[Handicappy]

Originally Posted by DerbyCat

I'm going to Kentucky for a vacation next week and have worked up a pretty good itinerary for the five full days that I'm there. I'm doing the usual tourist stuff - morning works and breakfast at Keeneland, Three Chimneys tour, Woodford Reserve tour, got a viewing scheduled with Invasor at Shadwell, Kentucky Horse Park visit, and the "behind the scenes" walking tour of Churchill. During the week I'll be staying at the Galt House, the Brown and the Storybook Inn. I have all day Friday and Saturday committed to being at Churchill from morning works until they kick me out (I've still got to bet on Golden Gate while I'm away).

The only thing my trip is missing, in my opinion, is a tour of Lane's End (they say they don't do tours during breeding season), I'd love to see Big Brown, Curlin and Lemon Drop Kid (he's one of my favorite sires right now, along with Orientate). Anyone have any connections that could get me and two friends in at Lane's End? Also, I would love to get to hang around the back side of Churchill to do some photography (my camera is going everywhere with me this trip) - will my California owners license get me access or am I too hopeful? And, needless to say, if I got to the backside, is there any chance I'd be able to get anywhere near MTB or Rachael's barns for a photo? If I could do these things I think I'd have just about the best vacation ever (yes, I am star-struck when it comes to race horses).

Finally, is there anything I'm missing that has to be done? A great place to eat, a farm where the staff is really friendly and let's you have access to get good photos of the horses? You folks are the experts, and I'm looking for all the help I can get.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

When you go see Invasor and he is in his Paddock, look accross the path to the other Paddock. That's Jazil who is as much of a clown as he ever was at Belmont. His foals have been looking incredible I am told. Not sure about Rachel as Jackson's security team is back in gear but you'll see her coming back from the track every morning. I think Assmussen works his horses early. MTB's connections I am told are very fan friendly. It is just that no one has bothered to want to see him. I loved my trip down there last year. Have fun. I am jealous. Shadwell is awesome. They have so much land and Rick Nichols has actually designed it with some influence from the State Park in Saratoga. They grow fields of corn and hay to feed the wild life. Kent Barnes is the stallion manager and he is very friendly. However during breeding season, I am sure they are extremely busy.