Back in the Game...or Writer's Chair

I go ahead and give the blog a fresh, new look and then promptly disappear for 3 weeks! What could possibly be going on that would keep me away 3 weeks missing the Eclipse Awards and a Tabby Lane race preview?

Turns out…a lot!

First off, let me say that it’s been tough to write the last few weeks.  I’ve had some ideas and items that I wished to comment on but I simply could not get myself to sit down at the computer and write.  It could be very well that I was a bit hungover after the Breeder’s Cup, the end of Tabby’s 2011 season, the launch of TURF and the holidays plus the seemingly non-stop search for a “real” job.  No matter how hard I tried I could not bring myself to sit for any length of time and write anything of any value or substance.

I can’t honestly say that I’ve turned the corner in that regard, but a lot has gone on over the past few weeks to maybe reinvigorate me a bit.

Tabby Lane – On Saturday, Tabby Lane bounced back from a 5^th place finish in a $5,000 Starter Allowance with a stirring stretch running victory in an $8,000 claiming race at Tampa Bay Downs.  Mid pack throughout, she looked defeated at the 3/16^th pole.  Dean Butler shook her up and Tabs responded, making up nearly 6 lengths in the stretch for the neck win.  With that win, Tabby passed a couple of milestones: she is now in a 3^rd place tie for most wins by an Even the Score progeny (9) and went over the $100,000 mark in career earnings.

Job Front – On January 30^th I’ll be starting with a new company as a business development manager.  Though not in the racing industry, it will enable me to stay here in Minnesota.  When I actually begin I’ll let you all know the company but I’m excited to remain here and be able to cover Canterbury for the Daily Racing Form next summer and, hopefully, for many summers beyond.

Vacation – This past week my wife and I spent some time on a beach.  Along with the new job will come considerable travel requirements and this was an opportunity for us to get away and spend some quality time together before I start road warrior-ing it again.  Turns out in the midst of our return flight was Tabby’s win!  Listening to a six second voice mail from our trainer saying, “She just got up at the wire!” was a great way to be welcomed back to the frigid, sub-zero Minnesota chill – in fact perhaps the only way that could be considered great!

The Derby trail will start heating up soon, Tabby Lane is in good form and I’ll be spending quite a bit of time in hotel rooms again.  It feels like things are getting back to “normal”.  That should include regular posting!