Cairo Prince - "Oh Wow"

January 27, 2014

Dear Readers,

            Well, Saturday’s Holy Bull was a rather ho hum affair, except for Cairo Prince’s “Oh Wow” performance. Despite a strong field, he made it look easy, and when a horse win’s off like that, they usually pull up terrific.

            So ramp up the stress factor, his connections are going to have a lot of thrills going forward from this point on. I’m sure the first bright-eyed visage trainer Kiaran McLaughlin wants to see looking back at him when he steps into the shedrow in the morning, will be Cairo Prince’s.

            I’ve always said, “Horse’s stay up night’s to ruin our days.” There are so many things that can happen and which can end the dream. Besides a training injury, there’s a cough, colic, getting cast, just to name a few.

            My best wishes and good luck goes out to the whole team. I’m so excited to watch this horse as he progresses towards the first Saturday in May.

Take care,

Shelley Riley, Author of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure

www.shelleyriley.com

My Picks on the Holy Bull Stakes

January 23, 2014

Dear Readers,

            Nothing I like better than handicapping a nice field of horses in a top rated race. This Saturdays Grade II Holy Bull Stakes falls into the top rated category on several levels. Used as a prep race for the Florida Derby, which is a stepping stone for the Kentucky Derby, the race annually attracts a strong field of contenders. Who doesn’t remember Barbaro who won this race in 2006 and went on to win the Florida Derby and the Kentucky Derby?

            Is there a possible Kentucky Derby winner in this race? Could be. Let’s take a look at the entries.

Coup de Grace — This son of Tapit broke his maiden at first asking, going six furlongs, in November. He came back five weeks later to win an allowance race at a distance of one mile. This race seems an ambitious, though at the same time obvious, choice for his connections to choose for their speedy charge.

Financial Mogul — I don’t know what to say about this horse, he seems to show up ready to run every other race. Someday he may get it all together and be a really nice horse, but until he lines out and figures out what he’s supposed to do, I will be looking elsewhere for the winner of this race.

Best Plan Yet — A veteran of seven races in eight months, this horse has learned his lessons, running himself into being considered a nice colt and one with a bright future. Obviously his connections thought highly of him from the get go. His first two starts were in stakes races before they backed him down and gave him an opportunity to break his maiden, against easier company, in a maiden special weight. He got really good after that. But what happened in the last race where he finished way back? He broke good and then went nowhere. Maybe he didn’t like the Gulfstream Park surface and that wouldn’t bode well for Saturday.

Almost Famous — And if he wins this race he will definitely live up to his name. This son of Unbridled’s Song looks very talented and has also been rather good at getting himself in trouble. Lightly raced, he is one good race, against tougher company, away from being well regarded.

Our Caravan — With one race, and that going a distance of ground, you can’t ignore this colt. Though he seemed sluggish in the early and mid stages of that race against other maidens, nonetheless he won by a clear margin. Taking on this group in the Holy Bull, while it seems ambitious, his connections will look very savvy if he wins.

Mr Speaker — I should really like this son of Pulpit, but I’m a little suspect since he’s never run on the dirt. He’s blessed with a trainer who knows how to bring a young runner up to a big race and Mr Speaker looks like he knows the business of running when he pushed through on the rail to pull away in his last race. This talented turf runner can’t be overlooked by any means, and hopefully he’ll like the Gulfstream Park surface.  

Cairo Prince — Okay, I see why everybody is getting so excited about this colt. The most impressive thing about him, for me, is when the running starts on the turn for home; Cairo Prince wants to be in front. Ears slick to his head, he digs in and gives it everything he’s got. The last race, where he was second by a nostril, was for all intents and purposes a draw, at least as far as I’m concerned. The pace in that race was astonishingly slow, my goodness these horses breeze faster than those fractions…much faster.

Wicked Strong — This colt didn’t benefit from the slow pace in the Remsen either , and he finished third behind Cairo Prince. He got himself in trouble coming out of the gate and ran with his tail tucked up under him, never seemed to relax enough to enjoy himself. With very little room to run throughout the race, when Wicked Strong did get clear, he ran green as grass down the lane, and yet he only got beat a half length. I like this colt.  Someday, if he stays sound, and once he figures out what it’s all about, he'll be quite the runner.

Conquest Titan — I don’t know what to say about this horse, he has shown talent, but I hesitate to ignore him and yet I can’t back him. He would benefit from an easy lead, something he is unlikely to enjoy in this race.

Big Bazinga — Right off let’s get past how much I like the name of this horse. I’ve never watched the Big Bang Theory, which is where Bazinga was popularized and I must say it would be a big prank indeed, if this gelding beat this contentious group of runners. Big fun if he did, however.

Intense Holiday — This colt has all the right connections going for him, and boy-howdy he has been running against the best. Maybe Saturday will be the day he gets it all together.

            So what do I think? Tough race and it should be very exciting. I won’t be betting and I’m not encouraging anybody to use my opinions to make their wagers, having said that; here are the horses I’ll be watching to make a statement.  If they do, I’ll be back bragging about it on Sunday.

Wicked Strong — If he gets it all together on Saturday, he may be in a close photo with Cairo Prince.

Cairo Prince — I love this horse and his obvious will to win. But I do think he could be battling it out with Wicked Strong if the latter lines out and runs his best race.

Mr Speaker — Will definitely have a say in the outcome of this race.

Take care,

Shelley Riley, Author of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure

www.shelleyriley.com

Tanzanite Cat and Walt in the Smarty Jones Stakes

January 22, 2014

Dear Readers,

            Today I pulled up the race video on Tanzanite Cat winning the one mile Smarty Jones Stakes which was run at Oaklawn Park on January 20^th. A big good looking horse, the son of Graeme Hall was well placed throughout the race. When Walt made an early move on the backside and scooted past him on the rail, Tanzanite Cat stayed relaxed and up in the bit. When the running started down the lane, he looked professional and got the job done.

            I couldn’t help myself when I saw Walt floundering around; I had to take a closer look at the replay. I’m not sure why he made that big move on the backside, I can surmise, after the way he ran in his last race; that perhaps his connections thought he would run better on the front end. For whatever reason he made that move, once Walt was on the lead, he seemed to be controllable and was moving along well in hand.

            The problem comes when the rider asked him as they’d turned for home and he gave the colt a tap or two with the whip. Each tap resulted in the rider having to check the colt. Walt was lugging in and away from the whip. So the jockey switched to a left handed whip, which didn’t fix the problem. Where the real problem came to the fore was when he switched back to the right handed whip. The colt ducked for the rail, switched leads violently and started climbing. Ken Tohill, the jockey and a veteran rider I know well, wisely put the whip away and hand rode Walt to the wire, saving second for his connections. Hopefully Walt didn’t hurt himself switching leads in the manner in which he did it, or that an injury didn’t cause him to do it in the first place, rather than the whip being the causal factor.

            Clearly Walt is a speedy little devil, still green and he’ll surely improve with racing. Now what about that whip? One hates to take the whip off, and it was clear Ken wasn’t pounding on this colt, but it’s also clear that the whip and Walt’s reaction to it, took away any chance he had of winning the race.

            Barring injury, they might try working Walt with blinkers to find out if the whip, in his peripheral vision, is what’s troubling him. Some horses just won’t tolerate a whip. But a whip is an important tool in horseracing and not just to encourage the horse, but to help control him. For example a horse lugging, either in or out, can often be corrected with a good tap of the whip on a shoulder or neck. The problem is, if the jockey is carrying a whip, the racing officials expect him to use it. Any jockey can make it look like he’s hitting the horse, when in fact he is just waving it around. But if Walt is concerned enough about being hit, he’s going react to any movement.

            All in all, I hope both horse’s came out of the race in good shape. I’ll be looking forward to seeing both of them on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Take care,

Shelley Riley Author of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure

www.shelleyriley.com

Midnight Hawk in the Sham & Capetown Noir in L'Ormarins Queens Plate

January 18, 2014

Dear Reader’s,

            It’s been a very busy time for me. I finished up a short story for my next book, and I was thrilled to be invited to speak to the members of three different organizations so far this month.

            Today I was catching up on two races that were run on January 11^th, both of which are considered stepping-stone races. The Grade III Sham Stakes at Santa Anita Race course in California, which is good for Ten Kentucky Derby qualifying points to the winner. The other was the L’Ormarins Queens Plate a Gr. I race that takes place at Kenilworth Race Course in Capetown South Africa. The L’Ormarins is the first in the 2014 Breeders’ Cup “Win and Your In” Challenge Cup Series. The winner of this race becomes an instant qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Mile in October at Santa Anita.

 

            First off the Sham, only four horses went to post in this prestigious race. A four horse field, yuck, never good for the punter. Unless one horse is much the best, pick the speed and place your bets. And that is exactly how this race unfolded. Two horses on the front end, and two other’s getting a workout behind them. Midnight Hawk, who broke his maiden impressively in December, and comes back in the Sham to win by a length and half, and he has to be respected. Kristo the runner up to Midnight Hawk, also lightly raced, looked good, but on the day was clearly second best.   

 

            I’m not ready to jump on a Midnight Hawk bandwagon as yet. He is a heavy headed runner, which is not my favorite type, and once he got in front of Kristo, he may have lost focus or maybe that was all there was. He just doesn’t, at this point, look like a horse I would want to place a futures bet on in Las Vegas to win the Kentucky Derby. Nonetheless, congratulations to his connections, which must be really excited and well they should be.

             Now on to the 153^rd running of the L’Ormarins Queens Plate a one mile Gr. I contest run over the turf course at Kenilworth. A strong field of fourteen horses broke beautifully from two gates and the stampede was on in the first eighth of a mile, everyone jockeying for good position. At which point the first of several jam-ups began to unfold.

        The eventual winner, Capetown Noir (SAF) in tight quarters down on the rail, was helpless to do anything but wait and see how it all unwound, and pray someone didn’t go down and take him with them.  
 
            I’m not sure if I’m more impressed by the horse or his jockey. Karl Neisius, courageous and clever, and I would say this was a masterful ride. Not only did he keep his horse safe in a very dangerous section of the race, once clear he timed his mounts move so beautifully, he made it clear a very talented field was running for second and third. 

 

         

An interesting side note on the L’Ormarins Queens Plate spectator dress code, everybody has to wear blue and white. It makes for a really striking picture on this day at the races in South Africa.

Take care,

Shelley Riley - Author of; Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure 

www.shelleyriley.com

 

Black Caviar's Half Brother Jimmy Euthanized

December 30, 2013

Dear Readers,

            I promised to keep you updated on Black Caviar’s half brother Jimmy, the five million dollar Australian sale yearling. The news over the wires is that he was euthanized on Sunday morning for humane reasons.

 

            The story doesn’t end with his death, and unfortunately some very alarming allegations are being postulated by various entities on the internet. I’m not inclined to comment on any of these rumors and for those of you interested in the details, there is plenty of fodder out there for the fires to keep burning.

            Conspiracy and intrigue aside, and though I didn’t know Jimmy, by all accounts he was a particularly charismatic colt. I, like so many others, was ready to embrace the promise his family tree guaranteed. I feel the loss, not as if he was my own, but as a lover of horses.

               There is a sadness I can’t deny with the news that this particularly bright light was snuffed out so soon. But even worse, that he had to suffer from a very painful condition.

            I hope with all my might that the worst of these rumors is untrue. To think otherwise is incomprehensible.

Take care,

Shelley Lee Riley

Author of: Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure

www.shelleyriley.com

The Road to the Kentucky Derby

December 29, 2013

Dear Readers,

            It's past time for me to be getting caught up on the big races that lead up to the Kentucky Derby. Though in my opinion it’s still to early to be picking a favorite, but I do love to window shop.

            Since uncertainty is a mainstay when plotting a course nearly six months in advance, I say, where’s the harm in spending $600.00 for an early bird nomination to the Triple Crown? At best the horses that have already proved themselves solid contenders may not be around come the first Saturday in May. At worst it might be your horse munching grass in a layup pasture, nursing a quarter crack, bone chip or bucked shins.

            None-the-less let us dream, after all what’s $600.00 in the overall scheme of things. There are people who spend more on a wallet. Like this Mont Blanc Men’s Wallet I’ve seen advertised for $676.00 on line.   

            If you don’t want to sabotage your dream by nominating to a race that seems unattainable, and fear the thought of being ridiculed, take a page out of my book. Peel the sticky notes off your forehead labeling you stupid and do it anyway. It’s not about the money, it’s about the opportunity to live the dream, and the only person who can make that impossible is you.

            The early bird nominations will close towards the end of January for the 2014 Triple Crown season. After that there is a late nomination near the end of March that requires an expenditure of $6,000 dollars.

            And finally there is the ultimate cost for those owners of talented juvenile racehorses, and who waited for a somewhat higher ranking on the certainty scale. Supplemental nominations and they can get pretty costly.

            After you’ve paid a whopping $200,000 supplement to enter just the Kentucky Derby, you’d have to pass on this Louis Vuitton Urban Satchel. A mere $150,000 accessory that all well heeled green environmental missionaries would covet.  

            If your horse does well in Kentucky you might find yourself plunking down another $100,000 each, in order to supplement him or her to the Preakness and Belmont Stakes.

            I’m just saying, sometimes it’s cheaper to dream than wait for uncertainty to clarify into a calculated risk. Win or lose, there is nothing like taking part in the stampede down The Road to the Kentucky Derby. And I know, because I’ve been down that road, sticky notes and all.

            I’ll spend some time on contenders next time. In the meantime, Happy New Year and get those nominations submitted.

Take care,

Shelley Lee Riley

Author of: Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure

www.shelleyriley.com      

And Then You Die-Iris Johansen

December 28, 2013

Dear Readers,

            I’ve been immersed in writing short stories of late and I've neglected the blog. So today I will add a book review on one of the books I've read in the last month, Iris Johansen’s “And Then You Die.”

            Let’s start off with my opinion of Iris Johansen’s body of work. Though I haven’t read everything she's written, I have read a lot of the early Eve Duncan novels. Very engaging and I was quick to pick up the next book in the series after each one I finished. I did get sidetracked along the way, and I must admit I haven’t finished all the books about Eve and Quinn.

            With this prior experience of Iris Johansen's writing, I was sure when I picked up “And Then You Die” I would like it. I was wrong. I could go down a long list of what I didn’t like about the plot and character development in this book, but that would be just as boring as the book. So I’ll voice my biggest complaint and what I disliked the most with this story and leave it at that—the main character.  

            What I did like was the prologue and it set me up to turn the pages. I settled in to go along for the ride as Bess Grady, photo journalist, exposes to the world an atrocity that she has captured on film. I was sure that Bess would partner up with some gorgeous hunk that would keep Bess safe, as together they uncover the duplicity of various entities and governments in this crime against humanity. Once again I was wrong.

            What I got was probably the most unlikable protagonist I have ever seen in any book. At some point in the story the hero or heroine has to become either likable or do something to gain our respect and admiration, to engage us so we can root for them to succeed. It didn’t happen. Bess was obnoxious and belligerent to the point I almost hoped she would get what she deserved, which in my opinion was to be cut lose to make it, or not, on her own.

            I will gladly pick up another Iris Johansen book; one unfortunate mishap won’t poison me against her writing. She’s written plenty of first rate stories that I have enjoyed immensely. Just not this one, save your money, or better yet, spend your precious reading time on something else she’s written.

            In closing I want to thank all of you who have bought Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure for holiday giving.

Take care,

Shelley Lee Riley

www.shelleyriley.com

Lee Child - The Enemy

December 18, 2013

Dear Readers,

            My stack of books to review has been taking up precious desk space and increasing at a rapid rate. Today I wanted to make a few comments on a Lee Child novel I recently finished. Entitled The Enemy, and this is another Jack Reacher adventure.

            As I’ve stated in the past, I’m a huge Lee Child fan, having discovered his first book while I was living in England. I thoroughly enjoyed it and anticipated more from this talented author, and he didn’t disappoint. Over the years I’ve been somewhat remiss in keeping up with each new title Mr. Child has produced. But I’ve read enough of them to reinforce my first impression of his encaging storytelling and style.

            Three Lee Child titles have lingered on my to-read shelf; The Affair, One Shot and The Enemy. And when I finished Iris Johansen’s The Beloved Scoundrel, yes I read romance; I wanted something different, a lot different. I picked up and discarded a Western, a fantasy and a political satire. When my eyes landed on the Lee Child stack, I grabbed the one on top, and settled in for a well written, entertaining adventure.

            I was destined to be disappointed.  The Enemy wasn’t terrible, it just wasn’t as good as I have come to expect from Mr. Child. I get that its fiction, and I understand that the author can take his story in any direction he wants. But this story line was so far-fetched I couldn’t suspend my believe system long enough to find it remotely probable.

            It was preposterous and fraught with impossibilities that gave the overall story a lack of credibility. Furthermore if I hadn’t already been familiar with Reacher’s character from previous novels, I wouldn’t have been as enthusiastic about the Reacher depicted in this one. He seemed as passionless as was the author when he wrote this book.

            To put it succinctly, I was so incredulous at times that I verbally addressed the book with a “give me a break!”

            Lee Child will remain one of my favorite authors despite this entry in his body of work. I’ll be putting The Enemy in the charity bag rather than passing it onto a friend.

Take care,

 

Shelley Riley

Author of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure

www.shelleyriley.com

Book Review of ZERO HOUR by Clive Cussler and Graham Brown

December 9, 2013

Dear Readers,

            I’ve been reading quite a bit lately, and I realized it’s been awhile since I posted a book review. So I thought I would spend the next couple of posts, sharing my reading list with those who are interested.

            I started Clive Cussler and Graham Brown’s most recent collaboration; Zero Hour, and it’s vivid and exciting first chapter was terrific. My problem was that I was expecting one of three genres’s when I picked up this book; thriller, action or suspense, and that is how it was marketed. So I was left a bit confused by the prologue, in that it was  written more like a science fiction piece.

            As stated before I really liked the pace of the action in the first chapter and I was enthusiastic about the adventure ahead. Alas, the authors didn’t keep me turning the pages at a pace which would make it difficult for me to put the book down. I even left it behind, half finished, as I went off to Kentucky.

            I found, over all, the book was okay, even though I was required frequently to suspend my belief system. The book never reached the heights of true science fiction, but enough that it spoiled its credibility as an action/adventure piece. The story was at least consistent in its mediocrity, and I did finish it. I expected more from Clive and though I was disappointed, it wasn’t like I was horribly disappointed. Nonetheless, overall I like Mr. Cussler’s work, I will try again. I have not read any of Graham Brown’s endeavors, other than this particular collaboration. If I ever do, I will share my opinion.

Take care,

Shelley Riley

Author of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure

www.shelleyriley.com

Appreciating Free Debate

December 4, 2013

Dear Readers,

            For about two years now I’ve been giving my version of an Art Appreciation class at an assisted living facility. We look at images and examples of the work of each individual we’ve decided to appreciate, like a Picasso or Monet. We dig out personal information that will help enlighten us as to what influenced their life and development as an artist, and all the while we discuss what we find.

            Yesterday we were appreciating Gustave Courbet, a French painter involved in the Realist movement. Bold and controversial, Gustave used his art to emphasize his politics and enlighten the viewer about the less popular social issues of the time.

            As we worked our way through Courbet’s history, we came across this statement in the Wikipedia – Free Encyclopedia:

Until about 1861, Napoléon's regime had exhibited authoritarian characteristics, using press censorship to prevent the spread of opposition, manipulating elections, and depriving Parliament the right to free debate or any real power.

            As a group we were struck by the correlation to some of the events that have been transpiring in our country. In particular, highlighted in bold type above, we were cognizant of how those three statements could have been pulled, in whole or part from the headlines of today.

            The discussion took us down another avenue, in particular—quotes about mistakes. This brought us to George Santayana, who was a Spanish-American philosopher, poet, essayist and novelist. He is best remembered for two sayings, so familiar and used so often, they are considered by many to be clichéd.

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” and “Only the dead have seen the end of war.”

            There was a lot of life experience in that room yesterday and I was inspired by the insight these wonderful elders gave to the subject. No shouting, no fighting, while opinions and observations were voiced and listened to with respect.

            I gain so much each and every time I spend an hour with this remarkable group. If inclined, I urge you to investigate doing the same thing in your community. Activity directors are always looking for people to share with their seniors.

Take care,

Shelley Riley

Author of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure

www.shelleyriley.com

Black Caviar, Jimmy and the Kentucky Horse Park

December 2, 2013

Dear Readers,

            As promised I wanted to give you an update on Black Caviar’s half-brother Jimmy. The latest news has him being weaned off the medication to reduce the inflammation attacking his hoofs.

            Reportedly a spokesman for BC3 Thoroughbreds said Jimmy who is a phenomenal colt, is making steady improvement and possesses a remarkable fighting spirit. Though it’s still a day-by-day situation, the improvement in the colt has raised everyone’s hopes.

            There is nothing like the will to live when it comes to surviving a life threatening situation. With the help Jimmy is getting from the medical team, his tremendous spirit will keep him headed in the right direction while he recovers. Will he ever run? It’s too soon to say. It depends on how severe and lasting the damage to his hoofs has been.

            As for Black Caviar, check out the cover of the Australian Vogue Magazine. As big as this mare is, the model must be standing on a box.

            I’ve been getting a rush of orders on the memoir as a perfect Holiday gift; you will find it available on Amazon or contact me through my website for a personalized signed copy. Also I’m thrilled to advise signed copies are currently available at the Kentucky Horse Park, while they last.

Take care,

Shelley Riley

Author of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure

www.shelleyriley.com

Black Caviar's Half-brother Jimmy

November 20, 2013

Dear Readers,

                I was reading a LinkedIn comment and discovered Black Caviar’s half-brother, who was bought by BC3 Thoroughbred for $5,000,000 at the Australian Easter yearling sales in April of this year, was fighting for his life after being bitten by a white-tailed spider.

                Like so many people around the world, I’m enamored with Black Caviar, and thus curious about her half-brother. I can relate on several levels with this story. I came very close to losing Casual Lies to an injection site abscess, and though he survived, he was never quite the same. Also, if you’ve read my book about Casual Lies, you will know he was truly a horse with two names. The world knew him as Stanley as well as Casual Lies.  Black Caviar’s half-brother is affectionately known as Jimmy, and by all reports he has a terrific personality and has earned the love of all those who work with him.

                All trainers are familiar with laminitis, but before I talk about this condition, I want to say something about the arachnid that constituted the causal part of Jimmy’s life threatening circumstances.   

                Everywhere we go in this world there are critters that can harm us. But it seems to me, with all due respect, Australia has more than its fair share. Either on the landmass or in the waters in and around Australia, there are things that can sting, bite, kick, trample, tear you apart, eat chunks of your body or completely consume you, leaving no trace behind.

                But of all the oogly boogly’s that walk, fly or swim on this planet, snakes and spider’s scare me the most. Hang on, let me clarify, I don’t like snakes, I have great respect for snakes and I avoid them. However I must confess I have a curiosity about snakes, and if I can do so safely I will look at them. Spiders on the other hand, give me the creeps, I have no desire to look at them or observe them. If there is one on my ceiling at night, I can’t turn off the light as long as it’s still there. My imagination has it prepared to attack me in my sleep. So I get up carefully, watching it at all times, lest the eight legged warrior drops down from his perch on high to commence hostilities. Once I’m clear of the combat zone, I go get the vacuum, the one with the magic spider wand and suck him right off the ceiling. I then put the vacuum in the garage, in case it survived the suction, I wouldn’t want to think it might crawl out and seek revenge.

                Medium in size, the white-tailed spider is recognizable for the white patch at the end of its body. It doesn’t spin a web and wait for its dinner; it actively seeks out its prey. So this eight legged hunter goes on walkabout every evening, searching out its sustenance. On these walkabouts it gets into the homes of Australians and into their stuff—cloths, beds and so forth. When surprised—it bites.

                Though necrosis and ulcers have been attributed to the white-tail spider, research does not confirm this, and in-fact quite the opposite is true. The bite can be nasty and certainly could result in an infection, but on its own should not threaten a life, particularly the life of an animal as big as Jimmy. The reports are that the treatment, used to avoid infection, triggered an allergic reaction and this has caused the complications that have resulted in Jimmy being afflicted with a debilitating case of laminitis.

                Laminitis—there is a very good article about Laminitis (founder) and its causes and the damage that can result once it’s started. I urge you to do a web search and read about it. The long and the short, is that if there is irreversible damage to Jimmy’s hoofs, his racing career is over before it started. I’m sure at this point the number one outcome is the preservation of his life. If the damage is too severe, he won’t be able to survive without unbearable pain. My prayers are with Jimmy recovering a pain free life. I will be keeping a close watch on the news sources that are reporting on his progress. The latest news reports I have seen, advise he is stabilizing.

Take care,

Shelley Riley

Author of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure

www.shelleyriley.com

Sue Grafton, Rick Pitino and Me

November 18, 2013

Dear Readers,

            I know it’s been awhile since I’ve posted, but as you know I was in Kentucky for the 32^nd Annual Kentucky Book Fair in Frankfort, Kentucky. I was there for nearly a week and I must say even with the snow that greeted me on the first day, Lexington and surrounding areas can still make my heart sing.

            Pam Blatz-Murff and I attended the sales at Keeneland, and truly it was a walk down memory lane. I do so love the horses, the people, the smells and excitement of a bloodstock sale. With weanlings, broodmares, stallion prospects and horses of racing age on offer, there really was something for everyone.

            Together Pam and I visited Ashford Stud and Castleton Lyons, along with the Kentucky Horse Park, and I even looked at some real estate in the area. You never know, moving to Kentucky may be in my future.    

            As for the book fair, it was a remarkable experience. I met so many lovely people, including Sue Grafton and Rick Pitino. I found myself seated with the authors of thrillers, rather than those who had written horse related books or memoirs. In discussion with my tablemates, we decided the title made my memoir appear to be a Dick Francis type book. Casual Lies? Picture of a race horse on the cover. Yep I get it. I was just thrilled the memoir had been selected by the selection committee to be included in the fair.

            No matter where I sat, there were hundreds of people stopping by and I sold almost all the books I had on offer. Several people made the trip to see and speak to me specifically, which was a good feeling. Two in particular, wanted to share with me how they'd  bet on Casual Lies in the Kentucky Derby, and had won large exactas, and tri-fecta’s. They were still thrilled all these years later, as was I.

 

            I’m also excited to announce Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure will now be available in the gift shop at the Kentucky Horse Park. I’ve been to the Horse Park and it’s an amazing facility and the gift shop is filled to bursting with quality horse related items. I’m thrilled the memoir about my remarkable horse will be among them. A few signed copies should be available there within the next few days, just in time for Christmas and Holiday buying. You can get all the information you need at their website www.kyhorsepark.com I urge you to check out the website it is interesting and a great resource for anyone who loves all aspects of the horse industry.

            You can also get personalized signed copies by contacting me through my website, and I will include my new bookmark with each copy sold.

Take care,

Shelley Riley

www.shelleyriley.com

Secret Compass - Tragedy

November 2, 2013

Dear Readers,

            The first race, what a tragedy, it tears my heart out. I think I’m going to give up on handicapping the rest of the races. The wind has gone out of my sails and the joy is gone for now. I will watch all the pageantry and admire the participants.

            My ardent wish is the rest of the day goes without mishap.

Take care,

Shelley Riley

www.shelleyriley.com 

Xpressbet Breeders’ Cup Sprint

November 2, 2013

Dear Readers,

       Time is almost up. Here’s my picks for;

Xpressbet Breeders’ Cup Sprint

1                    Justin Phillip – Will stay close to the leaders.

2                   The Lumber Guy – I can’t see him making an impact today.

3                   Gentlemen’s Bet – Can’t get behind this horse.

4                   Majestic Stride – He’s fast. Maybe?

5                   Sum of the Parts – Big race last out, but what about the rest of his races?

6                   Bahamian Squall – Not today.

7                    Private Zone – He’s definitely going to get hooked on the front end, but he has always been tenacious.

8                   Fast Bullet – He’ll definitely add to the cavalry charge on the front end.

9                   Secret Circle – He’s had an easy tightner and he can stalk all that speed.  And…he’s a classy dude.

10               Wine Police – I don’t know what to think of this horse; did you see who he ran fourth to? Might be fun, for a flutter, to bet a combo on him

11                 Trinniberg – Yikes, don’t think so.

12               Laugh Track – Can’t get behind this horse today. 

And my picks?

1        Secret Circle

2       Justin Phillip

3       Private Zone

4       Wine Police

 
           This is definitely a tough race, as are all of them.

Take care,

Shelley Riley

www.shelleyriley.com

Author of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure, check it out, it’s a unique look behind the scenes of horseracing.