BUCYRUS — Three years ago, I ventured into the world of “gambling” on horses at the Crawford County Fair.
I did so virtually, wanting to see how the uneducated might come out without actually risking any money. My strategy was as varied as it was whimsical — the names of horses, their owners, reminders of old rock songs, total winnings, et cetera.
The result? I “won” $9.60 on seven races. I decided this year I would try a different approach. I “bet” all long shots.
What I didn’t realize was that there could be more than one long shot in a race, that is, equal long odds, meaning I would have to “drop” two, four, or even six dollars on each of the 10 races on the card.
After missing on the three-horse first race, I hit in Race 2. Dravo left the gate at 35-1 and finished second. The payout for place was $9.60 But since there were three nags at 35-1 in this race, it left me with just $1.60 to the good.
Misses in the third, fourth, and fifth races left me at a $4.40 “deficit.” But Head Honcho Bo got me headed back in the right direction in the sixth. Going off at 99-1, the two-year-old colt did the unthinkable — he won.
However, since I had not actually bet the race, no one else had Head Honcho Bo to either win or place. Thus, he was only awarded show money, which was $6.20. But at least I was now back close to break even.
As a side note, had I bought a ticket, I would have won nearly $200. Such is life.
In the seventh, Seasar L finished third and his show payout was $7.80, putting me at my high-water mark of $5.60 to the good.
I “hit” again in the eighth race when 18-1 The Long Con finished third, with a payout of $3.60. But since Long Tom Jess was also 18-1, I had to “wager” $4 on the race and came out forty cents short.
In Races 9 and 10, 25-1 Hill Street Blues and 18-1 Mancino left me wanting and costing me $4 in the process. The net result was I would have finished $1.20 to the good.
The total I “risked” was $26 on 10 races. My “winnings” were $27.20. I am in no way recommending this method or any other. It was just a novel way for a person with no knowledge of racing or its strategy to relate to those who do, or think they do.
The night was interrupted twice by weather — after Race 5 for lightning and again after Race 6 when the county tornado siren was sounded, adding to the night’s excitement.
Just a few years ago, harness racing was on life support. Many county fairs in Ohio were reducing or even eliminating it. But the trotters are gradually making a comeback.
According to Crawford County Fair track announcer, Ayers Ratliff, harness racing provides 20,000 in the state of Ohio and generates millions of dollars.
If you’re a gambler, or just like to watch the races as a spectator, there is one more chance to scratch your itch. The 165th Crawford County Fair continues Thursday and includes another slate of races with a post time of 6 p.m.