While the memories of Grandma are still fresh in everyone's mind, one in particular sticks out.
Almost a year ago today, the running of the 2010 Kentucky Derby was hours from starting. I was heading to the gym for a workout and decided I would go to a local off-track betting to place my horse bets for the day. I threw $10 each on a couple of double digit horses (10/1 odds or worse) and then decided to throw $20 on Calvin Borel's horse- Super Saver. After I made my decision on a horse, I remembered that Grandma had no chance of going up to an OTB herself, so I gave her a call to see who she liked. Grandma liked Super Saver as well and wanted me to throw $2 on him to win. I told her not to worry about the cost of the ticket- my treat.
The bets were placed, and by race time, Super Saver was at 8/1. The race started, and the horse wasn't immediately in front - but that's how Borel prefers it. That's actually how I like my horses to be too. Being too far ahead at the start of the race usually signals a slow down at the end of the race. Give me a good closer anytime over a strong starter (at least in racing). I digress.
Super Saver rode the rail to a victory, which caused me to erupt in a euphoric cheer. But my greatest moment came from the moments after the race, when my grandma called and wanted to share her happiness over her $16 profit with the win. Her call pushed me to cash the ticket earlier than I had planned. After collecting the $180 (money put in + profits reaped from horse), I gave my dad the $18 that she was owed for her pick.
The next race, we disagreed on who we liked - my grandma stuck with Borel's horse while I went in the direction of Lookin' at Lucky. Surprisingly, my pick bested grandma's.
But the one moment last May, hearing enthusiasm in my soon-to-be-90 year old grandma's voice was a moment I'll never forget.
Bets for this year
Betting to win: Dialed In ($50 at around 3/1 odds), Archarcharch ($10 at around 10/1 odds - splitting it $5/5 with a friend, whose Dad's name is the same as the jockeys, Mucho Macho Man $10)
Betting in exacta box: Dialed In and Twice the Appeal, $5 box.
I will watch the Kentucky Derby and will remember back to a year ago - when my Grandma and I shared a moment that no one else could share.
