ABSOLUTELY A WINNER

PADDOCK PREDICTING
I don’t take time to bet, but
I do like joining the hard cores,
Who stand behind the chain link fence, and
Observe the thoroughbred’s behavior in the paddock.
Ultimately, hoping to pick a winner.

Turns out there was plenty of time for observation.
The third race was delayed.
Problems with the starting gate.

The handsome, Absolute Boo,
Took issue with the delay.
So his groom walked him around and around,
The confined paddock.
While Boo bobbed his head,
The groom whispered calming words in his ear.

After about 15 minutes, Boo appeared calm.
But as he was led toward stall #1.
He decided to throw a tantrum,
Which unfortunately, tossed his gentle groom to the ground.
Luckily, no one was injured.
They stayed away from the stall,
Cinching Boo's saddle as he walked around and around.

Absolute Boo, has won 50% of his races.
So I figured he’d come in first or
If worn out from tantrum throwing,
He’d come in dead last.
No middle of the track for this big guy

I held my breath when jockey Rick Flower mounted, but
Absolute knew they were headed to the track.

As he breezed by me during the 6 furlong race,
I screamed, “Boo, Boo.” I couldn’t help myself.
He stayed middle of the pack for the first half,
Then jockey Rick Flower navigated Boo to the front,
There he stayed.
A winner.

After another long wait they canceled the rest of the races for the afternoon.
Happily, the two I watched were wonderful.