Saturday's a $6-million backstretch morning with Gordon

October 04, 2008

It's a $6-million Saturday morning at The Red Mile--I'll explain why in a bit--and as I sit in the press box shooting the breeze with my friend, Dean Hoffman--I first asked him if I could call him Joe but he reminded me his name was Dean--it's just a glorious day in Lexington. Bright sunshine and a high expected in the low 70s; I already have my jacket off and plan on bringing it back to my car as I surely won't need it.

There isn't a whole lot of activity going on today as we near the 12:30 post time for the outstanding Kentucky Futurity, the 116th renewal. Actually, there are just a few less runnings of trotting's jewel of the Triple Crown, and Dean reminded me of a conversation he had with the late Curt Greene a few years ago and that there was no Futurity for a few years during WWII (1942-45) but the track still advertised the race, thus we continue to remember the race from its inception.

So why do I call this a $6 million morning, and no, it's not because of the total purses of the day. It's because the Six-Million Dollar Man himself was at the track, as the guest at a VIP party hosted by Celebrity Farm owners Sam Stathos in the show paddock. I wandered down to meet Lee and take a few fictures. I introduced myself, and noted that I knew he was from Kentucky. I will admit I watched the show back in the days.

Lee--I suppose I could have called him Mr. Majors, but I still remember him also very clearly as Farrah Fawcett's husband and I also admit I watched Charlie's Angels religiously--told me he went to Eastern Kentucky University and I told him--with a laugh--that I wouldn't hold that against him. I said he rooted for the University of Kentucky teams, but then I told him that I'm not a Kentucky native and come from Michigan. Then I learned Lee was born in Wyandotte, Mich; a downriver community near Toledo.

I took a few pictures, including some with Lee's gorgeous wife of 6 years--he told me they've been together for 14 years--Faith, as well as with Sam and others. There was also a party last night hosted by Celebrity and I know Sam obviously went out of his way to put on the proceedings and I applaud him for his efforts. Hopefully he'll have a good day with Celebrity Secret in the Futurity, especially since he's donating a portion of his earnings to a research fund for a disease that took the life of a son of a friend of his.

I walked back from the VIP tent to the grandstand and then remembered that I wanted to mention from yesterday's $700-billion package that I wasn't forgetting my own family (as someone asked me later why I didn't take care of my own), and that for Brother P, who is like family, I'd buy him the Detroit Tigers so maybe he could get them to win a World Series.

So this is it for my travels around The Red Mile as I wait for today's action to begin. Especially the Kentucky Futurity, where Deweycheatumnhowe will be as close to the fans and horsemen as he can get as he starts the first heat from the outside post 10. And another look at Somebeachsomewhere and a chance at bettering his mark of 1:46.4 last week, which would really be something to see. And Crazed, and Art Official, and the others.

And oh yes, let's not forget Mister Big, who I've tapped my large bank account so I could bet on him to show today. I was told there would be show betting on the race, which is the 10th race, the Allerage final for older horse pacers, Just five horses, and he's as much as a mortal lock to finish in the top three as I believe there could be. I'll take that nickel on a dollar so I can buy a couple of hot dogs on the house.

And speaking of Deweycheatumnhowe and Somebeachsomewhere, and even Btwnyurheartnmine, how about that 2-year-old colt pacer Or that raced yesterday? What a nice, sweet and short name to type, rather than those multi-lettered monikers? Don't take me wrong, the names are great and will forever be linked in history, but Or is just so nice to type with just two letters, Or, Or, Or, Or. See how easy that was?

Good luck and great racing today, it's been great to see everybody here these past two weeks, especially all my former Michigan comrades who have been in town. And thanks for reading.

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