The Happy Horseplayer – Reflective Thoughts of Summer

by Ed Meyer

posted on October 6, 2017 in Blogroll, General Discussion, Horse Racing, WinningPonies.com | No Comments >>

As the cool crisp breezes blow through the trees, it takes me back to an introspective time. – The heat of the summer sun, the racing ovals that open the doors to the bright morning sunshine and the bevy of racing action that has to last another fall-winter-spring. Just think, there are only 241 days until June 1. – As a racing fan, I’ve always set my internal clock to what ovals are open. I doubt I’m alone, and before we know it that sweltering summer heat will be seen on our brows.

I loved watching and wagering on the New York signal. All the way from the inner-track racing at Aqueduct to the main track. Then Belmont offered a glimpse of turf racing and late spring hopefuls. Saratoga is the Brigadoon that has magically appeared since 1864. Something about seeing the historic oval bring the hope and promise and the making of history at every turn.

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Fall racing brings me Keeneland. Another track that magically appears from the mist twice a year for 15 days. Those two months in April and October just grab your soul and eternally make you feel like a kid. – There is something about the bucolic setting of Keeneland that soothes what ails you. – It heals your inner-horse player and before you know you’re ready for the Breeders’ Cup. The magic of walking through the gates as everyone is dressed to the nines greeting you and making you feel genuinely welcome. As you make the walk past the 70-foot tall Sycamore tree that has been growing since 1936, there is the sense that you’ve arrived. If Heaven has a race track it would most definitely look like Keeneland.

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Just about the time you are passing out candy and enjoying hot apple cider. – The Breeders’ Cup arrives and allows us the opportunity to watch the worlds best do battle on the big stage. – Two days of the very best racing makes us appreciate what the world has prepared for us. A show of shows that makes everyone a fan if even for a short weekend. – The house that Bing built will be a wonderful showcase where the turf meets the surf.

 

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Seasons for horseplayers are kept by which track is open. – Time is kept is 20 minutes increments between posts and at the conclusion of the last race, we start thinking about the next day and dinner to be served shortly. – Summer was sweet and we appreciate your glory. Just as the fall turns into the opening of Fair Grounds, Tampa Bay, and soon to have Gulfstream and Oaklawn around the corner. We battle blustery winds and think of months to come. With the passing of every weekend and stakes that get bigger by the week, we find ourselves drifting off in thought to the springtime ovals that are just ahead. – That is the life of a handicapper. – This Happy Handicapper is grateful for the seasons and how we embrace the game at every turn. – Until next month may all of your photos be winners!