For the Coolmoore Turf Mile, I walked away from our group of 16 and wandered down to Section A of the grandstand. Last row, seats 1 and 2. That\'s where my parents would always sit for 2 days each meet when my father was still alive and you could still buy tickets on Keeneland\'s website. There wasn\'t anyone within 3 rows of me I would guess for the Marquee race of the day. I could take it all in with my own thoughts. The horses ran by out of the gate into the First Turn and I wondered of all the great horses that have passed over the dirt and turf of these courses. And how many people have watched those horses roll by from this grandstand. I wondered all sorts of things reflecting as they went downt the BS. As they stormed down the stretch I wondered, if nearly six years later, if my father would be impressed with my character, my gambling acumen this past year and other things one would consider as a son. Notably, \"would he be proud of me?\" The horses struck the finish line and I smiled taking in all the moments and memories of the past two days. That Notable question, of course, as they hit the Finish Line for all of you out there wanting to comment is RHETORICAL.
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After the final race of the day, I was in a stairwell behind the grandstand area and announcer Kurt Becker came walking down past me as I waited for the group to catch up so we could leave for the day. Becker truly is the only voice of Keeneland. He was beyond kind and courteous. A true, deserving representative of Keeneland Racing. I can not praise my interaction enough. I think his calls are as professional as anyone in the game and I have always been a big fan as I told him. Shout out to Mr. Becker for being kind to a fan that said \"Hello.\"
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Earlier in the day, immediately after the Breeders Futurity, I was not as kind to the Director of Wagering Development for Keeneland. I was walking with a new visitor from our group to assist her with finding the gift store and assist her so I was not in a position to have a several minute conversation. I saw the \"DWD\" as we passed through an area by the paddock. He was speaking with someone but I patted him on the shoulder and jokingly said \"Hey, how about that two minute rule at Keeneland?\" referring to their not caring ONE %^^$& about the CAW\'s late wagering and odds changes on the board in the win pool. He heard me and stopped me to say \"Did you see what just happened?\" I replied \"Yes, I saw the 2nd choice got bet down to 3 to 2.\" And he replied \"The winner went up in odds.\" I replied \"They [the CAW\'s] got it right. The favorite won, the 2nd choice ran 2nd\" implying I don\'t see your point. He told me the winner went from 1-2 to 4-5 out the gate. By this point, my friend I was assisting was not really into this conversation and I needed to keep moving despite him wanting to discuss further. I unkindly stated \"You\'re just raking in the money from CAW\'s [implying taking it from the retail players]\" and you\'re was somewhat directed towards him. We were going opposite directions at this point and went our separate ways. It was clear where I stand with tracks and CAW\'s.
As I walked away, all I could think was \"Wait a second did he just brag to me?\" I think he was bragging that:
1. In a 6 horse graded stakes race;
2. In Kentucky Derby points prep race;
3. In a BC Win and You\'re In Race;
4. A horse went up in odds from 1-2 to 4-5 that won;
5. And that this is noteworthy I guess b/c Retail Bettors got a better price of .80 on the dollar in a 6 horse field instead of .50 on the dollar.
Wild. People in his position all across America HATE Retail On Track Gamblers. They do. Again, my tone was not kind to him and that\'s on me. But my point was clear that Keeneland is not in the right here whatsoever.
NOTE: A few years back I also spoke with him face to face when Keeneland raised the takeout rates. He defended that one beyond belief. His argument was \"We are competitive\" with other tracks. I thought Keeneland was supposed to be a leader in the racing industry if you read their Mission and Principles. I don\'t know what the Keeneland folks get paid to defend these positions but it must be pretty impressive. Again, I\'m just happy I\'m not in the industry and can write about this without fear of reprisal.
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For the backyard Picnic Paddock crew, I was able to spend Friday with my Saratoga Gf many of you know from 2 or 3 Labor Day weekends. It was a day to remember :)
Gambling wise, I had a very good two days confirming again, one can grind out profit in this game as I have been doing pretty consistently all year except an early stretch of the Sar meet that started in July. I\'ve had to adjust to betting fewer and fewer races and keeping the wagers more and more simple to stay ahead. The DQ cost a late p4 Friday that probably pays 6x to 8x (?) as much than it did with Tommy Jo. It was the right call and Percy\'s Bar was best in my opinion. Both of those things can be true. Yesterday, Red Board Alert, I KaBoomed Khadeem and my group was pretty thrilled for me. I took a decent swing keying in on Ward in the finale but didn\'t hit a thing vertically. Alas, the organizer of this 16 person group had a $2 super on a $300 play and he didn\'t hit ALL in the 4th spot for those that study the charts.
Back to Reality tomorrow.
Good Stuff. Sounds like a great time and Keeneland is beyond historic. All the old Calumet legends would run there. Citation. Whirlaway. Alydar. And Claiborne had their share too.
Keep fighting the fight but be careful with the establishment and deep state. And yes your dad would be proud of you.
Fairmont - I agree with everything Silver Charm said!
See you next year.
(Your 4StarDave friend)