The Night Before the Cup

Just Before Dawn

It's the night before day one of the Breeder's Cup. I was up and at Churchill before dawn. I went to the public workouts. Today was the day the fans were allowed in to see them. There were times I was wishing I were here as an "important photographer with a badge" and I was little jealous when I walked by a group of media people wearing theirs. But first of all, I am a fan. I get some joy with every hoofbeat and every breath of the animals galloping by. I could watch them forever.  I don't need a badge to experience that. Tomorrow and Friday I'm in a  seat down on the track near the finish line, so I don't even need a badge to be on the front row.

Irrefutable

I said I was going to talk to and photograph fans, I  talked, but I didn't photograph. I'll do better at that tomorrow. Melissa and Jackie were there and I talked to them. Melissa must have at least 1,000,000 workout photos. I talked to another badgeless photographer that I know from Saratoga. She's a fan too. I talked to 2 cousins from Pennsylvania who were all decked out with horse covered purses and wearing Uncle Mo Jackets and having a really good time. I did tell them I had seen Mo in his stall, but kept the story telling controlled. I talked to another woman in the gift shop wearing a Breeder's Cup beret who told me Kroger Supermarkets were selling Breeder's Cup merchandise for less than at the track. I went there and bought a hat for $15. They were out of glasses. Most of my pictures were too dark. I need to work on that.

Rags 2 Riches

It started raining and everyone scattered. I found a Kroger on my GPS and went there. It wasn't exactly in the best neighborhood in Louisville. I passed an exotic dancer supply store.Did you ever hear of that? I suppose they need stuff. There is an exercise rider at Saratoga who is also an exotic dancer. 

Then I went to the Rags 2 Riches antique and furniture store. My horse fan brain thought it must have horsey stuff in it, but it didn't. I tried to ask the proprieter if she was a horse racing fan but she wasn't exactly is a talkative mood. 

I left there and went to Murphy's Camera and drooled at all the stuff I couldn't afford. I bought my photo printer and a couple of cameras there, but it was the first time I was ever in the store. If you need something while you're here you can find it at http://murphyscamera.com/. Ask for the Skip Dickstein discount.

Pink Nails

I ended my Rainy day in Louisville with a mani and pedi cure. How do you like those fingernails?

Now it's time to handicap. I really haven't done any. Plus My cats bet on cat horses and any money one goes to Old friends Cabin Creek. I'm still looking for tips and I'm still looking for fans. I'll be there tomorrow looking for anyone who wants to talk  and express their racing passion  too me.  I could use a little  for me.

Connie

PS Mr. Cowboy has his first ever race tomorrow. Last Sunday's race was rained out. I can't believe I'm missing it. I hope Aqueduct is simulcast  at Churchill. He told me he was going to run very fast.

Halfway to the Cup

Zenyatta

Gracie and I are on our way to the Breeder's Cup. Gracie is my new car, named after this year's filly in the classic, Havre de Grace.  I left Saratoga this morning after stopping by barn 44 to see Mr. Cowboy. He's racing Friday and I'm going to miss it. Hopefully it will be simulcast at Churchill.

Last year the reason to go was to see Zenyatta . Luckily a  media friend of mine helped me sneak in the backside and I was able to get really close to her. She walked over to me and others, and looked my camera in the eye.  I saw the great Zenyatta, talked to the Mosses and walked on the hallowed dirt of the track. Thursday morning was the highlight of my trip.

 Churchill 

This year, I'll be front side  and I'm looking forward to it. Look for me somewhere around  the finish line where the light is brightest. I'll be carrying cameras and wearing a Green and Yellow Old Friends Cabin Creek hat.  I'm by myself so I'll want to talk. I'll try not to show off with my photography stories. I want to know why you came, who you're looking for, your favorite horse and of course any hot tip you may have. I hope we will see some astounding horses and go home with some new horsey heroes. And maybe I'll swap tips and stories with some astounding fans.

Connie