Do you remember James "Buddy" Ryan?

Did you see the article about the former a-hole NFL Coach who tried to punch out a fellow assistant coach during a game, placed a bounty on opposing players, and devised the famous “46 defense”, who has been humbly “mellowed” by the horses?

As a life-long NY Giant and NFL fan, there could not have been a more despised enemy than one James “Buddy” Ryan. From his smothering “46 Defense” of the 1985 Bears to his obnoxious, cocky demeanor as a head coach, Ryan did not care to make friends whilst assuming coaching duties during his 30 year career in the National Football League.

I will never forget his absurd tantrum at fellow assistant coach Kevin Gilbride (now with my NY Giants ironically enough) on the sidelines during a game in 1994. At the time, Ryan was serving as Def. Coordinator for the Oilers, while Gilbride headed up the Oilers offense. After the Oilers’ offense fumbled yet again in an error filled game, Ryan proceeded to attack Gilbride on the sidelines hurling insults and throwing punches.

I came across the following article and was delighted to read that Mr. Ryan HAS mellowed and I no longer the pompous-ass tough guy he once purported to be. This “new” Buddy Ryan owes a large part of his new found psyche to the horses. Once again, the horsies do more than attract money for gambling. These are the types of stories that I love to read.

Take a minute to read through this short article I found on Thoroughbred Times’ site and let me know what you think.

Buddy Ryan Finds Peace with the Horsies

I am done complaining and whining to the three folks that come here...

So, what does one do when do when he/she is not able to sit down and come up with coherent, entertaining (at least sometimes), pertinent content for one’s blog? Send you, the loyal reader to sites that will hopefully sate and satisfy your every need for quality literary entertainment.(Sorry for the incorrect links. They have all been corrected now that I am not watching TV, chatting with my girlfriend AND trying to write this blog!)

For a look at the troubled times and twisted logic that comes with being a thoroughbred horse owner, go here:

Left at the Gate

To feel the true joy of being an avid fan and following your passions from “Sea to Shining Sea,” go here:

Pulling Hair Betting Horses

If you can’t remember the feeling of your first year falling in love with this beautiful game, go here:

Turf Luck

If you would like to know the psychology and philosophy of the gambling mind, go here:

RailBird

And, if you just want to know about horse racing in the Pacific Northwest, go here:

Oregon Racing

What a day!!!

I have not completed my review of one of the most amazing days I've had in a long time. In the meantime, I have left some images of my glorious day spent at Oakhurst Thoroughbreds farm, site of the 2005 OTBA sale. I am hoping to have all of my thoughts and observations here by end of day Monday. I hope everyone had a great weekend!!

Hi-Ho Hi-Ho...

It's off to the OTBA Mixed sale. Hopefully I'll be returning from my first sale with some photos and some stories to relay....

Can I Have Your Attention Please...

For those of you counting at home it’s 44 days until the Breeder’s Cup. For the stat monkeys (and degenerates like myself) that means: 1056 hrs. or 63,360 minutes, or 3,801,600 seconds.

Breeder's Cup

This Friday and Saturday the OTBA Mixed Thoroughbred sale will be taking place at Oakhurst Farm in Newberg, OR. I am beyond excited to attend my first ever sale and look forward to meeting Jolene and Michael-proprietors of Oregon Racing News. I wonder if the entire sale will top $9.7 mil.-the price Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum paid for a Storm Cat/Tranquility Lake yearling at Keenland the other day.

OTBA Mixed Sale

Oregon Racing News

Storm Cat Colt gets $9.7 mil.

Does anyone know the details of Ralph Siraco’s departure from The Las Vegas Sun? I read his final column the other day and it was hard to figure out if he was a) let go, b)the paper completely changed or c)they just eliminated turf coverage. If anyone has any insight I am all ears.

Ralph Siraco's Final Column

I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful, busy time of the year. I have not forgotten about the Katrina victims but it seems as if things are beginning to work themselves out for everyone involved. The true American spirit shined once we (the people) were able to penetrate the façade of bureaucratic mish-mosh. Shame on our government for letting our own people down. Cheers to the American people for showing the world and our own neighbors and friends that the people are not necessarily (rarely even) represented by hateful, lying, arrogant leaders.

Until I Can Put Some Thought Into a Post...

Here is a little entertaining read on that age old, skilled profession: MODELING.
(Jose Canseco and Barry Bonds don't look so bad after this!!)

How Did YOU Spend Your Day Yesterday?

Monday AM (yes, somehow it IS Monday again!)

Just some quick notes, as I have been neglecting my little love (this blog) for a bit too long....

First off: Thanks to Pauly at Tao of Poker for “letting” me steal his awesome Homer pic. to use as my profile. It has run its course and the new one is now posted above.

-Please note and welcome two of our newest additions to the world of horse-race blogging:

Turf Luck

Triple Crown Racing (previously mentioned)

-Another non-lively weekend with the horses. Alan at Left at the Gate notes the measly attendance figures for opening weekend at Belmont. Can the Breeder’s cup get here ANY quicker?

-As we ease into the most fantastic part of the year-with fall temps., leaves changing, and a plethora/myriad of intriguing sports stories- let’s just take a deep breath, look at what’s going on in the world, find our own place, and take a step back and fully ingest every aspect of life as it is now.

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming…..

Quick Notes...

As I sip my DECAF Starbucks at 8 am, I am embarking on a new stage in my "career". Spending the week in Seattle for orientation with my new company will keep me away from my baby (this blog) much more than I would like.

That being said, our ever-growing world of horse bloggers continues to grow. Please head over to our newest "member's" site:

Triple Crown Racing

Less than 2 months until the Breeder's Cup...

Don't get me wrong, one of my favorite, currently active horses today is Lost in the Fog. But how will he do against older? Hmmmm....that's why we bet!!

If you've never been to Seattle, it's def. worth the trip. I am staying at the Washington Athletic Club which is a tony, multi-level health club with some hotel rooms similar to places like the Princeton/Yale/NYAC clubs in NYC.

If you own a Play Station , you best be pre-ordered for the new Breeders Cup game NTRA is putting out in about a week. I am very curious to test her out...

Will check in later. Hope everyone has a great day!!!

Just Bet Baby (our pix to help the cause)

Potshots aside, we (see below) have teamed up to give you our blog roll horse selections for Sunday night’s card at Evangeline downs in Louisiana. Of course all intake by EvD will be donated to the Red Cross for disaster relief so open up your pockets and follow along. I have been graced with the task of doping out Race 7 on the card with local post time of 9:39 CST:

It’s hard to bet against horses that win first off their Maiden victories. One of my favorite betting angles is to immediately eliminate Maidens making their debuts in Allowance ranks. That being said, morning line favorite Skymeister not only won first out after breaking his maiden, but did it in a stakes race and followed that up with a solid win in a 3NL one month later. Skymeister looms the obvious threat, especially having post #1. HOWEVER, I am going to take a chance and back 6-1 ML Chocolate Warrior going 3rd off a layoff and coming off an “off the turf” affair 1 month ago. Trainer Keith Bourgeois is firing at a 24% clip while hitting on 51% ITM. With a solid workout under his belt, the 4 yr. old gelding has a highly competitive Beyer Speed figure while getting to the ¼ mark in his last 5 ½ furlong race in 45.8. Rounding out the bet has to be Robbeau ridden by C.J. Woodley the leading rider at Evangeline with an extremely healthy 24% winning pct. Robbeau seems to relish 1st time back from any kind of a layoff posting 2 wins in 2 tries off the break. Robbeau also looks to hold the class advantage of the bunch and must not be forgotten.

The bet(s): Chocolate Warrior keyed in an exacta box w/ both Skymeister and Robbeau.
We’ll also play a straight triple keying CW on top with Smeister/Robbeau w/ Smeister/Robbeau

Good luck and please check out my compatriots selections for this uber-important night of racing:

Evangeline Race 2

Evangeline Race 4

Evangeline Race 5

Hopefully Things are Improving

This clearly is a shitty time for everyone in our country. I realize things must move forward, but it seems insensitive and somewhat boorish to look at the front of local newspapers sports sections et. al.

The Oregonian for instance, today has zero about anything Katrina relate above the fold. They do address the issue of Oregon/New Orleans related athletes FINALLY at the bottom of the page.

I am so incensed at how our government seems to have just let folks wilt away under horrid conditions. I won’t get political and go all anti-Bush here. I will however blast the ENTIRE government for letting people, American citizens in their own land wallow in their own waste, sweat, blood, and anger.

The only good news is that FINALLY people, money, and supplies seem to be making their way south.

On that note, thanks to Alan from Left at the Gate for pointing out that Evangeline Downs will be donating ALL proceeds from their Sunday night card to the local Red Cross chapter.

Our small family of horse bloggers are trying to put together our own contribution to that cause. As Alan deftly pointed out, “We can even win money and it still helps!!”.

Stay tuned here and to the other blogs (linked to the right) for more info. on what we are planning.