Back from my cross- country road trip...

[herkhorse]

Nice to be back in the Mohawk Valley after a month long road trip. Of course it wasn't all business as I always try to get in as much live racing action as possible. This time it included stops in Oaklawn on the way out and the way back.

I'd like to thank A Lost Texan for being an excellent host for my brief visit to Rillito Park in Tucson. (It's no Swamp Cabbage Festival, but I highly recommend a trip if you are ever in Tucson in Feb., the local crowd is fantastic) The track was a mess due to some recent rain, but there was no shortage of fun. The first race was a quarter horse race, and in the paddock the 8 horse, a firster, looked like a monster vs. some donkeys. Without looking at the odds, I wheeled him in the double(14.00). I went out to the track, only to find his odds at 1-9, Crap! Oh well, long lines, 2 minutes to post, figured I'd just bite the bullet. The horse wins for fun. Race 2, thoroughbreds on the 5/8 mi. track. Got a 6-1 shot home, figured I'd lose a few bucks or at best break even. Went to the window, the double pays 192.00! My new favorite track.

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As the jocks debated if they were going to keep riding or not, I figured I'd get out while I could. I circled the employee parking lot to see what car had the BYK FAN license plate, (Yes I have photo evidence) and being the fool that I am, I figured I could make the Southwest at Oaklawn if I drove all night.

Had to pull over near Dallas for a few zzzz's, but made it to the track by the 6th race.

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A few days of rest, followed by 3 more days of live Oaklawn, highlighted by Chucks Richwood Silver in the 6th. Put 20 WP on her, went out to the apron and intruduced myself to Cherie. She was a little nervous, but as the odds crept up, she said 19-1, no pressure. After dueling the whole way at a pretty good clip, she began to pull away. It was pretty obvious by the 1/8th pole she was going to win, and only then Cherie started screaming (and I mean loud!) A quick high five, and she was off to the winners circle. Thats one hard working girl you have Chuck, I hope she is enjoying her vacation.

Now that I am 1 for 1 with CS horses live, I wan't to get to KNS's next race real bad!