Oy. Okay.

As usual, I reviewed the big race with Mrs. HP. She wanted me to bet $10 on Perfect Drift and $10 on Sarava. At the track, the lines were incredible, and I neglected to get her bets down (the first time this has happened). It really slipped my mind, and I was preoccupied with the idiots in front of me who didn't know how to bet or have their money ready when their turn came.

Afterwards, Jerry pointed out that there were no lines before the feature since so many people had bet the Belmont Stakes before the 9th race. Thanks Jer.

As the horses were coming down the stretch, I thought Proud Citizen won, but as the first two horses went by and I got a closer look, I saw the winner was the 12, Sarava. Losing the race was bad enough, but as I realized that I forgot to get the wife's bet down, the thought came to me that beyond losing, this was the worst outcome imaginable and probably punishment for some sins in a previous life.

If Patent had hit this race, I might have thrown myself off the balcony, but a quick review indicated that he had blown it and had to console himself with his massive real-life hit.

So I managed to 'book' the Mrs. bet for $10 and I owe her about $750, on top of the money I lost, which made it the worst day ever for me (notwithstanding the two races I hit, which kept me afloat till the end). All things considered (except briefly in the car afterwards) I think I took it pretty well, and I was able to be my usual charming self at the big dinner.

Mrs. HP was amused, collected her cash, and told me to take out the garbage. HP