Yep Boss, Alameda County Fair.
The weather wasn't bad, not the stifling heat you can get at times. The local card was really good, full fields and close finishes. We missed a couple P3 after getting the 1st 2 legs. Couldn't hit a P3/4 at Sa or Belmont either. Dinged a nice closer at Monmouth at 9/1 with a $140 ex for a deuce. Had another $58 horse on the turf, think that was GP.
So its getting late in the afternoon, we just get nosed out of the feature, miss the 8th at SA. We're up a few bucks and before we leave we put a bet down on the SA 9th. My buddy says he really likes the #8 Valentine Boy. I say WTF and put a $20 on it. He was 17/1 or so as we left. I get in my car and bring up the Twin Spires app and the race just starts. He sits 2nd, takes the lead turning into the stretch, and draws off by many. He went off at 25/1. Jock's 2nd ride in this country. $52.20 win price. Holy Shit. I have a ticket worth $500 that I need to go cash at some point.
We've been going to the races there for I dunno, 25+ years. Always a great time. I get a kick out of watching people enter the fairgrounds looking like they are going on a camping expedition. They bring so much shit with them. Coolers, chairs, they haul it in with these foldable wagons. And when did the common T-Shirt become something you wear as your main shirt? One dude wearing a V-neck T-shirt, another guy wearing one 3 sizes too big. Lots of nice women to look at, hot weather brings out the shorts.
As far as bringing in a ton of shit like you're going camping, I can see why. That place is getting really expensive. Food and drinks are ridiculous, its like you're at a ballgame. Never used to be that bad. Big Bubba's BBQ is really good, but geezus $13 for a sandwich? A frosty on a waffle cone was like $6, wasn't that big either. Hate to sound like the old guy wistfully thinking about the old days, but my Gawd I don't know how a family with a couple kids could afford eating and drinking there. So to those of you with wagons full of shit, I understand.
I love the Exhibition Hall, that's where they have people selling all kinds of shit. Most of it you wouldn't buy unless you're walking around a County Fair. I've bought by share of bullshit in there, I must admit. I remember one time buying this mop/squeegee thing that looked just fucking incredible, adjustable handle. Fuck yes, gimme that. Took it home and wondered what was I thinking? So last Thursday I was there with a friend and his wife. My wife came after work, we saw Tower Of Power that evening. BTW, front row and they were great. So the 3 of us are walking around, and its the usual crap. Jewelry cleaner, candy and dips, foot inserts for your tired feet, clothing, home stuff, art, etc... All kinds of shit.
We get to the cooking guy, the guy selling pots and pans. His wife loves cooking demonstrations. I see where this is gonna go. The demonstration is really good, he's showing you how much better this stuff is. I'll cut to the chase.....they bought a set, and this is the lowest priced set, for....get this..............TWO LARGE!! Yep, $2,000 on some pots and pans. Now I'll say, they are really good, lifetime all that. But I can assure you my buddy didn't leave the house that morning thinking......."I think I'll drop a couple grand on some cooking equipment today".
Gotta love the fair. I'll be back next year.
