Win Money...HAVE FUN!

Win Money…HAVE FUN!

That’s what the official Colonial Downs program says in its Grand Slam of Grass edition for July 21, 2007.

I was there to see the Grade II Virginia Derby and to have some fun visiting with my sister The Annoyed Handicapper, my brother Joe, and his chum - Brenda. Joe and Brenda had never been to a track before; however, Brenda, knows quite a lot about horses and was able to offer unique insights. Rarely do I win money, and this visit was no different. I know how to limit my losses, however, and keep it all in proper perspective.

By the time the 9^th race came along, the trend was definitely set had I been paying real attention. Horacia Karamanos, the leading local track rider, was on a torrid run. He had won several races already, but with many of the big boys in the jockey club in residence, Karamanos had no mount in Derby until he gained a 37-1 long shot, Red Giant, the morning of the race.

The field was very strong with Strike A Deal, Duveen, Summer Doldrums, Love Dubai, Soldier’s Dancer and Circular Quay (Key), famously lethargic favorite and looking the part, all entered to run the 1.25 miles over the outer turf.

Inca King led early, but was passed in the turn by Strike A Deal. Circular Quay seemed to be struggling at the back while Summer Doldrums, winner of the first leg of the Grand Slam of Grass was lurking, waiting to move. Inexplicably, Red Giant held the stalking second position through the turn and into the stretch. The Karamanos encouraged the horse to exert a bit more and pass Strike A Deal who had opened a two-length lead. Red Giant took the lead and tried to extend, but Strike A Deal, ridden by Ramon Dominguez, covered the move. The two battled down the stretch bobbing noses in front. No force came from behind. Quay was in mud. Summer Doldrums moved too late to come up to fourth at the line.

In the end it was the 37-1 Red Giant winning by a bob of the head. Strike A Deal was second. Soldier’s Dancer finished third. Another victory for Karamanos. He really does love winning at Colonial.

I lost money, limited my losses, and had fun. All in all, a delightful cool summer day at the track.

Perhaps we’ll add a photo later... perhaps one of my mates has a photo of a horse that ran.

Pilgrimage

On Saturday July 21, a pilgrimage will be made to Colonial Downs for a day of races featuring the Virginia Derby.

All family are invited to attend. The Grand Caravan has room for six comfortably and three are definitely committed as of this moment. One more is likely, thus leaving two additional seats.

Admission is nominal and you can wager as you feel inspired. Food and beverages are rather expensive, so I usually buy a bottle of water and keep refilling it over and over...unless I strike it rich. If that happens, the world is my oyster.