Blinkers Off – Friday
Special Railbird correspondent Blinkers Off checks in from the backstretch. Today at Churchill …
Intrigue was bound to raise its ugly head as word began to get around, reportedly via Kent Desormeaux’s agent, that Paulo Lobo had taken Gayego out early Thursday morning onto the pavement, the assumption being that any foot problems would show up on the hard surface. Gayego did not go to the track Thursday morning, heightening speculation something was wrong. Lobo insisted that he planned on giving Gayego the day off all along. Friday morning, Gayego was out at 6:15 and jogged a mile then galloped a mile and a quarter.
Lobo looked very happy with a big table near the stage Thursday night at the media party and when asked about the morning exam said it never happened. As of this writing, Gayego is a whopping 27-1.
Speaking of the media party at the Galt House, more shrimp gave their lives for the enjoyment of others than I have ever seen in all my partygoing days. The great inequity of this event is that the tables are reserved and none for the guests of honor, who mill about desperately looking for a little breathing space to enjoy the free cocktails. This party never has the “pop” it should have and Thursday night there was a real paucity of starpower. When the kitchy band launched into the one-two punch of “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” and “Hey Mickey,” it was time to go back to the hotel.
Security on Oaks Day is brutal. Police are everywhere and suddenly the gate you went into all week is completely off limits. I was carrying a pocket-sized umbrella in preparation for the tornado warnings in effect and a giant officer told me I could not bring it in. Nevermind, they sell umbrellas in the gift shop. I stuffed it in a pocket and sailed through another gate.
The great Kentucky Derby weekend tradition continues at Churchill Downs: The sale of lobster sandwiches.
A little birdie whispered Pyro has “chips.” You read it here first.
