First, Handsome Mike is a scratch from the Dirt Mile race on Friday - he has a swelling in his near fore leg and is lame. Second, American Pharoah, the Juvenile betting favorite on Saturday, is also a scratch; he, too, is lame, and it's believed to be a deep foot bruise in his left fore.
I have to admit I haven't been keeping an eye on the races this year - other than a few major stakes races - and I'm completely in the dark about the 2-year-olds who are racing this year. (I guess I've been too focused on Cozmic One, Zenyatta's first foal, who is in training at Belmont Park.) There are not many photos available of many of the juvenile race contenders, so all of my decisions this year about the juvies are based on past racing and their pedigrees. And, since I know that people choose to bet on horses for all sorts of reasons, I always add in birthplace information, color, sex and age. And, if one of my favorite jockeys is riding the horse, you'll be aware of that, also. As always, if you want more information about any entry, I suggest you visit The Bloodhorse website at http://www.bloodhorse.com/ . I am also going to ignore the designated alternate entries that are waiting in line for someone to scratch...
The first race is the Juvenile Turf; all 2-year-old boys carrying 122 pounds for one mile. Wet Sail and Hootenanny are geldings; Daddy D T is a ridgling. Eight were born in Kentucky, three were born in New York, two were born in Great Britain, and Conquest Typhoon was born in Ontario, Canada. Danny Boy is the only grey (roan) in the field; horses in post positions 2, 3, and 4 are chestnuts; and the rest are bays or dark browns. Half of the field traces back to Hyperion (and/or *Forli), my favorite bloodline. (My other favorite is Man o'War, and he is in most American-bred lines.) I have only seen photos of five of the fourteen entries; the most photogenic is #11, Imperia, a dark brown colt, bred in Kentucky, and at 6 to 1 odds. Imperia will have Javier Castellano in the irons. The betting favorite is Hootenanny, a bay gelding, bred in Kentucky, and ridden by Frankie Dettori. The seond betting choice is War Envoy, a bay colt from Kentucky. Mike Smith is riding Luck of the Kitten, a chestnut Kentucky-bred; Corey Nakatani is aboard Daddy D T, another Chestnut Kentucky-bred; and Julien Leparoux will be in the stirrups aborad the grey, Danny Boy. Not having seen any of these colts run, and just looking at their pedigrees, these are my choices: Aktabantay (bred in Great Britain), Danny Boy, Imperia, and Wet Sail. But I also have the feeling that Hootenanny will run a huge race....
With the scratch of Handsome Mike in the Dirt Mile, the longest shot on the betting board is gone, leaving a field of nine. Two three-year-olds (Tapiture and Vicar's in Trouble) will carry 123 pounds; the other horses, two 4-year-olds, four 5-year-olds, and one 6-year-old will each carry 126 pounds. Pants On Fire is the eldest, and the bay horse is still going strong. Goldencents, the winner last year, will start from the #1 post position and is the early betting favorite. Bronzo was born in Chile; Big Bane Theory was born in California, and Vicar's In Trouble was born in Louisiana; the others were born in Kentucky. Bronzo and Carve are geldings; the other boys are intact. Tapiture, who will have Rosie Napravnik in the irons, is the only chestnut in the field; all other runners are bay. Tapiture is also the only horse in the field that does not have Hyperion in his pedigree. Carve will have Mike Smith in the saddle; Joel Rosario will be riding Golden Ticket; and Joe Talamo is aboard Big Bane Theory. My picks are: Vicar's In Trouble (because he's such a small guy), Bronzo, Pants On Fire, and Tapiture.
Gary Stevens returns to the saddle (14 weeks after a total knee replacement) in the Juvenile Fillies Turf; he'll be aboard Irish-bred Sivoliere. Each of these two-year-old fillies will be carrying 122 pounds in the one mile race. Again, there were very few photos for me to look at, so don't expect much... Of the fourteen fillies entered, Sunset Glow is the only grey or roan; there are three chestnuts - Partisan Politics, Isabella Sings, and Rainha Da Bateria; and the other ten runners are bay or dark brown. Three fillies were bred in Ireland - Osaila, Sivoliere, and Qualify; one was bred in Great Britain, Prize Exhibit; Conquest Harlanate was bred in Ontario, Canada; Quality Rocks was bred in Florida; the other fillies are Kentucky-bred. Three of the fillies do not have Hyperion in their pedigree - Tammy the Torpedo, Rainha Da Bateria, and Quality Rocks. The betting favorite is Sunset Glow, ridden by Victor Espinoza; Lady Zuzu has Julien Leparoux aboard for trainer D Wayne Lukas; and Frankie Dettori is in the irons on Osaila. I like: Prize Exhibit, Sivoliere, Lady Zuzu, Osaila, and Nicky's Brown Miss.
The Distaff for fillies and mares, running 1 and 1/8 miles on the dirt for $2 million.... Eleven females; all bred in Kentucky, except Valiant Emilia, from Peru. The three 3-year-olds (Unbridled Forever, Ria Antonia, and Untapable) will carry 121 pounds; the eight older mares will carry 124. Don't Tell Sophia is the eldest racing, at age 6; there are three 4-year-olds (Tiz Midnight, Iotapa, and Close Hatches) while the other four entries are 5 years of age. L'Amour de Ma Vie is the only grey or roan in the group; Belle Gallantey is the only chestnut; and the rest are bays. Five of the ladies are descendants of Hyperion; six are not. Rosie Napravnik is riding Untapable, and they are the betting favorite. Corey Nakatani is aboard Stanwyck; Jose Rosario is on Close Hatches; and John R Velasquez will ride Unbridled Forever. My picks: Untapable, Valiant Emilia, L'Amour de Ma Vie, Close Hatches, and Belle Gallantey.
As always, know that I do this for fun. Do not place wagers on my choices and expect to win. Sometimes my picks are good, and sometimes they stink. Betting (and any type of gambling) can become an addiction. Do not spend any money needed for food, housing, or other necessary payments "playing the ponies." It is not a good idea.
Showing posts with label Gary Stevens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gary Stevens. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Saturday, October 25, 2014
One Week to the Breeders Cup Races!
Next week, thirteen horse races will be run on that will be worth $24.5 million at Santa Anita in California. Four races on Friday, 31 October have purses totaling $5 million; nine races on Saturday, 1 November, have a combined purse of $19.5 million. The NBC Sports Network will have taped coverage of Friday's races on Friday evening; they will show eight of the races live Saturday; and the $5 million Breeders Cup Classic will be shown live on regular NBC stations. There are 201 horses pre-entered in the 13 races. Actual entries will be known on Tuesday.
Several top horses will not be racing this year - Beholder spiked a temperature and will not be able to defend her championship; Wise Dan was expected to run in the Mile, but he has a non-displaced cannon bone fracture, and probably won't race again until next year (the poor guy had colic surgery during the summer, then came back and won two races); some promising youngsters have been retired to stud, and, while California Chrome is scheduled to run in the Classic, it is rumored that if he doesn't win, he'll also be retired. And, as I've stated before, I'm disappointed that the Breeders Cup stopped sponsoring the Marathon race - a race for horses that love to run longer distances and have great staying power.
One very good piece of news is that jockey Gary Stevens will return to riding on 31 October, in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. He'll be riding Sivoliere 14 weeks to the day of his complete knee replacement.
Several top horses will not be racing this year - Beholder spiked a temperature and will not be able to defend her championship; Wise Dan was expected to run in the Mile, but he has a non-displaced cannon bone fracture, and probably won't race again until next year (the poor guy had colic surgery during the summer, then came back and won two races); some promising youngsters have been retired to stud, and, while California Chrome is scheduled to run in the Classic, it is rumored that if he doesn't win, he'll also be retired. And, as I've stated before, I'm disappointed that the Breeders Cup stopped sponsoring the Marathon race - a race for horses that love to run longer distances and have great staying power.
One very good piece of news is that jockey Gary Stevens will return to riding on 31 October, in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. He'll be riding Sivoliere 14 weeks to the day of his complete knee replacement.
Missing:
Beholder
Wise Dan
Present:
California Chrome, 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner
Gary Stevens returns after a complete knee replacement
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Keeping Up
I try to stay current about things that interest me - I scan 5 newspapers every morning from different areas of the US, I check national and international news feeds, and I check on scientific and archaeological news. I try to keep up-to-date about places I love, places that have family ties, and places I'd like to visit. When I was living on Chincoteague Island in the late 1990s, the big discussion (sometimes acrimonious) was about the placement of "the new bridge" - a span to replace the old draw bridge on the Chincoteague Channel. I knew that the Maddox Boulevard planning site had won, and I've watched via aerial photographs, the building and opening of the new bridge span. I read about the removal of the old draw bridge, from which my Aunts, Uncles, and Mother learned to swim. Yesterday I posted the aerial view of historic down town Chincoteague on my blog - it's a gorgeous photo copyrighted by Patrick J. Henrickson of Highcamera.com.
Yesterday evening, I handed over to my sister some photos I had printed, including the aerial view by Mr. Hendrickson. She was completely amazed. My sister was born at NAS Chincoteague in 1950 - we grew up on the island during the summer months, and one of her main markers for returning home has always been the old draw bridge. I showed her on the photograph where the old draw used to be located - the line of piers in the Channel located directly behind the letter "m" of .com... I thought she would faint. We haven't been on Chincoteague or Assateague since the memorial service for our Aunt Ruth Patrick back in 2003. I was, and am, aware of the changes made on Chincoteague. Kathy is still in a state of shock - what she has known her whole life is gone... It's a good thing we're having a family reunion there for Pony Penning in 2015. That way her kids and grandkids won't be so surprised.
On Sunday, Take Charge Indy was leading at the half-mile pole in the Monmouth Cup. Jockey Gary Stevens said he was smiling and thinking what an easy race it was. Then he heard a very loud pop. In the lead by 1 1/2 lengths, he immediately started to veer to the outside of the track and pull the big horse up. Take Charge Indy had a condylar fracture of his left foreleg; because Gary pulled him up immediately and had an ambulance called, the colt had quick surgery and is now looking forward to stud duty at WinStar Farm next season. My thanks to Gary Stevens for his excellent and fast decisions in stopping the colt before any further damage could occur.
Yesterday evening, I handed over to my sister some photos I had printed, including the aerial view by Mr. Hendrickson. She was completely amazed. My sister was born at NAS Chincoteague in 1950 - we grew up on the island during the summer months, and one of her main markers for returning home has always been the old draw bridge. I showed her on the photograph where the old draw used to be located - the line of piers in the Channel located directly behind the letter "m" of .com... I thought she would faint. We haven't been on Chincoteague or Assateague since the memorial service for our Aunt Ruth Patrick back in 2003. I was, and am, aware of the changes made on Chincoteague. Kathy is still in a state of shock - what she has known her whole life is gone... It's a good thing we're having a family reunion there for Pony Penning in 2015. That way her kids and grandkids won't be so surprised.
On Sunday, Take Charge Indy was leading at the half-mile pole in the Monmouth Cup. Jockey Gary Stevens said he was smiling and thinking what an easy race it was. Then he heard a very loud pop. In the lead by 1 1/2 lengths, he immediately started to veer to the outside of the track and pull the big horse up. Take Charge Indy had a condylar fracture of his left foreleg; because Gary pulled him up immediately and had an ambulance called, the colt had quick surgery and is now looking forward to stud duty at WinStar Farm next season. My thanks to Gary Stevens for his excellent and fast decisions in stopping the colt before any further damage could occur.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Extremes
Yesterday ended up being cloudy here in Boulder, while this morning, the skies are cloudless, but we have higher than normal humidity (for Colorado). At least we're not suffering from tornadoes and flooding or from wildfires at the moment. In California and New Mexico, however, the continuing drought is taking it's toll. The Powerhouse fire, near Lake Hughes in California, has burned over 25,000 acres and is about 40% contained. More than 1,000 homes are in danger, and more than 2,400 people have been evacuated. And the territory burning in California hasn't seen a fire since 1929. There are two fires burning in New Mexico, with the largest being the Pecos fire, that has already destroyed 7,476 acres of Ponderosa pine.
Europe, in the meantime, has flooding problems due to heavy rains. A meteorologist in Austria stated they had more rain fall in two days than usually falls in two years. Austria, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic have all undergone flooding so far. Slovakia and Hungary are preparing themselves for the onslaught of the water. So far, the flooding has caused six known deaths, and eight other people are missing.
And, if fires, floods, and twisters aren't enough for you in the US, go to Moody, Texas. Over the weekend, a 62-year-old man was stung to death by an estimated 40,000 Africanized "killer" bees. He was on his tractor, clearing some property, and hit a woodpile that bumped into an old chicken coop. The bee expert who removed the swarm estimated the number of bees as at least 40,000. Regular bees and honeybees protect their nests by stinging, but only 10% of their population will attack an intruder. In a hybrid, Africanized hive, every bee except the queen will attack.
Finally, looking at Saturday's Belmont Stakes: It has been decided that Orb, the Kentucky Derby winner, is working well enough to be entered in the third leg of the Triple Crown. Two other definite contenders will be Will Take Charge and Oxbow, the winner of the Preakness. Gary Stevens has been in Oxbow's saddle for the previous two races, and will be again on Saturday. But this past Saturday, Gary's mount broke down under him during a race, and he suffered a fall, which caused him not to ride his mounts on Sunday. He Tweeted trainer D. Wayne Lukas, reminding him that he fell a week before he and Winning Colors won the Derby, too. Keep on riding, Gary!!
Europe, in the meantime, has flooding problems due to heavy rains. A meteorologist in Austria stated they had more rain fall in two days than usually falls in two years. Austria, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic have all undergone flooding so far. Slovakia and Hungary are preparing themselves for the onslaught of the water. So far, the flooding has caused six known deaths, and eight other people are missing.
And, if fires, floods, and twisters aren't enough for you in the US, go to Moody, Texas. Over the weekend, a 62-year-old man was stung to death by an estimated 40,000 Africanized "killer" bees. He was on his tractor, clearing some property, and hit a woodpile that bumped into an old chicken coop. The bee expert who removed the swarm estimated the number of bees as at least 40,000. Regular bees and honeybees protect their nests by stinging, but only 10% of their population will attack an intruder. In a hybrid, Africanized hive, every bee except the queen will attack.
Finally, looking at Saturday's Belmont Stakes: It has been decided that Orb, the Kentucky Derby winner, is working well enough to be entered in the third leg of the Triple Crown. Two other definite contenders will be Will Take Charge and Oxbow, the winner of the Preakness. Gary Stevens has been in Oxbow's saddle for the previous two races, and will be again on Saturday. But this past Saturday, Gary's mount broke down under him during a race, and he suffered a fall, which caused him not to ride his mounts on Sunday. He Tweeted trainer D. Wayne Lukas, reminding him that he fell a week before he and Winning Colors won the Derby, too. Keep on riding, Gary!!
Saturday, May 18, 2013
No Triple Crown Winner This Year
I watched several of the races before today's Preakness. I have to confess that, after watching Skyring win the Dixie Stakes, I made a fourth $10 to win bet. Skyring last won a race last year, in May, at Pimlico; the trainer is D Wayne Lucas, and the jockey Gary Stevens. I had picked Oxbow in the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago; but he turned up as the longest bet for the Preakness today, and I just had a feeling that the Lucas-Stevens combination wouldn't be beaten. Oxbow was on the lead from the gate to the wire. He was tired, but finished gamely - and I ended up with a winning bet. My $10 returned as $328; of course, I did loose $30 on my other bets, but I ended up in the black.
Itsmyluckyday ran his eyeballs out, and finished just in front of Mylute, who was third. Orb did not have an excuse for his fourth place finish, other than he's never been caught and trapped on the inside - and he apparently didn't like it. Goldencents finished in fifth, with Departing (another of my picks) in sixth. Will Take Charge was seventh, Govenor Charlie was eighth, and Titletown Five completed the field. SO my betting choices ran first, second, sixth and eighth - not a wonderful set, but I did pick Oxbow.
It was great seeing D Wayne Lucas and Gary being interviewed together - it took me back to the Kentucky Derby of 1988 and the grey filly Winning Colors. Nice memories.
Itsmyluckyday ran his eyeballs out, and finished just in front of Mylute, who was third. Orb did not have an excuse for his fourth place finish, other than he's never been caught and trapped on the inside - and he apparently didn't like it. Goldencents finished in fifth, with Departing (another of my picks) in sixth. Will Take Charge was seventh, Govenor Charlie was eighth, and Titletown Five completed the field. SO my betting choices ran first, second, sixth and eighth - not a wonderful set, but I did pick Oxbow.
It was great seeing D Wayne Lucas and Gary being interviewed together - it took me back to the Kentucky Derby of 1988 and the grey filly Winning Colors. Nice memories.
Gary Stevens waves his whip after winning the Preakness on Oxbow
25 years ago - Gary Stevens and Winning Colors after the 1988 Kentucky Derby
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Horse Racing and Weather
It's chilly (14 degrees) but sunny here in Boulder today. My kits have been running in and out, doing their usual chases. Lovey is curled up in the cat tree, soaking up sun right now, while Nedi is playing with the raven family. I'm still recovering from bronchitis - supposed to call and schedule an appointment for a chest X-Ray today because I'm still coughing stuff up. Over all, I feel better - just tired and I would love to stop coughing. I have to start sprucing up the apartment today - we've been warned the City is doing it's 5-year inspection for apartment certification; and I must admit I've been letting my recyclables pile up, so I'll have to make several trips out to the "Green" dumpster. I also need to clean out my refrigerator, so that'll be one trip to the regular (brown) dumpster. The weather folks are now saying we're going to have snow on Valentine's Day and Friday... we'll see. And the good news is that my cousin Aleda, on Chincoteague Island, has finally received the results of all her tests back - she does not have cancer - just a huge, nasty ulcer and a very worn-down immune system. That is such good news!!!
I have always been a fan of horse racing, even though I don't like what it does to a horses muscle and skeletal systems. Chincoteaguers had a lot of Standardbred racers, and Dad grew up in farm country where families raced their horses and mules for fun; so I had a lot of background information, and acquired information from reading, as I was growing up. I was always puzzled by the way people not involved in racing or training horses (of any type) frequently looked confused when I spoke to them about racing. It was as though I was speaking a different language. Well, today, with my mind elsewhere, I read some of the headlines at The Bloodhorse - and I had to laugh - just glance at the following headlines:
"Golden Mystery Cruises in Hurricane Bertie"
"Channel Lady Flows in Suwanee River"
"Slim Shadey Shines in San Marcos"
Luckily for me, I knew that the first two words in each headline was the name of a horse, and the last two words were the name of a race, and I smiled at the playful use of the verbs used to describe the horse's win. But how many other people, stumbling upon those headlines, would understand the import of each statement? I know that The Bloodhorse is a thoroughbred racing magazine, newspaper, and website - but for someone just finding the site, some of the headlines and terms used seem strange. Perhaps there should be an easier to read and understand website for those uninitiated to The Sport of Kings? ... It's just a thought.
Black Caviar, the undefeated Australian mare, will race on Saturday down under, looking for her 23rd win. Her half-brother, All Too Hard, won the Orr Stakes last weekend. And Gary Stevens, who will be 50 next month, rode stakes winners on both Saturday and Sunday this past weekend. Your return to riding is going great guns, Gary! I hope you continue to succeed!
I have always been a fan of horse racing, even though I don't like what it does to a horses muscle and skeletal systems. Chincoteaguers had a lot of Standardbred racers, and Dad grew up in farm country where families raced their horses and mules for fun; so I had a lot of background information, and acquired information from reading, as I was growing up. I was always puzzled by the way people not involved in racing or training horses (of any type) frequently looked confused when I spoke to them about racing. It was as though I was speaking a different language. Well, today, with my mind elsewhere, I read some of the headlines at The Bloodhorse - and I had to laugh - just glance at the following headlines:
"Golden Mystery Cruises in Hurricane Bertie"
"Channel Lady Flows in Suwanee River"
"Slim Shadey Shines in San Marcos"
Luckily for me, I knew that the first two words in each headline was the name of a horse, and the last two words were the name of a race, and I smiled at the playful use of the verbs used to describe the horse's win. But how many other people, stumbling upon those headlines, would understand the import of each statement? I know that The Bloodhorse is a thoroughbred racing magazine, newspaper, and website - but for someone just finding the site, some of the headlines and terms used seem strange. Perhaps there should be an easier to read and understand website for those uninitiated to The Sport of Kings? ... It's just a thought.
Black Caviar, the undefeated Australian mare, will race on Saturday down under, looking for her 23rd win. Her half-brother, All Too Hard, won the Orr Stakes last weekend. And Gary Stevens, who will be 50 next month, rode stakes winners on both Saturday and Sunday this past weekend. Your return to riding is going great guns, Gary! I hope you continue to succeed!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Home Again...
Blessedly back at home and sleeping in my own bed - Lovey and Nedi even let me sleep in until 8 this morning. Got up, showered and dressed, fed the kits and cleaned their litter boxes. Then I opened the back door to allow the kits to go out and play... five minutes later, I glance up from the monitor, and Cashew, one of the squirrels I feed, is sitting on the back of the sofa, asking me to feed him. I admit I had forgotten to put out the nuts, seeds, and cereals I usually do. So he escorted me back to the door, and intently watched while I got out the squirrel goodies. He scampered through the door and waited on the back of the chair I place nuts in, watched me dispense food, and quickly hopped down to help himself when I came back inside. Nedi is having a blast chasing the crows and ravens this morning, while Lovey is crouched on the patio in the direct sunlight. (It's bright, sunny, and 25 degrees out.)
The two Boulder police officers who were involved in the shooting of Edward the Elk (aka Big Boy) are currently on administrative leave with pay from the police department. The Sheriff's office is conducting an investigation into the deputy who removed the elk for butchering, but he has not been named, and he is continuing to work, as the incident occurred while he was off-duty. The Department of Wildlife is looking into charges regarding the poaching of a trophy specimen within Boulder city limits, as well as the "hunting" of an animal within city limits. Both are illegal. I hope these guys learn a huge lesson from this - just because they wear a badge, it doesn't mean they can break the law!
Gary Stevens, the top jockey who retired seven years ago, has switched his position, and made it known that he will return to riding thoroughbreds. His first mount for his return is slated for tomorrow in California. Stevens said he has easily dropped down to 118 pounds, and while getting himself back into riding shape at a friend's farm in Washington state, hasn't had any recurrence of the back pain that caused his retirement in 2005. Best wishes to Gary in his return!
I was thrilled watching the South Carolina Gamecocks defeat Michigan in the Outback Bowl with only 11 seconds left on the game clock. I have no idea what happened to the Gators in the Sugar Bowl - they really didn't impress me during the regular season, but being an alumni, I want to support my team. I'm not sure what happened, to whom, or where, but the Gators were a disappointment. Dad went to Texas A & M for a few night courses before we moved to Florida, so I always root for the Aggies - and they certainly came through last night. .... Tonight I'll be watching the Vikings and the Packers, as well as both of tomorrow's playoff games....
Well, Lovey has draped herself around my shoulders lie a stole again, and even though I haven't done anything today, this bronchitis is draining me. I think the three of us will be back in bed soon. Have a super weekend, my friends!
The two Boulder police officers who were involved in the shooting of Edward the Elk (aka Big Boy) are currently on administrative leave with pay from the police department. The Sheriff's office is conducting an investigation into the deputy who removed the elk for butchering, but he has not been named, and he is continuing to work, as the incident occurred while he was off-duty. The Department of Wildlife is looking into charges regarding the poaching of a trophy specimen within Boulder city limits, as well as the "hunting" of an animal within city limits. Both are illegal. I hope these guys learn a huge lesson from this - just because they wear a badge, it doesn't mean they can break the law!
Gary Stevens, the top jockey who retired seven years ago, has switched his position, and made it known that he will return to riding thoroughbreds. His first mount for his return is slated for tomorrow in California. Stevens said he has easily dropped down to 118 pounds, and while getting himself back into riding shape at a friend's farm in Washington state, hasn't had any recurrence of the back pain that caused his retirement in 2005. Best wishes to Gary in his return!
I was thrilled watching the South Carolina Gamecocks defeat Michigan in the Outback Bowl with only 11 seconds left on the game clock. I have no idea what happened to the Gators in the Sugar Bowl - they really didn't impress me during the regular season, but being an alumni, I want to support my team. I'm not sure what happened, to whom, or where, but the Gators were a disappointment. Dad went to Texas A & M for a few night courses before we moved to Florida, so I always root for the Aggies - and they certainly came through last night. .... Tonight I'll be watching the Vikings and the Packers, as well as both of tomorrow's playoff games....
Well, Lovey has draped herself around my shoulders lie a stole again, and even though I haven't done anything today, this bronchitis is draining me. I think the three of us will be back in bed soon. Have a super weekend, my friends!
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Bits and Pieces
Just a bunch of odds and ends today. It's in the mid-30s here and the sun is shining. The kits have been running in and out for the past 90 minutes, but since Lovey is back in bed and Nedi is in the cat tree, I shut the door. I have placed nuts and shredded wheat out for the squirrels and birds, and have already been treated to a squirrel underside, as it ran sideways across the window screen... My brother-in-law called yesterday evening and said we'll be going to the 7 p.m. show of the Rocky Mountain Revels, and that Kathy will call and let me know when and where I need to arrive.
Rumors in the thoroughbred racing world had Gary Stevens returning to the irons after seven years of retirement. It's not true. (Rats!) Gary has been getting back in shape exercising horses at a friends' training farm in Washington state, and is back down to 122 pounds. Turning 50 on March 6, he said he'll be behind the microphone and not on the back of a horse this coming year. .... Retired trainer Mel Stute, now 85, is still hospitalized after a fall in his home earlier this month. His son, trainer Gary Stute, says they hope Mel will be released from the assisted living facility soon after Christmas. Mel can't tell them what day of the week it is, but he can tell them where there's live racing, and who the top trainers are. (Why should a horseman/trainer know what day it is, unless he has a horse running?) .... Danedream, who won the 2011 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, is now retired. The 4-year-old German-bred filly who missed this year's Arc because of a swamp fever outbreak at her Cologne training base, is scheduled to ship to England in January to be bred to Frankel, who is entering stud at Banstead Manor. Once in foal, Danedream is scheduled to be shipped to Japan.
I am still in shock over the stance the NRA (National Rifle Association) has taken regarding the deaths of the innocents at Sandy Hook Elementary School a week ago. I agree that our society seems to delight in violence, and that when more blasting gun-battles and tremendous explosions are included, today's movies seem to make more money. I have had training in the use of fire arms, both the pistol and the rifle. I do not own a gun. I do not want to own a gun. I believe in the Second Amendment right, that people in our nation have the right to bear arms - for hunting, for sport and marksmanship, and for self-defense. I do not believe that the answer to the mass shooting at an elementary school is to have a trained, armed sharpshooting security guard in every single school in this country. A single armed person cannot protect the perimeter of an entire school. It's ludicrous. I support the banning of semi-automatic and automatic weapons, the limiting of ammunition sales, and reducing clip size. There have always been discontented people, people with mental illness, people with a grudge, and there always will be (unfortunately). We need to regulate the machines that make it easy to kill others; not set up more armed humans within the educational system. Last Friday, and all the other days we have had violence perpetrated upon innocent children and innocent adults, should be erased from history. Remember the dead, not the killer. This is a very sad time in history.
Rumors in the thoroughbred racing world had Gary Stevens returning to the irons after seven years of retirement. It's not true. (Rats!) Gary has been getting back in shape exercising horses at a friends' training farm in Washington state, and is back down to 122 pounds. Turning 50 on March 6, he said he'll be behind the microphone and not on the back of a horse this coming year. .... Retired trainer Mel Stute, now 85, is still hospitalized after a fall in his home earlier this month. His son, trainer Gary Stute, says they hope Mel will be released from the assisted living facility soon after Christmas. Mel can't tell them what day of the week it is, but he can tell them where there's live racing, and who the top trainers are. (Why should a horseman/trainer know what day it is, unless he has a horse running?) .... Danedream, who won the 2011 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, is now retired. The 4-year-old German-bred filly who missed this year's Arc because of a swamp fever outbreak at her Cologne training base, is scheduled to ship to England in January to be bred to Frankel, who is entering stud at Banstead Manor. Once in foal, Danedream is scheduled to be shipped to Japan.
I am still in shock over the stance the NRA (National Rifle Association) has taken regarding the deaths of the innocents at Sandy Hook Elementary School a week ago. I agree that our society seems to delight in violence, and that when more blasting gun-battles and tremendous explosions are included, today's movies seem to make more money. I have had training in the use of fire arms, both the pistol and the rifle. I do not own a gun. I do not want to own a gun. I believe in the Second Amendment right, that people in our nation have the right to bear arms - for hunting, for sport and marksmanship, and for self-defense. I do not believe that the answer to the mass shooting at an elementary school is to have a trained, armed sharpshooting security guard in every single school in this country. A single armed person cannot protect the perimeter of an entire school. It's ludicrous. I support the banning of semi-automatic and automatic weapons, the limiting of ammunition sales, and reducing clip size. There have always been discontented people, people with mental illness, people with a grudge, and there always will be (unfortunately). We need to regulate the machines that make it easy to kill others; not set up more armed humans within the educational system. Last Friday, and all the other days we have had violence perpetrated upon innocent children and innocent adults, should be erased from history. Remember the dead, not the killer. This is a very sad time in history.
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