A group of 21 showed up for a fun day of races at Golden Gate Fields. We were greeted by our host and seated at our tables in the upper viewing boxes The view was perfect. We could see the entire race track, the finish line and the viewing stables where they paraded the horses before the race. The buffet was already open and some of us went for breakfast, and then went back for lunch.. We waited for the lunch menu and studied the racing guide. Better hurry and make my pick. Post time for the first race was at 10:30.
I stood in line at the wagering window till it was my turn. Golden gate 1st race, 2 dollars on #4 to win I shouted out to the attendant. I handed him 2 dollars and out popped the ticket from the machine. I hurried back to the table to watch the race. The horses were being led to the starting gates on the other side of the track. This was a short 5 furlong race – practically a sprint for 3 year olds The gates opened and my horse #4 (Bolly) broke to the lead. It was 1-1/2 lengths ahead and looking good. It was on the rail at the turn & still in the lead but was being chased by the other 7 horses. Down the stretch it was being challenged by the #2 horse which made a surge on the outside. It was closing fast but the finish line was near. Bolly crossed the line first by a head.. I watched the results pop up on the display board.. Bolly paid $5.40 to win.
Winning at the track is about money management. You try to place bets that will pay out big, like exactas , trifectas, and superfectas. Roger just keeping missing by 2 horses finishing in the wrong position. I was missing my exactas. Alice was the smart one. She would bet on our favorite jockey, Russell Baze to show. This is a wager that the horse would come in at 1st,2nd or 3rd. Russell Baze finished in the top 3 six out of seven times. The payouts were small but she ended the day with money in her wallet. Rick hit his exactas a few times. I think he was the big winner.
The fifth race was the Nisei Ski club race. 8 of us waited in the winning circle for pictures with#10 – Caged Mistress and the winning jockey. It was the photo finish winner who won by a neck. It was the only big win I had all day. All in all everyone had a good time.
This week Golden Gate Fields was put up for auction. I hope it doesn’t go the way of Bay Meadows for condos.
David's Winning Ticket
