Possible Venue for March 14

[DonGuido]

Originally Posted by JolyB

As the countdown to the Kentucky Derby continues [52 days and counting], it makes sense for us to follow the trail of major Derby preps. This Saturday that trail would take us to Cal's neighborhood to visit Oaklawn Park in beautiful Hot Springs, Arkansas. That is if Cal will allow us to visit.

The racing card will feature the Grade 2 Rebel, with a purse increased to $1,000,000 and will also include the Grade 2 Azeri and the Essex Handicap, both offering purses of $350,000.

Entries for Saturday's card will be drawn on Wednesday, and I will post the actual contest card shortly thereafter.

Since the feature is the Rebel, I've included a link to a rock & roll instrumental from 1958 played by Duane Eddy on his twangy guitar and called Rebel Rouser. Perhaps some of you remember listening to it or even dancing to it waaaaay back when.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nS_hFfucAAs

Duane Eddy, now that brings back real childhood memories. Great song. And the Oaklawn area in beautiful all year'round but especially in the Spring. Patty and I were there the year Azeri won her 3rd Apple Blossom. She was very special. Hands down, I vote for Oaklawn.

[cal828]

It's good that you guys are coming to Hot Springs for the Rebel even if it is only through electronic means. It too bad your are not going to be here in the flesh. Then you could go down to Bathhouse Row and see how Hot Springs makes it living which is selling water which is sometimes hot and sometimes cold to the visitors. The hot water is of course the baths and cold water is bottled by the Mountain Valley Water Company. It is said that when Afleet Alex was at Oaklawn, he never drank anything but Mountain Valley Water.

As for the baths, I have never had one except the conventional kind at home. Natives don't do those kinds of things. That's only for the tourists.

I wish I could say that Oaklawn might be kinder to me since it is my home track, but I cannot claim any special privilege there. They shamelessly take my money just like that of anybody else.

[JolyB]

My wife and I had the pleasure of visiting Hot Springs a few years ago, but we never tried the thermal baths or drank Mountain Valley Water. We did the touristy things such as visiting the National Park visitor center along Bathhouse Row, enjoying the view from the Mountain Tower, having a lavish brunch at the Arlington, staying at a delightful place on Lake Hamilton and instead of drinking Mountain Valley Water, we sampled a local brew made by [I think] the Superior Bathhouse Brewery. I was anticipating the taste of sulphur, but it was pretty good.

We intentionally missed the Gangster Museum of America, which may have been a mistake given the reputation of the city during prohibition as a hangout for some rather unsavory characters.

Of course, we also went to Oaklawn and generously contributed to the local economy. The enthusiasm of the local crowd was remarkable. Unfortunately, in the years since then my ability to handicap races at Oaklawn hasn't gotten much better, so I may be bringing up the rear this Saturday.

[JolyB]

I've tarried long enough in announcing the contest card for Saturday, so here it is:

We are playing Oaklawn Park, but only Races 2 through 11. That provides us with an interesting 10 race card, including the Essex, the Azeri and the Rebel. Post time for Race 2 will be 1:06 PM Central time. Hope to see all of you there.

[Real Quiet]

The races will be run with no spectators but the casino will remain open. Ummm yeah. That makes sense.

[Real Quiet]

100 people in line at Shop Rite. The panic has arrived.

[JolyB]

Originally Posted by Real Quiet

100 people in line at Shop Rite. The panic has arrived.

So much for social distancing.

Were they all stocking up on toilet paper, paper towels and sani-wipes?

Schools have closed all over the state and employees are encouraged to telecommute if feasible. The Governor has waived the state requirement of a 180 day school year so that when they resume, they will not be having classes into mid July. We will be taking care of our granddaughters during what would have been the school day since both our daughter and son-in-law have jobs that require their presence.

[cal828]

Originally Posted by Real Quiet

The races will be run with no spectators but the casino will remain open. Ummm yeah. That makes sense.

Governor was on TV yesterday and said Arkansas now has 6 "presumptive" cases of the virus which I think means one confirmed case and 5 persons exposed to that person, but have not yet been tested. I read that about running the races, but no spectators and had a similar reaction. How can they run the races, but make no money off them? I guess I was forgetting about the account deposit wagering which will still be coming in and might even be more than usual with more and more people isolating at home. Maybe they figure those people playing the slots will be so intent on feeding their money into the machines, they won't even notice whether they have the virus or not.

Panic buying has hit here too. Sister-in-law called yesterday and said she went to Wal-Mart Super store to get some stuff, but all toilet paper, hand sanitizer etc. was gone. I guess I went during the quiet before the Corona Storm.