On track now

Up in the press box where there is some Internet, though my posts may take a while to process. In any case, the rain has slowed to a sprinkle and I'm pleased to see that the crowd is very strong despite this morning's deluge. As one member of the media just pointed out, the depressed economy could be helping racetracks, as people are flocking here for cheap fun. Since slots came to Fair Grounds grandstand admission is free, so why not spend a Saturday afternoon out here where all you're paying for is you food, drinks and wagers?

Nonetheless, I can't imagine what the crowd would be like if the weather were like it was earlier this week.  

Random note I ment to mention earlier this meet and forgot until I walked in just now...there is a Fair Grounds Press Box Hall of Fame that you pass on your way into this room and a few months ago Vince Marinello's photo and name disappeared from the wall. Now in its place is former track announcer Tony Bentley's head shot.

Marinello, for those of you outside New Orleans, is a former local sportscaster recently convicted for murdering his wife (he shot her point blank in the face) and sentenced to spend the rest of his life in jail. Usually you think of a Hall of Fame induction as irrevocable, but kudos to whoever realized that he no longer deserved to share wall space with some of the greats who have worked from up in this (or more likely the former grandstand's) press box.

First stakes race, The Bienville, just 29 minutes away. I'm very interested in the #10, Unfolding Wish, now on the board at 9-1. Check out today's Daily Handicapping section of the website to read my reasoning under the Value Plays.