You Dirty Rat !

I’m not trying to pull off a James Cagney line, but if I have a few beers there’s no telling. – I’ve been one lucky guy. – I have worked in racing, and met some of the biggest names. I’ve watched some of the marquee races, and had a birds-eye view to history being made. […]

Year Three

Life has returned to normal, and all is well with the world. – When you hear those words from this handicapper, that probably means I’m back to work. – Belterra Park started racing on 4/29, and I’m a happy camper as I begin my third year as announcer and morning line odds maker. Racing […]

Remembering Good Times

Where did you get your start ? – You know, where did you cut your teeth as a horse player ? – For many there wasn’t a visit to the Spa, or where the surf meets the turf. It was the small tracks. The little ovals that had a charm or lack there of all […]

What Do You See ?

I’ve been on the “D.L.” for a few days, and I’m back in full form. Or, at least back in training. But I digress. – I missed some of the live action this […]

I’m Mad as Hell and I’m Not Coming Back !

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 […]

Glimmers of Gold

You’ll know when you see that blinding piece of elegance glimmering. – Maybe you could compare it to Alfred R. Ferguson’s paradoxical poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay.” As it echoes “Nature’s First Green is Gold.” – This past weekend I’m not sure if I saw a glimmer or the real thing. But one thing is […]

Sweet Treats and Bad Beats

We’ve all went through the grinder at some point or an other. You know, the days you’ll have three outta’ four in the pick-four, or how you stumbled into a monster pick-five by hitting the “all” button. As 2015 winds down I find myself trying to kick a cold that seems to linger like a […]

Giving Thanks for 2015

The Breeders’ Cup is in the books, and we’re starting to think about the holidays. That’s all good, and time with the family are the best moments in life. In addition to getting in the holiday swing, you’ll see some racing fans sharpening up their skill set. – You’ll see punters focusing in on contest play and […]

Watching Greatness

I was reading an article about riders and where they cut their teeth. Everyone starts somewhere, and it doesn’t matter how big or small the venue you ply your trade. Some were happy to be the big fish in the small pond, and others had bigger dreams. In my travels I’ve been lucky enough to […]

The Magic Words of Winning

I was watching the Keeneland signal bouncing back-and-forth between Belmont Park. I was doing pretty good, and overall there were no complaints. – An old friend stopped by to chat. He has worked in racing for longer than most have been alive. He sat right down and we start talking about the old days. Good days, […]

Winning Ponies

Posts Tagged ‘Kentucky Derby’