Big Wins, Bad Beats and Long Walks to the Car

I was at Churchill Downs for the Breeders’ Cup in 2011. – Now, I know I’m not the only one in the world but this track is 100 miles from my home and I am a true lover of racing. – There was a fat pick-four pool and I needed to find that single that may upset the apple cart. For me, it was a gal by the name of Turallure. She had the French-sensation Julien Leparoux in the irons and I felt pretty good coming into the race. She’s easy to see coming down the lane. – Leparoux was known for not getting excited and when I saw him raise his hand in the air it looked all but done. But the photo-finish had her a nose back.

 

I was at Arlington Park for the Million as I’m a huge fan of turf racing. Great weather, great races and even had a hotel room on the first turn of the track for a song. – Things couldn’t have been going any better. – I arrive the night before and catch the second half of the card. I win about $300! Wow, I am off to a great start. – I go back to the simulcast building as I heard they had great food. It was a perfect steak and four beers that made me feel right at home. I even bet Mountaineer Park which is not on my usual course list, but +$500 an hour later, and I was a fan for life. –  I walked in the next day and was only going to bet the Arlington card. That was until I looked up at a soggy Saratoga and saw a horse on my list for 1 month. – Ok, ok. Just one good bet and off to my seat. – I bet $200 to win and he drew away paying $14. It was my day to steal a line from the Richard Dreyfuss movie Let It Ride. I was having a very good day – I was betting small and winning all day long. It was time to bet multiple races into my key runner. A Euro runner ridden by a young gun by the name of Jamie Spencer. – I really liked Powerscourt and put all of my winnings and tucked back my initial bankroll. I had multiple pick-three’s, four’s, trifecta keys, and $200 to win on him at (6-1). When they turn for home watch the black silks flying on the outside.  Fast forward to 17.00 to catch the race.  – He was DQ’ed as he came over at the 1/8th pole.