Thursday and especially Friday mornings are almost a guarantee to see the big guns. Then you can wait around a couple of hours and get in on the Black Eyed Susan Day events: the DRF seminar, jockey signings, book signings etc. This is our version of the red carpet at the Oscars, and it don't get better than this. Corny, sure. But I savor the memories of watching DWL eat an egg sandwich and pet his beloved pony. Seeing Jill Baffert trip thru the mud, dressed to the nines. Nick Zito introducing me to Dickie Small, when I simply stopped him for an autograph. Things like that just enhance the enjoyment.
I've had War Emblem dancing in place about 10 feet in front of me, seen Afleet Alex, Barbaro, Smarty, Sun King and many others I can't even remember. Even saw Proud Citizen getting a bath...a beautiful site in the early morning.
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