalina Mountains versus other regions of the United States? And (2) Why is Mr. September’s shirt buttoned up, for cryin’ out loud?

Ms. Miller admitted that there are a large number of farriers locally since horses are a big part of southern Arizona. “We had a hard time getting farriers involved last year because it was a new project, and some of them thought we were probably wacked-out broads. “ However, the success of last year’s calendar made it easier to secure farrier hunks his year, many of the returning calendar guys being very eager to stay involved with the project. “We had a few [farriers] who contacted us and asked us if they could be in the calendar.”

And as for Mr. September, a.k.a. farrier Johnny Miller: “I didn’t even notice that we hadn’t told him to unbutton his shirt. Dang!”

All fun aside, a percentage of the calendar sales goes to HEART of Tucson, “an INCREDIBLE rescue group,” touts Sharon Miller. “They have been positively overwhelmed with horses in need. It has been constant, especially this summer. Sometimes they have been up all night with horses being brought in, or having to drive to Phoenix to pick up mares who have been pulled off the slaughter truck (by another rescue) and reunited with their babies.”

Judy Glore is the president of HEART of Tucson. Not only does she try to find homes and adopt the rescues out, she also runs a summer camp and the kids at the camp work with the rescue horses, “teaching the next generation to care for horses someone else didn’t care for.”

Additionally, HEART of Tucson started a Horse Food Bank that buys hay for horse owners that can’t afford to feed their horses yet don’t want to lose them. “It's a good way to take some of the pressure off of the rescues and help people keep their horses until they can recover economically. A number of local feed stores are cooperating in the program, but it still depends on donations,” said Ms. Miller.

The holidays are just around the corner so be sure to order your 2010 Hunks & Horses calendar today. Not only does it make for a nice stocking stuffer, it’s also for a good cause. And if you should find yourself in the vicinity of Boot Barn on November 27th, stop in and meet the farriers, SaddleBabes, and the HEART volunteers. No horseshoes required.

Sea The Stars Retired ... and I Never Got Around to Friend Him

2009-10-13T16:04:00.004-05:00

Regarding Sea The Stars, I recently wrote,

I don't want to miss out on greatness.

Oh well. I guess I did.

Friend Sea The Stars

2009-10-09T00:32:00.001-05:00

If not for my continual industrious efforts ~~writing a horse racing blog~~ reading the numerous well-written and insightful horse racing columns and blogs, I would know nothing of Sea The Stars.

Sea the Stars, an Irish-trained colt ... might just be the greatest [flat runner] of them all.
-Adam Smith, Time

SEA THE STARS put the seal on an incredible 2009 season ... that catapulted him into the pantheon of all-time great racehorses.
-Brian O’Connor, Irish Times

Sea The Stars has been hailed as one of the greatest racehorses
-Rocket News

Sea the Stars entered his name among the all-time greats
-Alan Shuback, Daily Racing Form

Sea the Stars continued his march to greatness
-Smart blogger and microbrewer, Superfecta

And wouldn’t it be great if Sea The Stars ran in the Breeders Cup? Wouldn't it be a tremendous opportunity to spotlight horse racing and grab the “casual fan”?

Well, during Sea The Stars march to intergalactic greatness, I never stumbled upon any news, articles, essays, letters to the editors, race replays, advertisements, email spam, text messages, cheers or jeers in mainstream media. No local fanfare. If Sea The Stars is the greatest racehorse since the invention of Equus caballus, shouldn’t he be a household name, like Tiger Woods?

If this notsocasual fan was so daft about that remarkable Thoroughbred who was catapulted into some kind of pantheon, how much does the "casual fan" know? I mean, would the “casual fan” even recognize Sea The Stars?

So once again, I'm required to put my scientific expertise to work.

I surveyed a sample of about a dozen individuals who might be considered “casual fan” – they’re aware of horse racing yet not highly informed about it, and they’ve heard of horses such as Seabiscuit, Secretariat, and Barbaro. A few have been to the racetrack. A small percentage of the sample affirmed that they watched the Kentucky Derby. However, all of the individuals in the sample follow sports regularly and think Manny Ramirez should get a haircut.

I asked if anyone had heard of Sea The Stars.

A couple of women thought it was some kind of fragrance or Bath and Body Works lotion. Another individual said it was the name of some cheap motel in South Padre. And another person claimed that it was astronaut Buzz Aldrin’s new children’s book, all the while providing unwarranted and unnecessary details about Buzz Aldrin's recent book signing in Fort Worth and how he thought it was really cool because he remembers watching the moon landings when he was a kid.

Anyway, nobody in the group even knew it was a horse. Please note that the sample results are somewhat skewed as the survey was conducted during a recent happy hour.

Perhaps a little social networking is in order? Sea The Stars only has 3,745 fans on Facebook. It time to friend him.

Meanwhile, I have a bunch of race replays to watch. I don't want to miss out on greatness.

Another Opportunity to Wear Your Groovy Pants

2009-09-30T11:55:00.004-05:00

Thanks to the endeavor of the ever-vigilant web-surfing staff of Paulick Report, I was alerted that Disney's upcoming movie, Secretariat, had begun filming at Keeneland with a sea of teeming movie extras adorned in their hip and stylish polyester clothes à la 1973. According to LexGo, filming at Keeneland continues today and then will move to Churchill Downs next week. "Extras are still needed for that shoot Oct. 5-9, particularly men of all ages, specialty extras such as look-alikes for '70s icons such as Isaac Hayes and Sonny and Cher."

If Kentucky is not a desirable venue for launching your movie career, Bam Casting LA is currently casting extras for Secretariat when filming moves to the boudain ball capital of the world, Lafayette, Louisiana. Want to be more than just a pretty face wearing baby blue polyester pants in a crowd? Need to broaden your thespian skills? Maybe you just want to show off your groovy wardrobe. Or fire up your highly prized '72 Vega hatchback Coupe. There's some excellent opportunities:

Also Seeking
*Experienced horse handlers and trainers
*1970’S cars, trailers, and RVs
*Photo doubles for Diane Lane, John Malkovich ...
*Hippie/Woodstock types
*Military/Police types
*Reporter/Media types

The open casting call was a couple of days ago at the Cajundome. But don't shave off your sideburns yet! You can still fill out a registration form. Filming in Lafayette is scheduled for Oct. 12 through the end of November.

Break a leg!

Intersection Still Under Construction

2009-09-25T10:59:00.003-05:00

A couple of days ago, FoolishPleasure, PhD, wrote a thoughtful post, Intersections, where her career afforded her the opportunity to teach a course that combined her "passions" - art history and horse racing. Nice way to earn a paycheck.

Coincidentally, my job recently intersected with horse racing. Well, sort of, anyway. I received my AABB SmartBrief email alert the other day, which has the "latest news stories of interest to the transfusion medicine and cellular therapies community" and generally lacks anything that has to do with horse racing. However, it recently reported that Neuralstem had received FDA approval to begin clinical trials on patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease).

Admittedly, I'm no stem-cell-research-scientist hot shot. Frankly, I rarely even read my Smartbrief in my effort to do as little blood banking as possible. But this news really caught my attention because it's a significant step in delivering medicine to regenerate damaged neural tissue. And this year, horse racing has had more than its fair share of spinal cord injuries and damaged neural tissue. Of course, I'm referring to the serious injuries suffered by jockeys Rene Douglas and Michael Straight. Scientists and researchers are hard at work with their little Petri dishes full of stem cells, striving to make advancements in neural tissue regeneration, perhaps providing hope for many individuals afflicted with paralysis and other diseases.

Speaking of Rene Douglas, HRTV produced a mini-documentary update on Rene Douglas (VIDEO) that's featured on Bloodhorse.com. Take 7 or 8 minutes out of your day to watch it. Additionally, Brock Sheridan created a Get Well Card on Facebook for Rene Douglas, if you're interested in posting a message. There's also a Facebook 'card' for Michael Straight, as well.

There's little artistry and history in my "intersection" but there are certainly some interesting possibilities in the future.

Plenty of Blame Following the Super Derby

2009-09-21T22:26:00.003-05:00

My original weekend plans did not include the Super Derby (gr. 2). Upon first glance at the race’s line up, I was neither intrigued nor interested. And let’s face it, the name “Super Derby” is kind of bland; it doesn’t exactly scream, “One hot Ragin’ Cajun horse race for 3-year-olds with a $750K purse and all the etouffee you can eat at Louisiana Downs!” It seems to me that the name of the race could use a little Louisiana flair, like the Super Andouille Gumbo Derby, or the Super Spicy Crawfish Derby. But I digress.

It wasn’t until I read Gary West’s column in Friday’s Fort Worth Star-Telegram (motto: We proudly display a picture of the new Cowboys’ Stadium in every section every day!) that my interest was somewhat piqued. The Professor wrote of a horse with star potential: Blame.

Blame … had improved steadily so that now he could be on the cusp of becoming one of the best horses of his generation.

That’s a pretty keen observation and a strong opinion. And, admittedly, I had never heard of Blame. It had me reaching for a racing form. Regal Ransom - Blame. Blame - Regal Ransom. Simple.

A quick trip to the racetrack with whatever spare change I could scrounge out of the bottom of my purse was in order. LaD-11. 4,5 Exacta Box. Watch race. Collect winnings, if applicable. Go home and make spaghetti for dinner.

Betting made simple. That is until I ran into my friend Cece and her father’s cousin’s neighbor’s older brother, Jimmy. Or Ronnie. I can never remember his name – it’s one or the other and I interchange them frequently.

Anyway, Cece is a good handicapper, but she can get rather chatty. Prior to the Super Derby I began to listen to her opinions and strategies and race dissections until it all jumbled together into a stream of mind-numbing soundbites: “Soul Warrior is looking good … nice odds on Asmussen horses … Regal Ransom hasn’t even run since the Derby ... I don’t trust those dudes from Dubai … opportunities to beat the favorite … make money … more odds … another bourbon and coke … ”

My simple bet morphed into a bawdy burlesque show of exactas, none of which even included Regal Ransom on the top spot.

Needless to say, after the Super Derby, I looked at my little pile of losing wagers.

Blame.

I broke one of my sacred rules. I made a mistake. I allowed myself to be swayed. I changed my bet. Instead of winning, I lost. I blame myself. Simple.

There's a moral to this story. And the next time I see Cece and Jimmy/Ronnie at the track, I'm sure they'll tell me what it is.

Whine Tasting: Uninspired Complexity with a Hint of Animal-Barnyard Notes

2009-09-16T20:49:00.013-05:00

I don’t know about everybody else, but when Saratoga wrapped up its meet last week I heaved a sigh of relief.

A teeming horde of prolific and talented writers descend upon Saratoga Springs each year, waxing eloquence about the atmosphere and ambience, champion horses and high profile stakes races – tossing in anecdotes about trainers and jockeys and Tom Durkin. Horse racing media, be it The Form or Paulick Report or the sundry of blogs on the world wide web, is inundated. I’m absorbed in the overflow of information and conclude that frankly, I have nothing to add except that if you rearrange the letters in “Rachel Alexandra”, you get “Adrenal Arch Axle”.

And of course, the climactic ending to the meet – Rachel Alexandra exuding greatness by defeating older males in the Woodward Stakes – could only produce a few minor insipid thoughts from me, barely worth sharing with a reading audience of two people, one of whom would be my brother, Chuck:

Woodward Wrap-Up: Filly Phenom Rachel Alexandra won the Woodward, however my deepest appreciation goes out to Sky Mesa, a very reliable sire routinely included in my handicapping scheme. Keying Mesa Sunrise in the 8th enabled me to win the Pick-3. Martinis for everyone!

However, there was an extremely urgent message I received the day before the Woodward, courtesy of a Kendall-Jackson Winery Email Blast: Orders are now being taken for their limited-edition Rachel Alexandra Wine, a “luscious 2007 Pinot Noir grown on our estate vineyards in the Arroyo Seco appellation.”

There are two special offerings:
• A single bottle signed by Jess Jackson and jockey Calvin Borel placed in a distinctive wood box.
$150 each.
• Wine only…perfect for gift-giving or saving for yourself.
$50 per bottle.

I purchased the wine only, with the emphasis on “saving for yourself.” It’s not like the Pick-3 required a visit to the IRS window.

Anyway, Saratoga ramblings have become silent for the most part, paving the way for those of us who are (a) completely mesmerized by others’ writings, (b) busy collaborating on a book, or (c) downright lazy, to share our news and views about horse racing. Perhaps I’ll take a field trip to Remington Park in Oklahoma City. Or Retama Park in San Antonio. Or maybe something closer to home, like watching Seabiscuit. Or maybe something a little less complicated, such as enjoying a glass of Wild Horse™ wine, notably the Cabernet Sauvignon, “distinctive for its bold, fruit-forward character.”

Cheers!

Racing Around in New York

2009-08-21T00:09:00.005-05:00

Last week I went to New York City.

Everybody else was in Saratoga Springs.

As Brooklyn Backstretch’s Teresa rubbed elbows with individuals such as Mary Lou Whitney and Nick Zito, my daughters and I were welcomed to Manhattan by a chubby, middle-aged, unsmiling MTA agent sitting in her dimly lit MTA booth that was littered with empty Frito bags and Pepsi cans. I had made a rookie mistake in my first attempt to use the New York subway system. She berated me not once, but twice. And you could clearly see her disdain for me when she had to allow me to pass through an emergency door.

And while Steven Crist dined with his pals at Everglades Barbecue & Seafood, we went to see Mary Poppins on Broadway. We had wonderful seats in the orchestra section – a worthy treat for our first trip to New York. My 7-year-old, Alice, fell asleep in her seat before they even sang "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious". A rather expensive nap, indeed.

And while Dana tweeted and twerped with her tweetees about various races and wagering strategies and money management, we went to the top of the Empire State Building. It was high. And crowded. And high. And I failed to embrace any romantic significance of being on the top of the Empire State Building, à la An Affair to Remember or Sleepless in Seattle. Apparently, Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr, Meg Ryan, et. al. didn’t suffer from acrophobia. Did I mention it was high?

But I did get the opportunity to meet at least one giant in the world of New York racing: Alan, genius blogger of Left at the Gate. It was like meeting Harvey Pack. Or Secretariat. That is, if Secretariat had had reliable internet connectivity because if he had you know he would’ve written his own blog. Anyway, Alan is fortunate to work in a landmark building that according to my NYC guidebook touts as “one of New York’s greatest interiors”. As it turns out, it’s one of New York’s greatest interiors that you’re not allowed to see. Regardless, Alan and I swapped stories briefly outside, ending our initial meeting with a closing statement that all horse racing fans appreciate,

See you at the races next time.

Lights On Broadway Makes News Again

2009-08-11T20:12:00.005-05:00

Back in April I had the opportunity to visit the 2001 Texas Champion, Lights on Broadway, one final time before he embarked to his final retirement home in the Texas Hill Country. To refresh everybody's memories, he was rescued off the back of a slaughter truck last year and was subsequently rehabilitated and retrained by Donna Keen, who chronicled the events in her own blog, Thoroughbred Race Horse Blog.

The rescue of the Texas Champion generated some buzz among the local media. Gary West wrote a feature piece for the Star-Telegram (motto: We're a newspaper, not a server). Additionally, WFAA channel 8 produced a Sports Special segment that was originally scheduled to air the day after the Kentucky Derby, however the collapse of the Cowboys' practice facility bumped the story to a later date.

Anyway, I sent an inquiry about the story to the reporter, Joe Trahan, who at this writing, is busy with Cowboys' training camp and/or swilling margaritas in San Antonio, and he kindly provided the link to the story (VIDEO). I invite you to take a few moments and watch the story - Lights on Broadway had a happy ending. And don't we all wish that would be true for every race horse.

The Fashionable Filly ... Well Sort Of

2009-08-10T20:21:00.005-05:00

Over the past couple of weeks I've been teaching religious education to a cacophony of rambunctious fifth graders. I'm not much of a teacher. Frankly, there are days that I feel unqualified to be a mother. However, I definitely lack any credentials to be a fashion photographer.

A few months ago, it was touted that the Filly Phenom Rachel Alexandra would be featured in the August 2009 issue of Vogue magazine, having been captured on film by some notable fashion photographer dude named Steve Klein. The other afternoon, in a dither of excitement, I thumbed through the new issue of Vogue, prepared to pay my $4.99 plus tax all for the glory of possessing pages of amazing photos of Rachel Alexandra.

Hmmm.

I returned the magazine to the rack and opted to save my cash. A brief one page articles accompanied a 'fashion spread' of a single photo. I've provided a simulation of the Vogue photo for your review, just in case it's not available at your local newsstand or you prefer to spend the five bucks on your next Pick-3.

Closing Day at Lone Star Park is Fun and Delicious

2009-07-26T23:15:00.012-05:00

Today Lone Star Park closed out its 2009 Thoroughbred meeting. And of course, there's the usual doom and gloom regarding Texas racing: declining attendance, decreased handle, the mass exodus of good horses pouring over the border to Louisiana to race for bigger purses and boudain balls, etc. However, this afternoon I brought along a wonderful companion who easily overlooks all of the troubles facing the industry and just wants to have fun. Alice.

And Alice is my Guest Blogger.

One day on a Sunday we went to the race track and the first thing we did is that my mom called jon reckrds. Then he had to have pichers taken with other peepel. He gave me ice cream with chocklate sauce. We talked about g-force and he had to go so I said who made the ice cream? An 11 year old boy made the ice cream so I made him a thank you note. And he is going to love the note and it said thank you for the ice cream From Alice.

I made a new friend. I don’t know her name but she did not know where her bracelet was.

* * *

Okay, by now Alice has become completely bored with the whole notion of being a Guest Blogger and has pronounced that she “has a tummy ache” and can she “go lay on the couch” [and watch SpongeBob]. However, on the drive home she did launch off on a mini-tirade about the fact that she was unable to procure coveted jockey goggles from the Jockey Goggle Giveaway and it was no fair that she didn’t win any because Sophie won a pair a couple of years ago and then I informed her that Sophie did not, in fact, win the goggles but Gary West ensured that she was handed a pair of goggles by a jockey and that, coincidentally, Alice had just met Mr. West just before the last race and it was merely bad timing that Mr. West could not do the same for her as he did for Sophie, to which Alice grumbled, “What a rip-off!”

Anyway, Grand Slam Andre (Grand Slam) won the Middleground Stakes for 2-year-olds, having shipped in from Churchill Downs where he previously came in 4th in the Bashford Manor. His performance this afternoon earned him 2-Year-Old Male Horse of the Meet. It also gave Steve Asmussen 117 wins and another training title, just in case he doesn't have enough of 'em.

Jockey Chris Landeros won the riding title. Millionaire and winner of the Texas Mile (Gr. 3), Jonesboro was named Horse of the Meeting. And the Dollar Hot Dog was named the Food of the Meeting; Vanilla Ice Cream with Chocklate Sauce came in a close second.

Asmussen Suspended. This Texas Racing Fan [and Scientist] Has Some Thoughts

2009-07-17T04:33:00.015-05:00

Recently, I wrote of honors bestowed to Lone Star Park's leading trainer, Steve Asmussen. However, last week was not all smiles and frivolity for him. There was, of course, a hearing before the stewards regarding last year's lidocaine positive - or more precise, a metabolite of lidocaine, hydroxylidocaine - in one of his maiden winners, Timber Trick.

His hearing was besieged with postponements and rescheduling, and it took more than a year before Steve Asmussen received his opportunity to present his defense before the racing stewards; eight hours of testimony that included trainer Bill Mott, and Steve Barker, the chief chemist for the testing laboratory at LSU. And after all the testimony and presentations, the stewards gave Asmussen an additional 48 hours to present more facts to the case before they made their ruling.

Any facts other than the quantity of hydroxylidocaine in the urine sample or a confirmation of lidocaine in the horse's blood.

So, what's one to do if you can't present the facts or the truth?

Of course, the stewards handed down their ruling yesterday: six month suspension and a $1,500 fine.

Karen Murphy, co-counsel with Maggi Moss, had expressed that the racing stewards have "broad latitude to look at the circumstances", intimating they could have allowed the defense's requests to quantitate the metabolite or test the horse's blood.

So why didn't they? Even if Texas is Zero-Tolerance Xanadu, wouldn't it be in the best interest of racing to know the facts? The truth?

I cannot understand why the Texas Racing Commission was so autocratic and self-serving in these proceedings. They were presented with an opportunity to make technological advancements in drug testing; specimen collection errors and/or contaminants versus actual cheaters. And they have left behind the distinct impression that the stewards were going to do what the Commission told them to do. How's that for "fairness" and "integrity" of the sport.

So the Commission nabbed their big fish. Leading trainer and a local guy who continually supports Texas racing yearly, even with dwindling purses. A fellow who has had tremendous success and has an arsenal of horses in his barn. An arsenal of horses that could very well end up racing elsewhere - anywhere but Texas.

Steve Asmussen Stars in the Stars of Texas

2009-07-13T23:08:00.007-05:00

Saturday, Lone Star Park celebrated the Stars of Texas, which comprised of a handful of stakes races for accredited Texas-breds. And what better way to celebrate the Stars of Texas than to have free beer, which of course, they did not. But it was close – it was also Dollar Day.

Besides the bargains on admission, hot dogs, and liquid refreshments, the Thoroughbred meet’s leading trainer, Steve Asmussen, was an the verge of breaking the record for Most Wins in a Meet, which was 98 wins set by Cole Norman in 2003 and has probably been a burr under Steve Asmussen’s saddle for a while. Anyway, plans were to celebrate this record feat in the Winner’s Circle.

And if cheap beer and record-setting events weren’t enough of a fiesta at the racetrack, Lone Star Park wanted to honor its all-time leading trainer and Hall of Famer ... guess who?? Steve Asmussen, 2009 Lone Star Park Man of the Year. According to an email I received from Dan Leary, Director of Communications,

After the great year that Steve had in 2008, culminating in his first Eclipse Award, Lone Star Park wanted to do something special to honor him. As you know, this is his home base and where he lives. He is here most days with his family.

Stars of Texas Day seemed like the best day to honor him and present him with the Lone Star Park Man of the Year Award.

Anyway, plans were to celebrate this humbling award in the Winner’s Circle after the 6th race.

Conveniently, Steve Asmussen scored his 99th win in the 6th race with aptly named Big Texas Daddy. Even more fitting to the occasion, Big Texas Daddy’s big Texas daddy is Valid Expectations who got this whole stakes-winning ball of wax going for Asmussen. "It was great to set the record with this horse," Asmussen said, alluding to his relationship with Big Texas Daddy’s sire, Valid Expectations.

So the one extended celebration in the Winner’s Circle worked out well for the Asmussen Clan, Lone Star Park brass, and the media. There were photos and signs and interviews and awards and trophies and a cake presented by Chef Jake and an exquisite crystal commemorative knick-knack of some kind that may or may not be introduced to his Eclipse – truly, The Steve Asmussen Daily Double of Celebrations!

Steve Asmussen sets new record for most wins in a single meet
(Photo credit: Lone Star Park)

Every momentous occasion deserves a cake from Chef Jake.

New sign. No cake. There's a good chance the kids are feeling ripped off.

And I know what you’re all thinking ...

What kind of cake?

Italian cream cake.

Asmussen won 5 races on the card, including the Texas Stallion Stakes for 2-year-old fillies with Millennium Farm’s Camille’s Appeal (Valid Expectations - Belle Visage by Horatius). Camille’s Appeal is now 2 for 2, breaking her maiden at first asking at Delaware Park, winning by more than 7 lengths. She shipped in for the Texas Stallion Stakes where she rated at the back of the pack, rolling on the outside at the turn, and closing strong, winning by 2 ¼ lengths. Very appealing.

Can There Exist a Compassionate Horse Racing Fan?

2009-07-08T22:57:00.005-05:00

Thank you, jo anne, for taking the time to read and comment on my recent post that involved the declining attendance and handle at racetracks. Your passion for the care and welfare of horses is greatly appreciated.

From what I gleaned in your comments, both here and in the Paulick Report, you have a disdain for horse racing fans and have collectively lumped them into an uncaring, unfeeling group of individuals that would prefer to drug, beat, abuse, and finally consume, a horse just to make a few bucks. Well, you've inspired me to step into the Great Abyss of Controversy to share a few of my thoughts regarding your cause.

I'm with you.

Yes, I'm a horse racing enthusiast and I care greatly for the well-being of all racehorses. I think we should get rid of drugs in horse racing, use pink fuzzy slippers instead of whips, and demand that all kill buyers hold hands and fall off the edge of the Earth. And while I'm at it, we should outlaw puppy mills, stop global warming, and end world hunger.

I'm not a horse owner, but I know a number of them, and they genuinely care about the welfare of their animals; they can yammer on endlessly about their horse's personality you'd think that the horse should be booked as a guest on Letterman. Frankly, I'm always delighted to listen to their anecdotes. But it's just as devastating to lose a horse to injury as it is to disease or ailment, including old age. And as you know, horses are not only injured racing and training, but they can do serious harm to themselves in a paddock or when they're turned out.

Your comments also got me thinking about other horses that work for a living. Should we protest the Amish because they use horses to pull buggies and heavy wagons when they could be driving a Prius?

A trainer I know once shared with me some thoughts about racing horses and the allusion of universal mistreatment, "Animals are here for our pleasure, but it's our duty to ensure that we love them and care for them in the greatest manner humanly possible, including after their racing days are over." Kind of spiritual, huh. And she meant it, too - setting up her own horse rescue and rehabilitation operation.

Now, I'm not naïve enough to believe that all trainers and/or owners take good care of their racehorses; I'm sure there is mistreatment, just as there are people who kick their dogs or, worse, kick their children. But we can continue to be vocal and vehement about demanding safety and integrity in the sport, and call for the industry to take a firm stand against horse slaughter. That's an "agenda" we should all agree upon.

Handle is Declining and I’m the Cause

2009-07-06T12:59:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago I received a friendly email from local turf writer, Gary West. He remarked that he had not seen me out at the track lately.

That’s because I’m not out at the track that much anymore.

In years past, there was always time to go to venture out to Lone Star Park a couple of days a week – swing by on Thursday night after work, or devote my Saturday to the entire card with a smattering of intriguing races on simulcast. I had my favorite pari-mutuel clerks, favorite seating areas, favorite refreshments. I had a variety of acquaintances amongst the loyal horseplayers that created a wonderful sense of camaraderie.

But things change.

Lone Star Park raised the price of admission. The cost of a racing program increased. Food and beverage prices increased. Just to "swing by the track for a couple of races" was costing me more money before I placed my first wager. My favorite pari-mutuel clerk retired. Even the casual friendliness that I had enjoyed had soured as I had the misfortune of receiving some unwanted / unpleasant remarks from annoying buffoons that I would’ve punched had I been a guy. Well, that’s moot because I’m pretty sure that I wouldn’t have been the recipient of such talk if I had been a guy.

And life changed at home. The girls had more activities. I picked up weekend shifts at the lab. My husband embarked on a landscaping project that required my assistance. It soon became more desirable to spend my Saturdays putting in a garden walkway and tearing out juniper bushes than going to the racetrack.

Lone Star Park is turning into a lazy boyfriend. And judging by declining attendance and handle, I’m not the only one who’s getting turned off.

Here’s a tidbit of information: On July 3 – 4, Lone Star Park’s Stars and Stripes Fireworks Celebration had attendance figures of 15,000 to 20,000 people but could barely muster an on-track handle of $400,000. What does that tell us? That there were lots of families and kids, and they generally don’t bet. Similar numbers pop-up for concerts that appeal to the younger generation; an affordable concert venue but most of the crowd doesn’t contribute to on-track handle because (1) they’re too young, and (2) they’re not horseplayers.

It’s business as usual. It seems there’s little effort on the track’s behalf to disseminate racing information or impending events. Nothing new. Nothing innovative. Nothing that entices new horseplayers nor retains existing ones. Isn’t there anybody coming up with new ideas? Churchill Downs is figuring it out. Their creative "Downs After Dark" was a raging success, and it attracted the type of clientele that contributes to handle. Churchill Downs is incredibly proactive spreading press releases and "barn talk" and photos and racing notes. I go out to the Lone Star Park website to look for track news and it’s paltry – there’s a few measly photos from the 2008 Hat Contest on Derby Day. Yippee.

Perhaps there is a feeling of malaise amongst track management, being of the fact that they’re Magna and the racetrack license and operation is on the auction block. If there is apathy, sadly there’s a trickle-down effect.

It doesn’t help either that horsemen, frustrated with sagging purses in Texas, keep threatening to pack up their stables and race their horses in exotic slot-supplemented locales, like Louisiana Downs or Zia Park. I’m not a fan of slot machines and I don’t know any fellow horseplayer who’s thrilled about the notion of adding slots at the racetrack but if it makes the horsemen happy, I guess I’ll have to support it. But I continue to wish and hope for a better alternative.

Yesterday, the Professor posted,

Racetracks are faced with the unique challenge of entertaining people over a period of four hours while most of them are losing their money. Tracks can accomplish that only if they provide a comfortable setting and only by creating an unusual and exciting experience and, of course, by offering bargains.

Dollar Day at Lone Star Park is July 11th. The previous Dollar Day on April 25th had an attendance of 16,389 and an on-track handle of $710,590. What does that tell us? Well, a dollar admission, dollar program, dollar beer ... I can afford to go and take my friends and family. And I can afford to bet.