Horse Racing questions and answers

[JBEX]

He ran a heck of a race! Have his daddy in the future bets! kicking myself in the actual race betting missed Torres jumping off the 2 and on the winner...

I do think he might be distance limited off his pedigree .. doesn't get the stamina influence on the bottom I think an army mule might need to have a shot at the derby distance

[JBEX]

He ran a heck of a race! Have his daddy in the future bets! kicking myself in the actual race betting missed Torres jumping off the 2 and on the winner...

it is interesting he chose to ride the winner over d' code considering how dominant the latter was in his debut .. just to clarify for everyone he did ride both in their prior races ..silent tactic was probably compromised by the slow pace in his last race but still wouldn't justify riding him over the other imo

[batt33]

considering where he broke from ,wide both turns and off a 2+ month layoff I like that effort.. I'm going to guess,because of the quick return,being hard used in this race and possibility of meeting the convincing winner again it might not be the next leg ofrrw this series (rebel stakes) .. think the louisiana derby in 6 weeks might be a good fit including the fact it's a 1/16th further than all the other derby preps .. even with a 2nd place finish there he'd probably qualify with enough points and be a fresh horse for the ky derby with only 2 preps in him .. hopefully he comes out of this race in good shape and can move forward

He ran a heck of a race! Have his daddy in the future bets! kicking myself in the actual race betting missed Torres jumping off the 2 and on the winner...

[JBEX]

considering where he broke from ,wide both turns and off a 2+ month layoff I like that effort.. I'm going to guess,because of the quick return,being hard used in this race and possibility of meeting the convincing winner again it might not be the next leg of this series (rebel stakes) .. think the louisiana derby in 6 weeks might be a good fit including the fact it's a 1/16th further than all the other derby preps .. even with a 2nd place finish there he'd probably qualify with enough points and be a fresh horse for the ky derby with only 2 preps in him .. hopefully he comes out of this race in good shape and can move forward

[batt33]

the first leg of oaklawn's KY derby prep series friday has an army mule going in in it ..southwest stakes R11 #13 soldier n diplomat (12-1 @ 5:40),obviously the post draw is not good .. in the preceding race ,a listed stakes , #6 wisconsin gal ( 30-1) is also an army mule ..in over her head again str

Will be watching! I have the #2 horse in the southwest in my KD future bets

[batt33]

I'll keep you posted .

I'm running the idea to some old friends with a lot of clout. Md. and NJ. so far. If they show signs of interest, I will take it to NY.

It will absolutely work. Just a matter of getting the right people to endorse it.

Thanks Batt !

Sounds like it's going to gain some steam!!

[JBEX]

Thanks JBEX. I'll check it out.

Poor Wisconsin Girl.

no problem str .. 2 were scratched so his post situation not as bad and one of those was a baffert ml favorite which is also good .. he still has another #3 buetane who is now the second choice

[str]

the first leg of oaklawn's KY derby prep series friday has an army mule going in in it ..southwest stakes R11 #13 soldier n diplomat (12-1 @ 5:40),obviously the post draw is not good .. in the preceding race ,a listed stakes , #6 wisconsin gal ( 30-1) is also an army mule ..in over her head again str

Thanks JBEX. I'll check it out.

Poor Wisconsin Girl.

[str]

I hope this works STR! Wishing you the best of luck !

I'll keep you posted .

I'm running the idea to some old friends with a lot of clout. Md. and NJ. so far. If they show signs of interest, I will take it to NY.

It will absolutely work. Just a matter of getting the right people to endorse it.

Thanks Batt !

[JBEX]

the first leg of oaklawn's KY derby prep series friday has an army mule going in in it ..southwest stakes R11 #13 soldier n diplomat (12-1 @ 5:40),obviously the post draw is not good .. in the preceding race ,a listed stakes , #6 wisconsin gal ( 30-1) is also an army mule ..in over her head again str

it's actually the 2nd leg .. the smarty jones stakes (listed) in early january is the first then this race is followed by the rebel stakes (grade 2) and the arkansas derby (grade 1) is the finale .. each race increases in rating from the 1st to the 4th leg (listed,g3,g2,g1)

[JBEX]

the first leg of oaklawn's KY derby prep series friday has an army mule going in in it ..southwest stakes R11 #13 soldier n diplomat (12-1 @ 5:40),obviously the post draw is not good .. in the preceding race ,a listed stakes , #6 wisconsin gal ( 30-1) is also an army mule ..in over her head again str

[batt33]

I formally wrote a letter to the MTHA, Md’s th bred horseman’s assn. in hopes of starting a retirement fund for those career backstretch workers who are retired or unable to continue to work.
The fund in theory would be funded by guaranteed loans that would be available to be called back at any time.
No need to go through it all now but hopefully it would be available to any fan that wanted to participate. It would include an interview/ Q and A with current and former trainers, jocks and workers. It would also include access to the paddock before the first race, winner’s circle, the track itself, the starting gate, press box, view from the announcer booth, etc.
All access. This would be free. With the hope that fans would either donate, or, pledge any amount of money for whatever length of time they choose to go to a fund that is fully guaranteed by the US govt.
Backstretch visits, barn area visits, jocks room, you name it.
This fully guaranteed loan would help retired race track heroes. Those grooms, walkers, exercise riders, etc. that dedicated their lives to the game.

I realize people might look at this like a novelty or nonsense but… I’m old enough to remember the first Super Bowl and all the talk was “. It was nonsense and would never be a real thing.

What fan of a sport wouldn’t want to get a picture taken in the Laurel winners circle? The same circle where Secretariat, and many of the greatest horses to ever race stood?
Ever walked out on a field where your team plays baseball, football, or any sport ? I have and the kid in you comes out instantly. Line up to kick a field goal in a stadium. Stand in the same batters box as you hero did? I have. It’s incredible!

I am working to get this from a thought to reality and I’m close. And every dollar it can generate will go to those that made the game go but now find themselves in need of help.
More as this evolves but I’ll die trying. Just like they did when they worked there.

Thanks for reading.

I hope this works STR! Wishing you the best of luck !

[str]

Super Bowl week:

A lot of players that are considering all in, how much to bet, or whatever.

Gambling can become so complex and exhausting to try and play into at times. We've all been there.

So take it from an 71 yr. old guy who started gambling when he was about 10 years old and worked for 29 years in the gambling industry. Heck, it was my career until I walked away from it.


This is pretty simple:

Not with horses, but in sports, the idea is to win 6 out of 10.

Throwing darts can typically lead you to 5 out of 10.

Think about that. Now think about it some more.


So occasionally throw darts if you must, enjoy the games on TV or do what you do, but all you really need is to do is NEVER bet more than you can afford, work to find that 1 out of every 10 on average that you have a solid opinion on, and concentrate on that opinion play within those 10 plays.

Sharpen you opinion play over time, and see if you can win 6 out of 10 of those opinions on average. This will slowly eliminate dart throwing because the urge to win and beat the game will override the urge to bet or have action on the game.

If you can't, that's ok, more cannot than can. But if you can, you will find that it becomes NOT about the money, but the confidence within you. It will make you better in everything you do. Why? Because you have confidence. You walk a little taller, smile a little brighter, and things seem to slow down for you. You'll see. All you have to do is want it, and work for it. But it's work you enjoy so is that really work?

Good Luck everybody!

Happy Super Bowl.

[str]

It sounds like you have really thought it all out.

Rooting for your success. It will feel very nice to give back to the sport in a meaningful way like this.

Thanks Opti!

[Optional]

It sounds like you have really thought it all out.

Rooting for your success. It will feel very nice to give back to the sport in a meaningful way like this.

[str]

I like the thought but can see some objections coming back to you about funding the management of a fund and who chooses who qualifies and for how much.

The beneficiaries contributing in some way to qualify might get past some of that potential push back.

I hope you make it happen.

It would be under the MTHA horseman's assn. A 501C3 chapter run by trainers, owners, etc. I was on that board 50 years ago.

We all know each other. Every single day, rain, snow, hot cold, we all knew who was who. Now that they have hit their 70's and 80's, many need help. Not just money though. Education. I see guys starving and unable to do anything and they have equity within their homes but do not understand the process of how to get that equity out.
It is indeed case by case, but remember, most long time race trackers were there before they were 18 years old. Real world education is lacking when it comes to finances and do's and don'ts with money. That part should be fairly easy.
As for the funding, I have a plan that will be self sufficient and any "loans" can and will b e paid back within 1 month. Risk free. Or donate.
But people cannot lose the investment. 100% guaranteed.
Opti., this thing will work and it should be nationwide once everyone sees just how honest, upfront, safe and reliable it is.

I am very hopeful. I know every board member. Some actually worked with me. Most all worked in the next barns over. This is can't miss but people need to care. I do. Many do. Help the next one in line, always stay humble and kind. !

Once it works, I can explain it to your brother and he can do it in Australia. There are workers there in the same boat. I can't believe this doesn't already exist.

Thanks Opti !

[Optional]

I formally wrote a letter to the MTHA, Md’s th bred horseman’s assn. in hopes of starting a retirement fund for those career backstretch workers who are retired or unable to continue to work.
The fund in theory would be funded by guaranteed loans that would be available to be called back at any time.
No need to go through it all now but hopefully it would be available to any fan that wanted to participate. It would include an interview/ Q and A with current and former trainers, jocks and workers. It would also include access to the paddock before the first race, winner’s circle, the track itself, the starting gate, press box, view from the announcer booth, etc.
All access. This would be free. With the hope that fans would either donate, or, pledge any amount of money for whatever length of time they choose to go to a fund that is fully guaranteed by the US govt.
Backstretch visits, barn area visits, jocks room, you name it.
This fully guaranteed loan would help retired race track heroes. Those grooms, walkers, exercise riders, etc. that dedicated their lives to the game.

I realize people might look at this like a novelty or nonsense but… I’m old enough to remember the first Super Bowl and all the talk was “. It was nonsense and would never be a real thing.

What fan of a sport wouldn’t want to get a picture taken in the Laurel winners circle? The same circle where Secretariat, and many of the greatest horses to ever race stood?
Ever walked out on a field where your team plays baseball, football, or any sport ? I have and the kid in you comes out instantly. Line up to kick a field goal in a stadium. Stand in the same batters box as you hero did? I have. It’s incredible!

I am working to get this from a thought to reality and I’m close. And every dollar it can generate will go to those that made the game go but now find themselves in need of help.
More as this evolves but I’ll die trying. Just like they did when they worked there.

Thanks for reading.

I like the thought but can see some objections coming back to you about funding the management of a fund and who chooses who qualifies and for how much.

The beneficiaries contributing in some way to qualify might get past some of that potential push back.

I hope you make it happen.

[str]

I formally wrote a letter to the MTHA, Md’s th bred horseman’s assn. in hopes of starting a retirement fund for those career backstretch workers who are retired or unable to continue to work.
The fund in theory would be funded by guaranteed loans that would be available to be called back at any time.
No need to go through it all now but hopefully it would be available to any fan that wanted to participate. It would include an interview/ Q and A with current and former trainers, jocks and workers. It would also include access to the paddock before the first race, winner’s circle, the track itself, the starting gate, press box, view from the announcer booth, etc.
All access. This would be free. With the hope that fans would either donate, or, pledge any amount of money for whatever length of time they choose to go to a fund that is fully guaranteed by the US govt.
Backstretch visits, barn area visits, jocks room, you name it.
This fully guaranteed loan would help retired race track heroes. Those grooms, walkers, exercise riders, etc. that dedicated their lives to the game.

I realize people might look at this like a novelty or nonsense but… I’m old enough to remember the first Super Bowl and all the talk was “. It was nonsense and would never be a real thing.

What fan of a sport wouldn’t want to get a picture taken in the Laurel winners circle? The same circle where Secretariat, and many of the greatest horses to ever race stood?
Ever walked out on a field where your team plays baseball, football, or any sport ? I have and the kid in you comes out instantly. Line up to kick a field goal in a stadium. Stand in the same batters box as you hero did? I have. It’s incredible!

I am working to get this from a thought to reality and I’m close. And every dollar it can generate will go to those that made the game go but now find themselves in need of help.
More as this evolves but I’ll die trying. Just like they did when they worked there.

Thanks for reading.

[JBEX]

No question JBEX. One thing I learned over years of watching the breeding end of things was seemingly the GREAT mares while running would be disappointing broodmares plenty of times. I think the logic was that they were so dominant while competing, the foals they produced were a cut below more often than not. While it seems weird, Zenyatta comes to mind more recently.

But no question that the possible under achieving offspring who were fillies, could then throw a monster when it was their turn to be a broodmare. Wasn't that Spectacular Bid?? Can't remember for sure.
Such an inexact science. But I distinctly remember seeing that occur several times early in my career, enough to have me form that opinion and I never changed off of that.

So often times, the under performing offspring would then be bred because she just couldn't run but had top tier pedigree, and she would throw a G-1 winner.
Kind of amazing but I think it can show us that the strain of being the best can not necessarily carry to the next offspring, but skip a dam and show back up when that dam has babies.
Tough business. Probably tougher than running them. Hindsight definitely 20-20 in that arena.

Thanks JBEX.

no problem str

yes no matter how good the bloodlines (and that would be as good as it gets) no guarantee she produces a runner and believe you're right about zenyatta not producing anything special..but as you said if it's a filly and not a great runner she could produce one .. guess you keep that in mind if you're the breeder.. be nice,of course, if the foals a runner but still possibilities breeding her if she's not .. sure there's some truth to what you said about it happening (not a runner) more often than most would think

[str]

was thinking if the tragic breakdown of ruffian didn't happen and she ran as a 4 year old in 1976
and then retired probably be bred to northern dancer (condidered one of the greatest sires of all time ) ..wouldn't be secretariat as he's by bold ruler and ruffian's paternal grand sire is also ..if that was the case can only imagine the anticipation of seeing that foal ..what kind of bloodlines could be passed forward ..possibly breed shaping stuff ... it's a shame on that front also

No question JBEX. One thing I learned over years of watching the breeding end of things was seemingly the GREAT mares while running would be disappointing broodmares plenty of times. I think the logic was that they were so dominant while competing, the foals they produced were a cut below more often than not. While it seems weird, Zenyatta comes to mind more recently.

But no question that the possible under achieving offspring who were fillies, could then throw a monster when it was their turn to be a broodmare. Wasn't that Spectacular Bid?? Can't remember for sure.
Such an inexact science. But I distinctly remember seeing that occur several times early in my career, enough to have me form that opinion and I never changed off of that.

So often times, the under performing offspring would then be bred because she just couldn't run but had top tier pedigree, and she would throw a G-1 winner.
Kind of amazing but I think it can show us that the strain of being the best can not necessarily carry to the next offspring, but skip a dam and show back up when that dam has babies.
Tough business. Probably tougher than running them. Hindsight definitely 20-20 in that arena.

Thanks JBEX.

[JBEX]

was thinking if the tragic breakdown of ruffian didn't happen and she ran as a 4 year old in 1976
and then retired probably be bred to northern dancer (condidered one of the greatest sires of all time ) ..wouldn't be secretariat as he's by bold ruler and ruffian's paternal grand sire is also ..if that was the case can only imagine the anticipation of seeing that foal ..what kind of bloodlines could be passed forward ..possibly breed shaping stuff ... it's a shame on that front also

[str]

I was at Laurel Park yesterday trying to push along an idea I have for retired backstretch workers. More on that as it gets traction.
( I can't believe nobody has thought of this before now but it is a complete no brainer for those less fortunate folks that worked their hearts out at the track for decades.)
And while there, they ran the 1st race, and it was a golden rail. Even watched the replay to be sure. Old habits die hard I guess. Lol.

Had to leave after the 2nd but no doubt, the inside was VERY favorable. Makes perfect sense with no racing for several days, and extreme cold and snow in the forecast.
If anyone is interested, go back and watch the replays. According to the charts the rail lasted about all day and I am sure you can find some outside trips that figured to run big and mysteriously did not fire. It would behoove anyone looking for horses to play back ON or AGAINST to watch those races and makes some notes.

Hope that helps . If you do, I have no doubt it will.

[str]

And there you have it.

Been going on since the very late 80's.

They weren't the lone rangers.

https://paulickreport.com/news/the-biz/hisa-two-maryland-veterinarians-provisionally-suspended-over-alleged-distribution-of-masking-banned-substance

[str]

here's that race

https://youtu.be/k26CVuvWtTE?si=0TCtrz9cRn9JVxRN

About 10-11 seconds after the break, they go by the green and white poll. Just across the track is the 5/8ths pole gap. ( you can see the off color green tarp on the swinging gate of fence so as to not have a horse shy away from the color deviation.
Just before the gap is a stand that backstretch workers could climb a ladder and stand and watch the race.
I had to run the feed that day so I was back at the barn and walked up to see the race.

Her eyes when she had poked her head in front as they went by were literally on fire ! I can still see them. I'll never forget it. it was THAT, that told me I , have to try and become a trainer and train that. Less than two years later, the dream became a reality.
I get chills just typing this and thinking about it. It was incredible.

Thanks JBEX !!

[JBEX]

Wow. Great memory JBEX !

Yes, Greg was on the pony on the track during warm ups when they first started doing that.

Awesome race by Ruffian. I know I've said it before but her race prior to to that one was at Monmouth Park when I was up in that stand they run by at the 5/8ths pole, was the catalyst that made me decide to try and become a trainer. Her eyes when she went by me were magical. Greatest female horse I ever saw. Only Secretariat makes me hesitate to not say greatest horse ever.
Too me, it's really a dead heat.

here's that race

https://youtu.be/k26CVuvWtTE?si=0TCtrz9cRn9JVxRN

[str]

deaths do seem to happen in bunches .. very sorry

without cheating did greg do some analysis for tv..seem to have some vague memory of that ?


here's bracciale riding ruffian in the 74 spinaway

https://youtu.be/_N3fZS6JswM?si=PVCIv7dKSAOV7MUB

Wow. Great memory JBEX !

Yes, Greg was on the pony on the track during warm ups when they first started doing that.

Awesome race by Ruffian. I know I've said it before but her race prior to to that one was at Monmouth Park when I was up in that stand they run by at the 5/8ths pole, was the catalyst that made me decide to try and become a trainer. Her eyes when she went by me were magical. Greatest female horse I ever saw. Only Secretariat makes me hesitate to not say greatest horse ever.
Too me, it's really a dead heat.

[JBEX]

deaths do seem to happen in bunches .. very sorry

without cheating did greg do some analysis for tv..seem to have some vague memory of that ?


here's bracciale riding ruffian in the 74 spinaway

https://youtu.be/_N3fZS6JswM?si=PVCIv7dKSAOV7MUB

[str]

hope it was a nice rememberance of him str .. be cool to hear some of those stories when you feel up to it .. sure I and others in here would enjoy them

Thanks JBEX. Yes, it was a tremendous showing of love and support for Vincent Bracciale Jr. Otherwise known around the track as simply "Jimbo". I have attended probably a dozen or so of these since I left the game and I found it quite fitting that I saw more people at this event than I have ever seen before. The entire turf club was packed with people.
I will come back and remember a couple of things soon but I found out when I was there that Greg McCarron, a fixture in Md. for decades passed away after suffering a fatal heart attack the same day as Jimbo's gathering. Kind of knew something might be wrong when Greg , his wife Darlene and their son Matt were not in attendance. No way Greg and the family would have missed that.

So here we go again. Saying goodbye to another Md. fixture from the 70's and up. Chris, his younger brother wrote a great tribute this morning about his older brother, mentor and hero on Facebook.

This is a real down moment for the Md. racing fraternity. I'll post more later. Kind of numb right now.

Thank you all for reading. I truly appreciate you all.

[JBEX]

Today is going to be a tough one. A celebration of life for Vincent Bracciale Jr. will be held today at 1PM at Laurel. Vince (Jimbo), was loved throughout the community. He was THE jockey in the room that everyone looked up to for a long time. He passed away in his sleep a couple of weeks ago. Funeral was private but today everyone gets to show their love and appreciation for him.

I could type till my fingers cramped up about Jimbo, a guy I met my first week on the track in 1972. My first impression of him was that he was really nice, humble, and always willing to help someone out. That never changed.

So many stories I could tell but today I'm just not feeling it. This sucks. Guess the only thing I am happy about is that I had a chance to meet him, ride him, get to know him, and laugh with him and cry with him. He was one of the pall bearers for Dick Dutrow when he passed. That day was tough as well.

You guys would have really liked Bo.

UGH.

hope it was a nice rememberance of him str .. be cool to hear some of those stories when you feel up to it .. sure I and others in here would enjoy them

[str]

Today is going to be a tough one. A celebration of life for Vincent Bracciale Jr. will be held today at 1PM at Laurel. Vince (Jimbo), was loved throughout the community. He was THE jockey in the room that everyone looked up to for a long time. He passed away in his sleep a couple of weeks ago. Funeral was private but today everyone gets to show their love and appreciation for him.

I could type till my fingers cramped up about Jimbo, a guy I met my first week on the track in 1972. My first impression of him was that he was really nice, humble, and always willing to help someone out. That never changed.

So many stories I could tell but today I'm just not feeling it. This sucks. Guess the only thing I am happy about is that I had a chance to meet him, ride him, get to know him, and laugh with him and cry with him. He was one of the pall bearers for Dick Dutrow when he passed. That day was tough as well.

You guys would have really liked Bo.

UGH.

[str]

DIANE CRUMP. Ever heard of her? For those that have, you probably expected this . For those that have not, if you like horse racing, please go read the Daily racing form piece or whatever you can find.

She died yesterday at age 77. She was the first female jockey to ever compete. She paved the way for every female rider that has ridden.

I could go on and on but read what a real writer has to say about her.

Too me, she was a true hero.

[str]

Just saw yet another trainer, this time in New Mexico, just got 4 years for an Albuterol positive .
It’s always a little happier new year when another cheating no talent trainer tests positive for that garbage.
Cheaters SUCK !

[str]

I saw a question about athletes and gambling and thought I would share my response here:


When you work in a sports related industry and there is gambling readily available, we can become somewhat immune to life's reality's if you are not careful.
I'm talking about, " In The Moment". Not a well thought out decision at all. Quite the opposite. It is not that hard to fall into a situation that then, once you are in it, it escalates.

After a while, you start to take things that are happening to you for granted and because a part of that active life you live is somewhat of a fairytale anyway, you can find yourself riding that wave and not stopping to consider what would happen if that was ever exposed or if the wave ended.

A lot of the responses in here are from a very practical view. And they are mostly correct IMO. Why would anyone do something so stupid as to fix an event or gamble while participating?
Well, it doesn't happen overnight, but sometimes people just wander off course. They are living large, fans love them, they get a ton of attention, and then... the wrong situation gets presented to them and they don't stop to realize what they are risking.

Those that present these opportunities have NOTHING to lose in most cases. And if they do, let's face it, they are just not that in tune with reality. Subsequently, people sometimes make a bad decision that over time gets worse and then their world comes crashing down on them.

We have all seen it so many times we wonder why it keeps happening. I'll tell you why.

A lack of teaching kids at a very young age, and continuing to pound into their heads that what they have is something that can be taken away in an instant. Society is now doing that with drinking and driving as well as many other bad decision bumps in the road that will no doubt be available for athletes or people in a position to manipulate sporting outcomes. But we need more. Much more!

Without education from the beginning as well as awareness to the pitfall, this will continue to happen. Any person in a position to manipulate any outcome is vulnerable to a bad decision based on money, the excitement of the moment and many other things. The only constant within this is the regret and shame that follows when things get exposed.

This education in awareness while mandatory in some places like the NFL for instance, needs to be EVERYWHERE. As it stands, It is NOT. Until it is, it will continue to ruin lives and make fans skeptical of results as well they should be.

Hope that helps some of you better understand what really happens behind the scenes. And sadly, what is not happening enough to educate those that are a part of any pari-mutuel or sports arena that has wagering attached to it.

[str]

Merry Christmas to everyone here at SBR and especially to those that have read and supported this thread over the years.

Here's hoping that all your wishes come true.

[batt33]

It happens often enough at every track that I see it as necessary to the overall understanding of any particular TRACK or SURFACE Batt.

This is why I have spoken so much about watching every race, with no opinion, and just see what jumps out as very helpful or not at all helpful. It doesn't happen every race or maybe everyday. But sometimes it happens 3-4 times in a day. You never know. So you just watch and learn.I used to keep a folded up piece of paper in my pocket where I would write down horses names and race each day. Didn't really have time to spend on any one horse in that moment, but would record all the replays from Md. and watch them in my office at the track the next morning between sets going out or after 10AM when the track closed. In time, I had a library of replays.
Probably spent an hour a day doing that. Until about 1991, that was always for claiming horses down the road if they were placed with a price tag I thought was appealing. Never for betting. I just didn't care about that angle as I was totally intrenched in what I was doing as a trainer. After I decided ( about 91 or 92) that I was done with the track but would stay on for an undetermined period of the time, I still did claiming but added betting in order to supplement my income. A stay at home wife and three kids ages 6,8, and 10 is pricey.
This was NOT for betting on my horses, but betting horses that were unable to run their best from problems with trips, bias, rider, whatever. I had more time to do so because I did not have the clientele and therefore the money to claim horses everyday.

I still needed income so I improvised. Don't get me wrong, I LOVED claiming horses everyday. It was my everyday life for 15 years and I would probably still be doing it today.
But I did not have the backing to do so and could not gamble by claiming my own horses with money I needed to pay the bills for myself, my wife and my kids. So I divided my work hours into finding value on any horse that showed it to me but in many casers, other PLAYERS did not see. That went on for about 7 years until my mom passed away. After that, my exit strategy kicked in and a little over a year later, I walked away.

Tha1t's what illegal drugs and practices on horses on the backside did. Basically, I fell out of love with what I deemed as the rest of my life prior to 1991. But, life throws you curve balls. And as my favorite coach Earle Elliott taught me, keep you weight back, see the ball, hit the ball. So that's what I did.
Man I loved Earle as did many other kids my age. Our hero.

Thanks for sharing STR!