Today marks the start of the Oak Tree meet at Santa Anita. It culminates with the Breeders Cup World Championships the weekend of November 5th and 6th. Leading up to that weekend will be many big races, including the Goodwood stakes being run on October 10th with Mine That Bird the star of the show.

On October 10th, we’ll be at Santa Anita signing our book before the first race at the Champions! Gift Shop so be sure to stop by the gift shop and pick up a copy.

A review in an article entitled Learn the ‘Language’ of Gambling Through Special Books, Dictionaries written by the esteemed Howard Schwartz is here:

http://www.casinogaming.com/columnists/shelf/2009/0916.html

The Little Brown Jug is today. The Little Brown Jug is a harness race for 3-year-old pacing Standardbreds at the Fairgrounds in Delaware, OH. It’s the 2nd leg of harness racing’s triple crown. What’s pretty incredible is the race is run in heats all on the same day. So, today whichever horse wins the race will have to have run at least two races *today*. Much different from the Thoroughbreds but no less impressive. I love the name of this race. It sounds so small and simple for something that’s a great accomplishment.

Sunday’s parade of favorites led to one of the lower pick six payouts in recent memory: $210.50 for six correct and $8.80 for five out of six. “Pick the Pros and Ponies” is a handicapping/football contest at Belmont Park that is a popular addition to a Sunday trip to the track during the Fall meet. In a language related connection between  football and racing, we’re been noticing the repeated usage of the term “Pick Six” in football commentary.  An interception in a football game is often referred to as  a “pick” by broadcasters and fans.  An interception that is returned for a touchdown (six points)  is now being commonly referred to as a “pick six”.

If you are out to Belmont this Fall you can stop by the one of NYRA stores to pick off a copy of “Off to a Flying Start: Horsing Around the Language”.

We are happy to report that you can pick up a copy of  Off to a Flying Start at the Gambler’s Book Shop in Las Vegas. Next time you’re picking up your handicapping and betting system books pick up a copy!

Gambler’s Book Shop

1550 E. Tropicana Ave. #4

Las Vegas, NV 89119

Telephone: 702-382-7555

Cassandra will be a guest on the Northeast Public Radio show The Roundtable at 10:08 on Friday morning, September 4.  If you are in the Northeast Public Radio broadcast range be sure to tune in on your radio. The show is also broadcast on the internet. Visit www.wamc.org (this is a link to our interview) to find out which stations carry the show or to listen online.