High Spirit, with an "M"

I just want to go on record and state that I did mention how well Spirit One worked around the track the other day. We don't have to dive into the particulars of whether or not I bet him, suffice it to say that the TSE opens in 22 hours and I really need the Nikkei 225 to do what I need it to do.

Einstein stumbled out of the gate and Spirit One took advantage of some rubbin' by Murtagh on Shea.

“Johnny (jockey Murtagh aboard Mount Nelson) had me in (trapped) all the way around,” said South-African jockey Shea after dismounting from Archipenko. “When it was time to go, I begged him (Murtagh) to let me go and he wouldn’t let me through.”

The replay and broadcast do not do the Million justice because when Dooley makes the call of Einstein making his move on the far turn, the crowd goes absolutely wild. He was definitely the fan favorite.

The weather was absolutely gorgeous and the turf was listed as good. The Secretariat GI, run an hour earlier, was completed 2/5 faster but with slower early fractions. Tizdejavu could not hang on and faded to third.

I don't know the final attendance figures, I am sure they are somewhere and easily accessible but it was the biggest crowd I have seen since I started going in 2003.


In what I thought was a gesture of pure class, Helen Pitts, while attending to Einstein, debriefing Albarado and receiving condolences from the fans, spotted Spirit One trotting up after his cool out and directed their attention toward the deserving winner. A page right out of Dutrow's book.

I missed the paddock and post parade for the Beverly D. I blame the Arlington concessions; in line for ten minutes for a beer and when I make it to the register they decide to change the register drawers...WTF?!?!?!? Another ten minutes at the next one, handled by what I am sure are wonderful people but who have absolutely no business working the bar.

The poor guy in front of me waited a good 45 seconds I would say and had to order it three times. A long island ice tea perhaps, a grasshopper? Oh no...a bottle of water.

The ticket windows moved like clockwork, so well done there.

The day was marred by one breakdown, in the seventh race, the Forward Pass. Noble Hero was on the lead when he went wrong. He walked on to the horse ambulance but I don't know what the extent of his injury was.

I was there when the gates opened and am tired so I'll leave you with one of the things that make me smile...