Closing Week Of The Fall Season

A Week At Churchill Downs

November 17 - 21

I am so very ready to return to the daily handicapping and playing the races at the Gulfstream Championship Meet!  I looked ahead at what stakes were running on Saturday and saw it was a really light weekend.  So I made the decision to satisfy my daily handicapping itch and get in my plays for the final week over a five day span instead of just Saturday by playing all week at Churchill Downs.  Here's how the week played out....

Wednesday 
There were races carded for the day and I played eight of them.  But I had minimum bets in three of them, including the first two.  So I decided to play a Daily Double and a Pick-3.  Haydens Havoc ran away with the opener and Osbourne was able to score in the second.  Cashed on a $6 bet on the early double by playing the 1 with three horses in the second....cost $6, collected $6.40.  LOL - but it's a win and a profit, albeit in dimes :)  For the Pick 3 I had a triple investment on 1/5 favorite Steely Danza but after tracking the 15/1 front runner into the lane he couldn't get by.  Really?  Sigh.

Passed the fourth and missed at 7/2 in the fifth and ran 2nd with the 3/5 favorite in the 6th.  The price play of the day was in the seventh, a starter allowance where I went against prohibitive favorite Inthemidstofbiz who looked too quick for these.  BUT....I thought there might be just enough speed to soften him up and with the long Churchill stretch, I thought Flat Awesome Jenny - who was on a five race winning streak - could run her down.  Exactly, EXACTLY as I had foreseen, except there was another late runner with "my Jenny" and it was a photo, but I got the bob and cashed for nearly $40 to close out the first day of the week.

Thursday 
Another nine race card and I had six plays.  Again I tried to make some money by playing a couple of Pick-3 tickets.  Missed in the second after passing the first when the 6/5 choice ran fourth.  In the third it was the BET of the Week as not only did Thomas Shelby look far better than his rivals, but he was the lone speed AND drew the rail.  Right to the front and kissed this field a merry Thursday afternoon at 2/5.  I played the "ALL" in the second leg of the P-3 and wouldn't you know it, the 1/2 favorite won.  Sigh....in the final leg my pick, Opus Equus was bet down from the morning line to be odds on and was well played in the Pick-3 pool.  But I'm "smarter than the average bear" (as Yogi Bear used to say!) and I upped the bet on 'Equus.  He lasted after dueling through the lane and so I cashed on the WIN ticket and the Pick-3 to profit on the combined investments.

Came right back to win the sixth with Little Menace who went right to the front, got headed but re-rallied and opened up late.  I had another Pick-3 sequence going with Bagboss in the 7gh, a MSW sprint going just 5 1/2 furlongs.  He proved well worth the triple investment as the 3/5 favorite never was in danger.  I played a double with him and my pick in the eighth.  Of course - ran second to lose both multiple race wagers.  But it was a good day with FOUR outright winners, and a P-3.

Friday 
Today proved to be the day that "made the week."  I scored in the opener when Tizafeelin came to the front runner at the top of the lane, appeared unable to get by, then at the 16th pole found another gear and ran by late.  Passed on the second and missed in the third.

The fourth was a maiden claiming event for two-year-olds and after scanning the entries it was my opinion that there wasn't anyone in here who held a true edge over the rest.  But it caught my eye that trainer Steve Asmussen was sending out Ridgepoint for this mid-level $30K tag with hot riding Tyler Gaffalione on board.  He was 30/1 in the DRF program and I noted that I'd be playing him unless he was cold in the betting.  With ten minutes to post time he was not getting much action at 8/1 and I thought, well, I'll just watch.  But just to be sure I checked both the double and pick-3 pools.  In both he was the second choice.  Good enough for me!  Went with the win ticket and immediately he was in the thick of it.  Turning for home I didn't know if he'd be able to hold off the horse cruising up on the outside, but when asked he kicked away with authority.....and at a big 6/1 price!  Cashed for nearly $40 and wished I'd upped the wager.

Passed the fifth and lost the sixth before coming to what I termed the "DAY-MAKER" play in the seventh, another maiden special for juveniles.  As I noted in my analysis, I wouldn't have been surprised if the favorite won.  But I just didn't like that he'd be going to the front and he'd yet been able to hold on to the wire.  AND today he was going an additional furlong.  Brad Cox was sending out a 2yo son of Classic Empire, and I've seen several of his youngsters win this year.  The seven panels seemed a good fit for Rocket Dawg and that the connections had laid out $375K for him told me someone thought he could run.  Jockey Florent Geroux had him mid-pack to the turn when he swept up quickly and inhaled horses to take command turning for home.  Opened up and ran away as MUCH the best.  And, he paid 9/2 odds meaning I'd cash for well over $50 on my last winner of the day!  WHOOOO HOOOO.

Saturday 
Today, after again looking at the other tracks running today, I confined my bets to just the races in Louisville.  Passed two of the first three while missing as the 6/5 favorite in the 2nd race when finishing as the runner-up.  In the fourth Money Mike looked VERY obvious.  So much so that I decided to play a straight, $5 - yes, five dollar - Daily Double with my top choice in the fifth Li'l Tootsie.  'Mike cruised to a daylight lead right out of the gate and when challenged at the top of the stretch opened up to run away impressively.  I was hoping to get a price on both the WIN and Double ticket as 'Tootsie was 5/1 in the program but she was played down to 6/5 with minutes before post time.  But as they left the gate she floated up to better than 2/1.  When she rallied last to first and drew off I was able to cash for nearly $25 on the Double ticket and another $30 and change on the WIN bet.  VERY WELL played Mr. Mark!

Missed with three straight before Kim and I headed out to the Florida Panthers game.  During the first intermission I opened up my Xpressbet app and watched the replay of the 10th, the featured Grade 3 Chilukki Stakes going a one-turn mile.  I liked Obligatory who was unbeaten at Churchill Downs and had won the Grade 2 Eight Belles at a huge 16/1 price last spring as my "Day Maker" play.  I'll grant you that she had two dud races since then, but she also had three sharp efforts.  That she was running under the Twin Spires and there looked to be a contested pace in front of her made her a solid choice for me.  I tripled the bet.  She was near the back through sizzling opening half mile splits then glided up five wide into the lane picking off horses one by one.  As she reached the leaders there would be no duel as she inhaled them and drew off without being asked through the final 16th for my third winner of the day.

In an interesting twist, while online during the break I was checking to see who had "liked" the photo of Kim and I at the game when I noted CBS-4 anchor Karli Barnett (who I've communicated a lot) was hosting another Saturday night live chat.  I opened it up and said Hi, noting I was at the Panther game.  Note the response below :)

Sunday 
The final day of the week and after the way the first four days had gone I just had "that feeling" that perhaps today the numbers would even out a bit.  In watching the pre-race day analysis show, the CD handicapper commented that my choice in the third, Lady Scarlett looked like the EASIEST of winners, so I noted that.  Missed on the first bet in the second then upped the bet on that filly in the third.  Ironically as they turned for home she was challenged by a first time starter, Vow, who I'd seen being offered for sale by Myracehorse.com but I opted not to because of the high price.  She came right to my choice before 'Scarlet let it out a notch and ran away to score.  I cashed for almost $25 on what turned out to be my lone winner of the day.

For the week I cashed on over 41% of my picks and netted a profit of $50 for anyone who followed along!

Churchill Downs Highlights

November 17-21

Social Media This Week

While playing at Churchill Downs I contacted hottie handicapper Acacia Courtney twice while she hosted "America's Day at the Races" which featured the Churchill Downs live card.

I got a kick out of the fact that my favorite gal-pal anchor, Lauren Pastrana posted that she was "saving for later" a post from the the CBS Sports anchor who had said "we should all just listen to Lauren."  So I replied and she noted my reply.  Then later we were in touch when she noted the Gator orange and blue sunset.

I mentioned above that Saturday at the Florida Panthers Game I'd said "Hi" to Karli Barnett from the arena.  When I got home, obviously the "LIVE" chat was over, but you can watch the video.  I had noted about how long she'd been on the air, and sure enough, right after I posted my greeting online she'd smiled, said Hi to me and noted I had reached out from the arena.  I just think that's cool.

Late Saturday night Karli was hosting the late news and I reached out to her noting that her Georgia Bulldogs had won, my Florida Panthers had won, and she'd hosted a live chat (which I was a part of) - and I said it was a great Saturday.  Not just a "like" but a reply back.  Again, to ME, that was cool :)

November 18

 Racing Weekend - Post Breeders' Cup

The weather was SUPPOSED to be cooler on Saturday so I planned on a day at Gulfstream since Kim was out of town.  Then the cold front was delayed by nearly two days so I ended up playing at the Sunrise Simulcast Center.  I smiled in the morning when I got a text from my youngest son Brad who'd played the races with me last weekend for the Breeders' Cup.  He asked if I had handicapped for the day and when I sent him my picks he replied a bit later that his betting app, FanDuel, didn't offer all the tracks I was playing but the ones that it did offer he was betting today.  Think I may now have TWO sons that enjoy playing the ponies like their Dad!  After a fading third at even money in the Aqueduct opener I was able to score with FOUR in a row!  The opener at Gulfstream saw one of my favorite riders, Chantal Sutherland - who's moved to So Fla for the summer, and I hope she's here over the winter - romp on board Papi Bello.  As you can see, Chantal is not only a talented rider, but she's a model, no...she really is...and has the looks to carry on that career.  I wondered what kind of ride we'd get with Javier Castellano on Rally Squirrel on the turf at Aqueduct and he reverted to his former Hall of Fame talents as he wired the field in a masterful ride on the front end.  Scored in Gulfstream's second when Bronx edged clear late after a stretch duel, and capped the sequence when Alberta Sun drew off in the Churchill Downs opener.

Papi Bellow EASILY In Gulfstream Opener

Rally Squirrel Wire-To-Wire At The Big A

Bronx Prevails In GP Stretch Duel

Upped The Investment And Scored With Alberta Sun In Louisville Opener

Missed on two before the second at Churchill.  Ring Me Darling was described as "very tough to beat" in the pre-race handicapping show, but you had to wonder when she was near the back heading into the far turn.  Swept up and blew by the field to score easily as the short-priced favorite.  Was surprised when the 1-2 favorite was only fourth in the next at Churchill before I got on the board at Laurel.  Princess Kokachin looked best but also looked to have company on the front end.  She'd shown the ability to press and finish and the rider cleverly read the pace scenario to take that approach.  Sat right off the leader through the turn and then drew off as much the best.

Ring Me Darling BLOWS BY The Field In Churchill's Second

Princess Kokachin OPENS UP To Give Me My First Win In Maryland

Missed on the next four before picking up my first stakes win at Laurel in The Smart Halo, a six furlong sprint for two-year-olds.  Buy The Best sat off the pace to the far turn, then accelerated to the front and blew by to run away as easily best.  AND at a very nice 2/1 price.  Wish I'd had more confidence and had at least doubled the play here.  Happy Medium was a prohibitive favorite in the eighth at Aqueduct and when she turned for home she ran to her odds.  And I capped my second multi-race winning streak with my second stakes win - again at Laurel, and again in a 2yo stakes sprint.  Local Motive was the top choice of ALL THREE online handicappers.  And while he had "paired Beyers" that were among the best on the page, neither were wins.  AND three back he'd been pulled up as the 4/5 favorite.  Which runner would we get today?  He pressed the pace between horses through the turn, moved to the front three-wide and looked clear.  But then an 11/1 shot came flying down the middle of the track - PHOTO FINISH!

Buy The Best Gives Me My First Stakes Winner Today

Happy Medium Stays Unbeaten With A WIN At Aqueduct

Local Motive HOLDS ON In The JW Lewis At Laurel

He held on, narrowly and at a very nice 3/1 price.  Again, I wish I'd upped the bet, but still cashed for over $20 with the minimum bet.  The difference in the bottom line came over the next hour and a half and half a dozen races where I ran 2nd once and finished off the board in the following races.  Add in that nine of the eleven winners on the day were short prices and that was the difference between winning money AND having a big win percentage, or just the percentage.  The final two wins came in Louisville and the last one was the BET of the Day.  In the ninth Girl With A Dream trailed the field into the far turn but swept up four wide to collar the leader at the 16th pole and then edged clear to score.  And in the featured event, the Dream Supreme I won with Bell's The One.  The race looked to be a re-match between my top pick and her arch rival Sconsin.  But that one scratched out and with that being the case I upped the investment from a double bet to a "BET of the Day" wager.  Even though the early pace was hot, I still was concerned when she was STILL in the back as the field hit the far turn.  I thought the winning move came when jockey Corey Lanerie opted to stay inside through the turn, saving ground before easing into the clear at the top of the lane.  Caught the filly who'd run second two her narrowly last time out in a Keeneland graded event and edged clear late.  How this "Horse-for-the-Course" went from 1/5 as they approached the gate, in a six horse field, while dropping from a Grade 1 win to a $100K listed event to leave the post at 4/5 is beyond me.  But I was delighted to take all the money from  "value players" and cashed for over $50.

Last To First Takes Girl With A Dream To The Winner's Circle

BIG WIN In The Feature With The BEST BET of The Day!

On the day I had 42% winners and I was very content with that.

Saturday November 13 Highlights

Social Media This Week....

My online friendship connections this week could be characterized by and large as a "Karli Week," as it was CBS-4 anchor personality Karli Barnett that I hooked up with most.  Early in the week it was Sha Hilbon's birthday.  She is a gal-pal from my days at Cypress Bay.  Such a sweetheart and I could always count on her to be a hard working member of the Graduation Team as we put on graduations for the largest graduating classes in the country, truly we were the biggest in the country multiple years.

Then on Saturday as I played the races I had on the Georgia Bulldogs game.  They are clearly the best team in the country, and they are the alma mater for Karli Barnett.  I tweeted out to her that I was supporting her 'Dawgs and over the course of the afternoon we exchanged multiple tweets.

After the racing was over and the Georgia game had ended we were watching the late college game when I opened Facebook to discover that Karli and her gal-pal, meteorologist Jennifer Correa were having a Saturday Night Live Chat on Facebook.  So I chirped in about the Georgia Bulldogs and Kari noted my comment, adding "Love that!"  And then later the conversation turned to the Buckys franchise which is chain of stores which are mega-service stations.  I'd first been exposed to them in Houston where my oldest lived for a while.  These places have some twenty to thirty gas pumps, but inside it is a Deli, a restaurant, and almost the size of a supermarket.  My favorite treat there were the spicy "Bucky Bites" which were like cheese curls that are HOT.  So I commented to that affect and again, my girl Karli noted my contribution with, "Mark is talking about Buckys" with a smile.

And then after the chat was over I messaged Karli to tell her how much I'd enjoyed the chat and she messaged me back.  I get it, it's me....but I find that very cool :)

Finally, on Sunday CBS was broadcasting a live Adele concert which - with the NFL games - was pushing back the start of Karli's 11pm newscast.  So I responded to her comment that I'd be waiting up.  To be fair, I tried and was up until almost 11:20 before I passed out.  Sorry Karli, I tried :)

Breeders' Cup Weekend

 November 5 - 7, 2021

After spending the first half of the week in Ohio - flew home on Tuesday evening - we headed over to Cape Coral for a birthday party for my young grandson, Anthony and to see my oldest son, Jeff's season finale football game.  But it was also Breeders' Cup Weekend!  While at the game, on the sidelines I was simultaneously watching and wagering on the "Future Stars Friday" card.  Was a great weekend from start to finish.  Here's how it played out.

Kim and I arrived at the restaurant to meet my daughter-in-law and grandson for a bite to eat and the first race of the day had gone off.  Last March trainer Bob Baffert had unveiled 3yo Triple Tap who left the gate at 1/9 going the demanding 7f distance and he romped home.  BUT, that was the last we saw of him.  Returning today with sharp works I thought if he was ready, he would be tough to beat.  As the field headed into the far turn he was near the back and looked very much out of it.  But suddenly jockey Mike Smith got busy on him and he was passing horses quickly.  He was five wide into the lane but had made his way up into fourth.  Still, too much work to do it would appear, but then he found yet another gear and blew by the rest of the field and won not only going away, but in hand and motored down.  VERY impressive for just his second start and coming off a layoff.

I was off the board in the next three, the 2nd and 4th being stakes and the 6th being the first Breeders' Cup event, the BC Juvenile Turf Sprint.  The seventh was the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies and Echo Zulu was my BEST BET of the day.  Echo Zulu had debuted in late July at Saratoga and was my top choice as a Blue Chip Trainer Angle for trainer Steve Asmussen.  She'd paid a nice 4/1 price that day, and from that day on she was the "buzz filly" and everyone was excited to see her run back in the Grade 1 Spinaway on closing weekend.  She romped that day going seven furlongs and again in the Grade 1 Frizzette at Belmont going a one-turn mile.  And that was my ONLY concern - she'd never been two turns before.  But as a daughter of Breeders' Cup Classic and Pegasus World Cup champion Gunrunner I had little doubt she could get the trip.  Right to the front and won impressively.

Next up was the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf.  In looking at the card, I'd felt very strongly that Echo Zulu would make a solid SINGLE in a multi-race wager.  I had a longshot win bet in the 7th, which ran third at 5/1, and I felt that the 9th race was a two-horse affair between Jack Christopher and Corniche.  On Friday morning, Jack Christopher scratched out.  So I decided that the Juvenile Filly Turf was wide open enough that it was worth an "ALL" play on the ticket and I'd single the front and back end of the Pick 3.  So I'm alive!  In the middle leg my horse looked to be making a winning move, but was outfinished by a 9/1 winner up the rail - that's good for my Pick-3 play!  The Breeders' Cup Juvenile was next, and typically the winner is immediately crowned the Kentucky Derby favorite for next spring.  But the obvious choice - I thought as did most bettors - was Bob Baffert's talented 3yo, Corniche who is ineligible to earn Kentucky Derby points because of the current yet-to-be-settled legal dispute between Churchill Downs and Bob Baffert, involving 2021 Derby winner Medina Spirit.  Such a mess.  But despite drawing post 12, I thought he was going to be MUCH the best.  Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith asked him for a quick burst of speed and he immediately cleared the field.  Looked to be taking pressure into the far turn but when heads turned for home he opened up and was clearly best!  Cashed on my triple investment AND the Pick-3.  ALL the while standing on the sidelines at the high school football game - the wonders of technology.

THE major story coming out of the Breeders' Cup for 2021 was about to unfold in the most unlikely of manners.  In the Grade 1 Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf I liked Modern Games who was 5/1 in the program.  He looked like a solid Euro pick and he had a strong angle for trainer Charlie Appleby, who's been on fire with his Euro imports, who had won this race twice before with colts who had form nearly identical to his.  I liked Tiz The Bomb at a price second, and he was also a "hunch play" as in 2015 I'd won this race with Hit It A Bomb who paid $16.40....yes, Tiz The Bomb was his son!  They got all fourteen juveniles in the gate and then the #2 flipped over.  Began backing them all out while trying to get that colt on his feet and out.  At that time, Modern Games was now the 2/1 post time favorite.  Because he was right next to the struggling horse, the starter walked him out the front of the gate.  The announcers told everyone that the #2 was scratched.  The horses circled around and then there seemed to be some hold up and confusion as the jockeys got of and/or the circling continued.  The announcers then said, "We've just got word that #1 Modern Games is scratched, but that's not confirmed."  Then on the odds board the odds for #1 went to "---" indicating a scratch.  "It's official, Modern Games is scratched."  But wait, the jockey is getting back on Modern Games.  What is going on?  More confusion.  Then it's announced, Modern Games is NOT scratched but will run for purse money only because all of the refunds have already been given out.  What?  Into the gate they went, and Modern Games comes flying down the outside to win.  The deafening roar of BOOOOOOO's was unprecedented at a Breeders' Cup World Championship!  Later it was announced that the vet (one of six on the grounds) had THOUGHT Modern Games had reared, hit his head AND broke through the starting gate.  NONE of which was true and under normal circumstances they would have looked the colt over before scratching him.  But not today, just out he went.  WOW.

Well, he WAS my pick and he DID win.  I count it.  Ironically the winner - for pari-mutal wagering, was the 4, Tiz The Bomb who I almost bet to win but he was 8/1 and I didn't want to "waste" the money - he paid $17.60 for a $2 bet.  Sigh......

On Saturday the racing kicked off early but I didn't have a bet in the opener.  The horse I listed on top as "the one I'd bet if I WERE betting" won and paid $10.40.  The second race was the Grade 2 Thoroughbred Aftercare Stakes going a mile and 5/8th - formerly known as "The Marathon," which at one point had actually been a Breeders' Cup race.  Lone Rock had been the dominant marathon dirt runner east of the Mississippi and he was facing the best mile-and-a-half west coast runner, Tizamagician today.  That one looked to be loose on the lead but I thought Lone Rock would prove best.  I was delighted when as post time approached the crowd made 'Magician the favorite.  Relaxed on the front end he looked to be in complete control until Lone Rock took off after him on the far turn.  Collared him at the furlong pole and drew clear.  Paid $5 and I was in for nearly $40 with my first winner of the day.

Ran third in the Grade 2 Goldikova when my horse was favored.  Then it was time for what nearly everyone though was the most likely winner of the weekend, defending champion Gamine in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint.  Set the pace and looked ready to set sail for the wire when she just just didn't have anything.  Faded to third.  Missed on the "big bet" but got my money back on both of these misses thanks to the Xpressbet promotion.  Fifth with an 8/1 price play in the turf sprint when the horse I originally though was one of the most likely winners DID win at 2/1 odds.  Outsmarted myself.  The next race was the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile and the horse EVERYONE "knew" who would the Kentucky Derby, the ultra-talented Life Is Good was running here and he looked LONG GONE.  Set right out to the front in this two-turn mile, but then the fractions came up.... :21 and change for the opening quarter and an insane :44 and change for the half.  He'll NEVER last the mile.  Turning for home jockey Irad Ortiz asked the 3yo for run and he exploded to a multiple length lead and ran away in easily the most amazing race of the weekend.  Had bet $30 to win so I cashed for a tidy little profit.  WHOOOO HOOOO.

Jackie's Warrior was "everyone's single" if they weren't on Gamine and was predicted to be the shortest priced winner of the sprint in the 34 year history of the race.  Stopped like he was shot at the top of the lane and ran sixth - wow.  Got back in the winner's circle when Space Blues rallied from third to be best in the Breeders' Cup Mile on the turf.  The $6.20 payoff enabled me to collect nearly $30.  

But that was the end of the winning.  Missed in the turf when the favorite, and last year's winner was way up the track and then couldn't decide between Essential Quality or the front running Knicks Go in the Classic.  Figured that there were at least four horses who wanted the lead like Knicks Go and certainly, CERTAINLY not all of them would let him get out there on his own.  Perfect set up for a stalking Essential Quality.  Right to the front, all by himself and never in doubt was Knicks Go.  Was fortunate to get the money back when the 3yo champ ran third.

Sunday - Breeders' Cup Aftermath

After staying up to watch our Panthers win AGAIN to run their record to 10-0-1, the best in the NHL, we were up early for coffee and when we returned the boys asked if I'd handicapped the races for today.  I explained that typically in the fall after playing on Sunday I'd look at the entries and find two or three on name alone that I'd bet.  So I looked and found four.  Ran second at 1/5 with the first one at Belmont, ouch.  Then Ultimate won for me at Churchill Downs.  The great thing here was he was the prohibitive 1/1 favorite in the program and hovered there until they were in the gate.  Then late money poured in on another horse and he was the 4/5 favorite, and he led to the top of the lane when Ultimate ran by him and drew off easily at 8/5 and I cashed for over $25.  In Woodbine's third, it was the Ontario Jockey Club Stakes and 24x stakes winner and two-time Canadian Horse of the Year, now 9yo was the 1/9 favorite as they walked to the gate.  When he clicked up to 1/5 I told my son Brad that we were getting a more than "fair" price.  They left the gate and before they hit the far turn the odds bumped all the way up to 1-2.  WHAT is the crowd thinking?  Won under a hand ride and while the margin was close officially, he was never asked for his best.  Then as we were driving home Bob Baffert's 2yo Rockefeller wired the Grade 3 Nashua going a one-turn mile at Belmont.  Three-for-four on the day with a solid profit and closed the weekend an amazing ten-for-eighteen.

Ultimate Draws Off EASILY In Churchill's Opener

Pink Lloyd ROLLS To His 25th Career Stakes Win And Pays An Astounding $3.10

Cash For Over $30 on the BET of the Day

Rockefeller Wires Belmont's Gr 3 Feature To Close a 3-for-4 Day

Breeders' Cup Weekend Highlights

Social Media Action

Right after the 11 pm news anchor/gal-pal Karli posted a Halloween "look" with Minnie Mouse ears.  I responded about my love for Disney and how I'd themed my class to the Disney Corp.  Karli reached back out and "talked back" to me :)

When I taught at Western High MANY years ago, one of my former students was Jen Herrera who is a reporter and host on the local NBC station.  About six months ago one of HER friends, who was also a student of mine, Jen Greb "friended" me and I accepted.  I "see her" frequently on FB and this week she posted a cute video of her and her two little girls dancing.

The weather has finally turned "cooler" (by Florida standards) and CBS-4 anchor Lauren Pastrana posted a pic in her "winter outfit."  I reached out, and got a reaction :)

One of my most MOST fav former students Kimmy had a baby about a month ago and we chatted online this week.  She is always so sweet and her baby is adorable.

We were getting ready to head to the Florida Panthers hockey game on Thursday when the CBS-4 news team did a feature on the unbeaten 'Cats.  I snapped a photo of the crew talking about our awesome team and then sent it to my gal-pal Lauren on the desk :)

After the hockey game Saturday I sent a personal tweet to my anchor-gal-pal who'd given the shout-out to our 'Cats on Thursday that we were so excited with their 10-0-1 start.  That was at about 10:15, on Saturday - when Lauren would be home with her family.  Less than ten minutes later she reached back out to me :)

The first race on Breeders' Cup Saturday was what used to be "The Marathon."  About six weeks ago the horse Lone Rock had run while I was watching hottie handicapper Acacia Courtney and I tweeted to her that day.  When Lone Rock was approaching the gate today I reached out to her on the BC telecast.

On Sunday, it was our good friend Melissa - and her husband Ben's son's birthday.  I noted that they were two of my most favorite people and Melissa made me feel good with her reply/