I went to the horse races at Tampa Bay Downs Sunday. It had been years since I had been there. Not much had changed except the Daily Racing Form is now 9 bucks. I paid it because I am from the old school, and want more comprehensive information then the track program. It did not seem to do me much good.
The horse above was a maiden claiming horse. She had the top jockey and trainer on the track. Even one of the handicappers in the DRF picked the horse. So, I bet her across the board. She came in dead last. I mean I took a photo of her chasing the other horses. They not even in the frame.
I actually felt sorry for the horse. Anyway, Tom could not make it, so I only stayed for a few races. I even managed to win a race. As you can see it was a nice day, so I enjoy the sights and sounds of the racetrack. They had a good crowd and most people seemed to be having fun. Of course, at the track, you see the same characters that you find at most tracks. There are the wandering around retirees who just seem to be enjoying a cold beer and playing the handicappers picks. and then, you have the professional. This is the guy with the large book filled with Racing Form entries. He has a cellphone, and of course, a cigar. He is sending out a vibe that he is not approachable. He thinks he knows everything. He is, however, a degenerate. In the long run he has no chance. He bets exotic bets and the track takes 25 percent. Those odds cannot be overcome. That is why I do it for fun and recreation. You can always get lucky and make a few bucks but you cannot make a living at it.
Anyway, I kept calling Tom's phone but he was not answering. I believe he drove Taxi all night and was sleeping. I cashed my winning ticket and went home. I had forgotten how fun this could be.
The kentucky derby is coming up in a few weeks, perhaps tom and I will be able to go the first saturday in may. I know it will be crowded but that makes it extra fun. My horse may have come in last but she wasn't pretty 1 out there.
The horses are so far a head of her you can't see them! |
posted from Bloggeroid
Poor Horse. Reminds me of running Phys Ed track at Hillsborough High - dead last. I think I even got lapped.
ReplyDeleteQuite a shame for the horse! But I guess that's what's part of the fun of it - that sometimes there are surprises like that.
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