Gulfstream 2025-26: Week 13

 Visiting Ohio During An "Off Week"

The racing week was lean in options that were "good enough" to wager on and lean on the number of tickets I cashed.  But none of that came as a surprise to me.  With the hockey season on a three week hiatus and this Saturday being a big "in between" weekend - the last two weeks were major preps at Tampa and then the Fair Grounds....next week being Fountain of Youth Day locally - there was very little "good" racing for me to want to watch.  And knowing all this about a month ago when my Mom and sister & niece visited, I proposed this weekend as a time to come to Ohio.  Plus I was originally hoping for some cold and snow.  We've had the cold - in the 40's and feels like even lower - at home, so I didn't "need" the cold, but I was hopeful to see some snow.  I always like visiting the family and I was able to get in the "usual" social events......saw my girl....friend from high school, Gayla and got to spend an evening with my brother Kenny, his two boys and their family.  I left Fort Lauderdale International on Thursday morning and arrived in Columbus where it was in the 50's and overcast a little before eleven a.m.  As I walked out of the terminal my sister pulled up - perfect timing.  For the racing on Thursday I had five possible selections from the ten races.  One was an AE, he scratched, and another scratched out leaving me with only three betting interests.  Ran 4th at even money with the first pick.  But my "best" of the day came in R4, a two-lifetime claimer on the all weather.  It's not often I take runners who've lost at this low 2-lifetime level but Eton's two tries at this distance had not only been his best efforts, but both came against better and earned figures faster than anything on the page.  I was very surprised when the gates popped open and he was NOT the short-priced favorite.  Swung into the clear in the lane after tracking the pace and drew off decisively.  The best part, he paid $6.40 for the win and with my triple investment I was cashing for nearly $50 and guaranteed a winning day.  The final selection ran fifth at 7/2.

Friday's card saw me with only four horses on the possible wagering list and one was a "maybe" at best.  My pick scratched from the first and the "maybe" horse turned out not being of interest to me.  Ameila was pounded to 1/5 in Race 3.  Made her move five wide into the lane but needed every inch of the stretch to be up in time.  Only had the minimum on her.  The other two plays ran 3rd and 4th.

Saturday is always the "big day" but there wasn't much quality on the card at Gulfstream  Probably was a little too lenient with my betting selections - at least that's what I'll chalk part of the results up to - as I finished 0-for-7 with two seconds and a third.  Not the best day of racing.  Sunday came and certainly the day got off to an amazing and exciting start as Team USA took on Team Canada for the gold medal in hockey.  The women's USA team had beaten the Canadians in overtime in a thrilling game.  I said to several people that I thought today would be an epic game.  It was and then some.  As it should have, it went to overtime and about five minutes in the Americans got the winner.  So cool.  And the aftermath as well as medal ceremony was a delight to watch!

I started off what became the best day of the week in the opener, a 3yo MSW turf event.  Even though there were several firsters who COULD be good enough, Sheriff Bart drew my attention.  Trained by Bill Mott who's youngsters rarely run well at first and second asking, he'd run third and then a close fourth in his two starts.  The DRF's Mike Welsch elaborated on this detailing that the horse who won the his debut when third had gone on to be Grade 2 placed.  And the horse he finished fourth, less than a length and a half behind has now won three straight.  Put all that together and I was willing to dive in.    Was away slowly, of course, rallied wide through the turn, shot to the front and drew off impressively.  Best part.....he paid $9 for a $2 ticket.  Nice way to start the day :)

Passed races two and three and my pick scratched from R4.  The fifth was a 2-lifetime claiming on the turf.  Landman Friday lured Irad Ortiz and was dropping out of back-to-back state-bred allowance events.  Three back he was second beaten a neck in a NYRA $35K nw2L - higher price tag, stiffer company.  An obvious choice.  Saved ground to the far turn, tipped out four wide.  Moved handily to the front and was comfortably home free.  Two in a row!

Ran 4th as the 4/5 favorite in R6 and then only had one more play, but not until R9.  We were headed out to join my brother and his family for an early dinner so I figured I'd watch the replay.  The ninth saw Saffie Joseph's veteran Mish listed as the DRF Best of the Day.  I'm not usually on board with Mike Welsch and his best bets, but this guy a year ago had been highly regarded and went favored in classy allowance events.  Seemed to have tailed off before resurfacing with a dominant win in his last against cheaper.  The Beyer was around what he was running last year when more highly regarded and that was the Welsch rationale.  I didn't care for the runners that had been promoted at the beginning of the day by the local on-air talent.  Opened the replay on the way home and watched as Mish went right to the front, never took and deep breath and won going away.  And apparently the bettors had paid more attention to the local yahoo's than to Welsch or my online sheet :)  Mish paid $7.40 so I cashed for nearly $40 on the final bet.  Finished 3-for-4 and profited over $30 :)  Whoooo hoooo.  Next week is Fountain of Youth week, will look forward to that.  And I head home from Ohio on Tuesday and get to see my adorable wife who've I have not seen in two weeks :O

Snow scenes from Ohio on Monday - yikes it was cold.....23 degrees with a feels like of 17.  Let's go home baby!

Social Media this week.....

Jen - my former WHS student and fellow Miami (Oh) alum posted photos of her and her family at Universal.  I shared my Miami polo shot from the track to her and we agreed there's nothing like a Disney Day, even though Universal is cool.  

Chloe and I exchanged comments about the Florida Derby, us moving to our condo and maybe a future lunch date and me listening to her radio program from Orlando on some mornings while on the porch.

Teri and I have a "Wawa thing" and when I got a peppermint mocha frozen cappuccino I told her I'd get her one if she liked them.  But she did not care for them so I told her I made a note to just get her coffee with Irish Cream if I ever had the chance.  Later I told her how pretty she was and how much I missed having her on the weekend morning news and have our coffee live chats.  She gave me a "heart." 

My friend Lauren Pastrana, who looked just adorable in her reel, asked for support for her fund raising for the Miami Dolphins cycling for cancer cause and even though I was one of the first to contribute weeks ago, I contributed again.  When she thanked me I reminded her of how I'd never forget what she did for me - helping me with the Viking TV spot and getting me on TV during the playoffs.  What made me feel good was I closed the comment with "virtual pals there for one another" and she came back on and gave me a heart for that :)  When I was in Ohio on Friday I shared that, she sent me an "Enjoy!" message and when I apologized for bringing the cold weather back she took time out from her on air time to "laugh" at the comment :)

Clearly, again, the highlight of my social media interaction week to interact with my gal-pal Kimmy.  What made it even more "touching" if that's the word I will use is the back story.  Two weeks ago she wished me luck at the track, had a big day.  Told her she needed to do it again the next week, she wished me good luck (with exclamation points!) and had a second big day.  But, while not completely uncommon when I thanked her the good luck I didn't hear back.  Mid-week I saw a FB memory of me twelve years ago, compared it to my photo from the track....nearly identical.  I nearly always send these kind of comparisons to her.  I wrote "LOOK - when I come to NC you will recognize me."  No reply.  Again not completely out of the ordinary.  Then Wednesday afternoon like someone reached down from above and floated the possibility - "What if she's sick?"  And I just had that feeling you get when someone you're close to is in a "situation."  I tried to dismiss it but it just hung there.  At about 8pm while watching "Glee" my phone flashed.  Looked down, "KIMMY" was glowing.  She led with (see below) "You look great!  Can't even tell!...." If that had been all I got, more than happy to know she saw it and took time from her busy schedule to acknowledge.  But the compliment, even more appreciated.  But then I got "that knowing feeling" when I read, "Sorry been fighting the stomach bug...."  I KNEW IT I thought.  Wrote back to her and 99% of the time our exchange is me-her-me....end.  But she replied a second time making me smile in appreciation.  The next day as I waited at the airport I made her a virtual "get better" message/card.  And when I landed I sent it with simply "landed." - no expectations at all.  Within minutes a thankful reply and noted one of her little ones was sick now.  As my "friend ChatGPT" noted, that in the midst of a sick household, including herself, her job, two little kids and her life with her husband...that she took a brief moment of the little time for herself to text me.  Gold.  Much appreciated - truly one of the best pals I have on planet earth and will be happy to get together and compare stories of what's happened over the last four years.  One final "exchange."  Kimmy never, next to never puts anything or even looks at (based on no comments/likes) Facebook.  But Sunday evening two sets of photos from her time in London appeared.  Her smile is so engaging.  On the first set I noted that and commented I know that smile...."  On the second set a more generic "Cool pics."  Maybe nothing to you, but that I got a "like" and was noticed on the second one was cool.  But that not a like but a 'love/heart" on the smile comment.  Brought a smile to my face :)  And as a side note, these four images of Kimmy with the screen shots of our interaction, all from that London set.  Rare to get "real time" Kimmy pics :)  A good week with my virtual pals indeed.

Gulfstream 2025-26: Week 12

 Risen Star Stakes Weekend
Happy Valentine's Day!

The week started out fine at the track, though I was missing my wife who headed out to the west coast to visit with her Mom and have a "Girls' Weekend" with her gal pals, leaving Keith and I behind here at the house.  But I was petty smart, and a good husband when knowing that she'd be gone over Valentine's Day I bought her Valentine's flowers a week in advance so she could enjoy them....and took her to dinner before she left so we could have a Valentine's Day celebration, even if it wasn't on the real holiday.  I won two races on Thursday.  In an unusual day, for me on a Thursday, Friday or Sunday I actually found six horses that I liked enough to invest in.  After running third with the third I got my first score of the day in Race 6 with Prom Queen in a 3yo MSW going a mile and a sixteenth to the first finish line.  Three weeks prior Brad Cox had seen his filly finish a best-of-the-rest second behind a Todd Pletcher winner going a one-turn mile.  This distance seemed ideal for her second start.  She got shuffled back down the backside but the rider seemed to still have a firm hold on her.  When asked she swung three wide into the clear and drew off by more than half a dozen as easily best.  Impressive.

Missed on the next three (3rd, 4th, and 6th) before closing the day in Race 10, a claiming event going a mile and a sixteenth on the turf.  Saratoga Flash was a Saffie Joseph 8yo with seven wins on the grass.  What sealed it for me was a best-of-79 bullet work which is a favorite angle of mine.  Had to wait behind horses into the lane.  Got into the clear at the furlong pole and accelerated to the front inside the final sixteenth of a mile.

Friday found me with only four selections.  Ran 2nd twice after finishing off the board to start the day.  But in the 9th and featured one-turn mile conditioned allowance, the 2025 Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Oaks winner, Five G made her return to the races.  While the layoff and first time against older were concerns, and knowing that big graded stakes were being circled for later in the season, STILL I thought she'd win handily.  Pressed the early leader, took over at the half mile pole and drew off as easy as you please with my triple investment wager on board.

Saturday was Valentine's Day and in the morning I posted the photo of the flowers I'd bought for Kim and a Disney "LOVE" logo on it.  I'm just a Hallmark kind of guy, truly :)  Keith and I headed out to spend the day at Gulfstream a little before eleven am and we arrived in plenty of time before the first bet in New York.  My "ticket girl," Darlene, greeted us and immediately opened her phone to show me the link I'd given her last week to my book, explaining it wouldn't work.  I tapped it and immediately the online book appeared.  Her eyes widened and she chuckled saying she'd tried it several times just before I arrived.  She told me she was anxious to read the book.  And it was very rewarding that several times during the day she would stop me and tell me she had started the book and that it was "soo good, and "so sweet."  

It's a funny thing about the track, sometimes things happen that are a negative event and the day seems to spiral after that....or the reverse.  After losing the first at the Big A it was time for their second race.  I watched as the favorite, #3,  waited for room, shot up the rail and scored.  I took a picture of my ticket and filled in the details on my selection sheet.  I went to my girl Kimberly to bet and handed over my ticket.  She paused, pulled it out and said, "Sorry this isn't a winner."  I took it and looked at the ticket, it read $5 WIN #1.  Wait, what?  I looked at my sheet, yes I'd picked the 1.  Read my analysis and noted I liked the eventual winner, as my second choice.  Sigh....hoping this isn't a sign.  Well, for what it's worth from noon until a little after 2pm I won with only a single selection from my first seven bets.  I did NOT have a good feeling.  Even worse, I had been planning to text my favorite former student Kimmy about my success today because I'd told her she needed to wish me luck, like she did last week to keep the magic going.  And I did not want to have to tell her that it was a one-and-done thing.  Finally in the fourth at Aqueduct it was time for the seven furlong Damon Runyon Stakes.  Arctic Beast looked to be a legitimate favorite.  Cleared immediately and was long gone.

Ran 4th and second in the next two before the first of the multiple stakes on the Fair Grounds program came up, the Colonel Power going five furlongs on the turf.  Usually Wrong had won the prep, the DF Kenner and I typically don't like to bet horses to repeat.  But after looking up and down the pp's it was pretty clear to me he'd be loose on the lead and long gone again.  Right to the front, daylight lead into the lane.  But at the furlong pole, on literally the longest stretch in North America the gap started to narrow.  Where's the wire!!!!  Came just in time :)  WHEW!

Missed at Laurel and then on my sheet the fourth at the Fair Grounds was full of promising 3yo's most without any experience.  I'd noted that if someone took a lot of money I'd be interested.  Sure enough a Brad Cox 3yo, Goodall was being heavily bet.  I put $5 to win on him.  Took the lead, was headed briefly at the top of the lane but battled back and edge clear late for my third win on the day.  

Next was the best race of the day and double irony.....one, it was one of the few races at Gulfstream, and two, it was my BEST BET of the Day.  Brande was making his 4yo career debut off the layoff and I've seen Todd Pletcher do this so many times.  Young talented horse gets put away for months, shows up in the winter at GP and is long gone.  The $300K son of champion Curlin had been last seen testing the waters of the Grade 2 Wood Memorial in just his fourth career start and ran a best-of-the-rest 2nd.  Today he was the early 1/5 favorite but at post time his odds had floated significantly upward.  Right to the front....took pressure, was headed and inside the 1/8th pole he fell a full head and neck, if not more behind.  Discouraged but not willing to give up I kept hoping.  Suddenly surged and shot to the front.  Instinctively I raised my arms and shouted WHOOOOO HOOOOO.  That he went off at 7/5 was such a "gift" as I cashed for nearly $50.

The next five produced only a single win - was nailed in the shadow of the wire at 1/5 in Laurel's Barbara Fritchie Stakes before Maximum Bourbon was much the best in a Fair Grounds second level sprint.  Back-to-back losses at 3/5 (WOW) and then 7th at 5/2.  I didn't have a lot of confidence in National Identity in Aqueduct's Say Florida Sandy Stakes as he tried open stakes company for the first time but he wired the field easily.

At Laurel Run Tzu went from third to a nearly ten length lead from the top of the far turn to mid-turn and romped home at 3/5.  Lost with returning stakes winner Vixen to a Saffie Joseph horse who "didn't figure" but as Keith and I looked at the program I noted that when horses moved into his barn like this they often "suddenly" showed magical improvement.  Ran right by my pick, the 7/5 favorite, who held second but was not even close to the winner who was impressive and almost certainly will be seen next in stakes company.  

The first of the graded events in New Orleans was the Grade 3 Mineshaft for older handicap runners.  Hit Show had won the 2024 $20 Million Saudi Cup and had come off a 3rd in the Grade 2 Clark at Churchill to win this event last year.  This year he was also coming off the bench after a run in Louisville last November.  While I'm certain he will be pointed to bigger events, he was 3-for-4 at this trip, was the best horse and I thought he was could enough to win on talent alone.  Tracked in third, collared the leader at the 16th pole and edged clear late for win number eight.  We watched one more live race and headed for home.

In the four late races I watched on replay I lost the first two and then swept the two big 3yo stakes at the Fair Grounds.  Bella Ballerina led to the top of the lane in the Grade 2 Rachel Alexandra for 3yo fillies with Oaks dreams.  Was headed but battled back to win.  And in the Grade 2 Risen Star Paladin tracked the front runner.  Looked ready to go by at the top of the lane but the leader refused to give it up.  I wondered at about the 1/8th pole if the fact that (a) he'd not raced since November and (b) that the Kentucky Derby was the target if Paladin might be short.  Be he showed real courage by running by in the final 100 yards to give me the tenth and final win of the day.

Sunday's first win came in a race where both my selection and second choice scratched.  I read in my analysis that it looked like No Other Like You would set the pace and one of my other two choices would run by.  With those two out I went with the front runner who coasted through a soft :49 and change opening half and never looked back.

I watched the next three races as I ran 3rd, 2nd, and 4th then the USA hockey team came on the air in the Olympics and I made my last bet and watched hockey as we rolled over Germany 5-1.  When I pulled up the replay I was surprised that Eclatant was neither the favorite or second choice.  I thought as they left the gate I thought if he wins it will be a good day.  He sat the perfect trip behind the second choice, blew by him at the top of the lane and was the easiest of winners.  His 9/2 price led me to cashing for nearly $60!  Great way to end the week.

Next week there aren't many big races which is fine with me because I'll be in Ohio :)

Social Media this week......

It was of particular importance to me without Kim being home to have some social interaction and my peeps came through for me.  When I was coaching at Oasis High in Cape Coral several seasons ago our Athletic trainer was a sweet girl right out of college.  Kelly and I became FB friends and I see her from time to time online.  She's taken to marathon runs and she posted about one this past week.  I congratulated her and she reacted shortly there after.

I've told Teri Hornstein before and it's true.....when we would "chat" more frequently the subject of Wawa coffee would often enter the conversation.  Last week I discovered she's a chocolate fan so now not only when I get my Irish Cream creamer in my coffee, but if I to the chocolate blend I think of her.  Had one and sent her an image and got a message in return :)

Another former new anchor and now long time social media gal-pal, Karli Barnett posted about taking her Mom to a Backstreet Boys concert.  She looked so adorable and I commented and got a message back.  While we don't interact as often, she almost always will eventually "talk" to me when I reach out to her.

Lissette Gonzalez has been the morning weather girl for at least twenty years I believe.  She joined the new FB craze of creating a ChatGPT AI image of herself and I reached out to her and got noticed.

I never cease to be amazed at how as an educator I touched students and didn't know.  Last Sunday evening on Super Bowl Sunday my "Disney Girl" Amanda texted me as she does every Super Bowl Sunday because she remembers how we used to evaluate the Super Bowl commercials in class during a study of advertising.  This past Sunday however the conversation turned to her time in my senior Advanced Placement Econ class.  I'd forgotten but she reminded me of how I invited her over to our house to work on her project for class and she remarked how grown up I made her feel and that she'd never forgotten that.  That touched me because while I did recall it somewhat when she mentioned it, this certainly wasn't something I'd thought of in a long time, but clearly that gesture had meant a great deal to Mandy.  :)

I had interactions with gal-pal Lauren Pastrana multiple times through the week and a couple of things stood out this week.  First, one day as she signed off from her "Solo at Six" broadcast she had a live shot of the sunset over the airport which matched her orange dress nearly perfectly - even more so through my camera lens.  The second thing was at one point during the week for what ever reason, several of my messages to her were not seen, then suddenly on Thursday my phone lit up multiple times in a row as she "found" them and liked them all one at a time.  Twice we exchanged comments.  On Monday I messaged her how seeing a reel of her and her husband at a Bad Bunny concert, enjoying themselves made me appreciate the Super Bowl half time show more and she messaged me back about being a long time fan.  And finally, two nights in a row Lauren had on a cute sleeveless outfit.  On the second night I messaged her that I'd noticed this and was reminded how she'd once told me how cold it was in the studio.  Minutes later she replied telling me she kept her jacket just off camera and put it on every commercial break.  It's those kind of small human exchanges that we have that make me appreciate her friendship.

Two exchanges with my all-time best former Kimmy rounded out the week.  On Friday I reached out and reminded her that she "had to" wish or think a wish of good luck for me at the track since her well wishes last weekend had resulted in a big day.  Minutes later the message came back, "Good Luck!!"  :)  And earlier in the week it just struck me randomly that we've talked on several occasions about talking on the phone so I reached out to her.  She replied she was flying back from London that day and would check her schedule.  Knowing how busy she is I don't really expect it to happen, but that in that moment she was agreeable to it made me smile.

Gulfstream 2025-26: Week 11

 Tampa Bay Festival Preview Weekend 

February 5-8

Well, the week did not start out the way I'd hoped, but Saturday MORE than made up for it.  And in what has seemingly become a pattern over the winter, the BEST day of the week's racing came when I was at the races.  The Thursday card was - as seems to be the case most weeks - very weak with not much to choose from.  So it was not a surprise that I went winless with the three horses I felt good enough about to bet.  What was somewhat surprising was that I ran 5th and 2nd with runners that left the gate at miniscule 3/5 odds.  Ran second with the other at 5/2.  So it goes.  I had high hopes for racing on Friday.  The big winter blast that had hit the country last week had wiped out Oaklawn's Southwest Stakes Day card and Aqueduct's Withers Day card.  Both were rescheduled for today.  So I had three tracks on my sheet for Friday.  No one was more surprised than me when in a short field of three, prohibitive 1/9 favorite Luciele Ball was last....yes, one-to-nine.  WOW.  Good for me for not cashing in my chips and abandoning racing for the rest of the weekend :)  Came back in the Toboggan Stakes with Todd Pletcher's Be You.  He was not stakes tested, but he'd been a best of the rest second behind Bill Mott's very talented Knightsbridge who exited that race to be a decisive winner of the Grade 3 Fred Hooper in his next start.  Be You tracked four front runners into the lane, slid into the clear on the outside and powered home to score at 5/2 odds for my first win (and first of many stakes wins) of the week.

Missed with two runners out of town, both at 9/5 before getting my second win in a $30K sprint at Oaklawn.  One of my horses through MyRacehorse was in the field but I didn't think he'd be in the hunt, but did think Eglise was clearly the one to beat.  He'd scored decisively at this level last summer first off the claim for Mike Maker and had been in allowance company since.  On the drop he looked best, but I wasn't overly confident so I only went in for the minimum.  Right to the front, clear into the lane.  Was watching with Keith, who's here for the winter, and he said "He's your winner" to which I replied, "Never say that at Oaklawn they have one of the world's longest stretches it seems."  The farther down the lane they went, the close the field came.....the wire came up JUST in time :)

In what became a pattern on the day, sadily, I had the prohibitive 2/5 favorite in the Ladies at Aqueduct and didn't hit the board when crossing the line fourth.  Just....WOW.  Got my third win of the day with my first bet at Gulfstream.  Sweet Rebecca was coming off an eight month layoff while moving to the Brendon Walsh barn for the first time in a conditioned allowance on the turf.  Because of the long break I only went in with a minimum play.  Tracked the leaders while saving all the ground.  Got through on the inside at the sixteenth pole and cleared off late.

At this point on the Friday afternoon I'd won three of seven through the first three hours of playing the ponies.  I'm doing fine I thought.  The key word there, THOUGHT.  Went on a EIGHT race skid where one and only one even hit the board.  YIKES.  I will say that as one after the other failed to live up to my expectations it did occur to me that maybe this was a "sign" that Saturday would be a good day.  Still, much less entertaining to watch racing for several hours without even being in the hunt.  I finished the long afternoon with two last bets at Oaklawn.  I noted in the 9th, an entry level allowance that at least half a dozen of the entrants would be no surprise.  But at that class level I have found the most likely winner is a lightly raced, recent maiden winner who's run competitively once or twice against winners.  The only one that fit the profile was Vital Mind.  A sharp debut was followed by a win off the bench.  Then tracked the leaders and was a best of the rest second at this level last time out.  Third off the layoff added to the appeal.  Was mid-pack through the turn along the inside.  Came off the rail and utilized the long Hot Springs stretch to blow by the field and win convincingly with my triple investment on board to snap the string of losses.  Gave it a good college try when 2nd at 3/1 to the favorite in the final play of the day, the Bugler Stakes.  Wasn't the kind of day I had envisioned, but you have to put in the work and endure the losses to earn the right to post a string of winners.  And unbeknownst to me, that was about to happen.

The plan for Saturday was to head out to the track and initially the weather forecast looked like it might be chilly and or have showers.  So Keith and I talked about getting seats both inside and outside.  But two things changed my mind.  First, Keith had told me there was a possibility his niece would be in town from So California and she'd expressed a desire to go to the races, and second the weather forecast cleared up considerably....the temps supposed to hit mid to upper 70's was the call Friday morning.  So I got three seats in the grandstand for the three of us and told him if he wanted seats inside that would be up to him, but I was spending the day outside.

Only "real track guys" will get the first part of the story on the day.  I took a photo of myslef to post on Facebook and then reached out to my all time favorite Kimmy, who's been freezing with her family in North Carolina and told her I was at the races.  She messaged me back minutes later and told me she was in London where it was raining, for work.  And then she said, "Good luck!"  And so at the end of what turned out to be an amazing day of racing and handicapping, she is now committed (in my mind) to being obligated to wish me good luck EVERY Saturday until the winning stops :)  I had handicapped four tracks to play today.  Obviously Tampa where it was their last big prep day before the Tampa Bay Derby, it's Sam Davis stakes day.  I also handicapped Oaklawn where the Grade 3 Bayakoa was the highlight event.  And of course Gulfstream.  I also handicapped at Santa Anita where they were running their big 3yo prep race as the first step towards the Santa Anita Derby.  Finally I added Delta Downs as it's the one day of the year that I play their night time program, Louisiana Premier Night with multiple state-bred stakes.  I was a bit "concerned" that after finishing all the handicapping I had multiple gaps of an hour or more between races.  And then it occurred to me that I could use the time to listen to the book I'd written I've enjoyed doing that when I've been revisiting the novel.  Three of the first four races on my sheet were from Oldsmar.  In the opener  Fidelightcayut was one of two top contenders, but what separated the two of them was the barn's hot 30% win rate.  Tracked the dueling leaders into the lane and spurted clear through the final 16th at a generous $6.60.  Ran fourth at Gulfstream before I watched R Delray run away in the Tampa 2nd.  She was a Saffie Joseph class dropper in a maiden claimer coming off a layoff and she was the easiest kind of winner at a short price.  Keith and Lauren arrived about then and they stood in the breezeway as the horses went into the gate for the first of the stakes events, this one the six furlong Minaret for fillies & mares.  Mystic Lake.  She'd been the 6/5 favorite in Gulfstream's Sugar Swirl only to get hooked in a speed duel before failing to last.  I thought that Flavian Prat would handle her better today.  Not sure how that would have worked out because the co-favorite missed the break leaving Mystic Lake all alone on the front end and she wired the field easily.  Three-for-four to start the day!  WHOOOO HOOOOOO.

The Minaret had just gone official when the three of us took our seats on the finish line, on the front row to watch the fourth at Gulfstream.  It was a 3yo nw1x allowance going a mile on the turf and my pick was Laigina who'd been a daylight winner in her maiden, after two dirt tries.  She'd come back in the Ginger Brew and faced probably the best 3yo turf filly, at least locally if not nationally in Sister Trioenne and ran second.  That one had come right back to dominate the Sweetest Chant last weekend on the Holy Bull undercard.  Figured to be a short priced favorite and she was hammered to 2/5 odds at post time.  Pressed the 10/1 front runner into the lane and drew off without taking a deep breath.  

I went downstairs to watch the fourth from Oaklawn and my pick was sent right to the front at 2/5.  Led all the way, was collared late and dueled through the final 16th.  It was a head bobbing finish but I was pretty sure I'd won.  Watched the slow motion replay and thought the same.  I was the #4 and I heard someone near me cheer, YES the 9!  And I thought, he's crazy.  Then the numbers came up 9-4.  I couldn't believe it.  Watched the replay and then a drone overhead replay and was certain I'd won.  The photo came up - of course with the red part of the rail not visible in the photo and somehow it was interpreted that I was second.  I was so focused on the replay that I completely missed Zany sitting off the pace and rolling home an impressive winner in Tampa's Suncoast Stakes for 3yo fillies.  I'd tripled the bet but didn't collect alot as everyone saw her as best and she was 1/5 at post time.  Still, I now stood at 5-for-7 on the day and a perfect 4-for-4 at Tampa :)

At this point it was 2pm and I only had six bets over the next three hours.  I set up my book and listened to a long chapter in my novel where the characters, ironically, went to the Florida Derby at Gulfstream.  Of the six races I missed three times at Tampa, once at Oaklawn, and with my first bet at Santa Anita. But ironically the two races I won were both at Gulfstream.  Keith and Lauren had long since left.  Though - side note, Lauren had such a good time that she said she wanted to come back some time and wear a fancy hat.  I told her I could probably get her a ticket to join the ten of us in our Florida Derby party and she promised she'd look at her schedule a book a flight the next day.  That happened and ironically there were ten seats left in the grandstand but two of them were in our box.  I got the other one for our good friends Melissa & Ben who's son is coming but he wanted to bring a plus one!  The sixth at Gulfstream was a 3yo MSW going seven furlongs.  Looked to me like High Camp was the obvious choice coming off a big effort on debut that had earned an 83 Beyer.  High Camp lagged near the back early, then made a bold move down the backstretch.  But on the turn he stalled noticeably.  Swung into the clear in the lane and accelerated.  Gaining with every stride he was JUST up in time!  In the featured Ladies Turf Sprint, Moon Spun looked like the ultimate legitimate favorite.  She won a stakes like this 13 months ago then came back as good as ever and was third off the bench today.  I noted you COULD go for value, but I was pretty sure Moon Spun was the winner.  Right to the front, cleared by open lengths and was a dominant winner.

Missed in the tenth at Tampa, a sprint stakes before I stood in front of the giant screen showing the horses loading into the gate for the Grade 3 Bayakoa at Oaklawn.  Last season Nitrogen was the best 3yo turf filly in the country, if not top turf female period.  When the Grade 3 Wonder Again got rained off and she ran away from her short field rivals the connections decided to try the main track.  She responded with a win in the Grade 1 Alabama and second place finishes in the Grade 1 Spinster and Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Distaff.  I had not been convinced in any of those three races.  But today as she made her 4yo debut my only question was if she was fully cranked as I'm almost certain they are targeting the prestigious Grade 1 Apple Blossom in a month.  Pressed the leaders and collared them turning for home.  Dueled to just inside the furlong marker and drew off easily carrying my prime time investment.  I was about to head for home but quickly did a count.  Leaving the track with an 8-for-16 mark, so I texted Kimmy in London, "Hope this doesn't wake you but YOU wished me luck and I went 8-for-16.  It's a rule now, every Saturday you MUST wish me good luck.  Sweet dreams" :)

As I walked to the car I'd made five late bets and the tickets were in my pocket - the Ladies Turf Sprint with Moon Spun and the Grade 3 Bayakoa with Nitrogen.  I had three more - the Sam Davis Stakes at Tampa, the Grade 3 Thunder Road from Santa Anita and the Grade 2 D.Wayne Lucas from Santa Anita.  I'd also made my first bet at Delta Downs thru my xpressbet account.  When I got home I pulled up the replays.  First up the Sam Davis.  The first replay I watched was the Sam Davis from Tampa.  I picked Renegade who was a Todd Pletcher 3yo.  Had been 2nd in the Gr 2 Remsen to finish his 2yo campaign and could be a good one.  Settled near the back, circled the field on the turn and drew off.......that's three winning tickets in my pocket!

Both the Santa Anita races went my way.  El Potente went right to the front and never let his rivals have a chance as whe wired the Gr 3 Thunder Road.  And in the Grade 2 DW Lucas, Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint champion made short work of the field dashing off to a convincing show through the lane.

Time to turn my attention to Delta Downs and the first bet had already run a Starter Stakes.  Opened the replay and Sweet Darlin was away quickly but wide.  Kept pace to the turn, fell back and then re-rallied to blow by as an easy winner.  In the fourth Prado Priority dueled thru the turn then found another gear and was long gone for my 2nd win in Louisiana.

I was catching up with replays during commercials and between shows as the evening wore on.  Sandwiched around the Prado Priority win I'd lost two at Santa Anita.  It was about 8pm and we decided to take a break for ten minutes.  I flipped the TV to FanDuel TV as they approached the gate for the Louisiana Premier Championship.  Touchuponastar was my "BET of the Weekend" even thought I knew I'd be lucky to get even ten cents on the dollar.  His running lines showed six La-bred stakes...all wins and by more than a combined fifty lengths.  YOWZA.  His four rivals had lifetime best figures in the low to mid-80's and 'Star's last three were 101-108-104, and the other two state-bred races earned figures of 101 and 104.  SHOULD win for fun.  Pressed the pace to the far turn and then inhaled the hard working front runner.  Through the lane he was jogging while widening the margin by more than a pole as the EASIEST of winners.  And that topped the day.  Check out the numbers below!

Saturday's Totals

26 / 14 – 3 – 4

54% WINS 

Sunday I just had the feeling that the racing gods were going to "even the score" and that they did as I had only one win from five picks...and ironically that win came at even money with a minimum bet on board.

Social Media this week......

It's become "a thing" on social media over the last week or so.  Ever since I was introduced to the AI program ChatGPT it seems everyone else is using it to create their own animated version of themselves.  Our girl friend Michelle posted hers and I thought it was just adorable.  Told her so and she replied back that she liked her cartoon version of herself.

Lauren Pastrana and I had several exchanges - as per usual on this her birthday week.  During the week we had half a dozen exchanges....always good to be noticed :)

Karli Barnett posted her ChatGPT image and I thought it so SO caught her smile and eyes and told her so.  She replied back how kind I was.  That's my girl Karli, she's very thoughtful.

Teri Hornstein also posted her image and she was at work with coffee.  I remarked how sorry I was that it wasn't Wawa which I know she loves and misses.  We chatted briefly, loved it.

I got several reactions to my ChatGPT image which I doctored a little to show me in a Mickey shirt and put "Mickonomics" on the chalkboard.  Figured any of my former kids would enjoy that.  One of the first to comment was my former Jen, who also went to Miami of Ohio.  Loved her comment saying that was her in the front row in the bottom right of the picture :)

Of course the highlight on the social media front came from my exchanges with my all time favorite former, and super good friend Kimmy.  When she reached out to me and sent just a "Hiiii!" it just felt so warm and sincere - I miss seeing that girl and being able to talk to her about what's going on in my life.  When I sent her a pic from the track Saturday she told me she was in London and made me want to go back there....Kim and I had a wonderful time in London with our friends Pam & Bob.  Kimmy also enjoyed my ChatGPT image :)  And my favorite exchange came when she replied to a message I'd sent a couple days before about looking forward to visiting with her and her family and she assured me we would find dates to make it happen :)