Venue for Nov 17 . . . to start the 2018-19 year off . . .

[JolyB]

I'm delighted that Don chose Del Mar rather than the Big A. The adverse weather in the Northeast caused NYRA to cancel the final three races on Thursday's card, and today's turf races were all moved to the main track. I have a feeling that only the featured Red Smith will remain on the turf tomorrow, but there are three MTO's hoping that it might be taken off of the turf also. Red Knight is stuck on the AE list and will be a big price if he draws in..

On the other hand, the Del Mar card that we are playing tomorrow is very different from what we might encounter during the summer meet. I don't think that you would find any claiming races of $16,000 or lower in the summer, much less three of them on the same card. The average number of entries is also much smaller. But, as we have so often found, every race card from Ascot to Kamloops presents its own set of twists and surprises. Let's see what tomorrow will bring.

[cal828]

I've been having some fun playing at Del Mar. I am playing in their online handicapping contest and making some real bets on those same races. I have been playing some small exactas and a couple of win or place tickets on some longshots. Hit an exacta on the contest race on Monday and Thursday. Missed the exacta today, but had win tickets on the win and place horses. Winner paid $36. Was glad to have that, but an exacta on those two paid $197 which made me feel like a dunce. Not big scores, but still fun. Now watch, I'll play terrible tomorrow.