Shelley Lee Riley's Blog: https://shelleyleeriley.com/my-thoughts/, page 9
December 18, 2013
Lee Child - The Enemy
December 18, 2013
Dear Readers,
My stack of books to review has been taking up precious desk space and increasing at a rapid rate. Today I wanted to make a few comments on a Lee Child novel I recently finished. Entitled The Enemy, and this is another Jack Reacher adventure.
As I’ve stated in the past, I’m a huge Lee Child fan, having discovered his first book while I was living in England. I thoroughly enjoyed it and anticipated more from this talented author, and he didn’t disappoint. Over the years I’ve been somewhat remiss in keeping up with each new title Mr. Child has produced. But I’ve read enough of them to reinforce my first impression of his encaging storytelling and style.
Three Lee Child titles have lingered on my to-read shelf; The Affair, One Shot and The Enemy . And when I finished Iris Johansen’s The Beloved Scoundrel, yes I read romance; I wanted something different, a lot different. I picked up and discarded a Western, a fantasy and a political satire. When my eyes landed on the Lee Child stack, I grabbed the one on top, and settled in for a well written, entertaining adventure.
I was destined to be disappointed. The Enemy wasn’t terrible, it just wasn’t as good as I have come to expect from Mr. Child. I get that its fiction, and I understand that the author can take his story in any direction he wants. But this story line was so far-fetched I couldn’t suspend my believe system long enough to find it remotely probable.
It was preposterous and fraught with impossibilities that gave the overall story a lack of credibility. Furthermore if I hadn’t already been familiar with Reacher’s character from previous novels, I wouldn’t have been as enthusiastic about the Reacher depicted in this one. He seemed as passionless as was the author when he wrote this book.
To put it succinctly, I was so incredulous at times that I verbally addressed the book with a “give me a break!”
Lee Child will remain one of my favorite authors despite this entry in his body of work. I’ll be putting The Enemy in the charity bag rather than passing it onto a friend.
Take care, Shelley RileyAuthor of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure www.shelleyriley.com
Dear Readers,
My stack of books to review has been taking up precious desk space and increasing at a rapid rate. Today I wanted to make a few comments on a Lee Child novel I recently finished. Entitled The Enemy, and this is another Jack Reacher adventure.
As I’ve stated in the past, I’m a huge Lee Child fan, having discovered his first book while I was living in England. I thoroughly enjoyed it and anticipated more from this talented author, and he didn’t disappoint. Over the years I’ve been somewhat remiss in keeping up with each new title Mr. Child has produced. But I’ve read enough of them to reinforce my first impression of his encaging storytelling and style.
Three Lee Child titles have lingered on my to-read shelf; The Affair, One Shot and The Enemy . And when I finished Iris Johansen’s The Beloved Scoundrel, yes I read romance; I wanted something different, a lot different. I picked up and discarded a Western, a fantasy and a political satire. When my eyes landed on the Lee Child stack, I grabbed the one on top, and settled in for a well written, entertaining adventure.
I was destined to be disappointed. The Enemy wasn’t terrible, it just wasn’t as good as I have come to expect from Mr. Child. I get that its fiction, and I understand that the author can take his story in any direction he wants. But this story line was so far-fetched I couldn’t suspend my believe system long enough to find it remotely probable.
It was preposterous and fraught with impossibilities that gave the overall story a lack of credibility. Furthermore if I hadn’t already been familiar with Reacher’s character from previous novels, I wouldn’t have been as enthusiastic about the Reacher depicted in this one. He seemed as passionless as was the author when he wrote this book.
To put it succinctly, I was so incredulous at times that I verbally addressed the book with a “give me a break!”
Lee Child will remain one of my favorite authors despite this entry in his body of work. I’ll be putting The Enemy in the charity bag rather than passing it onto a friend.
Take care, Shelley RileyAuthor of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure www.shelleyriley.com
December 9, 2013
Book Review of ZERO HOUR by Clive Cussler and Graham Brown
December 9, 2013
Dear Readers,
I’ve been reading quite a bit lately, and I realized it’s been awhile since I posted a book review. So I thought I would spend the next couple of posts, sharing my reading list with those who are interested.
I started Clive Cussler and Graham Brown’s most recent collaboration; Zero Hour , and it’s vivid and exciting first chapter was terrific. My problem was that I was expecting one of three genres’s when I picked up this book; thriller, action or suspense, and that is how it was marketed. So I was left a bit confused by the prologue, in that it was written more like a science fiction piece.
As stated before I really liked the pace of the action in the first chapter and I was enthusiastic about the adventure ahead. Alas, the authors didn’t keep me turning the pages at a pace which would make it difficult for me to put the book down. I even left it behind, half finished, as I went off to Kentucky.
I found, over all, the book was okay, even though I was required frequently to suspend my belief system. The book never reached the heights of true science fiction, but enough that it spoiled its credibility as an action/adventure piece. The story was at least consistent in its mediocrity, and I did finish it. I expected more from Clive and though I was disappointed, it wasn’t like I was horribly disappointed. Nonetheless, overall I like Mr. Cussler’s work, I will try again. I have not read any of Graham Brown’s endeavors, other than this particular collaboration. If I ever do, I will share my opinion.
Take care,Shelley RileyAuthor of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure www.shelleyriley.com
Dear Readers,
I’ve been reading quite a bit lately, and I realized it’s been awhile since I posted a book review. So I thought I would spend the next couple of posts, sharing my reading list with those who are interested.
I started Clive Cussler and Graham Brown’s most recent collaboration; Zero Hour , and it’s vivid and exciting first chapter was terrific. My problem was that I was expecting one of three genres’s when I picked up this book; thriller, action or suspense, and that is how it was marketed. So I was left a bit confused by the prologue, in that it was written more like a science fiction piece.
As stated before I really liked the pace of the action in the first chapter and I was enthusiastic about the adventure ahead. Alas, the authors didn’t keep me turning the pages at a pace which would make it difficult for me to put the book down. I even left it behind, half finished, as I went off to Kentucky.
I found, over all, the book was okay, even though I was required frequently to suspend my belief system. The book never reached the heights of true science fiction, but enough that it spoiled its credibility as an action/adventure piece. The story was at least consistent in its mediocrity, and I did finish it. I expected more from Clive and though I was disappointed, it wasn’t like I was horribly disappointed. Nonetheless, overall I like Mr. Cussler’s work, I will try again. I have not read any of Graham Brown’s endeavors, other than this particular collaboration. If I ever do, I will share my opinion.
Take care,Shelley RileyAuthor of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure www.shelleyriley.com
December 4, 2013
Appreciating Free Debate
December 4, 2013
Dear Readers,
For about two years now I’ve been giving my version of an Art Appreciation class at an assisted living facility. We look at images and examples of the work of each individual we’ve decided to appreciate, like a Picasso or Monet. We dig out personal information that will help enlighten us as to what influenced their life and development as an artist, and all the while we discuss what we find.
Yesterday we were appreciating Gustave Courbet, a French painter involved in the Realist movement. Bold and controversial, Gustave used his art to emphasize his politics and enlighten the viewer about the less popular social issues of the time.
As we worked our way through Courbet’s history, we came across this statement in the Wikipedia – Free Encyclopedia:
Until about 1861, Napoléon's regime had exhibited authoritarian characteristics, using press censorship to prevent the spread of opposition, manipulating elections, and depriving Parliament the right to free debate or any real power.
As a group we were struck by the correlation to some of the events that have been transpiring in our country. In particular, highlighted in bold type above, we were cognizant of how those three statements could have been pulled, in whole or part from the headlines of today.
The discussion took us down another avenue, in particular—quotes about mistakes. This brought us to George Santayana, who was a Spanish-American philosopher, poet, essayist and novelist. He is best remembered for two sayings, so familiar and used so often, they are considered by many to be clichéd.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” and “Only the dead have seen the end of war.”
There was a lot of life experience in that room yesterday and I was inspired by the insight these wonderful elders gave to the subject. No shouting, no fighting, while opinions and observations were voiced and listened to with respect.
I gain so much each and every time I spend an hour with this remarkable group. If inclined, I urge you to investigate doing the same thing in your community. Activity directors are always looking for people to share with their seniors.
Take care,Shelley RileyAuthor of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventurewww.shelleyriley.com
Dear Readers,
For about two years now I’ve been giving my version of an Art Appreciation class at an assisted living facility. We look at images and examples of the work of each individual we’ve decided to appreciate, like a Picasso or Monet. We dig out personal information that will help enlighten us as to what influenced their life and development as an artist, and all the while we discuss what we find.
Yesterday we were appreciating Gustave Courbet, a French painter involved in the Realist movement. Bold and controversial, Gustave used his art to emphasize his politics and enlighten the viewer about the less popular social issues of the time.
As we worked our way through Courbet’s history, we came across this statement in the Wikipedia – Free Encyclopedia:
Until about 1861, Napoléon's regime had exhibited authoritarian characteristics, using press censorship to prevent the spread of opposition, manipulating elections, and depriving Parliament the right to free debate or any real power.
As a group we were struck by the correlation to some of the events that have been transpiring in our country. In particular, highlighted in bold type above, we were cognizant of how those three statements could have been pulled, in whole or part from the headlines of today.
The discussion took us down another avenue, in particular—quotes about mistakes. This brought us to George Santayana, who was a Spanish-American philosopher, poet, essayist and novelist. He is best remembered for two sayings, so familiar and used so often, they are considered by many to be clichéd.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” and “Only the dead have seen the end of war.”
There was a lot of life experience in that room yesterday and I was inspired by the insight these wonderful elders gave to the subject. No shouting, no fighting, while opinions and observations were voiced and listened to with respect.
I gain so much each and every time I spend an hour with this remarkable group. If inclined, I urge you to investigate doing the same thing in your community. Activity directors are always looking for people to share with their seniors.
Take care,Shelley RileyAuthor of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventurewww.shelleyriley.com
December 2, 2013
Black Caviar, Jimmy and the Kentucky Horse Park
December 2, 2013
Dear Readers,
As promised I wanted to give you an update on Black Caviar’s half-brother Jimmy. The latest news has him being weaned off the medication to reduce the inflammation attacking his hoofs.
Reportedly a spokesman for BC3 Thoroughbreds said Jimmy who is a phenomenal colt, is making steady improvement and possesses a remarkable fighting spirit. Though it’s still a day-by-day situation, the improvement in the colt has raised everyone’s hopes.
There is nothing like the will to live when it comes to surviving a life threatening situation. With the help Jimmy is getting from the medical team, his tremendous spirit will keep him headed in the right direction while he recovers. Will he ever run? It’s too soon to say. It depends on how severe and lasting the damage to his hoofs has been.
As for Black Caviar, check out the cover of the Australian Vogue Magazine. As big as this mare is, the model must be standing on a box.
I’ve been getting a rush of orders on the memoir as a perfect Holiday gift; you will find it available on Amazon or contact me through my website for a personalized signed copy. Also I’m thrilled to advise signed copies are currently available at the Kentucky Horse Park, while they last.
Take care,Shelley RileyAuthor of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure www.shelleyriley.com
Dear Readers,
As promised I wanted to give you an update on Black Caviar’s half-brother Jimmy. The latest news has him being weaned off the medication to reduce the inflammation attacking his hoofs.
Reportedly a spokesman for BC3 Thoroughbreds said Jimmy who is a phenomenal colt, is making steady improvement and possesses a remarkable fighting spirit. Though it’s still a day-by-day situation, the improvement in the colt has raised everyone’s hopes.
There is nothing like the will to live when it comes to surviving a life threatening situation. With the help Jimmy is getting from the medical team, his tremendous spirit will keep him headed in the right direction while he recovers. Will he ever run? It’s too soon to say. It depends on how severe and lasting the damage to his hoofs has been.
As for Black Caviar, check out the cover of the Australian Vogue Magazine. As big as this mare is, the model must be standing on a box.
I’ve been getting a rush of orders on the memoir as a perfect Holiday gift; you will find it available on Amazon or contact me through my website for a personalized signed copy. Also I’m thrilled to advise signed copies are currently available at the Kentucky Horse Park, while they last.
Take care,Shelley RileyAuthor of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure www.shelleyriley.com
November 20, 2013
Black Caviar's Half-brother Jimmy
November 20, 2013
Dear Readers,
I was reading a LinkedIn comment and discovered Black Caviar’s half-brother, who was bought by BC3 Thoroughbred for $5,000,000 at the Australian Easter yearling sales in April of this year, was fighting for his life after being bitten by a white-tailed spider.
Like so many people around the world, I’m enamored with Black Caviar, and thus curious about her half-brother. I can relate on several levels with this story. I came very close to losing Casual Lies to an injection site abscess, and though he survived, he was never quite the same. Also, if you’ve read my book about Casual Lies, you will know he was truly a horse with two names. The world knew him as Stanley as well as Casual Lies. Black Caviar’s half-brother is affectionately known as Jimmy, and by all reports he has a terrific personality and has earned the love of all those who work with him.
All trainers are familiar with laminitis, but before I talk about this condition, I want to say something about the arachnid that constituted the causal part of Jimmy’s life threatening circumstances.
Everywhere we go in this world there are critters that can harm us. But it seems to me, with all due respect, Australia has more than its fair share. Either on the landmass or in the waters in and around Australia, there are things that can sting, bite, kick, trample, tear you apart, eat chunks of your body or completely consume you, leaving no trace behind.
But of all the oogly boogly’s that walk, fly or swim on this planet, snakes and spider’s scare me the most. Hang on, let me clarify, I don’t like snakes, I have great respect for snakes and I avoid them. However I must confess I have a curiosity about snakes, and if I can do so safely I will look at them. Spiders on the other hand, give me the creeps, I have no desire to look at them or observe them. If there is one on my ceiling at night, I can’t turn off the light as long as it’s still there. My imagination has it prepared to attack me in my sleep. So I get up carefully, watching it at all times, lest the eight legged warrior drops down from his perch on high to commence hostilities. Once I’m clear of the combat zone, I go get the vacuum, the one with the magic spider wand and suck him right off the ceiling. I then put the vacuum in the garage, in case it survived the suction, I wouldn’t want to think it might crawl out and seek revenge.
Medium in size, the white-tailed spider is recognizable for the white patch at the end of its body. It doesn’t spin a web and wait for its dinner; it actively seeks out its prey. So this eight legged hunter goes on walkabout every evening, searching out its sustenance. On these walkabouts it gets into the homes of Australians and into their stuff—cloths, beds and so forth. When surprised—it bites.
Though necrosis and ulcers have been attributed to the white-tail spider, research does not confirm this, and in-fact quite the opposite is true. The bite can be nasty and certainly could result in an infection, but on its own should not threaten a life, particularly the life of an animal as big as Jimmy. The reports are that the treatment, used to avoid infection, triggered an allergic reaction and this has caused the complications that have resulted in Jimmy being afflicted with a debilitating case of laminitis.
Laminitis—there is a very good article about Laminitis (founder) and its causes and the damage that can result once it’s started. I urge you to do a web search and read about it. The long and the short, is that if there is irreversible damage to Jimmy’s hoofs, his racing career is over before it started. I’m sure at this point the number one outcome is the preservation of his life. If the damage is too severe, he won’t be able to survive without unbearable pain. My prayers are with Jimmy recovering a pain free life. I will be keeping a close watch on the news sources that are reporting on his progress. The latest news reports I have seen, advise he is stabilizing.
Take care,Shelley RileyAuthor of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventurewww.shelleyriley.com
Dear Readers,
I was reading a LinkedIn comment and discovered Black Caviar’s half-brother, who was bought by BC3 Thoroughbred for $5,000,000 at the Australian Easter yearling sales in April of this year, was fighting for his life after being bitten by a white-tailed spider.
Like so many people around the world, I’m enamored with Black Caviar, and thus curious about her half-brother. I can relate on several levels with this story. I came very close to losing Casual Lies to an injection site abscess, and though he survived, he was never quite the same. Also, if you’ve read my book about Casual Lies, you will know he was truly a horse with two names. The world knew him as Stanley as well as Casual Lies. Black Caviar’s half-brother is affectionately known as Jimmy, and by all reports he has a terrific personality and has earned the love of all those who work with him.
All trainers are familiar with laminitis, but before I talk about this condition, I want to say something about the arachnid that constituted the causal part of Jimmy’s life threatening circumstances.
Everywhere we go in this world there are critters that can harm us. But it seems to me, with all due respect, Australia has more than its fair share. Either on the landmass or in the waters in and around Australia, there are things that can sting, bite, kick, trample, tear you apart, eat chunks of your body or completely consume you, leaving no trace behind.
But of all the oogly boogly’s that walk, fly or swim on this planet, snakes and spider’s scare me the most. Hang on, let me clarify, I don’t like snakes, I have great respect for snakes and I avoid them. However I must confess I have a curiosity about snakes, and if I can do so safely I will look at them. Spiders on the other hand, give me the creeps, I have no desire to look at them or observe them. If there is one on my ceiling at night, I can’t turn off the light as long as it’s still there. My imagination has it prepared to attack me in my sleep. So I get up carefully, watching it at all times, lest the eight legged warrior drops down from his perch on high to commence hostilities. Once I’m clear of the combat zone, I go get the vacuum, the one with the magic spider wand and suck him right off the ceiling. I then put the vacuum in the garage, in case it survived the suction, I wouldn’t want to think it might crawl out and seek revenge.
Medium in size, the white-tailed spider is recognizable for the white patch at the end of its body. It doesn’t spin a web and wait for its dinner; it actively seeks out its prey. So this eight legged hunter goes on walkabout every evening, searching out its sustenance. On these walkabouts it gets into the homes of Australians and into their stuff—cloths, beds and so forth. When surprised—it bites.
Though necrosis and ulcers have been attributed to the white-tail spider, research does not confirm this, and in-fact quite the opposite is true. The bite can be nasty and certainly could result in an infection, but on its own should not threaten a life, particularly the life of an animal as big as Jimmy. The reports are that the treatment, used to avoid infection, triggered an allergic reaction and this has caused the complications that have resulted in Jimmy being afflicted with a debilitating case of laminitis.
Laminitis—there is a very good article about Laminitis (founder) and its causes and the damage that can result once it’s started. I urge you to do a web search and read about it. The long and the short, is that if there is irreversible damage to Jimmy’s hoofs, his racing career is over before it started. I’m sure at this point the number one outcome is the preservation of his life. If the damage is too severe, he won’t be able to survive without unbearable pain. My prayers are with Jimmy recovering a pain free life. I will be keeping a close watch on the news sources that are reporting on his progress. The latest news reports I have seen, advise he is stabilizing.
Take care,Shelley RileyAuthor of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventurewww.shelleyriley.com
November 18, 2013
Sue Grafton, Rick Pitino and Me
November 18, 2013
Dear Readers,
I know it’s been awhile since I’ve posted, but as you know I was in Kentucky for the 32nd Annual Kentucky Book Fair in Frankfort, Kentucky. I was there for nearly a week and I must say even with the snow that greeted me on the first day, Lexington and surrounding areas can still make my heart sing.
Pam Blatz-Murff and I attended the sales at Keeneland, and truly it was a walk down memory lane. I do so love the horses, the people, the smells and excitement of a bloodstock sale. With weanlings, broodmares, stallion prospects and horses of racing age on offer, there really was something for everyone.
Together Pam and I visited Ashford Stud and Castleton Lyons, along with the Kentucky Horse Park, and I even looked at some real estate in the area. You never know, moving to Kentucky may be in my future.
As for the book fair, it was a remarkable experience. I met so many lovely people, including Sue Grafton and Rick Pitino. I found myself seated with the authors of thrillers, rather than those who had written horse related books or memoirs. In discussion with my tablemates, we decided the title made my memoir appear to be a Dick Francis type book. Casual Lies? Picture of a race horse on the cover. Yep I get it. I was just thrilled the memoir had been selected by the selection committee to be included in the fair.
No matter where I sat, there were hundreds of people stopping by and I sold almost all the books I had on offer. Several people made the trip to see and speak to me specifically, which was a good feeling. Two in particular, wanted to share with me how they'd bet on Casual Lies in the Kentucky Derby, and had won large exactas, and tri-fecta’s. They were still thrilled all these years later, as was I. I’m also excited to announce
Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure
will now be available in the gift shop at the Kentucky Horse Park. I’ve been to the Horse Park and it’s an amazing facility and the gift shop is filled to bursting with quality horse related items. I’m thrilled the memoir about my remarkable horse will be among them. A few signed copies should be available there within the next few days, just in time for Christmas and Holiday buying. You can get all the information you need at their website www.kyhorsepark.com I urge you to check out the website it is interesting and a great resource for anyone who loves all aspects of the horse industry.
You can also get personalized signed copies by contacting me through my website, and I will include my new bookmark with each copy sold.
Take care,Shelley Rileywww.shelleyriley.com
Dear Readers,
I know it’s been awhile since I’ve posted, but as you know I was in Kentucky for the 32nd Annual Kentucky Book Fair in Frankfort, Kentucky. I was there for nearly a week and I must say even with the snow that greeted me on the first day, Lexington and surrounding areas can still make my heart sing.
Pam Blatz-Murff and I attended the sales at Keeneland, and truly it was a walk down memory lane. I do so love the horses, the people, the smells and excitement of a bloodstock sale. With weanlings, broodmares, stallion prospects and horses of racing age on offer, there really was something for everyone.
Together Pam and I visited Ashford Stud and Castleton Lyons, along with the Kentucky Horse Park, and I even looked at some real estate in the area. You never know, moving to Kentucky may be in my future.
As for the book fair, it was a remarkable experience. I met so many lovely people, including Sue Grafton and Rick Pitino. I found myself seated with the authors of thrillers, rather than those who had written horse related books or memoirs. In discussion with my tablemates, we decided the title made my memoir appear to be a Dick Francis type book. Casual Lies? Picture of a race horse on the cover. Yep I get it. I was just thrilled the memoir had been selected by the selection committee to be included in the fair.
No matter where I sat, there were hundreds of people stopping by and I sold almost all the books I had on offer. Several people made the trip to see and speak to me specifically, which was a good feeling. Two in particular, wanted to share with me how they'd bet on Casual Lies in the Kentucky Derby, and had won large exactas, and tri-fecta’s. They were still thrilled all these years later, as was I. I’m also excited to announce
Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure
will now be available in the gift shop at the Kentucky Horse Park. I’ve been to the Horse Park and it’s an amazing facility and the gift shop is filled to bursting with quality horse related items. I’m thrilled the memoir about my remarkable horse will be among them. A few signed copies should be available there within the next few days, just in time for Christmas and Holiday buying. You can get all the information you need at their website www.kyhorsepark.com I urge you to check out the website it is interesting and a great resource for anyone who loves all aspects of the horse industry.You can also get personalized signed copies by contacting me through my website, and I will include my new bookmark with each copy sold.
Take care,Shelley Rileywww.shelleyriley.com
November 2, 2013
Secret Compass - Tragedy
November 2, 2013
Dear Readers, The first race, what a tragedy, it tears my heart out. I think I’m going to give up on handicapping the rest of the races. The wind has gone out of my sails and the joy is gone for now. I will watch all the pageantry and admire the participants. My ardent wish is the rest of the day goes without mishap. Take care,Shelley Rileywww.shelleyriley.com
Dear Readers, The first race, what a tragedy, it tears my heart out. I think I’m going to give up on handicapping the rest of the races. The wind has gone out of my sails and the joy is gone for now. I will watch all the pageantry and admire the participants. My ardent wish is the rest of the day goes without mishap. Take care,Shelley Rileywww.shelleyriley.com
Xpressbet Breeders’ Cup Sprint
November 2, 2013
Dear Readers, Time is almost up. Here’s my picks for;Xpressbet Breeders’ Cup Sprint1 Justin Phillip – Will stay close to the leaders.
2 The Lumber Guy – I can’t see him making an impact today.
3 Gentlemen’s Bet – Can’t get behind this horse.
4 Majestic Stride – He’s fast. Maybe?
5 Sum of the Parts – Big race last out, but what about the rest of his races?
6 Bahamian Squall – Not today.
7 Private Zone – He’s definitely going to get hooked on the front end, but he has always been tenacious.
8 Fast Bullet – He’ll definitely add to the cavalry charge on the front end.
9 Secret Circle – He’s had an easy tightner and he can stalk all that speed. And…he’s a classy dude.
10 Wine Police – I don’t know what to think of this horse; did you see who he ran fourth to? Might be fun, for a flutter, to bet a combo on him
11 Trinniberg – Yikes, don’t think so.
12 Laugh Track – Can’t get behind this horse today.
And my picks?
1 Secret Circle2 Justin Phillip3 Private Zone4 Wine Police
This is definitely a tough race, as are all of them.
Take care,Shelley Rileywww.shelleyriley.com
Author of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure, check it out, it’s a unique look behind the scenes of horseracing.
Dear Readers, Time is almost up. Here’s my picks for;Xpressbet Breeders’ Cup Sprint1 Justin Phillip – Will stay close to the leaders.
2 The Lumber Guy – I can’t see him making an impact today.
3 Gentlemen’s Bet – Can’t get behind this horse.
4 Majestic Stride – He’s fast. Maybe?
5 Sum of the Parts – Big race last out, but what about the rest of his races?
6 Bahamian Squall – Not today.
7 Private Zone – He’s definitely going to get hooked on the front end, but he has always been tenacious.
8 Fast Bullet – He’ll definitely add to the cavalry charge on the front end.
9 Secret Circle – He’s had an easy tightner and he can stalk all that speed. And…he’s a classy dude.
10 Wine Police – I don’t know what to think of this horse; did you see who he ran fourth to? Might be fun, for a flutter, to bet a combo on him
11 Trinniberg – Yikes, don’t think so.
12 Laugh Track – Can’t get behind this horse today.
And my picks?
1 Secret Circle2 Justin Phillip3 Private Zone4 Wine Police
This is definitely a tough race, as are all of them.
Take care,Shelley Rileywww.shelleyriley.com
Author of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure, check it out, it’s a unique look behind the scenes of horseracing.
Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint
November 2, 2013
Dear Readers, I didn’t get very far in my handicapping last night. Many hours passed watching political news and then I woke up and it was midnight. So here I am with my coffee ready to peruse today’s entries. I posted the first two races for today yesterday, and if I do say so myself, I did okay on my picks for Fridays races. So here goes, I’ll try to hurry. The Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint1 Renee’s Titan – Would be surprising.
2 Book Review – This filly is truly a come from behind seven furlong specialist. If they slow down a fraction on the front end, she’ll catch them.
3 Starship Truffles – I can’t get behind this filly.
4 Dance Card – I really like this filly in this race.
5 Teddy’s Promise – She’ll be up there keeping them honest.
6 Ismene – More speed. But is she the fastest?
7 Summer Applause – Not today.
8 Dance To Bristol – She’s definitely a stalker and this race should set up well for her if she came off that last race in good order. She may have run second, but she didn’t look good towards the end.
9 Judy The Beauty – Hard to overlook.
10 Great Hot – She’ll be stalking them.
11 Groupie Doll – She’s been getting ready in the last three races.
12 Sweet LuLu – You can’t ignore this three-year-old.
So who do I pick?
1 Dance Card2 Book Review3 Dance to Bristol
This race is going to be really fun to watch. I love the speedy ones. I won’t get through all the races for today, I realize that. But the it will still be a treat to see all the beautiful horses run.
Take care,Shelley Rileywww.shelleyriley.com
Dear Readers, I didn’t get very far in my handicapping last night. Many hours passed watching political news and then I woke up and it was midnight. So here I am with my coffee ready to peruse today’s entries. I posted the first two races for today yesterday, and if I do say so myself, I did okay on my picks for Fridays races. So here goes, I’ll try to hurry. The Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint1 Renee’s Titan – Would be surprising.
2 Book Review – This filly is truly a come from behind seven furlong specialist. If they slow down a fraction on the front end, she’ll catch them.
3 Starship Truffles – I can’t get behind this filly.
4 Dance Card – I really like this filly in this race.
5 Teddy’s Promise – She’ll be up there keeping them honest.
6 Ismene – More speed. But is she the fastest?
7 Summer Applause – Not today.
8 Dance To Bristol – She’s definitely a stalker and this race should set up well for her if she came off that last race in good order. She may have run second, but she didn’t look good towards the end.
9 Judy The Beauty – Hard to overlook.
10 Great Hot – She’ll be stalking them.
11 Groupie Doll – She’s been getting ready in the last three races.
12 Sweet LuLu – You can’t ignore this three-year-old.
So who do I pick?
1 Dance Card2 Book Review3 Dance to Bristol
This race is going to be really fun to watch. I love the speedy ones. I won’t get through all the races for today, I realize that. But the it will still be a treat to see all the beautiful horses run.
Take care,Shelley Rileywww.shelleyriley.com
November 1, 2013
Breeders’ Cup - Filly and Mare Turf
November 1, 2013
Dear Readers, Well so far so good. I’m watching the telecast and looking at tomorrow’s card in-between today’s races.Next up the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf1 Dank – Hard to argue with that last race.
2 Romantica – Nice mare, but when she throws a clunker, it’s not pretty.
3 Tiz Flirtatious – Likes to stalk the pace.
4 Alterite – Another stalker, with speed holding does she get up in time?
5 Lady of Shamrock – Not off that last race.
6 Marketing Mix – Always knocking on the door.
7 Laughing – Likes to roll on the front end. I like this filly to be in front.
8 Emollient – Hit or miss, never-the-less she can run near the front or come from behind. Adaptable.
9 Qushchi – Nice mare, but I can’t pick her.
10 Kitten’s Dumpling – Seems to be getting better with racing.
And I choose:
1 Laughing2 Dank3 Marketing Mix I’ll press on to the next race.
Take care,Shelley Rileywww.shelleyriley.com
Dear Readers, Well so far so good. I’m watching the telecast and looking at tomorrow’s card in-between today’s races.Next up the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf1 Dank – Hard to argue with that last race.
2 Romantica – Nice mare, but when she throws a clunker, it’s not pretty.
3 Tiz Flirtatious – Likes to stalk the pace.
4 Alterite – Another stalker, with speed holding does she get up in time?
5 Lady of Shamrock – Not off that last race.
6 Marketing Mix – Always knocking on the door.
7 Laughing – Likes to roll on the front end. I like this filly to be in front.
8 Emollient – Hit or miss, never-the-less she can run near the front or come from behind. Adaptable.
9 Qushchi – Nice mare, but I can’t pick her.
10 Kitten’s Dumpling – Seems to be getting better with racing.
And I choose:
1 Laughing2 Dank3 Marketing Mix I’ll press on to the next race.
Take care,Shelley Rileywww.shelleyriley.com
