Pick3Guru, what you didn't know...

[Valupix]

Pick3Guru has sent me PM’s a few times the last couple months wanting to meet me. He lives in the Cincinnati area as I do and he regularly attends River Downs. As I told him in my replies, I rarely visit either River Downs or Turfway even though both are less than 15 minutes drives from me.

So he sends me another last weekend wanting me to come over to River Downs for the Cradle Stakes today. I agree to meet him at 1pm. He sent me a PM this morning saying he would be wearing a Cincinnati Bearcat baseball cap and a blue shirt with yellow trim. He has told me before that he was a young guy and in this PM he once again says I am very young. Okay, I’m thinking is he trying to tell me I’m old or what?

I get there a little early and don’t see any young men meeting his description so I turn my attention to the TV monitors and begin doing the handicapping thing. About 10 minutes later there is this little voice coming from about elbow high to me saying hello TJ. I look down and see this kid about 12 or 13 dressed in a blue shirt with yellow trim and he’s wearing a Cincinnati Bearcats baseball cap. Is this a joke? No, it was Pick3Guru! I never once had a clue he was a kid.

But this is not your normal 13 year old kid folks. He knows his horses. He is already at his young age better than probably 90% of the handicappers I know. Very bright and courteous as well as deeply versed on the game. He made his own selections and his dad carried out the gambling steps. All his rationale was very sound and logical. He knew exactly why he was or was not doing something in a race. And he did very well, maintaining a profit most of the day and then after falling behind a short while he made a big come back to finish up for the day.

His dad is a fine guy as well and he too is a very good handicapper.

It was very nice to meet the two of you and I look forward to crossing paths again someday soon.

[ehusbands]

cool. Good to have some young blood.
Nice job Pick 3. Did ya teach the old man anything? not yours, tj.
Teach him about biases

[WodDow]

Originally Posted by Valupix

Pick3Guru has sent me PM’s a few times the last couple months wanting to meet me. He lives in the Cincinnati area as I do and he regularly attends River Downs. As I told him in my replies, I rarely visit either River Downs or Turfway even though both are less than 15 minutes drives from me.

So he sends me another last weekend wanting me to come over to River Downs for the Cradle Stakes today. I agree to meet him at 1pm. He sent me a PM this morning saying he would be wearing a Cincinnati Bearcat baseball cap and a blue shirt with yellow trim. He has told me before that he was a young guy and in this PM he once again says I am very young. Okay, I’m thinking is he trying to tell me I’m old or what?

I get there a little early and don’t see any young men meeting his description so I turn my attention to the TV monitors and begin doing the handicapping thing. About 10 minutes later there is this little voice coming from about elbow high to me saying hello TJ. I look down and see this kid about 12 or 13 dressed in a blue shirt with yellow trim and he’s wearing a Cincinnati Bearcats baseball cap. Is this a joke? No, it was Pick3Guru! I never once had a clue he was a kid.

But this is not your normal 13 year old kid folks. He knows his horses. He is already at his young age better than probably 90% of the handicappers I know. Very bright and courteous as well as deeply versed on the game. He made his own selections and his dad took carried out the gambling steps. All his rationale was very sound and logical. He knew exactly why he was or was not doing something in a race. And he did very well, maintaining a profit most of the day and then after falling behind a short while he made a big come back to finish up for the day.

His dad is a fine guy as well and he too is a very good handicapper.

It was very nice to meet the two of you and I look forward to crossing paths again someday soon.

nice of you TJ , and good on p3's Dad, for raising what seems to be a fine young man. P3 does Dad post here ?

Keep up loving the game p3 , we need more like you !!!

Wait till u meet me TJ

[hoofarted]

hmm, well there goes Slews idea of a cussing friday ..

[Masterquick]

Nice goin' P3G, keep T J on his toes.

[youbetwho]

Nice story - It's just a darn relief to know that we act like perfect adults here to give the lad a good idea of horse players

[Pick 3 Guru]

Thanks T.J, I really am so glad to meet you. but you failed to metion one thing, you killed them today!!

Thanks guys for all kind words!

Woddow my dad doesnt post on here. I will be honest, he needed to talk to T.J on how to bet.

Thanks guys again!

[ehusbands]

Originally Posted by youbetwho

Nice story - It's just a darn relief to know that we act like perfect adults here to give the lad a good idea of horse players

good point. Might change my whole vocabulary when I post, just cause Pick 3 might read it, darn it.

[mountainman]

My father initiated me at the age of 8. One trip to the track was all it took. For better or worse, my fate was sealed. I just had to be witness or party to that spectacle. Am I satisfied with the course my life has taken? Yes. Do I sometimes wonder what might have been, had I pursued a "civilian" career with equal obsession? You bet. For various reasons, it is my wish that Shane, my 11 yr old, never need ponder that same question. In my opinion, the downside with playing horses at a formative age is that racing offers the sort of instant gratification that can make more lucrative goals seem distant and dull. Set forth to become a doctor , lawyer, or engineer, and feedback on your progress is periodic at best. It may, in fact, be years before you can accurately gauge your chances of success. Racing, on the other hand, renders an unwavering verdict every 20 minutes. Such a black and white world , in many ways, bears little resemblance to the real one, and once seduced by it, there is often no return. And that's a shame, since, unless your name is Jerry Bailey or Todd Pletcher, the "real world" better rewards outstanding effort and intelligence . No horseracing for Shane. Not if I can help it.

[timholland]

Originally Posted by mountainman

My father initiated me at the age of 8. One trip to the track at was all it took. For better or worse, my fate was sealed. I just had to be witness or party to that spectacle. Am I satisfied with the course my life has taken? Yes. Do I sometimes wonder what might have been, had I pursued a "civilian" career with equal obsession? You bet. For various reasons, it is my wish that Shane, my 11 yr old, never need ponder that same question. In my opinion, the downside with playing horses at a formative age is that racing offers the sort of instant gratification that can make more lucrative goals seem distant and dull. Set forth to become a doctor , lawyer, or engineer, and feedback on your progress is periodic at best. It may, in fact, be years before you can accurately gauge your chances of success. Racing, on the other hand, renders an unwavering verdict every 20 minutes. Such a black and white world , in many ways, bears little resemblance to the real one, and once seduced by it, there is often no return. And that's a shame, since, unless your name is Jerry Bailey or Todd Pletcher, the "real world" better rewards outstanding effort and intelligence . No horseracing for Shane. Not if I can help it.

I just don't understand. I have plenty of friends/acquaintances that are lawyers doctors etc, even my own brother who is an accountant, making much more money than I do and I pity them for not working in an industry that is their life. I have never had a job that has not been connected to racing, and sure I'm not a millionaire, but I do not have any regrets.

[timholland]

Originally Posted by Valupix

Pick3Guru has sent me PM’s a few times the last couple months wanting to meet me. He lives in the Cincinnati area as I do and he regularly attends River Downs. As I told him in my replies, I rarely visit either River Downs or Turfway even though both are less than 15 minutes drives from me.

So he sends me another last weekend wanting me to come over to River Downs for the Cradle Stakes today. I agree to meet him at 1pm. He sent me a PM this morning saying he would be wearing a Cincinnati Bearcat baseball cap and a blue shirt with yellow trim. He has told me before that he was a young guy and in this PM he once again says I am very young. Okay, I’m thinking is he trying to tell me I’m old or what?

I get there a little early and don’t see any young men meeting his description so I turn my attention to the TV monitors and begin doing the handicapping thing. About 10 minutes later there is this little voice coming from about elbow high to me saying hello TJ. I look down and see this kid about 12 or 13 dressed in a blue shirt with yellow trim and he’s wearing a Cincinnati Bearcats baseball cap. Is this a joke? No, it was Pick3Guru! I never once had a clue he was a kid.

But this is not your normal 13 year old kid folks. He knows his horses. He is already at his young age better than probably 90% of the handicappers I know. Very bright and courteous as well as deeply versed on the game. He made his own selections and his dad carried out the gambling steps. All his rationale was very sound and logical. He knew exactly why he was or was not doing something in a race. And he did very well, maintaining a profit most of the day and then after falling behind a short while he made a big come back to finish up for the day.

His dad is a fine guy as well and he too is a very good handicapper.

It was very nice to meet the two of you and I look forward to crossing paths again someday soon.

Good deal TJ. Not many would have your genorosity.

[mountainman]

Originally Posted by timholland

I just don't understand. I have plenty of friends/acquaintances that are lawyers doctors etc, even my own brother who is an accountant, making much more money than I do and I pity them for not working in an industry that is their life. I have never had a job that has not been connected to racing, and sure I'm not a millionaire, but I do not have any regrets.

Well said sir. I have read some of your posts and found you knowedgable. But how often we in racing assume that those otherwise employed do not equally love THEIR jobs. To "pity" those in other fields seems a bit biased.

[sherry]

Originally Posted by timholland

I just don't understand. I have plenty of friends/acquaintances that are lawyers doctors etc, even my own brother who is an accountant, making much more money than I do and I pity them for not working in an industry that is their life. I have never had a job that has not been connected to racing, and sure I'm not a millionaire, but I do not have any regrets.

Tim, I don't believe he's saying its a life to regret, but at such a young age how will you know it's THE LIFE to live.

Would be interesting to know how many players have gone from being a "horseplayer" to a professional in the civilian world versus the other way around. We read about lawyers, doctors, and financial managers (such as myself) that quit their jobs to play. Like you I have no regrets, but I could never go back to a "normal" life either.

[Inside The Pylons]

The kid has the best chance of anybody here to be a successful horseplayer.

He's young enough to figure out how to win on his own. He is not poisoned yet by all of the ridiculous nonsense that "set in their way" minds can't overcome. A fresh young mind, enthusiasm about betting, and loves the game.............he has a good chance.

[jaguar]

Originally Posted by sherry

Tim, I don't believe he's saying its a life to regret, but at such a young age how will you know it's THE LIFE to live.

Would be interesting to know how many players have gone from being a "horseplayer" to a professional in the civilian world versus the other way around. We read about lawyers, doctors, and financial managers (such as myself) that quit their jobs to play. Like you I have no regrets, but I could never go back to a "normal" life either.

It's all about Dopamine.

MM makes an interesting point that the dopamine rush at an early age can annihilate the pursuit of careers that require delayed gratification.

The main question is can one learn what one's true passion in life is without sampling the menu early on?

It is just as probable that one can be "locked" into a more "respectable" career path by mom and dad only to find out, years later, that "respectable" is not your passion. Learning this too late is problematic because too much has been invested (or spouse and family have lifestyle expectations) to turn back.

Likewise, it is very difficult to make up for lost time and get into a profession.

I think it is good to allow our children to explore the many opportunites open to them but that, in the end, it is the lucky few that end up in a career that matches their passion.

BTW, our society has rashly experimented with the visual dopamine rush from TV, movies, and the Net. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out because we went from 50,000 years of "still shots" to motion pictures (of any kind) at will in less than a hundred years.

[jaguar]

Well, maybe not 50,000 years!

http://www.yofun.net/videos/firstero...m_content.html

[EdwardWilliam]

Originally Posted by sherry

Tim, I don't believe he's saying its a life to regret, but at such a young age how will you know it's THE LIFE to live.

Would be interesting to know how many players have gone from being a "horseplayer" to a professional in the civilian world versus the other way around. We read about lawyers, doctors, and financial managers (such as myself) that quit their jobs to play. Like you I have no regrets, but I could never go back to a "normal" life either.

Right now, I'm contemplating leaving horseplaying to enter the "real World."

It's going to be tough to give up the money, mostly because I will have to be entry level, and no entry pay is going to come close to what I make now.

Still, since I'm only 23, I look down the road and wonder if I'll even HAVE harness races to play in 15-20-25 years, so I'm thinking it makes sense to move onto a different field, as much as I enjoy my current lifestyle.

I'll let the board know what the first couple people say that see "professional horseplayer" on my resume.

Best,
EW

[sherry]

Originally Posted by Inside The Pylons

The kid has the best chance of anybody here to be a successful horseplayer.

He's young enough to figure out how to win on his own. He is not poisoned yet by all of the ridiculous nonsense that "set in their way" minds can't overcome. A fresh young mind, enthusiasm about betting, and loves the game.............he has a good chance.

He's not only a smart kid, but he's been nothing but polite.

[bullring]

wow, I've been gambling since I was 12 aswell. I am the result. Neat huh???

[Afleet]

good luck Pick3; horseracing is the greatest game but.....

Go to college when the time comes-whether you want to or not; no ifs, ands or buts about it.

[PatCummings]

I feel like I have it all...

Went to college (do it P3Guru, it's a heckuva good time, work and all).

Work full-time in investing (I don't advise or anything, so don't think I get a rush that way or something).

Get to call races now and then (an absolute life-long dream - calling one was a dream come true, any more than that is icing on the cake).

Who knows if something full time comes along in racing or otherwise - but I'll weigh my options. Options are good.

[StormRiver]

Originally Posted by Valupix

Pick3Guru has sent me PM’s a few times the last couple months wanting to meet me. He lives in the Cincinnati area as I do and he regularly attends River Downs. As I told him in my replies, I rarely visit either River Downs or Turfway even though both are less than 15 minutes drives from me.

So he sends me another last weekend wanting me to come over to River Downs for the Cradle Stakes today. I agree to meet him at 1pm. He sent me a PM this morning saying he would be wearing a Cincinnati Bearcat baseball cap and a blue shirt with yellow trim. He has told me before that he was a young guy and in this PM he once again says I am very young. Okay, I’m thinking is he trying to tell me I’m old or what?

I get there a little early and don’t see any young men meeting his description so I turn my attention to the TV monitors and begin doing the handicapping thing. About 10 minutes later there is this little voice coming from about elbow high to me saying hello TJ. I look down and see this kid about 12 or 13 dressed in a blue shirt with yellow trim and he’s wearing a Cincinnati Bearcats baseball cap. Is this a joke? No, it was Pick3Guru! I never once had a clue he was a kid.

But this is not your normal 13 year old kid folks. He knows his horses. He is already at his young age better than probably 90% of the handicappers I know. Very bright and courteous as well as deeply versed on the game. He made his own selections and his dad carried out the gambling steps. All his rationale was very sound and logical. He knew exactly why he was or was not doing something in a race. And he did very well, maintaining a profit most of the day and then after falling behind a short while he made a big come back to finish up for the day.

His