I hate this time of year. The snow, the cold and the dreary days. If you ever hear me yell or bitch about a hot summer day, just give me a good slap and remind me of this piece.

But, there are some things that brighten my day and get me thinking about the spring. No, I did not go outside to look for my shadow. I just started reading, and before I knew it, I was making plans and thinking about the year.

First, I love to play in the mini-contests at Keeneland. If you are close enough, or are looking to make a day trip, I would suggest stopping by and seeing my friends at the greatest track in the country. Even if there is no racing, they always have something fun in the works. Everything they do is first class. This gets me my contest fix at a cheap price. Nothing better….

I just received an email about Keeneland’s “Grade One Gamble.” This is a $3,000 buy-in, and is for the player of players. They cap the contest at 36 players, and I get to thinking of how I need to start a bankroll and win a mini-contest to get in. It is a cash bankroll contest, and you get to keep your winnings at the end. You can bet win-place-show, exactas, and trifectas. This is where you separate the players. Good stuff, and a top notch contest. Wagering gods: please let me catch fire to make my way down. Mark your calendar, as the top three finishers go to Vegas.

I have some friends talking about going to the Derby. Can you believe that? We are already talking Derby doings… But before I begin, there will be some of the best preps in the world. My personal favorite: one month, or 16 racing days at heaven on earth at Keeneland. This all points to Churchill, and the games begin…

The summer brings a few road trips to other tracks, and some of the best in simulcast action from around the world.

It is about this time I am trying to call in a favor or two for Breeders’ Cup tickets. It will be held at Churchill Downs this year, and I live about 100 miles away. Nothing better, and I can drive to the most historic track in the world.

The first alert for me is the Super Bowl. When they play the game, I know that spring is around the corner. With that, the blues are turning into blooming dogwood trees and three-year-olds running into the history books. I have so many memories, and I cannot wait. While I am shoveling my driveway, I am thinking about driving down to Keeneland with the sunroof open and the stereo on high. In the meantime, the blues are starting to fade, and I see the days getting longer by the minute. It won’t be long, and we’ll all be past winter. So, keep your cool and know that we are just around the corner from the greatest time of the year for horseplayers.