Week Three

This week saw more good weather as highs found their way into the 70's and low 80's most days. The rain stayed away again making for a great visit although the locals are hoping for relief from an incessant drought that has hit the area (I think relief has arrived, as I write this). Main track prices this week skyrocketed to an average of 8-1 from the first-2-week meet average of around 6.70-1. Average field sizes have run a healthy 10.. A handicapper's dream, full fields, nice prices and a low take!
Results of the Week-2-Live-Handicapping contest are in! I got hammered finishing 60th out of about 280 entrants ending up with $36.20 in my wallet from a starting bankroll of $28.00 (7 - $2 W/P bets). The winner ended up with $90.80. A buddy of mine (whose advice I chose not to take in the final race!) finished in the top 10 for the second week in a row giving him 2 entries in the finals which will be held in November.
Friday was a day of adrenaline rush and then disappointment, as a partnership I am involved in dropped in two claims, to be beaten out for both via the shake. The first claim in particular, Targe in the second race, a $25,000 claimer that looked great as an odds-on favorite that rolled over the field was lost to the Ramseys in a 5-way shake. Later on Sunday, I watched Omeya, a Mare we had targeted for private purchase in August at Saratoga, take the $150,000 Rood and Riddle Dowager Stakes. If not success, at least we have good taste (and plenty of patience!).
Saturday and Sunday of this week were preview days at the Fasig-Tipton Farm leading up to the fall yearling sale held on Monday and Tuesday. I had the opportunity to spend a few hours on Saturday with 2 bloodstock evaluators as they went from barn to barn looking at pre-selected colts and fillies in preparation for the auction. I then attended a few hours of the auction on Monday morning and caught the lunch buffet before heading for cover from the approaching rain. All in all it was a great educational experience.
The final week is here much too quickly. Wednesday will be the final live handicapping contest (I've got to improve on my 60th place finish!) and this weekend will be crazy as the Breeders Cup fans descend on Keeneland for what will be the final days of the meet on Friday and Saturday. One final wrap-up blog entry next week and it's back on the road to the Gulf Coast just ahead of the pending winter weather here in central Kentucky.
Bill Weaver
October 23, 2007