Dates of The Trip: November 1-2
Location: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
Friday:
We were excited for the first day at the Breeders Cup and what an incredible experience the event turned out to be. Racing started at 11:00 AM, and being from the East Coast, I was already ready for racing action at 4:00 AM. Once we arrived at the track, I spent the morning reading over the racing tip sheet and preparing my bets for the day. As I look over the tip sheet, I fall in love with the 10th horse in the 9th race, Chancer McPatrick. I decided Chancer would be my “bet of the day."
Around 9:00 AM I am anxious for the racing to begin; my bets are planned, my suit is on, and I feel I could win some money. I find a nice place across from the racetrack for breakfast before I head to my seat. I knew I was at the Breeders Cup because I saw trainer Michael Maker at the restaurant. As I read the racing form, he approaches me. He taps me on the shoulder and asks who I like on the day. Eager to talk, we entered into a discussion on my bet of the day, Chancer McPatrick.
In my explanation, I tell him that I am expecting the race to be speed heavy, which should hopefully set up favorably for the late-breaking running style of Chancer. After a while, Michael reveals his identity as a trainer and tells me he appreciates my handicapping in the race. Michael further explains that he has a horse running today in the 4th race. He believes this horse should go off on long odds but loves their chances. After this conversation, another great bet was circled on my tip sheet.
After breakfast, I take the 2-minute Uber to the track and make my way to the gates. As we walk up, bands are playing, and the crowd is all dressed in pressed suits and flowing dresses. It almost feels as if we are all famous and attending a red carpet event. We found our seats, and they came with an incredible view. Before long, some of the other patrons in our section began to fill in. We meet fellow horse racing fans and know we will become friends with them all over the next two days. Eager not to let my new friends down, I excitedly tell them my two bets for the day.
Friday races begin with three relatively uneventful undercard races. In these races I didn't win anything but kept the bankroll small, losing $30-$40 a race. Then, the first big race of the day, race four. This race featured the trainer's tip given to me earlier in the day. With all of my section wagering alongside me, we hold our breath as the horses enter the gate. One minute later, my horse finished the race in last place. My section made sure to tease me (lightheartedly) for my bad tip. This was not my greatest start.
Luckily for me, the main event is slated at the beginning of the Breeder’s Cup. With a crowd of 40,000 people, race five is almost set to begin. The first selection of elite two-year-olds lines up into the gate; you can feel the crowd collectively hold their breath. Let the Breeder’s Cup begin!
Races 5, 6, 7, and 8 go by, and I still have not won any of my bets. Race nine comes along; this is the bet I was most excited about. I make my way to the betting window and ask for “$150 for 10 to win the next race." With the nerves of another bet placed, I head back to my seat. This time, less confidently, I still urge my fellow section members to play it with me. The race finally begins, and the worst comes true: Chancer is never competitive and finishes far from the lead. My wallet takes another hit, and my reputation in the section takes an even bigger one.
As Friday's races wind down, I check my pocket and find I have about $800 less than I did when I started the day. This is not my best work. On my walk home, I remember I did drink six $25 beverages during the day. Maybe all the booze in me will make my wagering losses much more palatable at $650 instead of $800. Onto Saturday at the Breeders Cup!
Fun Scorecard: A-
Gambling Score Card: C-