When I protest and tell people who approach me about it that I have absolutely no talent or secret, they never believe me. (Perhaps rightly so — if I really did have a secret, pretending I didn’t would be the right response.)
And I didn’t help my cause in the Kentucky Derby, when as a total fluke I happened to have the winner Giacomo at 50-1 as one of four horses I bet to win. Of course, I also bet to win on the horse that eventually finished last, so this should bolster my case that it was pure luck.
So I figured the only credible way to prove to people I have no skill at picking horses is to post my bets for tomorrow’s Preakness ahead of time.
I will be placing equal bets on Greeley’s Galaxy (morning line odds are 15-1), Afleet Alex (5-2), and High Limit (12-1) to win, and an exact box on those three.
The fact that I’m willing to post my picks should send you a very strong signal that they have no value. So be smart and don’t bet them!
and 
. You can also watch it on 
Please let me know if you win. Maybe, I’ll try your luck.
Afleet Alex won the preakness after falling to his (?) knees. Nice call on the exacta. You should consider turning this blog into a sports betting advice column. Talk about incentive.
http://www.rocksandboulders.com
So, um, who do you like for the Belmont…?
For the record it was:
1. Afleet Alex
2. Scrappy T
3. Giacomo (Derby winner)
So got the winner but no go on the exacta.
I wish I would have placed a bet on Giacomo. I saw the name and that being my name in Italian inspired me to root for that horse. If only I put my money where my rooting was.
Will be interesting to see if betting activity in exactas and superfects rose for the preakness in light of the high payouts for the kentucky derby … would aptly illustrate of the notion of “everchanging cycles” that chicago phd/hedge fund manager victor niederhoffer recycled from horse racing to apply to markets– http://www.dailyspeculations.com/Letter/cycles.html
So, now we know, favored Afleet Alex not only won but pulled off a stunning acrobatic feat in the homestretch to remain in contention when hit by another horse.
My sons had amazing talent for picking winners as kids playing on the infield of De Mar Race Track. They went on names and colors.
What’s your process?
Last I heard, giving away t-shirts did not qualify as “shamelessly hawking” them. And what’s wrong with horse racing?