Did you notice that the blog is posting a little later than usual?

I plan to do a whole blog about the magnificent meal that Susan, Louise, Mark, and Kristin prepared (and the wines we drank with them) but I can’t do it today. It requires photos, and as far as I can tell, the people who took them are all still sound asleep. I’ll delve into the meal in tomorrow’s blog.

The (racing) highlight of the day for me was, of course, The Prioress. I could have bet a lot more money in the race and not had the winner, but that didn’t matter at all. I was cheering EMMA’S ENCORE as if I’d bet the farm. My friend Mike MacAdam has pointed out that sometimes the thing to do is just bet the best story. That angle big dividends as we got to see 83-year old Allen Jerkens in the winners’ circle for a Grade 1 at Saratoga — again. I’ll leave the proper journalism to the real writers but suffice it to say I got goosebumps that wouldn’t go away. It was a great example of how racing can still succeed as sport. After that result, it didn’t matter that I wasn’t winning yesterday — all was right with the world.

I spent my day bouncing between the Paddock Bar — where I’m embarssed to say I was not allowed to buy a round all day — and section V of the Grandstand. My Mom and Aunt Barb were with me and they were great company. Other than Susan, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have spent such a numerically significant birthday with. I know, I know, age is just a number and all that. I really do believe that. But I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that despite my mentally girding my loins for yesterday (I’ve been telling people I’m 40 all year) there is an “Oh My God” factor to the actual day that I wasn’t quite prepared for.

I really had an amazing time yesterday and want to thank everyone, both in the real world and on Twitter who wished my a Happy day . . .it truly was.

BANKROLL PLAY:

After yesterday’s chalk play (hey, at least he won), I need to get more imaginiative today.

Race 2: $33.33 to win, place and show on #6 CORNHUSKER

I recognize that this may well be a prep race for an upcoming hurdle race but this guy does have form in his PPs that suggests he could be a threat here. I have some minor knocks and several of the other logical ones and the barn is going well at the meet. I have to think he’ll be all of the 10-1 ML price so let’s take a whirl. I’m not going to get us back in the black with odds-on shots after all.

MEET TO DATE RESULTS: Finally got a winner yesterday. The bad news is that after Gulfport didn’t draw in, we were left with a microscopic $2.70 mutual. So we won only $35. Hey, better a short price than a long face. Still stuck $921.25.