Wax on - Wax off

Remember the old Karate Kid: "Wax on- Wax off, Breathe into nose out of the mouth"

I am not going to send you out to wash all the cars, but at Saratoga today its another wax on - Wax off.

4 races off the turf and one stay on, two races change distance, Race 6 and 9 out of the dreaded chute.

That one mile course out of the chute is neither a sprint nor a route, its a bastard distance, should be known as the One Mile Snow course, as you Game of Thrones fans would only understand.

All these changes makes me want to spend washing and waxing the truck, but there is a rainbow out there:

I am simply going to stop blaming Mother Nature, as she may turn her wrath onto me, in fact I will praise her, and bend the knee, she is looking out for horseplayers as there is no more rain forecast thru next Monday.

As much as I appreciate this long range forecast I give it as much creedence as to an early morning line, even though I will say that David Aragona in NY has brought back some means of respect to morning line making.

Handicappers can learn a lot from Mr. Miyagi, Pat Morita.

Handicapping principles are always at the forefront for winning horseplayers, those who just have the passion to bet, "I want to bet against Thorpedo Anna'' are doomed.

Balance in your handicapping is a key to success, knowing not to let your emotions get the best of you, whether you don't like the trainer, the jockey, or you got a riff with a horse whom cost you a score.... Balance.

It is true most handicappers are afraid to lose. Scared to death.

One handicapper told me the other day at dinner:

'I play the stock market and I can lose $30K in a day and it doesn't bother me one bit, but if I lose $60 at the track it kills me'

Why is that? He couldn't answer, I think it has to do more with the fear of being wrong, i can tell you Ihave no fear making my wagering decisions, none. I will stand by them til the day I move on to another realm.

Fear and ego, and the wrong side of passion can mutilate a horseplayer.

Yes, we all make stupid plays, but I remember only the smart plays, that is why so many players fail before they ever started.

If you are bemoaning your losses you are a loser. You must have balance, and in the example of today Saratoga with the Wax on -Wax off card, you may use your attention span and balance only the scheduled dirt races and forget about the off the turf or the races now on the 'Snow' chute.

So, with the prospects of a good week after today, knock on wood, breathe in thru the nose and out of your mouth, and enjoy Travers week.