The One That Got Away

by Ed Meyer

posted on November 9, 2020 in Blogroll, Breeders Cup, General Discussion, WinningPonies.com | Comments Off on The One That Got Away

If you listen closely, you can still hear the pick-five / four tickets being tossed on the floor. Mine included. – But, in keeping with my betting average of one good day, and one where I didn’t know my name. 2020 was not any different. – I look back on a weekend filled with incredible winners, and some things that left me scratching my head. Oh, well. Next year is right around the bend.

I started my weekend by doing a couple blogs for Winning Ponies. They were longshot plays that could make your day. – Friday started with a (30-1) winner with Fire At Will in the 7th race. Nice! – Race #8 – had a $15.20 winner! Sweet! – Not bad from four races on the card, but Saturday was a little different. 0 for 5 on the day. Not my best handicapping.

Now, I love to play pick-five and pick-four wagers on big days. There is a huge guarantee, and this weekend did not disappoint. Well, that was until Race #9 – BC Mile. – I know longshots win, and sometimes we miss. That is gambling. I’ve accepted that fact since I’ve been playing since I was 13-years-old. – “Don’t cheer too much when you win, and don’t cry when you lose.”

That was until Race #9 / The BC Mile. – The winner paid $148.40. Big balloons if you were on board. There are a few magic mojo items that apply to the winner. An AE who drew in when there was a scratch. The rider Christophe Soumillion tested positive for Covid-19 and missed out on three winners to be replaced by Charles-Pierre Boudot. And, for added pain, he broke from the #15 post and his past performances never had a top-three finish in Group company; his last effort was dead last beaten by 47 lengths. – Now, I like to longshot hunt, but this was like the needle in the haystack. One the size of Texas. – I guess I’ve bitched enough, but this race was like betting a condition claiming event for this gambler. I guess you could have had this runner; if you pushed the wrong button,#15 was your lucky number, or you hit the ALL button. – Congrats to those who cashed for big money!

I love going to Keeneland. I would’ve loved to make the drive and enjoy the races. – The public was informed there would be NO fans, only owners, grooms, and trainers. – When I saw the stands, I felt like an outsider looking in. – Looks like there were a few people there. – I feel horrible for my friends who mailed their tickets back in for a refund. I’m usually the one who leads the cheer with a seat by the band.  But, this was tough to see as a racing fan, and more importantly as a fan who’ve respected the rules for safety. – 75 miles from my front door, and you could’ve bet I would have made the drive. Mask on all day, and social distancing would have been in full effect. But when TV coverage showed winner’s circle photos with around 7,000 or so fans. The races might as well been held on the moon. I can’t go there either. – According to a friend in racing; ” It was an invitation-only event.” I guess regular fans who bet with both hands didn’t make the list.

Photo: Breeders’ Cup World Championship

There were many wonderful things that happened. Most importantly that the weekend was able to take place in times of a pandemic. I enjoyed watching the races and had some up and down strides. But, that’s gambling. – The Kentucky Derby is meant for big hats, mint juleps, and a packed house. – The Breeders’ Cup is a weekend dedicated to the gambler. I sure hope the next time this marquee weekend hits Lexington I’ll be able to make it. It will be at Del Mar in 2021 and returns to Keeneland in 2022. – I’m counting the days!