The Happy Horseplayer – January 2020

by Ed Meyer

posted on February 6, 2020 in Blogroll, General Discussion, Horse Racing, WinningPonies.com | No Comments >>

It’s your old friend the HH! – January came and went and most of us have flopped on our New Year’s resolutions, or at least I have. – In my neck of the woods, it has been a mild winter; and with that being said it will snow 12 inches on Derby Day.

 

Groundhog Day

Punxsutawney Phil strutted his stuff among his friends in Gobbler’s Knob. He didn’t see his shadow and that means we’ll be playing our favorite spring signals with sunny weather as the legend calls for an early spring. I sure hope so as it’s been donkey years since I’ve seen the sun.

As the cult movie, I feel like I’m living the same day over and over at times. – Sometimes no matter how much we prepare we find ourselves having the same results. – Win $12 and lose back $8, rinse and repeat. – There will be days like that as Mom used to tell us. – But, if you stick to the last of your New Year’s resolutions. Keep working on your handicapping methods and put as much time into making your wagers as you did finding your winners. – See you in the winner’s circle.

 

Gulfstream Park

The sun does shine in Florida, or at least that’s what the big yellow ball in the heavens looks like. – I love this time of year and it seems like the weekends are getting better by the race. Mischievous Alex drew off by seven taking down the G-3 Swale Stakes. Also, toss in Green Light Go who was flying late as a beaten favorite.

The G-3 Holy Bull is a signal for me that the big races are coming. – This past weekend we got a glimpse of Tiz the Law by Constitution. He was tough to settle and had to be wrangled back under stout restraint. He steadied at the 6f pole and cruised on past to kick clear by an easy three lengths. – I’ve been looking forward to GP for quite some time and I’ll be playing there more and more!

 

Checking in on you

Have you taken that youngster to a day at the races? – How about reconnecting with old friends who used to be regular pals at the races? – It’s already February and I’m as guilty as anyone who hasn’t taken the time.

The past few weeks I’ve caught myself talking for hours at night to old handicapping friends. We used to play in contests long ago and since then life has taken over. Kids, grand-kids, and that long walk from the car for some. – But, we laugh and make plans for a semi-yearly trek to Keeneland. It’s been a couple years for me and I’m really looking forward to seeing that big Sycamore in the paddock. Yeah, plans with the boys. We’re getting a little older and Father Time is undefeated, but the time spent with my buddies is golden. – My Dad has become a little too comfortable watching races from his “office” in his den. I think I’m gonna kidnap him and make the drive to Lexington. But just don’t tell him.

Best of luck from your friend the Happy Handicapper!