First the Failures

1. Failed to find ajkreider as promised on Saturday in the midst of too many things happening all at once. My sincere apologies.
2. Failed to see some of the TGOG's who couldn't pull off the trip this time.
3. Failed at the windows as I cashed only $3.05 on the Friday early p5 hitting 4 out of 5. Look it up if you don't believe me LOL. Lost a little under $500 in wagers total so not a devastating loss with how I play the game.

The Highlights

1. An awesome time spent with shanahan who was beyond a good sport dealing with me and a social media crazed date. I really enjoyed the banter about handicapping, racing, the laughs, the drinks, and the meals. The 3 of us spent about 30 minutes in the paddock last night long after racing had ended. The fountain still going, darkness in the sky, the palace walls of the Gulfstream structure lit up with a picturesque touch. I've done this at Derby before staying for a good while after the races to just take it all in and enjoy the moment. Making jokes, laughing about our successes and failures on the day, and planning an ill-fated Karoake event that never happened despite our attempts. Twenty years from now that will be a time I will recall as clearly as the moments we were sitting there.

2. Met some terrific folks such as a trainer that might have won the big race yesterday, a former jock that ran 2nd in the BC Classic covering every detail of the ride and the experience with me, and an owner/bloodstock agent who invited me to Saratoga backside at 5:30 am when I return there this summer.

3. Spent meaningful time with johnnym, trackjohn, and Ray over Friday and Saturday. Eating, drinking, handicapping, and laughing it up. These are the social experiences of the big days that are meaningful and why I keep going despite racing's continued attempts to shoot itself in the foot. I won't go there right now.

I'm pretty worn out and keeping it pretty simple. Those of us there know the great time we had and that we will do it again next year. For those that missed, hope to see you at the races sooner than later.