As I continue the arduous task of sifting through 1,700 photographs from the week's worth of this summer's All-Star Game festivities (1,760 photos to be precise), here are some sneak previews that will have you on the edge of your seat:
True tales ripped from the headlines!
Espionage!
Fast-paced action!
Legends of the past!
Stars of the future!
A boy's dream of one day playing in the Big League!
Intermission for a coffee break!
Men against the elements!
Big-budget special effects!
A life-or-death struggle for existence!
Heroes!
Villains!
Fast cars!
Beautiful women!
Grown men hugging one another!
This multi-part blockbuster epic coming soon to a display screen near you!
Roll the credits!
The interwebs have in recent months been abuzz with palpable excitement and eager - bordering on fanatical - anticipation, fueled by widely-viewed YouTube trailers, for the return of the greatest franchise in the history of science fiction!
Greater than Superman.
Greater than The Twilight Zone.
Greater than The Brown Hornet.
Wait a minute. Did you think this was about Star Wars; The Force Awakens?
This Saturday night on BBC America (and elsewhere worldwide; check your global listings), Doctor Who returns for it's 52nd year! Here is the trailer that has everyone talking. I mean everyone. [Note: The preceding claim does not in fact mean to imply or suggest and should not be construed as being understood to mean every living person on this planet.]
For those few of you, a nearly imperceptibly small number, who missed last season here and here and here and here and here are just a few brief examples of what you missed which undoubtedly will whet your appetite!
Inexplicably, almost incomprehensively, in all probability you therefore missed:
This Doctor, and
This Doctor, and
This Doctor, and
This Doctor, and
This Doctor, and
This Doctor, and
This Doctor, and
This Doctor, and
This Doctor, and
This Doctor, and
This Doctor, and
This Doctor, and
This Doctor.
Roll the credits!
News this week that the 8-year old gelding Wise Dan, also known in these parts as "The Free Money Express," was retired. Following ankle surgery in 2014 that brought a premature end to last year's campaign, Wise Dan had been training regularly and impressively this summer for a planned return to the track this weekend in Canada for the $1-million dollar Woodbine Mile. The Woodbine Mile was expected to serve as a tune-up for Wise Dan's triumphant return to Keeneland, his home track, for this autumn's Breeders' Cup. However, swelling was discovered in a tendon following Wise Dan's most recent workout and, at this late stage in his career, the decision was made to bring an end to his legendary career and to turn Wise Dan lose into the bucolic pastures of equine retirement.
Wise Dan compiled a lifetime record of 23 wins and two second-place finishes in 31 starts. As the old saying goes, like a fine wine he improved with age. In six 2012 starts he had five wins and a second-place finish. In 2013, six wins and a second in seven starts. Wise Dan was undefeated in four starts in 2014, his final season of racing. In just his last three racing years he had 17 starts, 15 wins and two seconds. Ergo, "The Free Money Express."
The owners, trainer and racing public are now denied the storybook ending that could have been Wise Dan winning the Breeders' Cup Mile for a third time (a feat only achieved by one other horse in Breeders' Cup history) before his home track fans in the World Thoroughbred Championship's historic first-ever visit to scenic Keeneland (among the historic aspects of this year's Breeders' Cup; the participation of a Triple Crown winner [American Pharoah]) . Alas, retiring Wise Dan is the correct decision in the best interest of this magnificent horse.
Here is a two-minute video of Wise Dan at Keeneland on October 4, 2014, the day of his last victory in, now, his last-ever race.
One presumes that Wise Dan will be paraded to thunderous ovations, throaty cheers and not a few moist eyes before the Keeneland grandstand on Breeders' Cup day. There can be no question that, if they do, it will be the most electric moment of the day on a day which will see an abundance of equine and human electricity.
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On the subject of Keeneland, if you've been wondering about how things are progressing in terms of construction projects and other assorted preparations for this October's Breeders' Cup, the Keeneland YouTube page has a selection of brief video clips that offer a glimpse into the transformation.
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For those of you who enjoyed reading and - particularly - viewing The Blood-Horse's pictorial feature Calumet Farm: The Rebirth of a Legend, you will find yourself agog at their most recent presentation (full disclosure for the Elizabeth Warren anti-capitalist faction out there [i.e.; 99% of my loyal subscribers], it's a prospectus) titled Ireland and the Thoroughbred. If you have an affinity for the Emerald Isle, if you are drawn to sprawling Old World estates, if you like to spend untold minutes/hours gazing lovingly upon images of horses and horse farms (and you know who you are), then this 50-photo collection is for you! No fear; there's a minimum of text and a maximum of high-definition photographic charm.
Roll the credits!
