Ochenta (80)

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 […]

Time Well Spent

Nothing beats it. Remember when going to the races was an event? – You dressed up and went out for the evening. – Meeting friends to enjoy the action. Or, maybe it was driving out for the last few races. You still had on your work clothes and made the jaunt to catch some mid-week […]

It’s Only a Number

It seems like a million years ago watching the 1986 Derby. – William Lee Shoemaker (The Shoe) broke from post one and saved ground around the historic oval. – The best part was how he had to weave through traffic after breaking from the worst post and draw off down the lane. Watching Bill Shoemaker […]

The Day the Bookies Cried

If you wanted to bet a sporting event you had to call your “man.” – You know, the guy who gave you some lame spread on the big game. – You had to bet 11 to win 10 and then fight the line. I guess the fun was worth it, but there may be some […]

Small Town Secrets

Small towns hold mystique and magic of a long-ago novel. They have small gatherings and friendships that last a lifetime. Kids played until the street lights came on and as you drove down any street you could see the inhabitants sitting on the porch listening to the ball game. – I guess it sounds […]

Brick and Mortar Contests ?

For years I made treks to Beulah, Louisville-Trackside, Churchill, Keeneland, Arlington, Turfway, and many others. The trip with friends and conversation was worth a million bucks. – As we would walk into large buildings prepared to put on the best contest possible. The top three would be going to Vegas, and the rest would be going […]

Evolution of a Small Town Gambler

Gambling had a mystique that took place in back rooms or places your Mom wouldn’t approve. Rooms filled with smoke, profanity the second language, and if a lady was there she was tending bar or waiting on tables. Men could be found from every walk of life, and was the only place where you’d see […]

A Handicapper Looks at 50

I love the people in racing. I always want to know how you’re doing and if you’re picking any winners. – I know more about most local horse players than they know about me, and that was by design. The patrons who support racing are the lifeblood and what they say is important. – But […]

Making the Game Better

Normally if you make the list, it is either a real bad thing or something really sweet. – During the NFL seasons, you will see players who make the injury report. – Do you think this is paid for and printed by the local scribes in your area ? I guess they want you to […]

Long Distance Cheering

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 […]

Winning Ponies

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