Maybe we’ll have to make a trip of it sometime. I do tend to bet a little heavy when I get a chance to take in live racing, but I honestly enjoy handicapping even when I’m not betting. Following the major horses and major races is also a favorite past time of mine. I could just leave it on TVG or HRTV all day if my wife would let me, and sometimes she does!

As far as Ron goes, he’s really my idol and someone I look up to very much. I first heard of him when he was interviewed over the phone on TVG talking about Curlin about a week before the Derby. I had just given my wife a lecture a few days before on how I thought Curlin was the best horse I’d ever seen and how he was going to have a chance to make history. Ron basically said things that brought a huge grin to my face.

He’s an amazing handicappier that knows horses as good as anyone I’ve ever met, seen, heard, or read. He’s also a great teacher. It’s sort of a dream of mine to one day be able to spend a day at the track with him. To be able to hear that guy talk horses all day. I’d pay a million bucks for that!

Glad to have you reading, Jerry. It’s people like you that make this whole effort worthwhile!

I found your blog while searching for photos of Curlin. I want to hang some nice ones in my billiards room. I live just five minutes from Laurel Race track. I used to go all the time when I was younger but now mainly just bet the Triple Crown and Breeders Cup. After reading your blog though, I’ve been inspired to follow the sport a little more closely. I download the free races of the week at drf.com and am handicapping the Derby preps now. It’s fun to hear from intelligent people that are truly passionate about the game. I had become disenchanted with it after being around the addicted gamblers with negative attitudes that frequent the track.

If peaking too soon was a concern, that slow final time was good for him. I think that represents the total amount of effort put into that race -which wasn’t much. It was a nice workout though and that turn of foot was brilliant. Curlin could have used that in the Belmont duel to the wire. War Pass would still smoke him at this point. He’s still got plenty of work to do to get ready for the Derby. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get beat in his next race. Reminds me of Monarchos whom I bet to win the Florida Derby. He made an incredible rally to win it in dominant fashion. It was a slow race just like the Risen Star however, and he got beat in his very next race in a fast time. That fast race prepped him well for the Derby though, and I bet him to win at 10-1. Only Secretariat ran the Derby faster. It will certainly be interesting to see how Pyro progresses.

That move by Pyro was very Curlin-esque in my opinion. It was very encouraging to see him gun down Z-Fortune, who looked like he was going to prevail.

The good news for Pyro is the added distance of the TC races should be to his liking. The bad news is that he may be peaking a tad too early. We’ll see how this plays out. He certainly announced himself as a legitimate contender and no one can say he hasn’t beat winners ever again.

He was ROLLING late in the Risen Star. Very impressive.