Gulfstream 2012-13

Florida Derby Week Begins!

Wednesday March 27

We Are In Houston!

Monday started Kim's Spring Break so we flew to Houston to visit our oldest son, his wife, and our first grandchild - Cameron.  He is JUST ADORABLE!  We flew out on Monday afternoon and arrived late Monday evening.  Tuesday morning I went to football practice with Jeff - he is an assistant coach at Houston Baptist University where they are starting football for the first time in the history of the school.  

I cannot say enough about how great the coaching staff is - not only as coaches, but as people, the way they talk about my son, and how open & friendly they were to me.  It enjoyed every minute of practice all three days we were there, even if I did have to be up at 4:00 am to be on the field before 6:30 am!  AND it was in the 30's!  After practice the first day I headed back to Jeff & Antoinette's home to see Cameron for the first time.  I know this is my racing journal, but a couple of pics...... First, me explaining to Cameron how to read the Racing Form:  

Well, ok, so I'm really showing him animals on an app that allows the sounds of the animals :)  Here's the best shot of our little man - taking when we were walking around downtown Sugarland:  

And finally a pic of the happy grandparents with "the boy" and one of our grandson with his parents: 

 

While we were in Houston I played the Wednesday and Thursday card online in the morning and watched the results at night in the hotel.  The racing was disappointing, especially compared to the visit.  I ran 4th at 3/5 in the 2nd when the always lethal combination of trainer Michael Maker / owners Ken & Sarah Ramsey / jockey Joel Rosario could not get Christmas Rush to the wire first.  Even worse in the 4th when in a four-horse field my pick, My Big Angel was a miniscule 1/5 and could not hold on.....second.  Sigh...In the feature race of the day, a five-furlong turf sprint, Todd Pletcher's 3-time-winner at the meet, including the Gulfstream Park Ladies Turf Sprint Stakes last out, could not close the deal....second at 4/5.  Missed again at short odds on the turf with Rustler Hustler at 7/5 in the 7th.  FINALLY a winner in the 9th when Big John B - a Todd Pletcher runner was able to score - again at short odds, 1-2....but I was happy just to cash a ticket!  

Missed in the finale at 5/2 when third with another Michael Maker/Ramsey/Rosario runner.  Hoping for better tomorrow!