I’m keeping it brief today: there’s too much work to be done and too much fun to be had. I love, love, love this card. But a lot of the races are paddock races. Depending on how things are going over there today, perhaps I’ll look to send a few paddock tweets (Quigley-style, yo) about what I’ll be betting as the day goes along. Maybe that makes up for the brevity of today’s blog. But hey, I have an excuse either way: I’m officially old and can do what I want.

As for yesterday, it was another one of those days where I never even made it to my clubhouse seat. Sales week definitely brought with it a good vibe, and an excellent influx of folks rotated through the paddock bar all day. The conversation was just too good to leave. I love any chance to hear actual horsemen talk about horseflesh. I can’t help but learn something when I do.

My brother Mark and his girlfriend Kristin rolled in last night around 8. They joined Susan, Louise, and me for an excellent meal up at Max London’s. . .a meal that deserves it’s own blog post really. Highlights included the Smoked Trout and Avocado salad, the perfect New York strip (so marbled and delicious it tasted like a rib eye), and the Sweet Corn ice cream. I sensed Chef Spitz’s fingerprints on the menu. Not literally. I just mean everything seemed very well thought out and made the best use of all the local goodies.

Right now, I’m off to the farmer’s market, then going to try to find another 90 minutes to look over this card while enjoying one of Louise’s Famous Bloody Marys. Then it’s off to the races, where maybe I’ll actually make it to my seats today. My Mom and Aunt Barb (two of my favorite people in the world) are coming up today. After that, Susan and Louise are serving a group of us what I’m sure will be the dinner of the summer back at the house (no pressure though!). If you’re out and about and want to come by for a drink after dinner, drop me a line!

BANKROLL PLAY:

It’s my party and I’ll bet chalk if I want to. . .

Race 7: $100 to win on #8 PALACE MALICE.

I sure hope #9 Gulfport gets in or else we’re looking at a price so low that I might as well not have bothered. But Palace Malice is, quite simply, the most likely winner on the card. I think he’ll appreciate the stretchout more than that rival and I’m not going to waste another character making a case on this 4/5 shot.

MEET TO DATE RESULTS:

-$956.25

This one goes out to. . .well, me.