Volleying between Sandown and Cork, with a side of Pornichet (tricky abbreviation there). Exeter and Newcastle abandoned, that makes it easier Saturday viewing. About to wade into domestic form. Decent cards at Aqueduct, Gulfstream and Oaklawn. Quiet house. Winter break hours around here. Miles cramming The Great Gatsby for a Monday deadline. He is his father’s son.
Loped an easy 2 miles yesterday. Like a kid’s class at a horse show. Walk/trot. It’s a gradual process. Signed up for a Monday morning tennis lessons. Somehow got drafted into the Middleburg Tennis Club Calcutta. I like to play every six years. The first and only time was way back before Covid. A lot of water (masks and vaccines) under that bridge. They say my partner, Will Driskill, is very good. He better be. Time to cram.
Eclipse Award finalists are announced tomorrow at noon. Live on FanDuel. Come on, Cool Jet.
Performance of the Day (so far):
The Reverend, rated 102 on the flat, made an impressive hurdle debut at Cork for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.
Name of the Day:
We need some suggestions. Our 2-year-old filly is by Great Notion out of Lemon Drop Kiss. And, yes, I went down the rabbit hole of Henry Africa’s Bar. Looked like a fun spot back in the 70s.
Races of the Day:
The Triple Crown Trail starts today. My World shoots for three straight in the Jerome at Aqueduct (1:10). Impressive maiden winners Commandment and Epic Summer square off in The Mucho Macho Man at Gulfstream Park (4:45). Rancho Santa Fe tries to remain undefeated in the Smarty Jones at Oaklawn Park (5:25).
Quote of the Day:
“If you absolutely can’t tolerate critics, then don’t do anything new or interesting.” – Jeff Bezos
“Good night, folks. Safe home. Stay warm.” – Racecaller at Cork after the last race today
Milestones:
Jockey Alex Birzer won his 4,000th race Friday when Big Duck took the fifth at Delta Downs.
