Belmont Recap
 

I kind of knew going in to yesterday that I was there more to see some of the best in the world than make money on that card. As someone who avoids favorites if I can I was in a pretty tough spot. But enjoy it I did mainly because of the people there.

First, I was able to meet Genuine Risk(Nicole) who was an absolute doll. What a sweet person and her friends were very nice as well. Hung out with her most of the day and even withstood the urge to call Kev when EC was in the paddock and tell him that he was washed out and acting up just to get a rise out of him....But Kev didn't deserve that.

Met up with Steve and Beth. I swear Beth is like a long lost sister or something because busting each other is so easy. I've bet her 4 times horse for horse and lost each and every one of them. Gave her Henny vs. Silver and Wanderin vs. Andromeda's(couldn't he get up to win that exacta--hell no)

Also met briefly Dell, Blackthroat, and a few others. Forgot Tim's number with me so I felt badly I couldn't meet up with him as well.

Its a testament to how good the people on the board are that I'm always impressed with them when I meet them personally. This is place deserves more credit for the quality of the posters, all of us do really.

As for the racing: most impressive of the day. For my money it was Henny Hughes. I thought his performance was simply awesome. Waited a punched through the lane. What a horse. Can't play him in the Sprint, but I will root for him if my horse doesnt come through.

Bernie was great, but I do want to see him against some horses who will throw up some kind of battle in the lane. But he destroys what's put out there and that's all you can ask.

Thought Fleet Indian was very gutsy, as was Honey Ryder in the Pletcher show undercard. Balleto is a bit of a hanger for my money at this point. Not thrilled at all with Prado's ride on Round Pond but that's besides the point.

All in all a enjoyable day at Big Sandy, even the sun came out midway through the day which seemed to put the temps back into the 40's. Good stuff. Randall

She aint a bit, she IS a hanger, she had every right to blow by that horse and didn't...

Balleto needs 1) two turns and 2) a wicked pace up front to run her best. She tries (ala Society Selection) but the 1-turn Belmont configuration does not give her her best shot. I think they should have sent to the Spinster - with the speed in here, she would have had the ideal set up.

Right.. Just make sure you tell everyone that on BC day.

Likewise, I had a lovely day meeting Randall (I'm glad you had a good time; I was worried I was monopolizing your day!) and his mom, who was kind, funny and just all around a lot of fun. Like mother, like son. :) I also enjoyed meeting Steve and lovely Beth, and I'm sorry I didn't get more time to talk to Dellinger, BTW, et al; I could have happily listened to your horsetalk all day. And I'm pretty sure you'll see Shawn, who is purchasing his first broodmare on DerbyTrail very soon.

Definitely a day to spectate and enjoy rather than wager. I had picked out the eventual 10-1 winner in the 5th, but in my tried and true betting style, that was the race I decided not to bet. I'm thinking it's the fault of the Taco Bell I keep eating at Penn Station before I go to the track-- all the refried bean deliciousness clouds my judgment for the rest of the day... or I'm just a terrible, terrible bettor...

Memory to keep- after Javier came back on Bernardini, he took his helmet off and raised it up. Normally, I'm cynical when athletes do the religious thing-- my own personal pet peeve here, but I just don't think God cares all that much if the Yankees make the playoffs (by the way, ateam, very sorry about that. Hope to meet you next time). But in the gathering dusk, for a moment, all I saw was a silhouette of this beautiful horse and the man sitting on him, arms stretched up to the sky with his helmet balanced between his hands, and the moment made my heart catch in my throat.

Randall, my friend and I are dead serious about taking you out on a trail ride in Brooklyn. If your ears were burning last night it's because lots of nice things were being said about you. :)

I really wish you guys got a hold of me. I didnt find Belmont to be all that great of a place. First time there in 20 years so I know I didnt find the "right" places to hang out. The place is huge and very confusing and cold. Felt like I was walking in a hospital all day long. Wont be dying to go back thats for sure. From now on, its a phone account and eating and drinking in the privacy of my own home.

The races were the most unwagerable I have come across in a long time. I found other ways to lose money like Keeneland and Santa Anita though.

Randy my sweet, thank you for the kind words (I think) if you need to parlay those losses we could talk about my horses kicking your *ss on BC day...Hope your Mom had fun...

Genuine Risk, Dellinger et al...it was great meeting you and putting names to faces...
BTW thanks for the sarcasm...

I sound like I am signing someone's high school year book so I'm going to stop now...BUT Belmont lived up to expectations in no small part to DT....Thanks guys:)

almost forgot Joey...sorry 'bout the yankees hope your dad is OK...

ok...enough of all the talk....Im upset enough I didn't get to make it up there and see everyone.:(

Gen, I'll take you up on the riding offer for sure. Plus next time I'm in the City we'll get a drink.

Tim, you came on a tough day to Belmont. It can be cold and a bit dead sometimes. Its so big that its just a different feel than most tracks. I prefer it much more in the summertime. But its nothing like the atmosphere of Saratoga. But I do like it a lot.

Beth, yes we will go double or triple or nothing on the Breeders Cup. I keep giving you advantages in these matchups(lower odds) but I'll get you eventually. You take Lava Man again, and I'll take Bern. Deal?

Kev, hey I wish you were there. EC looked the part. But Cacique is waiting...Incidently the ride on Icy Atlantic was so strange that its kind of beyond words. What the hell was he thinking. I'm sure you were sweating it out when the pace was that slow....Come to Monmouth for the Breeders Cup next year. Stay in Jersey with me. Looking to get some real nice seats for it.

That could be a huge!!!!

Yeah I'm going to pay up so I don't have to freeze my as.s off. Don't care what I have to pay. I mean, when is the next time the Breeders Cup will be in Jersey. 2020, later?

Ummm Right....

Look at it as a preview for what you'll be enjoying next year when you are up here for it! I have the pictures of your boy-- I'll email them once I resize them so they aren't gigantic.

If we get enough drinks, Randall, perhaps we'll finish out the evening with karaoke in Koreatown (insert evil laugh). Seriously, though, it'll be great to hang out.

And Tim, I'm very disappointed not to have met you and your wife. I'm sorry it wasn't a great day. Maybe reconsider a visit for spring?

Your the best kiddo...

Joey, she hangs, no doubt in my mind. Balleto never even went by her in the stretch but she had all the momentum. But Balleto's running line is alot like Pleasant Home who scored huge last year, can't say what will happen on BC day until you see who is going, she will probably hit the board though

Balletto. Let me put it this way....even Santos told me later in the day she hung.