We arrived at the race track in time for the start of the 5th race.
Rather than go straight into the grandstand, we drove to the hilltop starting gate
to watch the Gate Crew load the runners for the 6 1/2 furlong turf race down the hill.
It is an amazing and dangerous job these guys do to be sure...

I spoke with the fellow in the center of the photo.
Asked him how long he'd been on the Gate Crew...
"Thirty Seven Years" he said.
"I came out here from New York
with a man named Charlie Whittingham.
I worked for him. He's the reason I'm here.
Great man, Mr. Whittingham. They don't make'm like that anymore."

Patrick Valenzuela's horse had been scratched, so he was there to watch the break.



...and there were other Interested Onlookers too.

We arrived trackside in time to catch "The Moment Of Truth."



1st Toby's Corner - 2nd Arthur's Tale ----- 3rd Uncle Mo

Met up with Paseana...

1 Offlee Wild Boys
2 Indian Winter
3 Mr. Commons
4 Silver Medallion
5 Comma to the Top
6 Midnight Interlude
7 Quail Hill
9 Anthony's Cross
10 Bench Points

A riddle wrapped up in an enigma...

Did you notice how the NINE looks at me.
As if to say...
'Hey don't worry - it's all good. I'm gonna pick up 30K today.'

Yeah, that's it... that's brilliant.
We'll run 5th today
and have just enough earnings
to make the Kentucky Derby.
Then..........
POW, Right In The Kisser!!!

It all makes perfect sense.
I'm not panicking. Are you panicking? I'm not panicking.

I think he may be sitting around 23 assuming THAS, PP and Comma to the Top all defect. He is going to need a little help. Sure would have liked to have seen a better effort Saturday. Anthony's Cross was one I was really watching also.

Security to PLACES for the big race...

Midnight Interlude & Victor Espinoza

It's always a beautiful day @ Santa Anita Park!

Between the Bad Actor and the Kilted Wonder we're a lucky group to get these great shots both coasts! especially those of us who's closest thing to a real racetrack is being downwind from the stock yards in Hereford...salute!

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