"Horseplayers"---any reactions or opinions?

[chrifron]

I watched the first episode and found it entertaining--certainly enough to want to see it again next week. There are some quirky/unique characters in the group and only half of the cast was introduced last night. John Conte is definitely a guy who you have to like and he knows the game as well as anyone out there.

I don\'t know if a program like this will generate any new fans or excitement about this Sport I have followed since I was a kid, but I hope it does some good.

The fact that it is focusing on a time frame starting in late 2012 leading into last year\'s NHC and beyond might throw people off a little bit.

The juxtaposition of Aqueduct on Cigar Mile day 2012 versus Santa Anita on Breeders Cup day was interesting in that Aqueduct--despite looking run down and sparsely attended on what was a good day of racing--still had a little presence and charm. Santa Anita, on the other hand was glitz and glam and really seemed like a different universe than the Big A.

I think the show has 10 episodes and I will certainly be watching to see more.

Just wanted to know if anyone else is watching and would like to hear what you all think.

[Tavasco]

I agree with your opinion. I would also say authentic and captures the realism of the characters in the game. I also enjoy that it is at the track. Good start.

Beychok - you\'re photogenic!

[toppled]

I just watched the 1st 3 episodes & I don\'t see any new ones scheduled for this week or next.  Does anyone know when the other 7 episodes will air?

The only thing I didn\'t like were the race calls weren\'t the real ones.

[RICH]

two week hiatus, and I believe 9 more or so to follow.

[richiebee]

There will be a two week hiatus to allow Esquire Network to present some Winter
Olympic coverage; \"Horseplayers\" will return on February 25.

I think the name of the show is a misnomer; shouldn\'t the show be called
\"Tournament Horseplayers\"?

I have competed without much success in a couple of tournaments, or contests. My
impression is that there are a lot of horseplayers who care not to compete in,
or follow, tournaments or contests. I think part of the disconnect (and I might
have this wrong) is that the major tournaments/contests are based on a win/place
wager format, whereas a majority of horseplayers are making horizontal/vertical
wagers. Why would I want to compete in a contest where I am compelled to make 10
or 20 win and place wagers, when in reality probably 90% of the wagers I make
are Pick 3/4/5?

I am sure this has already been proposed, but NHC/DRF/Contest and Tournament
sponsors might think of having contests (qualifiers) for \"maidens\", ie folks who
have not won a contest or tourney.

For a show to depict what I call \"Horseplaying\", it would feature individuals
who are balancing (battling) job, family, debt service and various personal
demons in order to play the game which they love.

There might even be room for a small woman with a huge voice screaming \"C\'mon up
the ray-ul\" at the top of her lungs. (Thankfully TVG stopped running that
promo for \"Horseplayers\". I found myself hoping that whatever horse she was
screaming at got blocked and checked).

[miff]

One guy who is not acting at all is Pete Sr who\'s famous banging of the DRF against his hand goes back 25+years.Show is ok BUT there are many very big players across the country,betting millions,who would have added something more real.Quite a few of them would not show their hand though.It is somewhat about contest playing,so far.

Hellmers would have done well in Let It Ride!

John Conte has a tan for 30 years, at least. New Yorkers will recall The Grass Is Greener article in the NY Post that John wrote.

Wonder what the total viewership is?

[FrankD.]

Mike,

I used to love John Conte\'s Grass is Greener column in the Post. That was a blast from the past!!!

Another horse player bred from bookmaker genes. Ya think we would know better? LOL

Good luck,

Frank D.

[toppled]

Thanks to the 2 Richs for the info.  
Here\'s something weird about my TV provider.  Esquire is not available in high def on Verizon in the Albany area, but they have Esquire high def On Demand.   So, I can\'t watch the show when it\'s on because it\'s in low def.  I have to wait for it a day or so later to watch it in high def On Demand.