betting on organic basket-weaving just doesn't have the same punch, sorry mac.

Those all SUCK BALLS as betting sports.

Now if you ask me to actually bet on some guys sucking balls and how far they'd get I might take a wager or two...

Yes, but there are no horses and the bats the crickets carry are so small you can hardly follow the game...

also, in all seriousness, handicapping the races is my favorite part (well, that and watching them live and cashing a ticket). But the pre-race analysis is my fav part of the game. Then getting to watch the horses in action and seeing if my analysis was correct. Whether or not I lose $ or make $ I love the sport.
Can't say that about any team sport so far except maybe watching Tom Brady's tight ass in latex...but that's a different type of analysis.

Yeah, these big race days I stay home now. I went to the Preakness in 2009 when the filly won it and there were ~120,000 screaming, drunken college students staggering everywhere. Meh, the race was good though. My SoCal years were the best though: I got to see many prominent horses and humans up close, even on the smallest of weekend events. The racing out there was top notch when I lived there and has gone down slightly since Hollywood Park closed in 2008.

Plus I got to see the weiner dog races at Los Alamitos. Man, that was a trip.

In 99 when I went Lemon Drop Kid upset a horse I can't recall who was trying to win the Triple Crown who was ridden by Chris Antsly...

That was Charismatic... he broke down in mid-stretch and Antley saved the horse's life by holding his injured leg stationary until the ambulance arrived. The horse healed and subsequently went to Japan for stud duties. I think he might reside in the KY horse park now.
Antley himself had drug problems for most of his career... I think that was related to his death. Apparently, from what I've heard, he was a good guy, but had a lot of emotional baggage.

Belmont is the only NY track I haven't been to and I was supposed to go in September, but my mom wants me to go with her to visit family in the midwest the weekend I was supposed to go, so that's out. I'll get there eventually.
I LOVE the Spa. It's my favorite track easily, now that Hollywood Park is gone. Aqueduct isn't bad, but not great and it's in a less-than-desirable area (Though, that neighborhood PALES to the grim warzone around Pimlico. I swear Baltimore has the worst slums of any US city I've visited so far. That's saying something because I lived right next to the projects in South Philly for 2 years in the 90s and also in the hood in Venice Beach for 3 years with gang warfare and guns going off most nights).

one for today:

Churchill Downs race 7: #5 Big World- WPS

Big World has to beat a champion-caliber mare (Forever Unbridled) that raced last in a championship race in November. That one is coming off a 7 month layoff and Big World has current form and is on a 4 race win streak. If I can get 5-1 or better then hopefully cha-ching!

Well, good luck to us both. I'll be catching the replay since I'm going out in a bit. And no complaints if Big World tanks!

No dice. I think the distance got Big World. She's prob better at 8.5 furlongs vs 9. Maybe also elevated by the off track last time. I actually thought it was going to rain in Louisville yesterday. Got a bad forecast I guess... one of the vagaries of this sport I love so much.

Also, the horse that won the turf stakes last night (Kasaqui) was my pick in an online contest, but I didn't bet him.

I normally break even, or close to it. The site I bet with has an annual report they send and tend to have a slight positive return or break even every year. Can't complain about playing for free.

Royal Ascot starts today! 14 American horses have shipped over and 2 (most notably Miss Temple City) run in the grade 1 opener today:
https://www.drf.com/news/americans-abound-royal-ascot-opener

No bets though.

Lady Aurelia just walloped them in the sprint stakes... I have to find the replay on my lunch break. That's the 2nd or 3rd win for her there. Ward has done an incredible job with her over the years.

No tips, sorry. I can't even watch these because I'll be at work when the races start. Plus I don't follow the UK/Euro runners enough to be able to pick out a longshot with a chance.

Gulfstream 13: #1 Royal Squeeze- WP at 9/2 or better...

I kind of like Channel Maker and Malibu Secret in the Queens Plate. I've got an exacta involving about 6 or 7 horses too...
Been blanking lately.

Hit the exacta.. phew!

I've been taking a little break form this sport since the Midwest tracks that are being featured right now are killing me.... HOWEVER opening day at my favorite track in the country is just 2 days off!

https://www.saratoga.com/event/saratoga-race-track-opening-day-35726/

I highly recommend a trip to Saratoga Springs, even if you are not a racing fan. It's a cool town, with a lot going on, a lot of history, and a lot of good restaurants. Plus the track is there (right in town) and it features pretty much the highest quality racing in North America this time of year. Ive brought many non-racing friends and family to this place over the years and everyone has enjoyed themselves.

Bring on the Spa!!!!!!

Oh, thanks Vincent... I'll keep my eyeballs peeled.

Nice. I'm watching... prob place a bet or two tomorrow, but nothing in today

delay...boo.