First off - subscribe to my blog - you can do so at the bottom right hand side by entering your email into the box and clicking subscribe. I don't get a list of subscribers just a number - so you remain private. Only you know. It's really close to the magic number so that I can announce the contest to give away my Winning Colors Kentucky Tavern print.

I got up early Saturday to head to Keeneland with a friend to make our bets. Of course you know I bet on Denis of Cork - just really like that guy. I also placed bets on Macho Again and Guadalcanal (why not?). Our combined trifecta bet included Tale of Ekati and Big Brown - because our thoughts were that we can't not include him - though I felt there wasn't much reason to include him. You may think that crazy or even asinine but my thoughts were heavily becoming - that his connections had basically slapped karma in the face for 5 weeks running.

I left Keeneland for a little grocery shopping for snacks and alcohol for the day to entertain a few friends that would be by later for viewing the last leg of the Triple Crown. I arrived at home with above goodies and my lunch from Culver's (have you had their butter burger? It's better than any other fast food burger and). I sat down to enjoy my tasty non PETA friendly lunch in my leather flip-flops and commemorative Affirmed Belmont t-shirt I got in Saratoga a couple of years ago (and yes I had pants on - shorts actually) and watch the ESPN coverage of the Belmont under card.

I was pleased they showed races that weren't just stakes. I usually forgo coverage by ESPN, NBC, ABC any other BC to stick with TVG because I get tired of the corny and the basically non-entertaining (to me) coverage provided by any cable or regular networks. I usually put TVG on - mute the commentary and go about my day in the house and keeping my eye out for post time of the races. But today was different. I stopped TVG when ESPN came on knowing that there would be airing permission conflict - and not in the mood to deal with flipping back in forth. I wanted to hear it all this year. The year that I've told myself to watch as if I were still dying to be in the business. I want to feel like I did watching from my parents house in NM.

You might guess it's hard to get that feeling at 38 and being actually involved in the Thoroughbred Industry for going on 15 years this July (I cannot believe that it's been this long). It can be very hard but it can be done. It wasn't long into the telecast that I was nearly ready to just go back to mute and monitor. Not because of the ESPN crew - I honestly enjoyed them especially Rece Davis and Joe Tessitore. What was driving me nuts was Hank Goldberg (because he doesn't speak well for live TV - hasn't ever and is worse now and that kind of thing begins ruining the telecast) and the Big Brown crew. I had told myself - it's ok if Big Brown wins the Triple Crown. You don't have to say he's as good as Affirmed, Billy. He is far from that talent but it's ok to want a winner. Those words to myself went away when all the Dutrow and Iavarone comments, cockiness, lack of class and common sense began to be showed to me again.

When we switched from ESPN to ABC and I had to watch the same previously aired pieces from earlier in the day - plus they didn't bother to show the Manhattan S.-G1 (there were 3 Grade 1 races at Belmont on Saturday - one, the Acorn S. for 3-year-old fillies had 4 horses - they showed it on ESPN - and skipped the full field Manhattan on turf on ABC) - I was bitter and bitchy again.

I began thinking there is no way karma will let them win. If he does - I'll acknowledge it and think he must be so good that even karma in her infinite knowledge can't touch him. Maybe she is fully thinking - it's worth it if only for Kent Desormeaux' son who is reported to eventually lose his sight due to his unfortunate and simply unfair disease. That would be the only reason to grant the win.

The race went off and you all know what happened. Karma bitch slapped them all. People want to blame Kent for the ride. He's been blamed for PLENTY of rides in the past believe me. When they announced Big Brown was pulled up and the previously un-Grade 1 quality Da'Tara bounded away like a deer in a meadow - it was obvious to me that you do not mess (and yes I wanted to use a different more graphic word there) with karma - just like Mother Nature. I cheered on Denis of Cork to 2nd and didn't care that I was not going to cash a monster ticket with the favorite off the board. I saw the image of Big Brown being pulled up and could see that he was not in distress or lame - he was pissed off yes - but he was ok. I was happy.

So if you are one of those people questioning Saturday's supposed disappointment - just remember a few simple things.

1. If you are proud of something? Show your pride - not your ass.
2. If you think you are better than everyone that has ever gone your path in the past - be honored to be  
       included in that group - and keep your mouth shut.
3. If you are trying to be something you're not - and ANYONE can find out you're a liar. You
       shouldn't have lied.
4. If you are on track for a monumental historic moment and all you can think to do is tell
       everyone you are unbeatable - then you've already been beat.

And the last thing I'm going to say is - do not try to make yourself warm and fuzzy, caring and loving 6 weeks too late. Hire someone who knows how to clean you up. Congratulations to everyone who ran their horses on Saturday with class, professionalism and heart - the rest of you could learn something.

go sign the petition against the silly change in the Breeders' Cup card (re: Ladies Day) at Jessica Chapel)