The game of racing fades in 20-minute increments. – That’s the time in between post times. Where we made friends, talked horses, and handicapped for the big win. – Over the years, we see friends get older and make fewer trips to the races. Then, they disappear. You hear the story of how they passed […]
We sat around the small transistor radio waiting for the call-to-the-post bugle on WNOP 740 am. We were transported to the track magically as Leo Underhill would take us right to the rail with his smokey voice. – This would be the follow-up to finding a newspaper and gleaning the entries and guessing who you […]
Is there anything better than jumping in the “Bet Mobile” and heading to your favorite oval ? – After meeting Bob Summers, I can say that may be one of the top three reasons for getting out of bed in the morning. We all have that big building we loved to visit with program in […]
Gambling had a mystique that took place in back rooms or places your Mom wouldn’t approve. Rooms filled with smoke, profanity the second language, and if a lady was there she was tending bar or waiting on tables. Men could be found from every walk of life, and was the only place where you’d see […]
Think of this as a report card on what’s happening in the world of racing from a handicapper’s eyes and ears. – I listen to the players. I’ve always enjoyed that part, and the players have always been the best part of racing. – For years that’s been my stance, and it’s not to say there aren’t […]
The “un-official” kickoff of summer is in the books, and handicappers stand at the ready for their favorite summer race meets. Hard to believe the Triple Crown is seeking the final jewel, as it won’t be long until we’re talking Saratoga, Del Mar, and the Arlington Million. But that’s horse racing. – The […]
There was something magical about going with my Dad to the local bar/bookie. The room was filled with smoke, and men stood in a back room sipping draft beer, and reading the Daily Racing Form. I would occasionally see another local kid or two, and we would just hang around and wait. This […]
When the Travers is in the books, and you start reading about the fall meet tracks. You tell the fat lady to start warming up, as the cool winds of autumn are just weeks away. Football season is on deck, and baseball is starting to shake out contenders to watch down the stretch. I tried […]
Thoroughbred racing is beauty in motion. The majestic horse carries himself with swagger and confidence and humans only wished it came in a bottle. It’s fair to say you won’t see many things as strong and fragile all in the same stride. To bring to life and capture the essence of a horse race is nothing short […]
I have seen so many wonderful things in racing. There have been days that have made me smile, tear at the eyes, and kick myself good. But overall, I wouldn’t trade any of it for dollars or donuts… I just watched Race #6 at Oaklawn Park. Now, you probably won’t see any real exciting news happening […]