Changing of the Seasons

by Ed Meyer

posted on September 27, 2021 in Blogroll, General Discussion, Handicapping, Horse Racing, WinningPonies.com | Comments Off on Changing of the Seasons

The smell of a late season grill, football in full swing and chimneys being swept in preparation of a warm hearth fire as the seasons change. I love this time of year, and more importantly the beginning of fall racing.

Living in Kentucky is special this time of year. Add in the fact I’m 80 miles away from the front gate of Keeneland, and a horse player couldn’t ask for anything more. – As a younger man I would skip out on a late afternoon class and make the drive. The foliage in full gear and the drive down seemed to take five minutes. – I was staring out the window as the sunshine was blazing through. – The professor was not feeling well and dismissed the class early. I was going to go home and work on a paper when an hour later I was in the paddock under the historic sycamore tree in Lexington. Yeah, there’s something about the magic of fall.

If you’ve never been, go ahead and add it to your list of tracks to visit. You can’t call it a bucket list, as once you go you’ll be back for many years. – I had the opportunity to work at Keeneland. Not many have the chance, and I was sure it was a mistake being a part of the team. – When I was hired, my new boss asked me what I was feeling being a part of the historic track. ” I know what it felt like being called up to be a New York Yankee when the dynasty was unstoppable.” Some of my best time spent in racing.

As Belterra Park is wrapping up the final eight days of live racing action I’m going to treat it as a fine cigar. I’ll savor every moment until I make my final walk from the crow’s nest. I have a habit of looking back at the finish line as the fall sunset disappears over the rolling hills of Kentucky  thinking of the action packed summer. I take a picture of the finish line and post it on social media for all to enjoy. Always brings a sad smile to my face…

But, onward to fall. Keeneland, Belmont and Santa Anita will excite our inner-horseplayer and bring us the beauty and pageantry that only horse racing can provide. – Before you know it, Breeders’ Cup will be here, and shortly after the action moves to our favorite winter racing venues. – A longtime horseplayer once told me bettors measure life in twenty minute increments (minutes between post times), and we know what time of year it is by which track is open. No truer words were ever spoken.

I’m ready. If everything works out and Mother Nature behaves, I’ll make at least two trips to Lexington. There is nothing like the sights and smells of being up close to the racing. If you don’t believe me, I’ll buy the first beer and Rueben sandwich. – See you at the races…