It’s my brother’s 30th and we are back at the jewel of the jersey shore for a brisk day at the races.

If for no other reason than my own catharsis, I’m going to be live-blogging my picks throughout the day. I wouldn’t recommend repeating my selections.

Pray for me. Gates open in 10, first post 12:50. Stay tuned…

At 11:45 it’s cool and overcast but the track is dry and fast, according to the regulars whom I’m pretty sure have been here since 1976. Excited…

12:05: Ok. Bought a $40 voucher to start. I give that 3 races tops.

Race 1: maiden claiming
$1 trifecta key 2 w/ 1, 3
$5 6 to show
$1 daily double 2/5

Total: $8

Total wipeout. Down $8. Off to a great start.

Race 2:

$1 trifecta key 2 w/ 3, 8
$1 trifecta key 3 w/ 2, 8
$5 4 to show
$.10 super 5, 2. 3, 8
$1 daily double 5/3

Total: $10.10

2 for 2! Complete zero. Unreal. I could have sworn the 7 was a 2. Note to self: get new glasses.

Loss through 2, $18.10. Keep it moving!

1:32 pm Gonna stick with the losing theory one more time. I’m a glutton for punishment. Thank god for Pabst Blue Ribbon.

Race 3:

$1 trifecta 7 w/ 2, 3
$1 trifecta 2 w/ 3, 7
$5 8 to place
$1 daily double 2/6

Total: $10

HEY-OOOOOO! Trifecta comes in at a whopping $11.50, for a grand total win of $1.50. Drinks are on this guy!

Switching gears for the next race. Might be sitting out 4 at Monmouth.

Loss through 3: $16.60

Race 4:

$4 w/p/s on 3 at Woodbine. Race 3.

2:19 pm Things are out of control. Blind at woodbine led to blind at Tioga, a track I’ve never even heard of. BUT, bet the 5 to win blind at Monmouth and BOOM…16 to 1.

All I know is I’m 2 vouchers in with like $35 on the one. You do the math.