MY DAY AT CHURCHILL ON FRIDAY by The Wizard on Friday, May 01, 2009

I let the crowd of 103 thousand strong, exit the track before I even attempted to leave. About two hours after the last race, I made the long walk to my car, trying very hard to beat the rain that was ready to erupt. As I got closer to my car, the rain began falling heavily. Based on the weather forecast, it could be pretty bad weather overnight and tommorrow. Since I never packed an umbrella, it was a necessity that I find someplace to buy one, or else I am drenched on Derby day. I plan on being in the paddock reporting to you every race. It was pretty neat to just walk in and be able to be up close and personal to all the horses, and their trainers, several who I know well. I am stationed in the auxillary press box, which is a stones throw from the paddock. I was pleasantly surprised that the track feeds you as well as they do. Great lunch, great dinner and a cheese limo in between. It's amazing how many photographers and reporters there are. I always knew th Derby was huge, but when you are down in Kentucky for a week like I have been, it's almost like it's a national holiday. Tommorrow it will be a zoo, but I am really insulated from the crowds, as I just go from the room to the paddock in ten strides. It's 8:45 pm and I am writing this from a Starbucks, just cooling out from a hard days work. It's great to sit and write all this stuff, hit send, and my writing enters the stratosphere. If you are home Saturday and don't want to battle the crowds at a simulcast or track outlet, power up your computer, put up you wagering site, and get tied on for another great day of racing.
All the best, and get plenty of rest for Saturday. "The Wiz"