What a perfect day at the track last Saturday! A breeze, lots of sunshine and a happy crowd made this the place to be. We were invited to celebrate a couple of birthdays in a private picnic area facing the racetrack at Belmont Park. A private picnic area reserved just for a party! I like! And it gave me ideas. I have been dreaming of throwing a party at the track for Mr. Left at the Gate and this set-up seems perfect. The reserved picnic area comes with shaded picnic tables, charcoal grills and the all important garbage cans. Now try to get info on this service by searching the Belmont Website. Go ahead and try, 'cause I found nothing. I'm not giving up yet and will resort to making a few phone calls.
From lt to rt: Mr. Left at the Gate, Brooklyn Backstretch blogger Teresa Genaro, Hello Race Fans! founders Adam Weiner and Dana Byerly, NYRA's Andy Serling.
As you can see from the photo, a lot of bloggers were present, including myself, but fortunately I don't write about horses so I did not have to give my opinion on handicapping any of the races that day.
My attention was mostly on the food, which was great. We had burgers and salads and fresh fruit and cupcakes. I brought a tomato-peach salsa and a black eye pea salsa to contribute to the feast.
But then the fifth race came up and Mr. Left at the Gate suggested he and I check out the paddock because I enjoy sizing up young two-year olds (horses. I like babies too).
These two year-olds were all first time starters which is pretty adorable and irresistible to me. They get so nervous and confused! I was giving them all the once over when the Toddster-trained Stat appeared. Sometimes a horse just dazzles and Stat did that for me. I could not take my eyes off him.
Impossible to get a good photo! I was as jumpy as a school girl at a Justin Beiber concert.
GORGEOUS!!! This horse just shimmers with beauty. I could not even say if I thought he would win. I just fell in love and didn't give any of the other horse a second glance. Did I bet him? No, Mr. Left at the Gate frowns on meaningless betting and at 5 to 4 odds [LOL - Mr. Left at the Gate], Stat was not going to get me very far. Did he win? Hell yes!!! A fantastic finish that left the other horses in the dust. Oooohhh I love that horse!
I am now a Stat fan and can't wait to see him race again. Maybe at Saratoga this summer?
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