Hey all,
Just some random thoughts on derby week so far.
First, as you can see from the time of this post, sleep isn\'t a real priority during derby week.
Yesterday was nothing short of a dream day. Backstretch from 6am to noon, followed by a burrito at the track kitchen before going to pace around in the racing office with the jocks agents waiting for them to select which undercard races they were going to use. I have 6 horses in on derby day which is insane and a topic for another post.
Anyway, after the racing office pacing, back to the house we rented this week for a quick shower and then back to CD for the post draw which was one of the most fun experiences of my life.
Then dinner, drinks and Handicapping the 6 races. 3 hours sleep and in a few hours, back to the backside for another great morning.
One of the best parts of the week so far has been hooking up with so many folks from the board. Silver Charm and I had a great chat yesterday at our barn and I got to see Danny on the backside as well. Also, there was a lovely young lady (whose name I am so sorry I forget) who checked me in at the trainers dinner on TueadaY night. That trainers dinner was another huge highlight for me this week.
In terms of the most important stuff, the horses, the ones that have made the most favorable impression during training this week to me (in no particular order), palice malice, revolutionary, overanalyze, lucky, and orb. Those will be the 5 I play in everything and I will throw in Falling Sky for good measure to add some real juice to the payouts!!!!!
Overanalyze in particular to me really floats over this track. He\'s a horse that\'s very light on his feet.
Just a quick word on the security. Starting yesterday, there is 24 hr surveliance on the derby horses with the horses every move recorded in a log. When the horse goes to train, the security guard walks with him, when he goes out back to graze, the guard goes with him. 12 hr shifts, 2 guards per day.
Will try to post more as the week goes on but it\'s goimg to get even nuttier from here. Anyone who happens to be on the backside, please stop by barn 36 to say hello.
Good luck,
Jim
