Many times, I have tried to convince those on the fence that contest play is the most enjoyable time you will find. I have a full docket for the next two weeks, and I am loving every minute if it…

I first kick off my weekend on Friday night. I will travel down to Franklin, Kentucky. It is located 30 miles North of Nashville. It is an undulating European course, that in part, had some direction from Steve Cauthen.  It has the feel of a county fair, and a day at Longchamp in blue jeans. The racing is usually top notch, and there are riders that come into town to chase the big purses. This is also Kentucky Cup at Turfway Park, and it leads to a great day of bluegrass racing. The contest will be over the eight live races at KYD, and the rest of the contest is over designated tracks. The total number of races is 13 for the contest, and the atmosphere is one of a kind. I will have WinningPonies hats for prize drawings, and they usually go fast…. Wish me luck…

Next week is The Fall Classic at The Orleans. WinningPonies is sending Horstradamus out to do battle with some of the best handicappers in the land. This contest is one of the best going in Vegas. That comes from many players, and those who write for the Las Vegas Journal. The contest itself is a marathon of three days of play. Each day is separate for daily prizes, but your overall score carries over to the end. Last winter I was 6th, out of the large World Series pack. I had visions of the gold, only to come up short on the last day. I still finished in the money, but the idea of that $500,000 top prize stays in your head on the plane ride home.  This contest is not for the faint of heart. You can lead and fade late, or lose two days in a row and take it down late. Either way, I love the format. The top 25 qualifiers get to come back and play in the World Series in February. There are prizes for the day and the finals, and the ability to get your ticket to the big dance. Overall, I will have my W/P in hand doing battle. Wish me double luck on this one!

You need to make a trip if you have not played. The contests are fun, and I know people and major players from around the world. My girlfriend asked me how I know so many people in Vegas, and how it seemed like a fraternity of sorts. Well, it is… We play against each other, but there are no hard feelings at the end of the day. The old adage of “never play with someone who is not happy to see you win” definitely applies here……