Starting off my day at work seemed about as normal as possible.  Blue skies and sunshine gleamed over the hills of Kentucky and glanced off the brilliant Ohio River. I walk into the jock’s room and the daily banter of how riders did yesterday and how many mounts await held the conversation. It was until one rider quietly came in and the room seemed to dim in volume. It was Perry Ouzts, and he was one win away from passing the late David Gall for being the 5th all-time leading rider. – Most watched like little kids at the star in the room with a wide-eyed gaze. Riding with a 69-year-old man who was knocking on the door of history was enough to make you draw a breath and glance in awe.

Perry had ridden a few days before on a beautiful Saturday and had six solid mounts. He only needed one win and had four seconds and a third-place finish. Good day at the office, but not quite what Perry Ouzts was looking for. – He was a long way from that rainy day at Beulah Park in 1973 when Rablu carried him home to be his first career win. But, for a competitor like Perry Ouzts the thrill of winning races never waned. It only grew over time; as he jogged back to the winner’s circle, he savored the win like a fine cigar or a vintage wine.

When Perry Wayne Ouzts rode Lanalikeschoochoos to victory by 5 3/4 lengths, he had finally notched career win #7,397 over the Belterra Park oval.  – He was a long way from Lepanto, Arkansas, and his journey had brought him to his biggest milestone to date. – Greeted by throngs of fans, riders, press, and track managers. Perry Ouzts was center stage when the large infield board showed video well wishes from Pat Day, Edgar Prado, Steve Cauthen, and long-time friend and PR manager John Englehardt who covered his career for over 33 years.

The celebration slowly wore down and the business of racing was making its way back to the jock’s room to prepare for the next race. – I called to speak to Perry and congratulate him on his big day. – During our conversation he let me know “he was only three wins away from career win #7,400.” That’s Perry. The truest definition of a competitor and always looking forward. – He was grateful and informed that Pat Day had just called him.” That’s pretty cool, man. Pat Day calling me.” 

I’ve watched Perry Ouzts since I was a young lad with my dad in the summer sun of River Downs. Watching his rapid-fire crop coax his horses to the wire was a sight to behold. He was great at speed, and closers, and even held his own on the turf. Perry was a “big fish in the little pond,” and that is just the way he liked it. He was close to home, his family, and his long-time wife Toni. There was no place in the world he would have ever wanted to ride besides his own backyard.

As the pages of history etched his name among the pantheon of all-time greats, this humble man lets his riding skills do his talking instead of wasting time telling you how he did it. – He did it his way. One at a time, and savored each win like his first. I’ve never seen a rider who relishes winning like Perry Ouzts, and I don’t think I will ever see this again in my lifetime.

Thank you for the many thrills, big wins, and exciting finishes. – This fan will always remember each and every win, and how you slowly jog back to the winner’s circle savoring each step like it was your very first win in 1973.

For decades, Angel Cordero rode as tough as nails. You didn’t come up the rail on him, and Lord knows you didn’t ride too close to pin him in. It was part of the game and he did his fair share of days off and fines levied. Irad Ortiz is one of the strongest finishers in the sport. I know many riders who have a strong hand down the lane. But, for my money, and many of the public supporters, Ortiz is one of the best in the world.

First, watch the race again and you decide. – My only question is if this was such a bad call how come no objection was claimed? – If they both popped up on the board, it may have had more weight in the steward’s stand.

(772) Forte – 2023 – The Jim Dandy – YouTube

Ortiz will ride this way until he hangs up his tack. Some riders finesse their way through a gap and others come through with a determined sense of purpose. – The sport is being ruled by HISA in many states, and the number of times a rider may use his whip is six times during the course of the race. – No more using the stick as a steering tool to keep your horse off another. I’m glad the call was “As Is” meaning no change. It was not the trainer, jockey, or fans’ money. A decision was made by qualified stewards who go through extensive education and spend countless hours watching races with other judges to learn and share thoughts.

It may not be popular and I didn’t have a bet. But no call was my vote as well. – Somebody was going to be mad, and I have friends in some of the biggest jurisdictions who make these calls. I’ve been put up and taken down many times, but I trust the process.

Give it time. This will look clearer in time.

Confusion has a steep price to pay. I’ve been working in racing all of my life. No more saying it’s been mostly part of my working years; it’s been my entire life. – I’ve loved every day from the ice-cold parking lot days until I slowly climbed the ladder. The sport was my first love and to this day she is my muse. But these days it’s been hard to believe in the future. I guess I’m one of the many who just sit back and wonder what’s next.

Trainers getting sent to the showers and not allowed to enter races. I guess this would be one of the worst calls a conditioner could get in the early morning being told he’s on the shelf. No money to be made, horses sent to other trainers, and your staff that have taken years to build are given their pink slip. – Then a few weeks go by and “POOF.” They are allowed to enter and run once again after the court of Public Opinion has lost faith in you; the process of building back your business begins. Imagine how tough it is to convince folks who have been reading about you cavorting with the devil and doing wrong. It will be tough to get them to believe once again and send hundreds of thousands of dollars your way. This was a tough read from an outsider’s perspective. Can’t imagine what they were feeling.

I waited with bated breath for the casinos to arrive. They were going to bring the game back to days of glory and the future looked bright ahead. But, be careful what you wish for, you may just get it. – In my neck of the woods the race track is looked upon as something they just deal with until they figure out a way to get rid of it to stash more lightning-fast slot machines to take the rent money. Funny thing, they wouldn’t have even been here unless that lucrative gaming license brought the hope of bringing the Trojan Horse to the races. They weren’t there to save anything except expand their own waistline. – Team Members come over and watch the races like they are looking at aliens. They don’t understand, and even if you took time to show them, they couldn’t give a damn about the sport. Just not fast enough.

Some casinos come in and relish the opportunity to expand the racing side by making the complex a complete entertainment destination. Great idea if you ask me, but nobody is asking. Those casino entities advertise the entire property as a place to enjoy the excitement of gaming. A little something for everyone. – But there is the flip side of that coin. Others just meander around and watch an occasional race looking for a chance to celebrate in the winner’s circle like they care.

I’ve watched friends and co-workers lose jobs and shuffle around to different ones. Leaving behind the work they did for decades. Sad to see but even more tough to watch these strong people lose hope. – But the beat goes on. Loud music around the slots, free soda, and coffee as long as you’re playing, but never once have I even seen that free soda machine or hot coffee urn make its way to the racing side. I guess they wouldn’t enjoy a cup of coffee.

I’m still trying to hang in there, but it’s getting tougher. They make it rougher with a secret plan to rip up that lush turf course and build a super high-rise of penny slots. I sometimes refer to the facility as “It’s not your grandpa’s game anymore.” – I’m sure glad he’s not here to see it. He’d just walk back to the car and head back home.

On your way to your office, you see the beauty of watching horses train on the track as you hear the sounds of snorting colts being pulled up after a strong morning work. – You lean against the rail like you do every morning and you drink in the beauty of your surroundings. You could work in a huge building on Wall St. or look through the window watching humanity whirl past. But there is something about the sights and smells of walking past the race track in the morning. The workout riders exude the smell of sweat and leather as muscles gleam in the morning light. Then it hits you. There is no better way to start your morning. These little things are some of the greatest sights and smells in the world.

You walk into the jock’s room and see young riders who speak little English nod and move quickly. They haven’t settled into finding themselves, but they are trying to find their place. They will. – The top rider walks in and you can feel the tension as thick as a morning fog. Young riders want to be them and the older riders heading back down the ladder were them for a long time. Then the oldest rider at the track strolls in slowly. Not because he has to; because he is the reason the young riders get up early and older riders still ply their trade. He is 68 years young and quietly weighs in and shakes a few hands. A man of few words and a face that shows every mile he has run. I’m greeted by a handshake and a little hug. – Perry Ouzts is a rare treasure. I’m never going to see this again in my lifetime and his record is one that stands the test of time and fortitude. On this day, he is 24 wins away from being the 5th all-time leading rider in the history of the sport of kings. Not something you see every day. Like watching Mickey Mantle take batting practice chasing his milestones…

I yack and laugh with the clerk of scales and silks man. We joke about the doings of the day and security guards chime in with a laugh and we share a light moment before starting the day. – We bid farewell and I make the walk into my office. Punch in the code and walk into the best office I have ever had.

Not a bad view as I begin my day. – Clean my binoculars and fire up the computer. A little music in the background and the day is underway. – In about an hour or so I’ll have the best seat in the house and get to do a job that I’d pay them to be here. Friends are always welcome to stop up and catch a race. It’s like taking friends on a roller coaster trip. Not much fun by yourself, and sharing the view with others makes the job that much sweeter. – I relish each race like a fine wine or a hand-rolled cigar. I treat every day like a gift because it truly should be cherished as one. – Yeah, the little things make all the difference in the world. Take a moment and get a good look around. You’ll be surprised at the beauty that surrounds you.

I remember holding your hand and walking in the track. We were buddies separated by 23 years and I loved every minute even though I didn’t know what was really going on. Just being with you was reward enough, and nothing in my life has been that good since.

You were great at math and you knew I just couldn’t get adding and subtracting; as that gene must have skipped a generation. I tried to put the numbers together, but it just didn’t click. – You thought about what may perk my interest. You opened the Monopoly box and pulled out a pair of dice. The numbers started making sense, and to this day when I see a four it is a pair of twos on dice. Thanks, Dad.

My brother Donnie and I loved spending time with you. – He was your athlete, and like you was a natural. I was the horseplayer in training, and I’m still in love with the ponies to this day. Not only has it been a hobby, but it became my work over these many years. Thank you, Dad. We are both grateful for what you’ve shown us. But I must admit I think I had a better time!

I can rattle off a million stories of riding in our red convertible driving out to catch the last three or four races at Latonia Race Course. In the summer it was the Harness races that kept our inner gambler fueled, and, in the fall and winter it was the Thoroughbred meet. Both were captivating and gave me a lifetime of stories about bad beats and nice wins that followed up with a pizza from Burke’s bar.

The track was a magical place. – “Had a big winner, let’s go to the races. Tough day at work, let’s catch the last three later.” It was a common bond between two guys who loved the action and enjoyed the fun. – As Latonia turned into Turfway Park, I was lucky enough to work my way in from the parking lot to the inside. For me, there couldn’t have been a better place to spend my time calling it work when it was a labor of love. I won’t be a millionaire, but the incredible years working my way through the inner sanctum was a dream come true.

You showed me how to read the Form and over time your magic mojo that made you a handicapper. – Speed, speed, and more speed. Sprinters going the distance, and betting riders who had short winning percentages yielded big winners. I would stand in the summer sun at River Downs feeling the sweat roll down my back as men would stand in long lines to get a bet down. There was no place I’d rather be in the world than spending time at the races with you.

From working in the parking lot to calling $100,000 races, you taught me that it was important when someone took the time to speak. It was important that I listened. – Give people a fair shake and treat people with respect. Things I employ on a daily basis to this day. Thanks, Dad.

As you’ve beaten the Las Vegas odds of turning eighty years old, I leave you with an old story we both know well. – You scraped up your last five bucks and played a speed horse in the outside post at Latonia. He had pure speed and we just hoped the gal could hold on for dear life. – When the gate broke and we saw a horse jump high and unseat the rider. Both rider and horse were unscathed, but the two guys took a long walk to the car talking about the bad beat that still resonates to this day. Funny thing, many moons later I work with that young jockey and she laughs every time I tell her of our bad beat on a Saturday afternoon.

Happy 80th Birthday, Dad. Thank you for showing me about the races. For the many days and millions of stories, I am eternally grateful. If we had it to do all over again, we’d probably do it twice as much. Have a great day at the races today and I sure hope you pick some winners. – See you in the winner’s circle, as the races go on forever…

Love,

Eddie

As you see the fluffy wisps of billowing beauty in the sky moving quickly, there’s something ominous behind pushing them away. The sport of kings lies upon these white clouds, and this time, we’re not sure where the rain will fall.

Horse racing, especially Thoroughbred racing, was a sport enjoyed by all during the progressive era, according to Steven A. Reiss (Wikipedia). Thoroughbred racing was a rare sport, trending among social and economic elites and lower classes alike. Horse racing was an enamored sport, popular for its time in all regions of the United States, which took a downturn as the economy, gambling reformers and some interests faded. Reiss states that post-Civil War America was the horse racing sport’s rebirth, relying upon the status of men who bred and raced horses, and those operating jockey clubs and racetracks. Many states, most notably, New York, saw tremendous growth within the racing industry. According to author Steven Reiss, “The powerful alliance between urban machine politicians and racetrack owners enabled Thoroughbred racing in New York to flourish for about forty-five years without interruption”. Horse racing endured several ups and downs throughout the eras ranging from socio-economic status & political gain to morality imposition.

Long story short: Thoroughbred racing was the perfect trifecta for money, investors, and those who enjoyed the sport. When the “Big Three” – Baseball, Boxing, and Horse Racing held court, movers and shakers gave average fans an enjoyable sport with a cold beer and wager. The lotteries were far off, as “The Numbers” racket had just started allowing penny players a chance at the golden ring. America loves good gambling, and racing was the perfect avenue of taxable, legal income for the state coffers. Racing was a sport, and when you opened the doors, people flocked there in droves. But, not anymore.

Fast forward to the present times. Rapid-fire gaming has replaced racing as a mere memory, resulting from outside groups’ pressure, advocating for an ostensible lack of animal care and their lives after racing. Subsequently, you could see the writing on the wall when electronic slot machines subsidized the sport because they were riding on the gaming licenses of Greyhound racing. Racing organizations were eventually de-coupled and stood alone to fend for themselves. Public pressure and financial hardships were the final nails in the historic sports’ coffin.

Thoroughbred racing has been documented in American’s Stud Book since 1868 when “The Sport of Kings” was officially organized. It’s among the few places in the country where you’d see the plumber and lawyer aligned equally, talking about the upcoming race’s favorite. Being the melting pot of legal gambling seemed perfect for growth. And grow it did. Initially, the era proved highly successful; but soon thereafter, ownership became complacent. Ownership neglected the facilities, and decay slowly replaced beauty and pageantry at the ovals. As racing continued, the throngs of fans dwindled by the year.

The black eye of racing became full of excuses, and before long, substantial segments of the public lost their interest in the Sport of Kings. Purse structures needed monies to function, and casino interests had to be partnered if we wanted to hear the “Call to the Post” on the marquee days. Ownerships that had been held for decades became a whirling dervish of who owned the old track. This time marked the beginning of the end, while the real fans held on tightly. Fans that would’ve driven hours one way to enjoy nine races had grown older, and the next generation didn’t have the patience. The new generation enjoyed gaming with immediate gratification and could lose the house payment in one race’s time. Every punch to the Thoroughbred racing’s midsection got harder, while racing had a white-knuckle hold to survive.

At first, new ownerships invested money into racing, and the game looked to be revived. It’s always funny how trouble arises when large monies are involved. Racing wasn’t ever impervious to cheating, and when some people cut corners, cheating grew quickly without a regulating body’s oversight. Tracks continually fought problems, and without a unified front or a self-governing body, it was only a matter of time before an entity would adopt a blanket plan to eradicate the problems of the sport by outlawing it. This is where we are.

It started with the organization PETA, which examined equestrian sports with the same disdain as Greyhound racing. PETA officials made incessant decries against the racing industry, catching public attention for decades. While PETA brings many reasonable, good ideas to the table, PETA’s current goals are clear: eradicate the Sport of Kings historically operating since 1868. Never before had racing tracks wanted to adopt an NBA, NFL, or MLB, board to oversee and govern itself.

Enter HISA. The Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority. Finally, it looked like there was a new sheriff in town, and transparency was the key to the racing industry’s survival. At first, racing sounded promising, as Congress passed a bill to bring to light the problems and get us back on track. HISA was created to implement, for the first time, a national, uniform set of integrity and safety rules that are applied consistently to every Thoroughbred racing participant and racetrack facility, according to the HISA website.

Horsemen are having trouble understanding the rules, and many complain of unfair decisions, whereas others feel they have little say in how operations are run. I hope the first round of ostensible regulation is passing, growing pains, and we will have a hope-filled, promising sport, as history held. It’s been a tough beginning, and as I write this, I’m optimistic for the future. If so, we can plan for the sport to entertain us for the coming generations. If not, this is the beginning of the end; with pending decisions, our nation now watches the Kentucky Derby shift its meeting to another track while sorting the continuous problems plaguing Thoroughbred racing.

I’m sure there is tremendous good that will come from an effective, regulatory body overseeing the sport. I hope to believe the game will survive longer than my time as a fan. However, what we’re seeing could be the beginning of the end.  To the powers that be: please take your time and do what is right. I’ve loved this sport all of my life, and enjoy the thought of generations to come watching the beauty and pageantry that only racing could provide. Aside from the loyal fans who keep the lights on, think of the countless racing industry workers feeding their families from the sport.

Keeneland flew by like a warm spring day and the Kentucky Derby 149 is in the books. Now, we have two weeks until the 2nd leg of the Triple Crown takes the track, and the waiting can be the hardest part. So, what’s a horseplayer to do??

First, I played for two days at Keeneland and made a total of five place wagers. – I wasn’t trying to win the Irish Sweepstakes, but we still turned a $51.50 profit for playing five races to place. Not bad, for a couple of days enjoying the action in historic Lexington, Kentucky.

Now, after the incredible Derby weekend, there was a ton of great racing action we hope you watched, wagered, and won! – Winning Ponies had $10,744.77 of “Big-Un” winners on Derby Day alone. Not too shabby as they always bring their “A” game for the big days. Keep this in mind as we head to the 2nd jewel in the Triple Crown to build your bankroll in advance and turn it loose on the Preakness card.  Never too late to jump on board. For the year to date, they have $6,990,588 E-Z Win scores and we are only in the month of May!

Things to look for as we head to Maryland. – There will be new shooters stepping up fresh and ready as they may have ducked the Derby or lacked the points for the starting gate. Fresh legs always have to be given a close look and pay attention to workouts leading up to the big race.

Look for runners who made a close effort in the Derby. – I’m hoping Two Phil’s has a shot at coming back after pressing a blistering pace where we thought it would be an average-paced race. He was in a perfect spot and made a tight rail move and opened up turning for home. As trainers for decades have been saying; “the stretch run at CD sometimes feels like it is an uphill battle.” – He ran a huge race with a tremendous ride. The fractions set up closers and he still hung on for a game second-place finish. – They shouldn’t run as fast in the Preakness, and if they decide to set blistering fractions “Phil” will just lay back a bit farther. I sure hope he makes the gate for the middle jewel.

Look closely to heavily bet horses that turned in a lackluster race. Facing a field of 18 can be a tough journey and I’ll be glad to toss out a poor effort for one race. Maybe a nice solid work and good press team reports will have you looking at the runner with fresh eyes. Don’t dismiss. You may get a better price this time around.

Now, if you haven’t downloaded your Winning Ponies E-Z Win Forms you may be leaving money on the table. Derby Day yielded $10,744.77 in payoffs for their selections. Not bad if I say so myself, and I would get in on the action by downloading your E-Z Win Forms now and build a nice bankroll for the Preakness card.

I liked the great week of action and I’m back in the game. I’m pretty excited about the 2nd jewel, and just like you, I’ll be looking to make some bankroll moves to get everything rolling. – We’ll be talking about horses to watch, notes for the upcoming races, and hot horses who need a good play. Until then, best of luck from Winning Ponies!

Prior to the Derby, a large envelope arrives. Just like a little kid waiting on my note from Santa, I tear into the package and find a dark green construction paper packet. About forty pages of the most comprehensive data put together by a single racing fan. It covers how he did last year; the history of the race, and how the “Kentucky Derby Comment Sheet” came into action. – I look forward to my gift yearly; and “once on the list, you are always on the list.” You must submit in writing to be taken off. – I’ll look forward to it for years to come.

It was 1998 when Jim McCullough passed away. His love for the Derby “may have been equaled, but not surpassed.” – Jim passed along his love for the sport, and on the first Saturday in May everyone was a racing fan. The “sheets” were a long-standing item waiting in the mail, and since 1959 many happy racing fans enjoyed his labor of love. Jim reached out through the “Sheets” to allow everyone to be a racing fan if even for a day to enjoy “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.” – Thank you for sharing your love of racing, Jim.

His son Kevin, quite the handicapper in his own right, has been putting out more information than the law allows. – From the first edition in 1959 of 12 copies to over 440 deliveries is quite impressive. – I’ve walked through tracks on Derby Day and saw many large green papers held tightly in the hands of the handicapper. It was a connection to the past and a celebration of the present. The “Green Sheet” is a connection between father and son that spans decades.

Kevin tracks his selections and how he did the past year. In the traditions of real handicappers, good or bad, he lets you know his record. – From the recap of the previous Derby to the intense breakdown of every possible prior to post-drawing time, you’ll have more information than you would find in most publications. – When he notes the passing of equine and human connections, you will find it hard not to reminisce about the passing of time. – He mentioned the passing of “Hammering Hank” Goldberg. A throwback to Damon Runyon’s time with vernacular only real gamblers could feel. It took me back to years ago when I was doing a radio show from my first Derby. I had a plethora of papers with smooth quotes and words to sound cool on the Cincinnati airwaves. Upon seeing the bright red roses and sunshine perfectly careening off the old press box where decades of scribes have covered the Derby. I look to my left and see “Hammering Hank” doing a radio show. I must admit for a horse player this was a real treat. – I tossed away my papers filled with quotes and slick words and decided to speak from the heart about this glorious day. – I was in the arena of radio shows taking place from around the world, and we were all trying to bring color and pageantry to listeners at home doing chores, cutting the grass, or listening to someone who loves racing as much as anyone. For a man like “Hammering Hank” to pass away in Las Vegas at his 82-years on his birthday; only makes me long for the days of listening to the gravel-voice gambler gives his selections with a back-room bookie feel.

Kevin dives into point systems of how to get in the field, Beyer figures, and Pedigree and Dosage. It has times and channels of where to catch the action, point standings, and a breakdown of runners that would be the envy of many publications.

I would be wrong for not posting who Kevin McCullough likes in the Derby: Tapit Trice.

I’ve read my friend’s handiwork and will have it in hand on the big day until post time. What served as an informational weapon will turn into a riding crop as they turn for home making the long run to the wire. – Kevin and his better half Mary have edited, prepared, and handicapped all for our enjoyment. – Just like his late father, Jim. Kevin brings the publication of the “Unofficial Derby Program” to life once again. Just like his father, he wants you to be a part of the greatest racing event. Quoting Kevin; “It brings back nothing but wonderful memories of how he and his dad would get excited each spring.

Thank you, Kevin, for carrying on your father’s labor of love. There are many horseplayers who relish seeing it arrive in the mailbox and tear it open like a Christmas present filled with great information. – When “My Old Kentucky Home” plays for over 150,000 race fans from all walks of life, I’m sure there will be a sense of connection between father and son. The beauty, the pageantry, and the memories will bring a lump to our throats and a tear to our eyes.

Best of luck my friend – Enjoy the day!

I tried my hand on opening day with three place parlays. – The first was a trainer scratch, the second was a winner, and the last bet ran a game third. – Only two bets, but just to show that even a small profit was made with only a couple of bets.

Keeneland / Weds 4-19-2023

Weather – Sunny and 80 degrees – Perfect!

As the first day of wagering went well, and a few bucks were made. – We bet $100 and got back $128.50. Sounds like we made $28.50 as we marched on to a gorgeous day in Lexington, Kentucky on Wednesday.

Race #1 – #6 – Baraye (5-2) = Two-year-old firster for Wesley Ward with Joel Rosario aboard. She is a $230,000 sales purchase and by Midshipman who wins with 19% of his first timers. Wesley Ward scores at a 30% win clip with his babies trying the track for the first time and should start off the day with a nice win.

$50 to place

Race #4 – #7 – Up and Down (7-2) = 2nd time out for the daughter of Creative Cause and gets first Lasix today for Chad Brown and Irad Ortiz. – Bumped around soundly last and we can toss that race and chalk it up to experience. She still managed to finish 4th place 7 months ago at Saratoga and should get a good stalking trip today.

$50 to place

Race #8 – #3 – Lady Dynamo (8-1) = Filly making her 2nd start shipping up from the FG running 4th on the turf. – Trainer Michael Tomlinson wins 20% 2nd time over the turf. Look for a close trip waiting to make the winning move.

$50 to place

Great racing with the best connections and riders are settling in at Keeneland. If you want the most comprehensive plan in data, you are in the right place with the Winning Ponies E-Z Win Forms. – Color-coded and easy to use for the big player or the first-time user. With over 5,268,600 in exotic payouts, how could you go wrong? – So, dial up some free selections and be sure and download your E-Z Win Forms to make your day a winner! – Best of luck from Winning Ponies!

The 15-day meet is a special boutique variety. In the span of opening day, you will see the biggest connections with the movers and shakers in racing. You’ll see $2,000 suits and men dressed in shorts enjoying the early spring weather. – You’ll be treated to a ten-race card and a first post at 1:00 p.m. – The opening day has sunshine and 58 degrees on tap with a 4 1/2f race and four turf races. The marquee event is the $600,000 (G1) Ashland Stakes.

I have been making small wagers for over a week trying to build a bankroll. I’m going to make some place parlays and see if I can turn $400 into a bigger bankroll for the Oaks/Derby cards. – Wish me luck, and best of luck to us all!

Race #1 – #4 – Baytown Admiral (9-2) = Jack Gilligan for Paul McEntee with a first-time starter by Lord Nelson. His dam Dblsecretprobation has 5 starters and 4 winners to her credit. She sports a bullet work over the track in a red-hot 35 for 3f. Look for a quick break and McEntee is a solid horseman who targets the meet in Lexington.

$50 to place

Race #4 – #7 – Hurricane Dream (3-1) = Frankie Dettori in the irons for Graham Motion and they add first-time Lasix where the barn scores at 23%. Toss out his last race in the G1 Pegasus Turf World Cup where he had a compromised beginning and was wide the entire trip. He comes in fresh off a two-month layoff and makes a big drop in class today.

$50 to place

Race #9 – The G1 Ashland Stakes –#4 Julia Shining (3-1) = This daughter of Curlin is 1 for 1 at Kee and adds blinkers today for Todd Pletcher and Luis Saez. She comes off a 55-day break and sports solid works at Palm Beach Downs training course. She may not have taken to the sandy Tampa Bay oval and enjoyed solid footing in Lexington. She has a strong late kick and will come calling down the stretch.

$50 to place

This should get us started with some solid plays on opening day. Gates open at 11 a.m., and the first post is 1:00 p.m. with the exception being Saturday with the first race going to post at 12:30 p.m. – I’ve been wanting to come back off my sabbatical and come out with a measured plan. I have always enjoyed the Keeneland meet and looked forward to starting my climb up Mount Bankroll. – Best of luck from your friends at Winning Ponies!