Possible Venue for March 14

[JolyB]

As the countdown to the Kentucky Derby continues [52 days and counting], it makes sense for us to follow the trail of major Derby preps. This Saturday that trail would take us to Cal's neighborhood to visit Oaklawn Park in beautiful Hot Springs, Arkansas. That is if Cal will allow us to visit.

The racing card will feature the Grade 2 Rebel, with a purse increased to $1,000,000 and will also include the Grade 2 Azeri and the Essex Handicap, both offering purses of $350,000.

Entries for Saturday's card will be drawn on Wednesday, and I will post the actual contest card shortly thereafter.

Since the feature is the Rebel, I've included a link to a rock & roll instrumental from 1958 played by Duane Eddy on his twangy guitar and called Rebel Rouser. Perhaps some of you remember listening to it or even dancing to it waaaaay back when.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nS_hFfucAAs

[cal828]

It has been beautiful here the last couple of days. Really it looks like Spring has Sprung, but I doubt that we are out of the woods weather wise just yet. Temperature has been in the high 70s.

On my way to the supermarket I couldn't help but observe a huge number of trees with white blossoms blooming. The ones that are in peoples yards are Bartlett Pear trees, but have never been able to figure out what the white ones out in the forest growing wild are. Will have to look that up on the internet. I used to think they were wild plum trees, but that cannot be right. Plum trees are tiny and these are big trees. Whatever they are they are particularly beautiful this year. We get these trees with the white blooms first and then as time goes on in the Spring, redbud trees bloom and after that dogwoods. Probably more than anyone ever wanted to know about the flora of Arkansas.

[DonGuido]

Originally Posted by cal828

It has been beautiful here the last couple of days. Really it looks like Spring has Sprung, but I doubt that we are out of the woods weather wise just yet. Temperature has been in the high 70s.

On my way to the supermarket I couldn't help but observe a huge number of trees with white blossoms blooming. The ones that are in peoples yards are Bartlett Pear trees, but have never been able to figure out what the white ones out in the forest growing wild are. Will have to look that up on the internet. I used to think they were wild plum trees, but that cannot be right. Plum trees are tiny and these are big trees. Whatever they are they are particularly beautiful this year. We get these trees with the white blooms first and then as time goes on in the Spring, redbud trees bloom and after that dogwoods. Probably more than anyone ever wanted to know about the flora of Arkansas.

A real sign of Spring. The Callery Pear and Bradford Pear trees are going bonkers around here with abundant white blossoms, the Redbuds are coming out and many other elms and oaks are just starting to shoot out leaf buds. In the low 80's here and very enjoyable to be outside but before ya know it the blast furnace of 100's will be back.

[DonGuido]

Originally Posted by JolyB

As the countdown to the Kentucky Derby continues [52 days and counting], it makes sense for us to follow the trail of major Derby preps. This Saturday that trail would take us to Cal's neighborhood to visit Oaklawn Park in beautiful Hot Springs, Arkansas. That is if Cal will allow us to visit.

The racing card will feature the Grade 2 Rebel, with a purse increased to $1,000,000 and will also include the Grade 2 Azeri and the Essex Handicap, both offering purses of $350,000.

Entries for Saturday's card will be drawn on Wednesday, and I will post the actual contest card shortly thereafter.

Since the feature is the Rebel, I've included a link to a rock & roll instrumental from 1958 played by Duane Eddy on his twangy guitar and called Rebel Rouser. Perhaps some of you remember listening to it or even dancing to it waaaaay back when.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nS_hFfucAAs

Duane Eddy, now that brings back real childhood memories. Great song. And the Oaklawn area in beautiful all year'round but especially in the Spring. Patty and I were there the year Azeri won her 3rd Apple Blossom. She was very special. Hands down, I vote for Oaklawn.

[cal828]

It's good that you guys are coming to Hot Springs for the Rebel even if it is only through electronic means. It too bad your are not going to be here in the flesh. Then you could go down to Bathhouse Row and see how Hot Springs makes it living which is selling water which is sometimes hot and sometimes cold to the visitors. The hot water is of course the baths and cold water is bottled by the Mountain Valley Water Company. It is said that when Afleet Alex was at Oaklawn, he never drank anything but Mountain Valley Water.

As for the baths, I have never had one except the conventional kind at home. Natives don't do those kinds of things. That's only for the tourists.

I wish I could say that Oaklawn might be kinder to me since it is my home track, but I cannot claim any special privilege there. They shamelessly take my money just like that of anybody else.

[JolyB]

My wife and I had the pleasure of visiting Hot Springs a few years ago, but we never tried the thermal baths or drank Mountain Valley Water. We did the touristy things such as visiting the National Park visitor center along Bathhouse Row, enjoying the view from the Mountain Tower, having a lavish brunch at the Arlington, staying at a delightful place on Lake Hamilton and instead of drinking Mountain Valley Water, we sampled a local brew made by [I think] the Superior Bathhouse Brewery. I was anticipating the taste of sulphur, but it was pretty good.

We intentionally missed the Gangster Museum of America, which may have been a mistake given the reputation of the city during prohibition as a hangout for some rather unsavory characters.

Of course, we also went to Oaklawn and generously contributed to the local economy. The enthusiasm of the local crowd was remarkable. Unfortunately, in the years since then my ability to handicap races at Oaklawn hasn't gotten much better, so I may be bringing up the rear this Saturday.

[JolyB]

I've tarried long enough in announcing the contest card for Saturday, so here it is:

We are playing Oaklawn Park, but only Races 2 through 11. That provides us with an interesting 10 race card, including the Essex, the Azeri and the Rebel. Post time for Race 2 will be 1:06 PM Central time. Hope to see all of you there.

[Real Quiet]

The races will be run with no spectators but the casino will remain open. Ummm yeah. That makes sense.