The nation is in a cold snap, and its a doozey. At the time of this blog, it is one month and four days from the start of winter. In my neck of the woods, we’re getting ready to break a low-temperature mark since 1880.  Even as the weatherman spouts bad news, this time of year has a sweat brewing across my brow. As the weather has turned from November to February. I find myself looking for warmer days ahead. Quoting the dapper Peter Rotondo from Horseplayers, “Get hot, stay hot.”

The Triple Crown is in the books, and the Breeders’ Cup has faded into the sunset. I guess you’re settling in behind the computer getting a jump on your holiday shopping. Before you jump the gun and max out your credit cards going crazy. Drop back and see what the month has to offer. – Before we make our first early winter wager, there are some big shout outs to folks who’ve been great for racing, and taken time to join us on the Winning Ponies Internet Radio Show. – Rosie Napravnik, we wish Joe and yourself the best as you begin the next chapter of your life together. It has been a true pleasure watching you grace the saddle. When you surprised the world with your announcement of retiring from racing to raise a family. The smile on our faces was ear-to-ear. Oh, we’ll miss watching you ply your trade, and cashing tickets by the handful. Whether or not you return to the saddle, watching your career has been a pleasure. Winning the Kentucky Oaks twice, and two Breeders’ Cup wins on your resume, you’ve become the darling of the sport winning our hearts. It would’ve been a matter of time before you eclipsed your mentor Julie Krone in earnings, but some things in life are more important than money. Winning Ponies wishes you and your family the very best, and thank you for memories.

Matt Bernier first appeared on the radar screen as a young gun on Horseplayers. He came across looking to take his game to the next level. I liked your style right away, and told fans you would be a force to be reckoned with in days to come. As member of the Daily Racing Form team, I watched you begin a new course as a handicapper. When you joined John Englehardt on the Winning Ponies Internet Show, fans were treated to a glimpse of what you can bring to the table. When you scored in the Aqueduct Betting Challenge to win the first prize of $40,000, that is just the beginning. You’re an employee of the DRF, and you’re not eligible for a seat in the NTRA/DRF Handicapping Championship in Las Vegas. Not to worry, Matt. I don’t think this is the last we’ll be hearing from you on the handicapping circuit. Best of luck from Winning Ponies!

The season is upon, and before we know it we’ll be smelling the sweet aroma of roses from Louisville. Lets not get too far ahead of ourselves just yet. There are a few racing meets that always grab my attention, and they are getting ready to swing into action.

Fair Grounds – The 143rd racing season gets under way on 11/21/14, and continues to 3/29/15. Racing is Thursday – Sunday, and during the month of December there are some special holiday racing cards. Featured event is the Louisiana Derby.

Gulfstream Park – The action gets under way 12/6/14- 5/31/15. You can catch live racing action at “Gulfstream West” until Hallandale swings open the gates. Great turf racing, and the “babies” strut their stuff all the way to Louisville. In my opinion, there is some of the best value in racing with full fields, and the red-hot connections heading south for the winter.