Well friends, if the messages from many of you are any indication, there’s been some head scratching lately in reference to the relative lack of frequency with which I’ve been posting. Rather than keep folks in the dark like it’s some shrouded mystery – I figured it best to put something up advising where I’d been and what to expect. I assure you, the facts are infinitely less exciting than the stories floating around out there (as a general rule of thumb, immediately discount any story that involves both myself and Dustin “Screech” Diamond).
Where have I been? Well, nowhere really – just recharging the batteries and taking a bit of a sabbatical. 2009 was simply such an outstanding year for horse racing fans – if not for the sport itself (amazing how the whole “best of times/worst of times” thing works out, isn’t it?). Between Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta, and the oft-forgotten (at least on this side of the “pond”) Sea the Stars – I simply had my breath taken away so many times that it seemed as though life support might be my only salvation.
Then, of course, a funny little thing happened and my beloved Alabama Crimson Tide started taking baby steps en route to their first championship in 17 seasons – something this native son of Alabama has waited what feels like an eternity to celebrate. I know many of you aren’t football fans – and even fewer of you would classify yourselves as Alabama fans, but certainly anyone who has been roused and stood a-tip-toe as they’ve cheered their four-legged heroes can understand the passion that beats within my chest when my boys climb their way to the top of the football mountain.
If not, I’ll share with you this article from Andy Staples at Sports Illustrated. We were treated to that article upon waking this morning from a dear friend and fellow horse racing fan. I think this pretty much sums up what’s been going on inside of me – and that “Rammer Jammer” there at the end of that article is the sweetest that beautiful tune has ever sounded to these ears.
The Tide won the title the year I was born in 1978, stuffing #1 Penn State (who we play again next year, ironically) on 4 straight running plays from the goal line. In my early teens, the Tide destroyed a heavily favored University of Miami team in the Sugar Bowl, earning coach Gene Stallings and the school our first title since the days of the legendary Bear Bryant. Seventeen years have passed from then until now – but finally the title is back where it belongs.
So what’s coming up here at The Aspiring Horseplayer?
My friends – need you even ask? :)
We’re just about ready to dive full force into the Triple Crown season – and you know I’m champing at the bit to roll up the sleeves and get fully obsessed with the Road to the Roses. Additionally, I’ve had my ear to the wall whilst my eyes have been glued to the television set, listening to any whisper going around. I hear talk of a possible Zenyatta/Rachel meetup in the Apple Blossom this Spring, but I’m reserving becoming emotionally invested in such a possibility unless it becomes definitive. At this point, suffice to say, methinks it’s just the hopeful wishings of fans. Although, I’ve gotta admit, having lived through 2009 as a fan, there is an “anything is possible” thickness in the air.
So, just wanted to get this out there to put to rest the myths flying around. No, I’m not touring with Pink Floyd this winter. I wasn’t abducted by evil space pirate monkeys, and I most certainly haven’t abandoned this game that we love. Now, had anyone implemented me in a conspiracy theory involving the gorgeous Kelly Miyahara of the Jeopardy “Clew Crew” - that would’ve been something…alas, sadly that did not occur either. Truth be told, I just needed to recharge a bit, if only to come back stronger and more rested when the real running starts.
Hope you all have enjoyed your holidays, and as always, ROLL TIDE!
Damn it feels good to say that as a champion. :)
See you all soon in the upcoming weeks.
How about getting to TVGCommunity giving your “boy” some love for being Member of the Month?
Hey Big Man..no mystery here, I knew you were a big Bama fan and knew your were “rolling” with the Tide and busy following them to a championship.
This year has been a gift from God to you big Man, and no one deserves it more than you.
Congrats!!!
I update my blog very little in winter months. So far my favorite for the 2010 Derby is Lookin at Lucky. It is early though. A horse always seems to come along in the next few months out of nowhere and is a Derby contender.
@tencent – left a few comments – how come my version of that “handicapsule” pic didn’t make it in? (kidding)
@Tony – Thanks bro – you ready for the preps to start? Which 3-year-olds are on your radar at the moment?
@Mike – Lookin at Lucky is a hot commodity in terms of name recognition amongst this crop so far. You also hit on something I’ve been thinking but haven’t really put out there yet. That whole era of “super horses” exploding onto the scene after only being lightly, or in some cases not at all, raced as 2-year-olds…how much of that was/is performance enhancing drugs?
Looking at Lucky has just been crossed off my derby list. Reason?
http://drf.com/news/article/110039.html
Why mess with a good thing? (SIgh.)
So Lucky is sporting a new hoodie? Must have been hanging out with Bill Belichick or something?
Lucky’s old theme song:
Now that he has the “hood”:
Hey Kevin, sorry it took me so long to get on here and comment. Needless to say I’m thrilled your “back” and look forward to reading your upcoming Derby thoughts!
I’m really into Lookin at Lucky, Buddy’s Saint, Eskendereya and Eightyfiveinafifty (geez, it’s tough to keep up with the name spelling this year!). I just finished compiling my first Derby list, a lot tougher than I thought it would be.
Who do you think is going to win the “big cheese” on Monday night? Rachel or Zenyatta?
GET BACK ON THE HORSE!!!
(though, i totally understand needing a break we all do)
Today, news broke that Curlin’s produced his first foal. It is a filly! The “little” girl was born a few days ago. Born tuesday at Burleson Farm, in Kentucky, out of the mare – Zophie. Of course I had to write the barn and ask them to put up pictures for the endless fan base of Curlin. Get this, the farm obliged within a hour today!!! At this point I would love nothing more for you to get a new post going, with link, and a teaser picture. That’ll get you back into gear. All I ask is you give me a little shout out. You know who I am.
Hopefully I can provide you the barn name of this filly, just waiting for the next contact.
http://www.burlesonfarm.com/
Enjoy Kevin, it’s okay to cry.
Happy 2010 to you and yours,
#1 Curlin Fan
WONDERFUL news!!! I’m already dreaming up names for the filly!
In the horse racing world there is a ton of information and different systems available to improve handicapping. Throughout years of reading and research the only true way to become very successful at handicapping boils down to 3 key principles. With knowledge, the ability to adapt to different situations, and discipline to do the work spending time on your selections you will dominate any track you come across. There are so many factors that can affect any given race that some races you can look at a hundred different times and still be dumbfounded.