It was when I was watching the hit show “Undercover Boss,” and how neat it was watching the C.O.O.  from Churchill Downs, that I wanted to take him a little further.

How about let’s take an exec from a different track, and have them switch with our president. They could stay a couple of days at the others track and play a role as the most important person: The Patron….

They could dress down and walk from the back of the parking lot. Did they like paying? Was the staff helpful?  Then, as they made their way in, they could monitor how the experience was for purchasing a high priced program… They don’t have a suit and tie, but just sweats and a pal just coming with them. Did they get good directions? How could they find seats?  Was it clean?  How did the employees treat him?  All important questions, but the biggie was yet to come.

As a track makes daily money from the wagering, did the clerks treat them with kindness? If you had a question, did they offer advice or direct you to a first time customer window? This interaction will be the factor that makes the decision for many to come back, or just stay home and wager. If it was poor, they will never be seen. If they are treated fairly, they will feel welcome.

While they are there, grab a dog and a beer and sit with the regulars. Introduce yourself if you like, but listen to what is going on around you… Is the video quality good? Are your seats free, or are they worth the cash? Were the restrooms clean?  When you made a wager, did anyone wish you “good luck”?  All of these little factors make a player’s experience. Some managers forget when they get their office, and tend to overlook the player. Funny thing. They are the most important people at the track. Without them, there would be no game.

So, as I watched this great show and felt good at the end, I wondered what it would be like to have an “Average Joe” who would report a day at the track. A detailed report that would be addressed just as I used to do the secret shopper. Well, the show is over and I guess we’ll never know if this information will ever be gathered. Or, could it be happening right now as tracks are looking for any way to stay afloat in the face of competition?

It was confirmed that Rachel Alexandra would not run in the Apple Blossom. The race was bumped up to a swelled $5 million purse, if both showed up to run. But, it looks like it will be back to the original $500,000.

Steve Asmussen was taking this really heavy. I spoke to a friend of mine who was on-track doing newspaper notes work.  He thought it was going to be the best racing weekend of his life. But when they were turning for home, he knew things were about to get tense.

Mr. Asmussen said he would never have sent out a runner who was not ready. When Calvin Borel was interviewed during the day, you would have thought the day was going to be all downhill running for the gal. It looked too easy… There was plenty of time off, and who knows? Maybe she did need one….

The good part was that she came back in good order. I think they will drop back and re-think her course in racing. It is so hard to keep a finely tuned blade to that level of sharpness. Even Zenyatta didn’t have the cleanest of trips, but she looked so good, it was hard to believe that she missed a day.

Racing sure could have used this race. The fans were coming back, and the gals were being mentioned with the all-time greats. Oaklawn Park and surrounding areas were worried about accommodating the crowds. But that is all gone. The race will still be great, but it won’t have that needed boost of star power. The game sure could have used a boost. It would have been nice to have witnessed this event. It would have been great to bring new faces to our sport. It would have been many things, but not anymore. I guess racing will just have to wait…

Beulah Park

Race #1 – #6 – Pure Stimulus (5-2).

Yuri Yaranga is the pilot for Doug O. Neill. They are winning 22% and 40%, respectively. They make a duo record at 50%, and 100% ITM at Beulah. Shipper from Penn National, and O’Neill wins 18% with his shippers. Maiden claiming to maiden special weight yields a 41% ITM move. The rider is 22% going 6 panels, and 52% ITM. They say the numbers don’t lie, and here they are in black and white. I think 5/2 would be a square price, and you may want to watch the tote board for others that would fit in exotics.

Race #5 – #3 – Lord Carmen (7-2).

Edgar Paucar (18%) up for Charlie Lawson (20%). Jeff Perrin, Paucar’s agent, has been booking his mounts from Australia, as he has been visiting family down under. The runner makes a 2nd start for Lawson and he wins 19%. Was beaten favorite last out, and that is a players’ angle. Lawson wins 26% and 62% ITM. He is 4/6 ITM, if the track comes up gooey, as expected. 2nd start after shipping in from Hawthorne. Last out, he was 5-wide and rolling, and the trip over should benefit him well. Go with confidence as Lawson has been a major player on the Ohio circuit forever.

What are ya’ waiting for?  I see two solid plays that you may want to measure up against the tier levels to see where they lay. I find value to be had on some small circuits, and as players, we have to take whatever we find. This makes for a g0od start to the week.

Good luck!

“They don’t teach it in night school, and you can’t catch up late.” That would have been a line from one of the smoothest characters that I have ever met at the track. You have heard my tales of colorful people. But this guy was smooth. He dressed to the nines, and walked like he owned the track. He sat at the table of the biggest player at the track, and was his personal advisor on when, who, and what to bet. He kept the wheels moving. This was how he made his living. He was the guy you saw to get things done. But, he only did it for the biggies at the track. When he left, he did it for everyone. He was an enigma. He is known as “Spivey.”

Do you remember how “The Rat Pack” had their own lingo? Well, so did the Spive…. He could talk you into spotting him a hundo and in about a half an hour, he would bring you back two, or he would tell you that it’s the breaks of the game kid.  He was smooth personified. He could get millionaires to make a huge pick-six, and then they would want to give him an equal share. That was Spive… He made things happen.

Every once in a while, you would see that wry little grin. You saw a rare glimpse of the man. When he was at the track, he was at the office. It was business time, and there was no time for lunch. Only coffee, and he would bring the guys back a round of java….

I was bitching up a storm one day, and he looked at me and said: “save your breath kid, you’ll live ten years longer.” He was right… It was time to shut up…. When the crew of whales would lose a lump of cash, Spive felt the blow harder than any of them…. It was like a firm having a downward turn on the market. Nothing personal, this was his business, and he was good……

I sometimes called him “The Captain.” He probably hated it, but he would have never bitched. He never let you see him sweat. He had business to tend. Spive was the last of his kind. He enjoyed what he did, and cared about all. He could get the private room cheering about one horse, and when he would win…. Well, Spive had the floor……

I once saw him in the plush private room where guests were invited. The biggest players only, and Spive had all-access to everywhere. It went without saying… One day, he talked about this horse who was 10-1 at California. He had a friend who was a big time trainer, and Spive brought the message to the boys… The room was electric as he turned for home five in front, and he never looked back… It was at that time, Spive hit the door as he grabbed his coat and said, “that’s what I do boys.”  It was the perfect exit, as he put on his leather coat and grabbed the DRF for the next day. This day had come to an end, and tomorrow was a new day…. I have never met a man like Spive, and I doubt I ever will. There was only one, and they broke the mold after he made the scene.

The Tampa Bay Derby showed me a gutty throw down. Can you believe that Odysseus won? I can’t either, and I bet him… He was so tough, after throwing in the towel and finding more down the lane. I either have him in my Derby runners, or he will be relegated to G-3 action at best. Either way, I thought it would be his day, and you can bet that Super Saver will be in the gate at Churchill….

The Rebel gave me chills. Gomez was not only stopped, but he almost came out of the saddle at the half, after being cut off.  Looking At Lucky is the real deal. Gomez gave us all a show, and that is the reason he is the money man. He was beaten, and dug in like a wild man. He looked possessed, and put on a show. Note to all riders: If you wonder what it looks like to be whipped and find the best in your horse, watch this race 100 times…. Lucky is as tough as a nickel steak.

San Felipe

All that I have to say is congrats to Sydney’s Candy, and man did that finish line show up in time. Interactif is coming along at the right time. My feelings have deepened, and I can’t wait to play him back, as they get better with time. Also, the Mr. Atkinson experiment is over. Caracortado is good. It is time to put on a big time rider, who will get his best. Atkinson has done well, but he cost them the race by floating a little wide and getting lost down the lane.

Rachel Alexandra will come back, if all is well. I think she got more out of the race at Fair Grounds. R.A is a big gal. She will come back and deliver a beating at Oaklawn.  Asmussen knows she needed one, and today was a good barometer. Zenyatta was just the best. Plain and simple, she outclassed the field. I told many folks that I thought Zenyatta might need one, and R.A. would roll. I was just a little backwards. Zenyatta is a beautiful animal, and I hope they install a synthetic surface before the race. Right at this time, they are starting to talk about the big race not happening. I sure hope Mr. Cella gets them there. He has worked so hard, and this is the stage. Asmussen is beating himself up pretty good, and it is not his fault. Borel didn’t give an interview. I am starting to have doubts in a big way. R.A did not know what to make of the spaceship that flew into her fly-zone, and her reaction led me to wonder. But, I still think after many thoughts and talks, the show will go on…..

By the way, I was watching two racing television shows. I switched back between the two. Here comes the winner: HRTV was great. TVG was a little lacking. When the great Rachel was running, they were announcing their own call in studio. I know they like to keep it fun, but not on the big weekend race. John G. Dooley does just fine. They made a poor showing, and HRTV was informative and didn’t get caught up in a looking good contest. TVG is for the beautiful people, and HRTV is for fans of the sport. I guess it all depends on what you want to watch….

Tampa Bay

Race #11 – The Tampa Bay Derby

This race is a burrito of options. At first glance, you would love #6 Super Saver, who will offer low odds. That is fine, and he has been bred to enjoy the off-going. I see him to be vulnerable. I don’t want the small odds here. I will wait until he runs at Churchill, and I should do better at the window.

Go one more post out, and I think you have the winner. #7 Odysseus looks very good to me.  Rajiv Maragh is in the saddle for Thom Albertrani. He is winning at 20% at TBD, and Maragh is 1/1 with wins as a ship-in rider. Triple Crown nominated, and was purchased for $250,000 at the Ocala sale. Third time off a layoff, and getting better with each effort. OC – 75,000 is a very tough level. He romped by 15, and had more in the tank. On the morning line he is 7-2, and I see this or more when the gates break. Super Saver looks the real deal, and I think if all goes well, we will be seeing him the first Saturday in May.

Maragh is an underrated rider, and he just had a milestone victory of win number 1,000. Give him time, and you will see a fine career. He sits very well in the saddle, and you will always get your money’s worth when he rides.

This is not the biggest upset in the history of racing if he wins, but he looks good. I think many stables do not want to open up peak too soon. S.S. is a nice animal, but I am hoping to see another strut his stuff to get his picture taken.

I would have had a few Gulfstream runners for you, but after they canceled, I am waiting and watching. Be sure to utilize the change of track condition tab before you download your data. The track crew is the best in the world, and who knows what Mother Nature holds. I would watch and wait, and be sure to check your scratches as WinningPonies is a one-stop shop for all of your information.

Proceed with caution, and enjoy the day of races. Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta are running, and you will want to download data to make your multi-race exotics one-step smaller. It would be plain bad if you rooted against the gals. I want to see them hook-up for $5 million in the Apple Blossom, and Saturday kicks it all off. So, buckle up and get ready. A big day is heading your way.

Good luck!

For me, I started pitching pennies in the boys’ room. It wasn’t about the big gamble, but for the action… It came, and it never left….

When I started in high school, I used to save my lunch money and walk home during lunch and eat whatever was there. I wanted to keep that $2 a day my dad would give me, and I would have $10 on Saturday to go out and play the feature race. He had a few rules: make good grades, don’t get in trouble with the law, and don’t ever get involved with drugs. Well, they were easy. For this slam dunk, I would get a $20 a week allowance to go play the races. I had a beat-up car, and the option to go see the races. Life was good…..

All of my first dates went to the races. Well, if not all, make that 90%. If they would win a couple of bucks, you could bet I was 6-5 at a second date. If they lost, I was a big loser long-shot… I guess this was test to see if the gal really liked me…. Hell, I just wanted to go….

I began my work in the parking lot. I was a young lad, and I started with many fellas. Three are doctors, one judge, and one coaches a MAJOR D-1 basketball program. You call them the Bearcats… I stayed as others came and went, and worked my way up during college. I graduated with a degree in education, but my masters came in the way of loving racing.

I have held practically every job at the track. I have never sold mutuel tickets, and that is probably a good thing. I would have been broke… I feel this has given me a full perspective on the business. Some are born with mom and dad holding the big job and they sneak in the back door. I went the long way, and I am better off for putting my time in the old fashioned way. I know marketing, admissions, customer service, parking cars, printing, and how to do radio and TV. I have to say that I am lucky. I just hope my luck holds out. I have met every possible person in the game that has a title. Sometimes, I parked their car, and years later, sat in meetings exchanging ideas.

What does the next year hold? We used to talk about the future, but now we just talk about the next year. Some tracks go week to week… We used to be “Kings of the Hill” and won as we were the only game in town. But, it will take mucho work and trying new things that have never been tossed around. I think we will make it. Many of us will lose our jobs before we land on our feet. But just hang in there if you love the sport. It is the sport of kings, and it will make a comeback.

Take it from the guy who parked your car and got to know you better each and every time you came in. I know a bit about the game. It will live. It is only getting a standing eight count right now…..

I love this show. Forget about islands that don’t exist, where a bunch of guys like me sweat it out and live on monkey island with a trainer, chef, and doctor. Hell, if I had all of that, I may drop a few lbs… But this show is brilliant….

Not because we are going to focus on racing, but because we all love to see the boss sweating it out. getting an earful. It is like “Boxing Day” on screen. Go ahead, and just look it up on the calendar for a full explanation, if you have not heard of that last one.

Bill Carstanjen from Churchill Downs Inc. is getting the inside look at racing. He holds down the chief operating office in this mega business, and for a spell, he will get a taste of what many face daily. I think it not only gives perspective, it gives you ideas when you make it back to the desk in your suit.

He worked for 10 days at Calder and Arlington Park. He mucked stalls, worked for a trainer, wrote press releases, and saddled horses in the paddock. A far cry from the two-hour lunch world, and a little messier.  The show has given the boss and the rest of the world an inner look at what they will really know.

My optimism gives me thoughts that they will go back and think about the industry a little differently. I can only hope that insight rules out, and they grow from this experience. The other side of the coin will be that they won’t get the real taste. What about when they get canned by one trainer, and ship out with another? What about when they put in 10 years and are followed by a pink slip in their mailbox? Will they do a better job so that these many will not know this fate? Will they pull back the curtain and share the knowledge with all racing execs about what is really happening?  We can only hope so, and so do many fans. The game can go on.  It all depends on how far we are willing to change. But, this is a great start to show the truth.

Aqueduct

Race #1 – #5 – Wicked Diva (7-5).

Ramon Dominguez is in the saddle, and that answers many questions. Mike Hushion is the trainer, and they roll at a staggering 67% win clip, and a hot 83% ITM. Impressive winner at 5 1/2 f, and it was against state-bred maidens. Ramon wins 25% with his sprinters, and looks to be in a perfect spot. I could go on and on, but if you need to be talked into Dominguez outside of the details, you will get beat more times than not. He is really special, and history will be kind to him as his career goes forward.

Race #4 – #5 – Tomorrows Roses (5-1).

Luzzi is in the irons, and Richard Violette in the role of conditioner. 2nd off of the layoff is a great player’s angle, and 3/6 ITM at the “Big A.” A nice stalker, who was roused down the lane last out. Jock change from Gabe Saez to Mike Luzzi, and he rode this mount many times in the past. I like the price, and Luzzi always gives a solid effort.

Race #8 – #6 – Understatement (8-5).

David Cohen is between the ears, and Todd Pletcher is the trainer. He is heading for the year that people tend to talk about for years to come. 1/1 ITM at the distance. Uncontested last out, and looks to enjoy the oval. Been working well in the morning, and that is a very good sign of being regular. Cohen is very underrated, and Pletcher needs no pitch. I think this may be his year in a big way.  Add them together, and they win 23%, and 54% ITM.  I would look for a repeat.

Enjoy the sunshine, and know that spring is coming quickly.

Good luck!

Owners need to be kept tied up in a closet somewhere. Now, this doesn’t apply to the mega-buck guys who just don’t need the money, and say cool things like, “maybe we got what we needed from that race.”  Hell, every time my horse ran, I found a reason or many to find the answers to how he would score. I don’t think I am alone. I am just one of the few that admits this little secret.

It is not like we are misleading the public. We really believe the horse can run well, and it will happen today. When you see your silks on the track, it is like having your own professional team take the floor or field. Who doesn’t think they will win?

Inside scoop is just that… Scoop… Much about nothing…. Every trainer knows their horse hopefully, and they didn’t come over in their Stetson to get dusted. They believe, and the word spreads like a good thing. You are 20-1, and when you look at the board and you go to 8-1, you start believing that this is all true. How could everybody be wrong?

Funny thing when you convince yourself, it is like that mirage in the sands at high noon. It starts looking like found money, and the odds board is the joker that makes you dump more cash than you had planned. But, you look again, and now you are 5-1…. See, how could you be wrong? Never once did you think you were watching your own money.

I consider myself a decent handicapper. This is all except when I owned horses. I could throw out logic, and now I carry rabbits’ feet, mojo bags, and a four leaf clover.

So, I have put myself in check. I do not own anymore, and I stick to betting others. This way, I can eliminate the crazy owners and backstretch info. I stick to hardcore facts and trip handicapping. This seems a little less chancy, and I am saving my family and friends plenty of money.

Race #2 – #6 – Slewbiscuit – (5-2).

Ocatavio Reyes has the call for Ivan Vasquez. The runner happens to be a bit of a horse-for-the-course, 12 /19. Add in that he is 5/8 at the distance ITM, and you have a nice look. 2nd off a layoff, and no matter what level, I love this angle. So does the trainer, who is 38% ITM on this move. Won his last race, and that yields a 21% clip. 3rd off of the Turfway poly, and we have ourselves a player. I like this gelding, and he may offer some action.

Race #5 – #2 – The Mayor – (2-1).

Dean “The Dream” Sarvis in the irons for Dougie Cowans. They win 52% together, and are a staggering 81% ITM as a team. I should stop right there, as if you can beat that. Go ahead and get it… Both are good guys, and they try very hard at any track. 1/1 at Beulah, and 1/1 at the distance. 2nd off New York’s inner track, exits off a win. Stretches out from 6 panels to a flat mile.  I look for a pace dictation, and a catch me if you can outlook.

Race #6 – #1 – Lord Carmen – (9-5).

Edgar Paucar will have long done his routine by the time this race runs. That would be a series of yoga-like moves and mental stretching. Trained by the “Silver Fox” Charlie Lawson. They are 24% and 48% ITM as a team. Drops down a class, and that gives the trainer a 24% edge over the company. He ships in to win 20%, and he heads in from Chicago. I don’t have a clue, but all horses that have galloped around Hawthorne have gone on to do better. 18 days since his last race, and Lawson has the red-hot rail, where 25% have won on the hoop.

Good luck!

I never use a name to protect the innocent, and keep others from getting pissed.  This has probably saved me from at least five or six black eyes.

Long ago, a man wh0 loved racing so much would create a Derby compilation that would rival anything overcharged by the so-called professionals. They would cover every horse that was heading for the Derby, and it would cover everything from the elusive Chinese math Dosage Index figures to the cross breeding. It covered a personal history of each, and what their parents did on the oval. After reading this, you would have more than plenty info on so many trying to squeeze into the Derby gate.

He would give an intro of how he started in the game, and what he did over the years. He was a professional as far as how he made a living, but he made his life being a loving father and an avid fan of the game. It showed through in every word of his yearly publication. It began with a modest ten to twenty readers. Once you were on the list, you had to send in writing that you didn’t want to take the ride down Derby lane.  It would have been hard for anyone to have ever picked up pen and wrote on paper.

His record wasn’t bad, and the funny thing is that all walks of life would have a copy. The guy who cuts your grass, to the man at the bank. They would come in all shapes and sizes. That was the best thing. It was just about the time when you would be telling a friend about a great tool you received in the mail, and they would interrupt you and tell you they were on the list. It was kinda like that movie “Fight Club.” It was a secret, but everyone knew….

Time passed, and the kind gent went on to pass out his publication to the fans that lived in heaven. The sheets went silent, and the music was gone. It was a number of years, and his son, who is a crack-smart banker, stepped up and carried on his father’s legacy. He added names, and kept the same secret sauce.  The love could be felt through every word that he typed into his father’s sheets. The data, the info, and the love shown through in every page. It was good times again.

I would consider myself to be lucky to receive the sheets. If I were to tell you how much I looked forward to those green paper sheets, and the joy that I took from thinking about my own dad, I guess I could tell you all about them, and it would be then that you would just smile and look at me and tell me you are on the list……

Here is one that has a sports feel – However many races you have, you have an OVER / UNDER wager. This is where you add up the number of the winner of each race and accumulate them for the end of the card. Have your handicapper take his best shot, and if you don’t think this has a sports feel, you have lived under a rock. It is easy; no capping each race, and fun to be had. The newbies can just pick a side, and the sharpies can load on their side. You can make it all parimutuel, and for example, have OVER- 35  / UNDER -35  / and a tie. The wagers could have odds tied to them, based on how the public wagers.

Show me the Money – Just as popular as the “place pick all.” But, this allows you to wager on a runner or runners per race to finish in the money. If they do not, there is NO consolation…. It carries over to the next day.  All bets must be placed before the first race. I bet you will see this grow better than you thought….

Q-3 – here is a wager where you must select three consecutive quinellas. After each race, you must return to the window to exchange your ticket to get your next wager. This keep players around, and the excitement could grow. If nobody hits this wager, then it carries to the next wagering day…

Triple Double – This is where you can wager on the opening DD, and if you hit, then your ticket is alive for the next rolling DD. You get two in a row, and then the fun carries into the third and final DD. Hit all three, and you get the gold. If nobody hits it, then it rolls over again.

OK, if they don’t fit, and you want to play the prude, then by all means do-so. It wasn’t long ago that Keeneland had eight races, and one double.  The Pick-6 was a California dream, and the Super High-5 came from the Caribbean. It is all about fun and keeping the interest of the people. I like having a choice, and playing if I want….

All gamblers love to win. It is the action that they crave. I have seen some that pout worse than a baby.  Others enjoy putting it all on the line.  For the many that have lost it all, they seem at peace. They seem like they are back where they belong: broke, and complaining.

Here are few types of folks that walk around every track or OTB in the land:

The Screamer – they yell at the screen as if the rider is hearing their voice like the hearken of God. They will never change, and you can see them beating their ass with a program rolled up tight in their fist. In the old days, we used to call them “stoopers,” where they would scour the floor looking for winning tickets. This was their game, but as they grew older, they became satisfied just yelling at the screen. Have you ever seen any of these creatures?

The Pouter – No matter what they do, they complain. If they win, it could have been for more. But, to a sorry degree, they lose more than they win. When they walk into the room, they suck out the energy just by being there. There is a character like this in every gambling movie.

The Optimist -  They could heal people just by sitting at your table. No matter how bad they lose, they always find a kind word to say about getting them the next day. Or, they cheer for you, harder than you did, the day you had the big win. They are rare. They truly are a gem….

The Professional – The reason you don’t know much about this type, is because they lay low and you probably don’t know one.  They are loners. They could have been a doctor or lawyer, but they are content with any job, as long as they can go to work playing the races. They can tell you what they make on every dollar, and they walk in the shadows. Not because they are hiding, but because they do not want to be there for the fun or the party. They don’t care if they have to pay to get in. It is the win they seek, and for the small percentage. They achieve their goals.

I used to work with a great handicapper. We used to put up $20 each day and pick the Keeneland card. We would score winners only. In the two years that we played these four meets, he only beat me once. The reason was simple. For the talent he had was overshadowed by his lack of confidence. It never fails, and I would take his $20 like a trophy fish. He once asked why I had it locked up every day, and didn’t I think it was weird that I always won. My answer was simple. I like betting on myself. I liked believing in what I was doing. To me, it was never about the win or lose. It was always about believing in myself… Now, I don’t know if any of that makes any sense. But just ask my friend. To this day, he still is a great handicapper who doesn’t think he can win….

But nary a 3-year-old who triumphed in Gulfstream Park’s premier stakes race, scheduled for March 20, captured the Triple Crown. In ‘56, Needles came the closest. The Florida Derby winner, named for being inoculated often as a sickly foal, defeated Fabius by three-quarters of a length in the Kentucky Derby – the first victorious Florida bred.

But Fabius, eighth in the Florida Derby, upset Needles in the Preakness by three-quarters of a length. Needles took the Belmont Stakes while Fabius finished third.

The previous year, Swaps cost Nashua the Triple Crown by winning the Kentucky Derby by 1 1/2 lengths. In ‘58, Tim Tam missed out, finishing second in the Belmont to Cavan, with a broken bone in the joint between the knee and the hoof. In ‘68, Forward Pass lost by 1 1/4 lengths to State Door Johnny in the Belmont.

I witnessed my first Florida Derby in ‘57 a year after graduating the University of Miami. Gen. Duke defeated Bold Ruler by 1 1/2 lengths and set the stakes record of 1:46 4/5 for the 1 1/8 miles, which was recognized until several years ago, when the main track was expanded.

However, Quality Road’s winning performance in last year’s edition was a full second off Gen. Duke’s time. Even Quality Road’s track record victory in this year’s Donn Handicap was three-fifths of a second off the Calumet Farms’ horse 53 years ago.

On the eve of the 83rd Kentucky Derby, the son of Bull Lea came up lame and was scratched. Gallant Man was on his way to victory at Churchill Downs when Bill Shoemaker misjudged the finish line and Iron Liege won by a nose.

Bold Ruler took the Preakness and Gallant Man captured the Belmont. Gen. Duke later developed the spinal affliction known as wobbles and died.

The most exciting Florida Derby I witnessed came in ‘95, when favored Suave Prospect clashed with Thunder Gulch. It was a rematch following Thunder Gulch’s neck victory in the Fountain of Youth. The winner paid a generous $11.40.

In the Florida Derby, Suave Prospect was part of a three-horse entry, favored over Thunder Gulch on my birthday, March 11. Jerry Bailey, back aboard Suave Prospect, was hotter than the summer South Florida heat, scoring repeatedly. Mike Smith returned on Thunder Gulch.

Both horses stalked pacesetters to the far turn. Then Bailey gunned Suave Prospect from fourth to take the lead in the upper stretch by 1 1/2 lengths. But under Smith’s strong handling, Thunder Gulch wore down Suave Prospect, prevailed by a nose and paid $6.

After finishing a disappointing fourth in the Blue Grass Stakes, Thunder Gulch went off at 25-1 and, with Gary Stevens aboard, edged Tejano Run, ridden by Bailey, in the 121st Kentucky Derby. Suave Prospect, guided by Julie Krone, ran 11th while Smith’s mount, Talkin Man, finished 12th.

Eskendereya and Jackson Bend, the 1-2 finishers in this year’s Fountain of Youth, are on track for a rematch in the 59th Florida Derby. How exciting it will be is in the hands of the racing gods.

When we had Blood Horse Editor Tom LaMarra on our show, he said : “I like to wait until the last minute to make my final decisions.” I think if you are betting a few ducats on the Future Book, then speculate. If not, just take a breath. I am trying, and it gets harder every year. I have noticed that I do the best when I wait and take the majority of races in fully. It seems that if I start over-thinking, down the tubes I will go.

Here are a few that I have seen that deserve a thought at this point:

Rule - Pletcher is the trainer, and he is loaded this year. Didn’t we say that same thing in past years? His runner is versatile and runs on everything but blacktop and broken glass. It would not surprise me to see him appear at the $500,000 Lane’s End Stakes at Turfway Park, for a soft spot at a big pot.

Eskenderya – The “Todd-Squad” once again. Big winner in Florida, and you have to start thinking after that 8 – plus length victory, that we would see him down the road….

Super Saver - This one must be hot. My dad loves him! Even though he keeps calling him Super Baby, he looks good. Wait until he goes to New York, before buying your stock. I just hope Calvin Borel gets the mount. I think he would fit just fine.

Eightyfiveinafifty – I need one more race before I keep or scrap. A 17 1/2 length victory makes me think that all of those million dollar offers could not have been wrong. Just let him heal and wait…….

One to watch for the long haul is Aikenite.  This may be a slow developer, and the extra time may bring him along at the right time. The way he wanted to run only gave me outside hope. This is a long shot hope at this time, and only time will tell.. We can always scratch him off the list later.

There it is. I am not ready to compile a list, and I am on a scouting mission. If I see something, you will know. For me, the longer I wait, the better I will do… The boys at WP have held their own over the years, and if you keep them in mind, I think you may be ahead of the game.

Super Saver: One of the many Kentucky Derby hopefuls trained by Todd Pletcher. The son of Maria’s Mon has been training well, but is not scheduled to debut as a 3-year-old until next month. Next race: Gotham Stakes on March 6 at Aqueduct.

Drosselmeyer: His fourth place finish in the Risen Star wasn’t too bad, making up nearly 2 1/2 lengths in the stretch and losing by less than 1 3/4 lengths. It was the son of Golden Ballet’s second trip on dirt after winning in allowance company at Gulfstream. Next race: Louisiana Derby on March 27 at Fair Grounds.

Buddy’s Saint: Two race winning streak was snapped for son of Saint Liam, when he had a disastrous start in the Fountain of Youth. Jockey Jose Lezcano said right after his ninth place finish on Feb. 20: “The other horses came in like nothing (on the first turn). I was already in a spot, and they came in and killed my horse; put him into the rail.” Next race: Florida Derby on March 20 at Gulfstream.

Jackson Bend: Runner-up in Holy Bull and Fountain of Youth needs to pick it up in next outing. Last victory in a route came last year as a top 2-year-old at Calder. Three strikes and the son of Hear No Evil is out of the Top 10.  Next race: Florida Derby.

Dublin: Poor showing in his last race in November led to successful epiglottis surgery. The son of Afleet Alex came from far back in the Risen Star, after starting slowly and racing wide off the far turn, to make up 3 1/4 lengths in the stretch to finish second. He plainly ran out of ground in the 1 1/16-mile contest. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas is also breathing easier: “The further the better for him. He’s a big, imposing individual with a long stride.”

Discreetly Mine: One of many Kentucky Derby hopefuls trained by Todd Pletcher that shows promise. This son of Mineshaft captured the Risen Star on the front end when no foe wanted the lead. Tactical speed is a plus as he progresses. Next race: Louisiana Derby.

Rule: This Pletcher trainee is a horse for all tracks. The son of Roman Ruler has won four in a row. His victories were on Belmont’s sweeping track, Delta Downs’ fast and sloppy surfaces and Tampa Bay Downs’ quirky oval. Next race: Undecided.

Conveyance: One of trainer Bob Baffert’s stars is unbeaten in four outings, following his three-quarters of a length triumph in the Southwest Stakes. Transition to dirt went smoothly, but one question remains for the son of Indian Charlie: Can he get 1 1/4 miles? Next race: UAE Derby in Dubai March 27, Wood Memorial at Aqueduct April 3, or Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn April 10.

Lookin at Lucky: Baffert’s pride and joy hasn’t debuted as a sophomore, but has worked well. Despite being considered the top dog going 5 for 6, including runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in a horrible trip, the son of Smart Strike has time to get fit. Only negative: not racing on dirt with only two Kentucky Derby preps likely. Next race: San Felipe at Santa Anita or Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn on March 13.

Eskendereya: An impresive 8 1/2-length victory in the Fountain of Youth puts the Pletcher trainee at the top of the 3-year-old ladder. The son of Giant’s Causeway has tactical speed and can win just off the pace, like he did Feb. 20, or can come from a bit out of it to grind down his foes. He’s 3 for 3 on dirt. Next race: Florida Derby.

Calvin Borel was raised in St Martin Parish, Louisiana. He was riding match races when most kids were fiddling around fishing or goofing around with other kids. Like so many Cajun riders before him, he was brought up in a tough lifestyle. At age eight, he was learning the trade that would carry him to greater heights the rest of his life.

Borel has won the Derby twice. They would be Street Sense, and Mine That Bird. Both times he was a joy to watch, as he galloped back to the winner’s circle with a tearful set of eyes. The tears were not of the moment, but he wanted his mom and dad to have been there to see him do well.  It was his brother Cecil that raised him, and kept him on the straight and narrow. The day after winning the Derby, Borel was working in his brother’s shed row cleaning up. You would have not thought he had just won the Derby the day before.

This past year, he became the first jockey to take off of his Derby winner to ride another in the Preakness. When Rachel Alexandra came storming home that Saturday afternoon, Calvin Borel looked like the only guy with the plan.

This past week, he was awarded the George Woolf Memorial Award.  This has been presented by Santa Anita since 1950. It is an award that honors one of the greatest riders of his time, and recognizes the recipient for personal character and esteem in the sport of racing. They couldn’t have picked a better person …..

A two-time Derby winner, and regular rider for Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra, he is known for his rail-skimming trips, and is nicknamed “Bo-Rail.” He will be the 61st recipient of the prestigious award. Borel has won riding titles, and been a fixture on the Kentucky racing circuit for years.

Borel has gained the respect of many during his career as a rider. His efforts have not gone unnoticed. It was just this past year, the day before the Preakness, he could be very easily found. He was not attending media parties, but instead stayed at home and cut his grass. It has been this attitude that has taken him to the heights that he has achieved. During our interview, he said all that he wanted was for mommy and daddy to have been proud of him. Well Calvin, another job well done. I am sure they have been watching over you for these many years, and proud as can be….

Rain is expected for the “Big A“, and we can look at some plays that may need to be hooked up with tier runners who hold a price. Some of these are not going to burn the barn down, but take what you can get….. Would you walk by $5.60 laying on the ground?  I thought not…..

Race #1 – #7 – Gimmeanotherwink – (2-1)

Channing Hill has the call for John Terranova, who is rolling at 26%. Together they make a 29% win rate and a 50% ITM call as winners.  2/2 at Aqueduct ITM, and that is a nice look. 1/1 over a track that is labeled as “off.” This is the 3rd off the layoff, and makes a stretch out to a mile from 6 panels. This barn moves at a 14% win rate, and 46% ITM on the distance change. There is a drop in class, and that only makes the runner more attractive.

Race #3 – #5 – Mt. Glttermore – (2-1).

Ramon Dominguez in the saddle for Gary Contessa, and they team up at 71% ITM. This is a 3rd off a layoff, and drops back in class. Checked at the break last out, makes a huge rider change, 3/3 on the soft track, and makes a drop in class as well. 2/2 ITM at Aqueduct, and has worked two bullets in a row coming into this heat. I think all systems are go!

Race #5 – #1 – Three in the Bag – (8-5).

C.C Lopez in the irons for Linda Rice, and they have a sweet 46% ITM record together. Been off since Saratoga, and is 9/12 at Aqueduct. 5/7 on the off going, and runs very well off of a break. Take a look at the last race where he was claimed for 25k from Anthony Dutrow. Today, he makes start for 16k…. 6/6 ITM at the distance, and if you go back almost one year to the day, he won by 4 lengths off a layoff.

Good luck!

Race #2 – #10 – Worldbridge (4-1).

Yuri Yuraga is in the saddle for trainer Eric Reed.  They are winning 27% and 37% respectively. Team them up, and they win 60%, and have an 80% clip ITM. You gotta love that… This three-year-old seems to love the off going. He is 2/2 on the off going, and cuts back from 1 mile to six panels. Reed scores at 20% on this move. Rain is expected in the area, and all you have to do is hope that the price is not knocked down. The #10 hole may help, but he should be up close and pounce on the field as only Yuri can do…. Eric Reed is a dangerous man, and had a second place finish in the G-1 Alabama this year at Saratoga. He is head and shoulders above the crowd up there, and class will show today.

Race #6 – #7 – Favorite Valay (5-2).

Ramon Luna is in the irons for Raquel Castro, who is winning at 36%. He is making his third start off a layoff, and is 1/1 ITM at Beulah. This PA-bred can, and has, seen better competition.  2/3 over an off-surface and rain is expected in Ohio. Beaten favorite last out, and this trainer takes that pretty serious to come back and win 43%. There was a very nice mild rally last out, as I went back and watched the race replay. There will have to be some bit of pace to make the race, and Luna is equipped at getting them out the gate, as he used to ride quarter horses in Mexico as a youth. So, I would look for a better break, and stalk off the pace down the lane.

Sometimes you have to take what you get. I would dig deep and be sure to change the weather tab on Beulah to an off track. If the rain does not roll in, they have had about 3 feet of snow that is melting rapidly in Ohio.  Be sure to connect the dots, and get a piece of the multi-race gimmicks to spread out for maximum value.

Good luck!