DERBY: I HAD FUNNY CIDE LAST YR, THIS YEAR ???

In the 70s thru late 80s I wrote a lot of racing systems and handicapping articles for racing/gambling mags. (Like Amer Turf and Gambling Times, to name just 2) While at that, I devised a Ky Derby system that I never published, just for my own private play. I like price, and the Derby, in contrast to the chalky Preakness a few weeks later, is a race when double digits come in frequently.

I don't win every year, of course. Some years I don't have a play at all. Other year's - like last year - I have two or three. Last year I had Funny Cide, the $27.60 winner, and the horse that ran fourth.

In 86 I won with Ferdinand, $37.50 (in contrast to the Seabiscuit soap opera, this poor beast not long ago met his death in a Japanese slaughterhouse.) In 93 I hit withSea Hero, $27.80; in 95, Thunder Gulch, $51; and last year with Funny Cide. Not many, but the prices have me well ahead of the Derby,.plus I've sometimes hit the place and show spots with good prices.

This year I am on three horses: READ THE FOOTNOTES; SMARTY JONES; and POLLARD'S VISION.
Smarty is this year's tearjerker, horse from wrong side of track, etc, so he'll pull a lot of public money. But he has run well of an off-track, and Churchill promised to be wet on Saturday afternoon. But Pollard's Vision can also handle slop - broke his maiden by 12 last year on it, at The Spa. So right now I'm lookin' to put around half my straight $$ on Pollard, and 25% each on Read and Smarty. And I'll make a little basket of small exotic wagers as well.

I will note that I've never won two years in a row with this method, so beware. But if it wins, hey, don't thank me!! It's payback, I've gotten some good info on offshore books on this site, and the discussion boards.

Best of luck in 2004

I was going to bet a substantial sum on the winning horse last year but decided NOT to bet it last minute.

WHY IN THE WORLD WAS A KENTUCKY DERBY WINNER CHOPPED UP IN A SLAUGHTERHOUSE?

Yes, while the public loves the equine soap operas like Seabiscuit, and Carry Back some years prior, the reality is that even a champion horse, a Derby winner for instance, is a financial burden to owners if they fail at stud, or age robs their potency. Such was the case with Ferdinand.

I still remember his slipping through on the rail in deep strecth, under the old master, Bill Shoemaker, now deceased. But unless an owner has a heart, when the horse becomes just a hay burner, he could end up like Ferdinand. Sad, but that is more the reality of modern horse racing than feel good stuff like the 'Biscuit.

There are foundations that give the gallant old thorougbreds, not all champions eithr, a nice ranch home in their old age. CERF, in Calif, is one. Had such groups known of the Ferdinand situation, they would have bought the animal and retired him. But he fell through the cracks, and ended up on the menu in a Tokyo eatery.

I knew those were whip marks on that steak, just can't trust those lying Japanese. Waiter said they were grill marks. No more Japanese steakhouses for me. Teriyaki Ferdinand. What's next Nemo Sushi? Best Wishes...OF

Bet long shots. Looks like they will have to swim to the finish.