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The first of three pools of Churchill Downs' 2012 Kentucky Derby Future Wager ("KDFW") begins its three-day run on Friday, Feb. 10, and the bet's opening scenario is very similar to each of its opening pools since the wager was created in 1999: the Mutuel Field, or "All Others", looms as a very strong favorite.

Each week we will monitor the action for runners who made a nice score. Some will be impressive maidens, solid allowance races, and stakes action that could be a stepping stone to bigger and better things. The racing is starting to heat up, and you’ll want to check our notes as the first Saturday in May is getting closer by the race.

Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom makes his 4-year-old debut on Saturday in a $60,000 Optional Claiming race on the grass at beautiful Gulfstream Park. Trainer Graham Motion is using this grass race as a tune-up for the $10 million Dubai World Cup in six weeks, as last year’s Derby winner attempts to complete an unprecedented double.

The “Bet $100 / Get $100” promotion for new Keeneland Select members ends on Sunday, January 8, 2012.

Fans in racing have to rank at the top of the list of unique characters. They love the game, and can be seen jumping for joy, or swatting their sides with a rolled up program. You will find the casual Joe who comes out once in a while to enjoy the action. Avid players who make the trek to see the ponies two-three times per week. Then, there are the conspiracy theorists who are convinced there is something behind the scenes, and they need to get to the bottom of the action. All-in-all, there could never be a greater melting pot of humanity.

It is about this time each year that I start taking inventory of what the past year has held. As a racing fan I have had some great weeks, and some that I would rather not talk about. But, that is a fact for all of us who love to watch the Thoroughbreds. We have to keep our chin up and press on for another day, as 2012 is fast approaching. Here is my personal wish list for all fans as we get ready to turn the page on 2011.

Friday was here, and the thoughts of betting on the weekend races filled my noggin. I was walking through the track, and ran across a player about my age. We spoke, and after the usual banter of who bet what, and who got beat. He looked into my eyes, and told me his dad had passed away. While he talked about the specifics of how he passed, and I found my thoughts drifting back. As I looked over to the entrance way, I could still see his father walking through the doors.

I love to read what handicappers are selecting. Now, sometimes I follow the movement, and other times it stimulates me to look closer. Either way, the selections get me thinking about the races. Now, if you're looking for our team of handicapper’s selections. You may find them under the “Handicapping” tab. All that you have to do is log-in, and you may access Keeneland Select’s team.

Now that 2011 is moving toward an end, it is time for us to take stock. Start yourself a list, and just like Santa. Weigh out the good and bad things you have done at the wagering windows, and get ready to start 2012 off on a strong move.

Gulfstream Park ushers in the end of one racing year, and the arrival of what is to come. From everything I have been reading and watching. Speed on the main track has held good, and the turfers are closing from downtown. I don’t know if this holds water just yet, but it definitely has me watching. In the meantime, here are a couple of turf runners who might be able to make your day.