The Man Behind the Man

Every team has a behind the scenes person who tends to the details and getting everything ready to roll. They do the jobs that few will see, but when they do right it becomes bright and clear. Rich Strike is tended to by many for Eric Reed. The hands who ready the horse to train, […]

Three Reminders Before Betting the Derby

The first Saturday in May is only just days away. Hard to believe after this past year, but good things are just ahead. – Before you hoist that first julep or head to the windows. Here are three reminders before pulling the trigger. Churchill Downs The 147th edition of the “Fastest Two Minutes in […]

What Say You ?

The Jim Beam Stakes at Turfway Park originated as a stepping stone that would “Spiral” up to the Derby. – The race produced some good races, but in the ’80s and ’90s, there were some real runners. In the span of four years from 1990-1993 there were four classic winners. The local event was thought […]

The Making of a Horseplayer

The first Saturday in May is a holy day for horseplayers. Nothing like it until the Breeders’ Cup comes along much later. Now we have multiple days to celebrate the equine. – I grew up in a small town. A mix between Mayberry and every town most of us grew up in. In my little […]

Derby Drawing Board

We all have one. If you’re a horseplayer you have had a list; doing adjustments as the marquee events pass. That is the way of the gambler. We watch and wager and go back and dissect our actions and the outcomes. That is the “Road to the Derby.” I have been keeping a few to […]

Another Standing Eight Count

You would be amazed at the capital of horse racing and the hurdles it has covered over the years. But, even in the face of another round of adversity the game was given another standing eight count to ready itself for the next round. Operations of HHR games were called into question in September when […]

Derby Days Past

I can remember getting up early. My dad was known as the neighbor who liked to play the races; but on this day that was just fine as he gathered up bets from neighbors, family, and friends to get their action down. – There was nothing better than the excitement of things to come and […]

Looking Back Over the Past Few Months

It was back in March when the announcements began. – Life as we knew it was changing drastically. It seemed as if our worst nightmares were coming true and uncertainty the rule of the day. – Families were being asked to keep distance, and the economy was short of collapse. All seemed bleak and there […]

First Saturday in September

I know, it sounds crazy. But, in the times of Corona-19, it may be the new norm for a while. – This Saturday would have been Kentucky Derby 146. – We just need to sit back, chill out, and wait for the ponies. They’ll be heading to post in about four months. Churchill Downs has […]

Road Work – Kentucky Derby 2019

Boxers wake in the wee hours and hit the road. The fog hasn’t burnt off and the night still holds for a couple more hours. – The sun can be seen creeping over the hills as the skies turn a wondrous golden. Morning arrives and the road work is complete. – They grab a shower, […]

Winning Ponies

Posts Tagged ‘Kentucky Derby’