I loved going to the track. The sites and smells and the unique characters made every trip an adventure. – That was my thought many moons ago. Now when I walk in, it looks like a ghost of it’s former self. What used to be a hub of humanity is now an echo chamber where […]

Catching up with old friends can be enjoyable, informative, and sometimes down right sad. – I bet you never heard that one before, huh ? – In the course of one week I had a little taste of all three. – Being a member of the elite fraternity of horse players I have some of […]

The best part was when they handed you the dirty dollar bills. If you were lucky, there were a few coins you’d grab up and shove into your pocket. – There was no sweeter feeling in the world. You were the big winner.  The gambling bug had bitten, and my love affair began. I recall with vivid detail […]

Many moons ago I worked for a small track in Kentucky. Those who know me are familiar with where I’m talking about. But I digress. – This isn’t about making friends; and using their words. It’s just business. – This track had seen their best days. A rival track passed full-card simulcasting, and the first stage of riverboat gambling […]

I have a few buddies that have qualified for the 17th Annual National Handicapping Championship. – It takes place January 28th – 30th, and there is $2.45 million dollars on the line. It roughly comes out to $800,000 to the winner if you were sitting home wondering. – The NHC is the one contest where […]

“There is something moving down there. Never mind, it’s the mascot.” – The cheap seats are what they are, and sometimes they suck. But then again, being so far removed from the hub-bub of activity you get a clear view at times. – Each year I look forward to reading about the Symposium of Racing in […]

I was having a couple of beers with a good friend. – It was his birthday, but I didn’t find out until our fifth beer. I know, I know. Sometimes a few can be more than one, and less than 100. He wanted to stay and bet a few simulcast tracks, and he sure didn’t have […]

Each day starts about the same. Coffee maker turns on at 5a, and he fires up the computer. He splashes warm water on his day old beard, and begins a close shave for the day. Jumps in the shower, and grabs the clothes he laid out the night before. The coffee is piping hot as he pours it into a Del […]

“Money won is twice as sweet as money earned” – Fast Eddie Felson. These words echo in every pool hall, race track, OTB, and anywhere a bet is made. It is the credo of gamblers since dice were thrown by Roman soldiers. – This weekend in Las Vegas, the 16th annual National Handicapping Championship. The Treasure […]

For most handicappers, you dream of the day when you’ll bring your son or daughter to the races. It takes you back to a simpler time as you held your grandpa’s hand, or walked along with Dad into the large building. As you slid under the turnstiles for free admission, and stood in line to get your […]