Oh, what a beautiful day at the track! Can you just smell the sweetness of the freshly cut grass, feel the warmth of the spring sunshine, and the steam from your coffee rising to dampen your nose?
Ah, you have been waiting for this. Standing on your tiptoes to peek over the tall guy in front of you, anxiously waiting, head swingin' time and time again toward the infamous gate. Awaiting the call over the loudspeaker, the bell, the slamming of the--.
What was that?
"Aaaand, awaaay they go! They're off in a tight pack down the starting stretch, Curlin in blue colors racing straight off to an expected lead, now by 4, War Pass and Pyro neck and neck, followin' close behind, War Pass leading by a nose as they come around the first swing! Elysium Fields tucked in neatly behind them in fourth. Setting a nice pace, young colt Curlin doing a fine job not even close to looking tired, distancing the lead now at seeeeven lengths. And, what is it we see comin' at a strong run closing in? It's War Pass and Pyro still fighting to clear ground, and Pyro takes off, coming up on the outside, War Pass hanging on. Caaaan you believe it, folks? This is the race of the year! Curlin's man turning his head to take a look behind him. Pyro and War Pass now at #2 and #3 closing in the gap and Curlin's lead. Whaaat is this we're seeing? A surprise coming up right flank, and Curlin getting closed in gate-side as Pyro makes his move around him, War Pass still in third, puttin' Curlin in a bind. How iiiis this going to end? A locked threesome in the lead, fighting at the bit as they head in top of the lane! Curlin looking to make his move, looking for a way out, and theeeere he goes, jumping outside track, taking on Pyro in a dead heat towards the finish! A nose between them back and forth, with War Pass struggling to follow pace, tiring out and falling behind. And, now it's heat on for Curlin and Pyro , almost in, and the crowd jumps to their feet in a frenzy! A haaair away, and ooover the line they go, Curlin taking it by an eyelash! Oh, what a race we have seen today!"
Now, while you all are catching your breath, I have to let you in on a secret. There is an amazing atmosphere of excitement and enthusiasm that can be found at Stafford's, The Aspiring Horseplayer. A passionate author, Stafford provides thoroughbred horse racing coverage from across the USA. He covers everything you need to know ranging from news, handicapping selections, analysis, and race replays.
I am a picky reader. I use a minimum of two hours daily scouring the Web for blogs to read. I enjoy partaking in the creative work of others. However, it takes that extra special something for me to continue to visit a blog, and even more for me to stay on to learn something entirely new that would otherwise not interest me. The Aspiring Horseplayer is one of these blogs, and the author displays rare and authentic qualities that make it a winner.
Pentad predicts that the The Aspiring Horseplayer will be the leading, top-of-this-niche blog in the very near future. If you do not believe me, I will be taking bets at the door!
click and vote
Curlin in the shower.
Images by, http://gocurlin.com and, http://blogs.nypost.com
5 brilliant comments:
I don't think I'll ever be able to find the words to properly express my thanks for your post.
This means the entire world to me. The main reason I started my blog was to introduce the excitement of thoroughbred racing with folks who otherwise would not have thought of it. I just love sharing the things I'm passionate about. It's a lot of hard work researching and handicapping, not to mention a sport filled with very opinionated people, but readers like you make it all worthwhile.
I'm so happy you mentioned Curlin because he's one of the main reasons I started blogging. My love for Curlin began the moment I laid eyes on him on a race replay video, much like you are now getting to know Pyro and Champs Elysees via the replays on my site.
Right away I thought he was the best I had ever seen. Getting to be there at Pimlico and see him gun down Street Sense against all odds in the Preakness was unbelievable. I hadn't been so happy and so proud since the birth of my son.
Well, now he's the top horse in the country and in about 3 weeks he gets the chance to be horse of the world. I've already got butterflies. Win or lose I'll no doubt be reduced to tears. Tears of joy if he wins, and tears of pain if he somehow were to lose.
I'm just glad I get to share it all with folks like you. :)
Kdawg68
aka Stafford of The Aspiring Horseplayer
See kdawg. Your comment right here shows how deeply you feel about it, and I feel that it shines through in your work. Keep it up, and never let your passion die out! It was a load of fun working on this. That's why I didn't want to wait until Friday to post it. You are welcome!
I'll just bet you're right, Tamera. This is a jump-out-at-you site. Really an inside look at the great sport of horse racing. (I, too, am a fan of this sport of sports; in fact, wrote a bit on it in my book, Six Hours Past Thursday.)
With so many blogs that delve into their subject matter in depth, it's like crossing a librarian with a lawyer--you get all the information you need and can't understand a word of it. With you, it's ringing clarity, all the way.
Go, go, girl.
I'm very thankful for the warm sentiments guys. Thank you with all my heart.
This is the big weekend, Tamera! Curlin vs. the world! Curlin vs. the world!!
I can't get any sleep. Saturday's going to be mind blowing. Curlin in the Dubai Cup, an impressive Florida Derby, and if all that weren't enough......
probably my 2nd favorite horse, Salute the Sarge - will return to action at Santa Anita. He's been off since October. I absolutely adore this horse. He's gut amazing heart. He just fights and fights and fights. Another that you just can't help but root for! But, he's been off for a while and probably needs one.
Oh, I know what Saturday is. Don't think that I'm not following along with it all!
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