HUGE learning exp.for me., hit a nice pic 3 Friday and decided to get in at the last minute. Went in with no expectations. First race was tough off the turf. Wanted to use Saratoga Steve, but didn't know about the dirt- hemmed and hawed- landed on Copay at big odds and he ran 4th.
Next race I was sure it was the 8 or 9,kept switching back and forth. About 2 minutes to post, I thought Blessed Eva might have a chance on the off track and I pulled the trigger. My best move of the day.
Next race at Calder caught the winner 8.00, 4.60 Ok,I'm having fun now, but the pressure was heating up.
Wins by Ship's Cabin(THANKS CHUCK!!!), and Rubicund put me in 2nd place after 5 races. At that point the races came at me fast. I knew I just needed winners
I picked Thou Swell early in the day and stuck with him. Heartbreaking nose out by longshot Codeword was brutal, as several people jumped past me.
Got another place (3.00) in the Calder race, and I think I was still in the top 10. At this point the racing shifted out west where I'm not as comfortable. Tried one more LS firster at Hollywood to no avail.
Picked up my last win at GG with the favorite in the ninth event, figured I needed at least one more winner. Landed on Long Approach in the Cardinal, he ran 4th.
Didn't come close at Hawthorne, another unfamiliar track, but just held on to 24th despite the late fizzle.
Loved the real time contest, though the pressure heats up near post time. I think in these mandatory race contests, you have to focus on picking winners at any price. Being in the mix early, obviously made for a good time. Big thanks to Nick and Scav for their insight. Looking forward to my first trip to Vegas. Should be another great learning experience.( among other things
)