“Hello?” Scott says on his Blackberry. He’s sitting in the Riverstone Kitchen. It’s the late afternoon.
“Scott!” The caller responds.
“Dr. Hacklu? Give me some good news!” Scott says.
“I wish,” Dr. Hacklu yells. “I’m here at Hipodromo Venezuela. Hey Girl is not here. I should have known better than to trust the crack whisperer Clark!”
“Keep searching,” Scott says.
“What?”
“Keep looking!” Scott says louder. “Ask around! Get more info.”
“Got it.” Dr Hacklu responds. “I hope you guys are alright with all the fires burning.”
“Don’t worry about us Doc. Just make sure you’re safe. OK? All right. Bye.”
Scott lays his phone down on the dining table. He walks over to the fridge, grabs a bottle of water and returns to his seat. The house is relatively empty. Carolyn Eaton is still in Singapore to watch The White Album race and Mike Eaton left for Flamingo Park to keep an eye on Make Me Clever.
“It’s a shame,” Mary says as she enters the Kitchen and sits next to Scott.
“What?”
“Everything,” Mary says. “Everything is so negative right now. I mean. We tried to go to Venezuela but we could only afford one ticket. Chuck and his filly are still missing. Bill left for Mexico.”
“How’d he do by the way?” Scott interrupts.
“Think Legendary won,” Mary responds. “He broke smoothly. Showed a lot of speed. Took the turn a little wide but his jockey Iago Felix steered him home.”
“To the Long Island Classic then?” Scott asks.
“Don’t know,” Mary responds. “I still haven’t spoken to Bill yet. But I mean. Even the Forum is up in arms. It used to be so helpful. Now half of it is disagreements and debates.”
“It’s healthy,” Scott responds. “Everyone’s entitled to their opinions. Plus, it’s almost always been like that mixed in with the occasional ‘I love Em and I love Huff Daddy’ thread, but a little controversy is always good.”
“Psh!” Mary says. “Controversy?”
“Yeah,” Scott says. “I mean the SIM is like a microcosm of the world. We all share the same interest, yet we all can’t get along on how to achieve those interests. There’s a governing system that makes changes and there’s players that suggest change. Some people just play, while some people are extremely active in the evolution and progression of the SIM.”
“Like what?” Mary asks.
“Like everything!” Scott says sarcastically. “Speed figures, intervals, farm amenities, fitness levels, gelding, standing bad stallions, mixed breed racing, auctions, Dave Shields retiring. There’s a bunch more, but some of that was brought on by forum debates. I think someone even debated about creating a Syndicate of racing barns that worked with each other exclusively to dominate the SIM.”
“That’s stupid,” Mary responds. “A Syndicate? Do mobsters play the SIM?”
“But seriously,” Scott says. “I think it helps the SIM progress forward and evolve.”
“Hopefully for the betterment of all players.” Mary says.
“I think it has so far,” Scott says.
“Where’s Clark,” Mary asks suddenly.
“He went to Yoga.”
“Yoga?” Mary responds as she’s laughing.
“Yeah. He’s all Hollywood now.” Scott says. “The other day, he came in with aviator shades.”
“Oh,” Mary says excitedly. “We have a new housemate moving in next week!”
“Oh yeah! Who won?”
“Tim Matthews Jr!” Mary responds. “Him and Apple Crisp were voted into the house.”
“Sweet,” Scott says as his phone begins ringing. “It’s Doc! Hello?”
“Scott!” Dr. Hacklu yells.
“Yeah?” Scott responds as he puts his Blackberry on speakerphone.
“I found her!”
“Yes!” Mary yells.
“Is that Mary?!” Dr. Hacklu says.
“Where’d you find her?” Mary asks.
“She’s not here. She’s at Colombia Racecourse,” Dr. Hacklu responds. “Apparently, she was entered in a maiden over a mile and an eighth and she won!”
“Wow!” Scott says.
“Yeah,” Dr. Hacklu continues. “I’m gonna make my way there to check her out. Make sure she’s ok.”
“That’s great!” Mary adds.
“Yeah,” Scott says. “Call us when you get there!”
“Ok! Talk you two later,” Dr. Hacklu says.
“Incredible news,” Scott says as he sets his Blackberry down. “See it’s not all negative.”
“Mostly,” Mary responds. “I said mostly.”
“And next Friday is the Louisville Derby. How can that be negative?” Scott asks.
“Whatever,” Mary responds. “It’s still negative to me.”
“No,” Scott says. “Negative was Whitney Houston’s comeback. The SIM is not negative.”
“La la la la la,” Mary says.
“And we added Tim Matthews Jr. to the house,” Scott continues. “How can that be negative?”
“La la la la la”
“Ok,” Scott says chuckling. “I give up.”
The two part ways in a friendly manner. Mary heads outside to check on a few horses. Scott begins going upstairs to his room. It’s quiet in the house for a change.
NEXT TIME ON SIM SERIES…
Tim Matthews Jr. will join the house and give up control of his filly Apple Crisp. Results will be updated for The White Album and Make Me Clever. How will the SIM vote on upcoming races? How will Dr. Hacklu fair in Colombia? What happened to Clark at Yoga? These questions and more will be answered next time!
www.simhorseracing.com
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
SIM Series Season 2 Episode 3
“How goes it! I’m Steve Levy and this is Neil Everett. And this…my friends, is SportsCenter!” says Steve Levy via the flat panel TV in the Payas Bas Living Room by John Xett.
“Gosh, I love this show.” Scott says as he adjusts his position on the couch.
“It’s alright,” Mike says as he chews away at a rice crispy treat. “Da da dunt, da da dunt!”
“Steve?” says Neil through the TV speakers. “Can you believe it? Our lead story is about SIMhorseracing.com!”
“SIM whaaaa?” Steve asks sarcastically.
“Whoa! They’re opening with the SIM!” Scott says. “MARY! Get over here!”
“SIMhorseracing.com! Get with the times Steve,” Neil says as he adjusts a few loose papers. “Carolyn Eaton chooses a race and will travel! In fact she’s already in Singapore! With The White Album who is going to race Week 5 Friday in the Grade II Four of Stars Stakes worth a full 150k.”
“Get out of here,” Steve blurts as the camera shifts to him. “150k? Well, in related news, Mike Eaton’s Make Me Clever is also going Week 5 Friday as well. But he’s going against his will! The SIM voted. Yes Neil, they voted! To send MMC, that’s short for Make Me Clever, to send her to the 100k Festival of Light Stakes in Flamingo Park.”
“Who names these race courses Steve?” Neil says as the camera switches back to him. “Well, in more related news. Seriously, who wrote tonight’s SportsCenter? Three stories back to back to back about SIMhorseracing.com?”
“Um,” Steve butts in. “Neil they only pay you to read the cues.”
“Right,” Neil says laughing. “Sorry. Think Legendary’s in Mexico. He’s fallen off the Triple Crown Trail. Here’s Rachel Nicols with more.”
“Last week,” Rachel says as the camera cuts to her. The backdrop shows Mexico Racecourse. “Bill Deitch and his Derby contender Think Legendary suddenly left the SIM Series home. With no votes in hand, Bill decided to go his own route. A few days ago, I had a chance to ask him what happened.”
The TV cuts to Bill with Rachel interviewing him. “Well, unfortunately” Bill says. “I will not be sending him to Louisville. I’m disappointed. I opted for a Week 5 prep. Hopefully we’ll point to Baltimore after this race. He still needs to try more distance, which should help. It’s one of those wait and see situations.”
“We’ll definitely wait and see” Rachel says as the camera cuts back to her. “From Mexico Racecourse. I’m Rachel Nicols. ESP ON”
“What happened?” Mary says as she pants from running inside the house frantically. She’s dressed in her training outfit. “What happened?”
“You just missed it!” Mike says. “You’re too slow like some of my horses that you train!” He begins laughing at himself.
“Whatever!’ Mary says. “One of your slow horses was taking his slow *BEEP* time getting into his barn! And shouldn’t you be in Florida with Make Me Clever!? Seriously what happened?”
“Quit it you two!” Scott blurts. “They opened SportsCenter with the SIM! That was crazy!”
“No they didn’t!” Mary says.
“Hey did you guys see that?” Dr. Hacklu yells as he runs into the Payas Bas Living Room by John Xett.
“Heck yeah!” Scott says.
“Good day!” Clark Hoss says as he joins everybody. He’s wearing a brown leather cowboy hat, black skinny jeans, and a tight brown patterned button up shirt. “They called her MMC. Short for Make Me Clever. Now that’s clever!” He says.
“MMC,” Mike says as he’s chuckling. “That was so awesome.”
“They opened with The White Album,” Dr. Hacklu says. “I just saw her last week. She’s had about five weeks off. She probably needed a light workout before racing. See you at the races!”
“Are you leaving Doc?” Scott asks.
“No. I’m just so used to ending every sentence with ‘See you at the races.’” He responds.
The group breaks out into a chorused laughter.
“They didn’t mention Chuck though,” Mike says inquisitively.
“They didn’t?” Mary asks.
“There’s nothing to report,” Scott says. “He still has yet to show up here or for Season 25. We don’t even know where his filly Hey Girl is!”
The group becomes awkwardly quiet for a moment.
“Come together,” Clark says as he breaks the silence. “Come. Sit down and hold hands in a circle. Come.”
“What the heck is this?” Mike asks as he begins to sit. “This isn’t some horse exorcist stuff is it?”
“He’s a horse whisperer,” Scott says. “He’s not wearing a long black robe.”
“He’s wearing skinny jeans!” Mike says mockingly as he’s fully seated now. “My friends wear skinny jeans. They’re cool.”
“Come,” Clark says again as he closes his eyes. “It’s a wonderful day for whispering. Repeat it. It’s a wonderful day for whispering.”
“I’m not comfortable with this,” Dr. Hacklu says shyly as he remains standing. “This is scientifically impossible.”
“Dr. Hack Lu,” Clark says with his eyes closed still. “Did you know that every horse is a beautiful miracle of life?”
“Of course. I’m a veterinarian. Did you know my daughter wants to be a vet too? We see foals birthed all the time.” Dr. Hacklu responds.
“No,” Clark responds. “The miracle is that I can hear them. We can communicate. We are symbiotic. Help us hear Chuck Whittingham’s Hey Girl, Dr. Hacklu.”
Dr. Hacklu pauses for a minute before reluctantly sitting down. He holds Clark’s and Scott’s hand as he sits between them. Next to Scott is Mary and next to Mary is Mike Eaton.
“It’s a wonderful day for whispering,” Clark says. “Close your eyes.”
“It’s a wonderful day for whispering,” they say in unison now while grasping each other.
“It’s a wonderful day for whispering. It’s a wonderful day for whispering. It’s a wonderful day for whispering…”
“I can see something,” Dr. Hacklu says. “This is amazing. How is this possible?”
“Tell us your vision,” Clark says.
“I see Spanish words. A Zool, Row Joe, Amar Rillow.” Dr. Hacklu responds.
“Hey girl!” Mike says as his eyes tighten the grasp of closing. “Spanish class. Third period. Mrs. Sanchez is enfuego.”
“They’re colors!” Mary blurts as she opens her eyes. “Blue, Red, Yellow!”
“It’s a flag,” Scott says. “I see a flag.”
“Mrs. Sanchez?” Mike says. “Will you go to Prom with me?”
“Hipodromo Venezuela!” Mary yells. “I’ve been there. The Venezuelan flag flies over the race track near the barns!”
“So?” Scott says as he opens his eyes as well. “Chuck Whittingham’s Hey Girl is in Hipodromo Venezuela?”
Clark nods his head in agreement as everybody except Mike begins opening their eyes. “It was hard to get a read on Hey Girl,” Clark says. “But with your help guys, we have heard where she is. She is alive.”
“Every horse is really a miracle of life,” Dr. Hacklu says, as he stands up slightly teary eyed.
“Indeed,” Clark says as he stands up and begins walking away.
“My mom won’t mind Mrs. Sanchez. She’ll understand,” Mike says.
“Mike!” Scott snaps. “We found her.”
“Huh?” Mike says as he awakens.
“Hey Girl’s in Hipodromo Venezuela.” Scott says.
“Where’s Mrs. Sanchez?” Mike says.
“What are we going to do?” Mary asks.
“Dr. Hacklu?” Scott summons. “Do you have your passport with you?”
“I do,” he responds.
“So do I,” Mary says coyly.
“Good. Then we should start packing.” Scott says. “We’re going to Venezuela.”
NEXT TIME ON SIM SERIES…
The crew travels to Venezuela in search of Chuck Whittingham and his filly Hey Girl. Meanwhile The White Album will compete in a Grade II while Make Me Clever will try her hand at another 100k stakes. Who will win those races? AND who will become the newest member of the house. Please keep voting as that poll closes soon!
www.simhorseracing.com
“Gosh, I love this show.” Scott says as he adjusts his position on the couch.
“It’s alright,” Mike says as he chews away at a rice crispy treat. “Da da dunt, da da dunt!”
“Steve?” says Neil through the TV speakers. “Can you believe it? Our lead story is about SIMhorseracing.com!”
“SIM whaaaa?” Steve asks sarcastically.
“Whoa! They’re opening with the SIM!” Scott says. “MARY! Get over here!”
“SIMhorseracing.com! Get with the times Steve,” Neil says as he adjusts a few loose papers. “Carolyn Eaton chooses a race and will travel! In fact she’s already in Singapore! With The White Album who is going to race Week 5 Friday in the Grade II Four of Stars Stakes worth a full 150k.”
“Get out of here,” Steve blurts as the camera shifts to him. “150k? Well, in related news, Mike Eaton’s Make Me Clever is also going Week 5 Friday as well. But he’s going against his will! The SIM voted. Yes Neil, they voted! To send MMC, that’s short for Make Me Clever, to send her to the 100k Festival of Light Stakes in Flamingo Park.”
“Who names these race courses Steve?” Neil says as the camera switches back to him. “Well, in more related news. Seriously, who wrote tonight’s SportsCenter? Three stories back to back to back about SIMhorseracing.com?”
“Um,” Steve butts in. “Neil they only pay you to read the cues.”
“Right,” Neil says laughing. “Sorry. Think Legendary’s in Mexico. He’s fallen off the Triple Crown Trail. Here’s Rachel Nicols with more.”
“Last week,” Rachel says as the camera cuts to her. The backdrop shows Mexico Racecourse. “Bill Deitch and his Derby contender Think Legendary suddenly left the SIM Series home. With no votes in hand, Bill decided to go his own route. A few days ago, I had a chance to ask him what happened.”
The TV cuts to Bill with Rachel interviewing him. “Well, unfortunately” Bill says. “I will not be sending him to Louisville. I’m disappointed. I opted for a Week 5 prep. Hopefully we’ll point to Baltimore after this race. He still needs to try more distance, which should help. It’s one of those wait and see situations.”
“We’ll definitely wait and see” Rachel says as the camera cuts back to her. “From Mexico Racecourse. I’m Rachel Nicols. ESP ON”
“What happened?” Mary says as she pants from running inside the house frantically. She’s dressed in her training outfit. “What happened?”
“You just missed it!” Mike says. “You’re too slow like some of my horses that you train!” He begins laughing at himself.
“Whatever!’ Mary says. “One of your slow horses was taking his slow *BEEP* time getting into his barn! And shouldn’t you be in Florida with Make Me Clever!? Seriously what happened?”
“Quit it you two!” Scott blurts. “They opened SportsCenter with the SIM! That was crazy!”
“No they didn’t!” Mary says.
“Hey did you guys see that?” Dr. Hacklu yells as he runs into the Payas Bas Living Room by John Xett.
“Heck yeah!” Scott says.
“Good day!” Clark Hoss says as he joins everybody. He’s wearing a brown leather cowboy hat, black skinny jeans, and a tight brown patterned button up shirt. “They called her MMC. Short for Make Me Clever. Now that’s clever!” He says.
“MMC,” Mike says as he’s chuckling. “That was so awesome.”
“They opened with The White Album,” Dr. Hacklu says. “I just saw her last week. She’s had about five weeks off. She probably needed a light workout before racing. See you at the races!”
“Are you leaving Doc?” Scott asks.
“No. I’m just so used to ending every sentence with ‘See you at the races.’” He responds.
The group breaks out into a chorused laughter.
“They didn’t mention Chuck though,” Mike says inquisitively.
“They didn’t?” Mary asks.
“There’s nothing to report,” Scott says. “He still has yet to show up here or for Season 25. We don’t even know where his filly Hey Girl is!”
The group becomes awkwardly quiet for a moment.
“Come together,” Clark says as he breaks the silence. “Come. Sit down and hold hands in a circle. Come.”
“What the heck is this?” Mike asks as he begins to sit. “This isn’t some horse exorcist stuff is it?”
“He’s a horse whisperer,” Scott says. “He’s not wearing a long black robe.”
“He’s wearing skinny jeans!” Mike says mockingly as he’s fully seated now. “My friends wear skinny jeans. They’re cool.”
“Come,” Clark says again as he closes his eyes. “It’s a wonderful day for whispering. Repeat it. It’s a wonderful day for whispering.”
“I’m not comfortable with this,” Dr. Hacklu says shyly as he remains standing. “This is scientifically impossible.”
“Dr. Hack Lu,” Clark says with his eyes closed still. “Did you know that every horse is a beautiful miracle of life?”
“Of course. I’m a veterinarian. Did you know my daughter wants to be a vet too? We see foals birthed all the time.” Dr. Hacklu responds.
“No,” Clark responds. “The miracle is that I can hear them. We can communicate. We are symbiotic. Help us hear Chuck Whittingham’s Hey Girl, Dr. Hacklu.”
Dr. Hacklu pauses for a minute before reluctantly sitting down. He holds Clark’s and Scott’s hand as he sits between them. Next to Scott is Mary and next to Mary is Mike Eaton.
“It’s a wonderful day for whispering,” Clark says. “Close your eyes.”
“It’s a wonderful day for whispering,” they say in unison now while grasping each other.
“It’s a wonderful day for whispering. It’s a wonderful day for whispering. It’s a wonderful day for whispering…”
“I can see something,” Dr. Hacklu says. “This is amazing. How is this possible?”
“Tell us your vision,” Clark says.
“I see Spanish words. A Zool, Row Joe, Amar Rillow.” Dr. Hacklu responds.
“Hey girl!” Mike says as his eyes tighten the grasp of closing. “Spanish class. Third period. Mrs. Sanchez is enfuego.”
“They’re colors!” Mary blurts as she opens her eyes. “Blue, Red, Yellow!”
“It’s a flag,” Scott says. “I see a flag.”
“Mrs. Sanchez?” Mike says. “Will you go to Prom with me?”
“Hipodromo Venezuela!” Mary yells. “I’ve been there. The Venezuelan flag flies over the race track near the barns!”
“So?” Scott says as he opens his eyes as well. “Chuck Whittingham’s Hey Girl is in Hipodromo Venezuela?”
Clark nods his head in agreement as everybody except Mike begins opening their eyes. “It was hard to get a read on Hey Girl,” Clark says. “But with your help guys, we have heard where she is. She is alive.”
“Every horse is really a miracle of life,” Dr. Hacklu says, as he stands up slightly teary eyed.
“Indeed,” Clark says as he stands up and begins walking away.
“My mom won’t mind Mrs. Sanchez. She’ll understand,” Mike says.
“Mike!” Scott snaps. “We found her.”
“Huh?” Mike says as he awakens.
“Hey Girl’s in Hipodromo Venezuela.” Scott says.
“Where’s Mrs. Sanchez?” Mike says.
“What are we going to do?” Mary asks.
“Dr. Hacklu?” Scott summons. “Do you have your passport with you?”
“I do,” he responds.
“So do I,” Mary says coyly.
“Good. Then we should start packing.” Scott says. “We’re going to Venezuela.”
NEXT TIME ON SIM SERIES…
The crew travels to Venezuela in search of Chuck Whittingham and his filly Hey Girl. Meanwhile The White Album will compete in a Grade II while Make Me Clever will try her hand at another 100k stakes. Who will win those races? AND who will become the newest member of the house. Please keep voting as that poll closes soon!
www.simhorseracing.com
Thursday, August 20, 2009
SIM Series - Season 2 Episode 2
“What do you think?” Mary asks as she stands with her laptop inside the Trial By Summer Loft.
“I really like all of them,” Scott responds. He sits loosely on a white leather recliner. He glances at his watch. It’s almost 4PM. “When we have them up side by side like this it’s really hard to pick.”
“I know,” Mary says as she walks over to a large dry erase board hanging on the wall. She grabs a pointer. “Tim Matthews Jr’s dirt sprinting filly Apple Crisp already won her first race out and she’s headed for a 100k stakes race.”
“And Rose Hepburn’s dirty sprinting filly Gray Clouds is out of a 394k earning mare,” Scott responds. “That filly’s got to be pretty good too.”
“Hey guys,” a male voice from the hallway calls.
“Dr. Hacklu! How goes it?” Scott says as he motions to shake hands. “I hope we didn’t have an accident!”
“Nope, but you should’ve seen the last horse I looked at! He was crazy!” Dr. Hacklu says. When he speaks his head slightly bounces from side to side. “What are you guys doing?”
“Fulfilling the mystery guest,” Mary says as she puts her hand on her hips and holds her laptop with her other hand, like a serving tray. “We can’t decide between Tim Matthews Jr’s Apple Crisp, Rose Hepburn’s Gray Clouds, and Melissa Mae’s Deora’s Dynasty. Two dirt sprinters and Deora is a turf router.”
Dr. Hacklu begins looking at the dry erase board as he begins playing with his stethoscope. “Let’s take a look,” he says. “I’ve seen all those fillies already. They’re all in sound condition. If they plan on racing any time soon, well maybe except for Apple Crisp, they might need a little bit of exercise elsewhere.”
“Yeah. But which one do you like? We need one owner’s filly. We don’t need a diagnosis, Doc,” Scott says.
“I don’t know. They’re all nice fillies. I guess I’ll see you at the races,” Dr. Hacklu says as he walks away still playing with his stethoscope. “SIM VOTE!” He yells from the hallway
“He’s got a good point,” Mary says as she finally sits down, setting her laptop next to her. “Let the SIM decide on who they want to follow. We do have other issues to deal with right now.”
“I know,” Scott says. “I wonder what could’ve happened to him.”
“Chuck’s gotta be somewhere,” Mary says. “Maybe he’s got an emergency or something.”
“Yeah,” Scott says. “I hope he’s alright. I mean worse case scenario he got hit up by some hot chicks at the airport and he’s been TAKEN!”
“He hasn’t been taken!” Mary responds. “Don’t say that.”
“I know,” Scott says as he shrugs. “I was referring to that movie. Whatever. It wasn’t that funny.”
“SIM Vote it is then?” Mary asks.
“Yeah, we-”
“SCOTT!” Mike Eaton screams from downstairs.
“WHAT?”
“BILL IS GONE!”
The two move from the Trial by Summer Loft and begin downstairs towards Mike. He’s in the Riverstone Kitchen.
“What do you mean he’s gone?” Mary asks as she flips up her laptop and begins typing.
“He took off. Say’s he going to Mexico with Think Legendary,” Mike says.
“What?” Scott responds just as Carolyn Eaton breaks into the kitchen holding a framed photo.
“Who’s got a headshot of The White Album?” Carolyn says happily. “This girl!” She says as she points her thumbs to herself.
The picture is incredible. It eerily looks exactly like The White Album.
“I can’t wait to put it in my room,” Carolyn says. “C’mon Mary, let’s go find a place…for…it. Is something wrong?”
“Bill’s gone,” Mike says.
“Gone?” Carolyn blurts as she lowers TWA’s head shot. “I saw him driving out with his trailer when I was coming in.”
“I found it! I know why now,” Mary blurts. “Think Legendary is entered in the Gr. II Mexico Derby for Week 5 Monday.”
“Think just finished second in Week 3 Monday right?” Scott asks. “Has he gone rogue?”
“Did the SIM vote for this?” Carolyn asks.
“No,” Mary says.
“So we have two missing players now?” Mike says. “Chuck never showed up. Bill took off all of a sudden. This is how horror movies start!”
“I don’t suppose this is a good time to mention that TWA is in Singapore,” Carolyn says. “Would it?”
“I thought he was going Triple Crown?” Mary asks.
“Is Crystal Lake anywhere near Burbank?” Mike asks.
“Crystal Lake?” Mary asks.
“It’s not Friday the 13th Mike!” Carolyn says annoyingly. “Don’t try to scare us.” She motions to Mary. “It’s from a horror flick.”
“Why do you have to ruin all my jokes,” Mike asks.
“Why do you have to be so annoying!” Carolyn responds.
“Oh my goodness.” Mike says as he rolls his eyes. “Whatever.” He walks away towards his room. It’s downstairs, connected to the Riverstone Kitchen.
“Can’t you two get along?” Scott suddenly says as he walks to the fridge and grabs a bottle of water.
“Nope,” Carolyn says as she begins to go upstairs. “I’ll see you guys later for dinner.”
“Ah!” Scott says. “I totally forgot. We’re all supposed to have dinner together tonight,” Scott says to Mary.
“I know. It’s too late to cancel,” Mary responds. “The caterers already confirmed for 7PM delivery.”
“This isn’t good,” Scott says.
“There’s going to be a lot leftovers. I ordered enough for ten.” Mary responds.
“That’s not what I meant,” Scott says as he sighs and hears somebody rustling with the front door.
“Chuck?” Mary says hopefully.
“What up my friends!” a familiar voice says.
“Clark Hoss.” Scott says somewhat disappointed as he greets him.
He puts his shopping bags down as he enters the home and motions to hug Mary. It’s obvious that he’s been to the mall. “It’s been an awesome day for racing, listening and shopping!” Clark continues. “When’s dinner?”
“Soon,” Mary says as she looks at his outfit. “In about an hour and a half.”
“That’s great,” Clark responds as he adjusts his jeans. “I’m going to get fresh and put on some new threads before supper – I mean dinner.”
“Clark,” Scott says. “Are you wearing skinny jeans?”
“And where did you get that big rhinestone studded belt buckle?” Mary adds. “It’s so shiny!”
“Remember,” Clark responds. “I try to live my life to fullest everyday. You like the belt buckle? It has my initials on it. C.H.”
“How long have you been out in the sun?” Scott asks.
“None,” Clark says as he motions to one of his bags. “But let’s take a look at these! I bought some really nice…cool boarder shorts from Pac Sun for the beach.”
“You mean board shorts?” Scott asks.
“Are you wearing an American Eagle shirt?” Mary jumps in.
“Yep,” Clark says. “It’s a great day-”
“For racing and listening” Scott and Mary say simultaneously.
“And shopping,” Clark adds as he grabs his remaining bags. “I’m going to my room. See y’all for dinner.”
He walks away, bags in hand, taking small steps since the skinny jeans don’t allow him much maneuverability.
“So now what?” Mary asks.
“You should go put up the poll,” Scott says. “Let the SIM vote on who they want to add to the house.”
“You going to be OK?” Mary asks as she begins clicking away at her laptop.
“Yeah.” Scott says. “I’ll be alright. Let’s get ready for dinner.”
NEXT TIME ON SIM Series…
The search for Chuck continues. What will happen to Bill and Think Legendary? What race is TWA starting in? Please continue to vote for Mike Eaton’s Make Me Clever and please vote for whom you’d like to add to the house!
www.simhorseracing.com
“I really like all of them,” Scott responds. He sits loosely on a white leather recliner. He glances at his watch. It’s almost 4PM. “When we have them up side by side like this it’s really hard to pick.”
“I know,” Mary says as she walks over to a large dry erase board hanging on the wall. She grabs a pointer. “Tim Matthews Jr’s dirt sprinting filly Apple Crisp already won her first race out and she’s headed for a 100k stakes race.”
“And Rose Hepburn’s dirty sprinting filly Gray Clouds is out of a 394k earning mare,” Scott responds. “That filly’s got to be pretty good too.”
“Hey guys,” a male voice from the hallway calls.
“Dr. Hacklu! How goes it?” Scott says as he motions to shake hands. “I hope we didn’t have an accident!”
“Nope, but you should’ve seen the last horse I looked at! He was crazy!” Dr. Hacklu says. When he speaks his head slightly bounces from side to side. “What are you guys doing?”
“Fulfilling the mystery guest,” Mary says as she puts her hand on her hips and holds her laptop with her other hand, like a serving tray. “We can’t decide between Tim Matthews Jr’s Apple Crisp, Rose Hepburn’s Gray Clouds, and Melissa Mae’s Deora’s Dynasty. Two dirt sprinters and Deora is a turf router.”
Dr. Hacklu begins looking at the dry erase board as he begins playing with his stethoscope. “Let’s take a look,” he says. “I’ve seen all those fillies already. They’re all in sound condition. If they plan on racing any time soon, well maybe except for Apple Crisp, they might need a little bit of exercise elsewhere.”
“Yeah. But which one do you like? We need one owner’s filly. We don’t need a diagnosis, Doc,” Scott says.
“I don’t know. They’re all nice fillies. I guess I’ll see you at the races,” Dr. Hacklu says as he walks away still playing with his stethoscope. “SIM VOTE!” He yells from the hallway
“He’s got a good point,” Mary says as she finally sits down, setting her laptop next to her. “Let the SIM decide on who they want to follow. We do have other issues to deal with right now.”
“I know,” Scott says. “I wonder what could’ve happened to him.”
“Chuck’s gotta be somewhere,” Mary says. “Maybe he’s got an emergency or something.”
“Yeah,” Scott says. “I hope he’s alright. I mean worse case scenario he got hit up by some hot chicks at the airport and he’s been TAKEN!”
“He hasn’t been taken!” Mary responds. “Don’t say that.”
“I know,” Scott says as he shrugs. “I was referring to that movie. Whatever. It wasn’t that funny.”
“SIM Vote it is then?” Mary asks.
“Yeah, we-”
“SCOTT!” Mike Eaton screams from downstairs.
“WHAT?”
“BILL IS GONE!”
The two move from the Trial by Summer Loft and begin downstairs towards Mike. He’s in the Riverstone Kitchen.
“What do you mean he’s gone?” Mary asks as she flips up her laptop and begins typing.
“He took off. Say’s he going to Mexico with Think Legendary,” Mike says.
“What?” Scott responds just as Carolyn Eaton breaks into the kitchen holding a framed photo.
“Who’s got a headshot of The White Album?” Carolyn says happily. “This girl!” She says as she points her thumbs to herself.
The picture is incredible. It eerily looks exactly like The White Album.
“I can’t wait to put it in my room,” Carolyn says. “C’mon Mary, let’s go find a place…for…it. Is something wrong?”
“Bill’s gone,” Mike says.
“Gone?” Carolyn blurts as she lowers TWA’s head shot. “I saw him driving out with his trailer when I was coming in.”
“I found it! I know why now,” Mary blurts. “Think Legendary is entered in the Gr. II Mexico Derby for Week 5 Monday.”
“Think just finished second in Week 3 Monday right?” Scott asks. “Has he gone rogue?”
“Did the SIM vote for this?” Carolyn asks.
“No,” Mary says.
“So we have two missing players now?” Mike says. “Chuck never showed up. Bill took off all of a sudden. This is how horror movies start!”
“I don’t suppose this is a good time to mention that TWA is in Singapore,” Carolyn says. “Would it?”
“I thought he was going Triple Crown?” Mary asks.
“Is Crystal Lake anywhere near Burbank?” Mike asks.
“Crystal Lake?” Mary asks.
“It’s not Friday the 13th Mike!” Carolyn says annoyingly. “Don’t try to scare us.” She motions to Mary. “It’s from a horror flick.”
“Why do you have to ruin all my jokes,” Mike asks.
“Why do you have to be so annoying!” Carolyn responds.
“Oh my goodness.” Mike says as he rolls his eyes. “Whatever.” He walks away towards his room. It’s downstairs, connected to the Riverstone Kitchen.
“Can’t you two get along?” Scott suddenly says as he walks to the fridge and grabs a bottle of water.
“Nope,” Carolyn says as she begins to go upstairs. “I’ll see you guys later for dinner.”
“Ah!” Scott says. “I totally forgot. We’re all supposed to have dinner together tonight,” Scott says to Mary.
“I know. It’s too late to cancel,” Mary responds. “The caterers already confirmed for 7PM delivery.”
“This isn’t good,” Scott says.
“There’s going to be a lot leftovers. I ordered enough for ten.” Mary responds.
“That’s not what I meant,” Scott says as he sighs and hears somebody rustling with the front door.
“Chuck?” Mary says hopefully.
“What up my friends!” a familiar voice says.
“Clark Hoss.” Scott says somewhat disappointed as he greets him.
He puts his shopping bags down as he enters the home and motions to hug Mary. It’s obvious that he’s been to the mall. “It’s been an awesome day for racing, listening and shopping!” Clark continues. “When’s dinner?”
“Soon,” Mary says as she looks at his outfit. “In about an hour and a half.”
“That’s great,” Clark responds as he adjusts his jeans. “I’m going to get fresh and put on some new threads before supper – I mean dinner.”
“Clark,” Scott says. “Are you wearing skinny jeans?”
“And where did you get that big rhinestone studded belt buckle?” Mary adds. “It’s so shiny!”
“Remember,” Clark responds. “I try to live my life to fullest everyday. You like the belt buckle? It has my initials on it. C.H.”
“How long have you been out in the sun?” Scott asks.
“None,” Clark says as he motions to one of his bags. “But let’s take a look at these! I bought some really nice…cool boarder shorts from Pac Sun for the beach.”
“You mean board shorts?” Scott asks.
“Are you wearing an American Eagle shirt?” Mary jumps in.
“Yep,” Clark says. “It’s a great day-”
“For racing and listening” Scott and Mary say simultaneously.
“And shopping,” Clark adds as he grabs his remaining bags. “I’m going to my room. See y’all for dinner.”
He walks away, bags in hand, taking small steps since the skinny jeans don’t allow him much maneuverability.
“So now what?” Mary asks.
“You should go put up the poll,” Scott says. “Let the SIM vote on who they want to add to the house.”
“You going to be OK?” Mary asks as she begins clicking away at her laptop.
“Yeah.” Scott says. “I’ll be alright. Let’s get ready for dinner.”
NEXT TIME ON SIM Series…
The search for Chuck continues. What will happen to Bill and Think Legendary? What race is TWA starting in? Please continue to vote for Mike Eaton’s Make Me Clever and please vote for whom you’d like to add to the house!
www.simhorseracing.com
Friday, August 14, 2009
SIM Series - Season 2 Premiere Part II...
“Carolyn!” Mary screams as they embrace each other. “You look great!”
“Oh my goodness!” Carolyn says as she returns the hug. “This is amazing!”
They walk together upstairs. “Hey guys,” Carolyn says as they pass.
The guys waive to her as they lounge in the Pays Bas Living Room. The TV is tuned to ESPN as Mike, Bill, and Scott watch intensely. “SportsCenter” is on.
“Mike Vick to the Eagles?” Bill says as he sips a Newcastle.
“Heck yeah!” Scott responds. “For the first pick of the fantasy draft, I select Dog Whisperer Vick!”
“Losers!” Mike says. “We should play some real football!”
Bill and Scott begin laughing. “Dude,” Scott says. “Don’t knock Le Fantasy Futbol until you try it holmes!”
“Holmes?” Bill says chuckling. “What we should have is Fantasy SIM Horseracing!”
“Fantasy SIM Horseracing?” Mike says as he begins to laugh.
“So,” Scott says as he sips his beer. “It would be like Fantasy Horse Racing about a Simulated Fantasy Horse Racing game. A Fantasy league about a fantasy game. It might actually work. I would take Artillery if I had the first pick.”
“We already have the TCT,” Mike says.
“Yeah, but this would last all sixteen weeks and involve almost every horse in the SIM holmes!” Scott says.
“Speaking of Holmes,” Bill says, “I took Santonio Holmes in the 7th round last weekend during our football draft. What a steal!”
“Speaking of steals and the TCT,” Scott says. “Is your horse Think Legendary going to try and steal the Derby or what?”
“He’s going down the Trail,” Bill says. “I’m hoping for some big wins, but we’ll have to see.”
“You’re running him in a Week 3 Monday Stakes at a mile and one-sixteenth though,” Mike says.
“I know, but he still has to win to get his shot,” Bill says. “How’s Make Me Clever doing?”
“Eh,” Mike responds. “She finished third in her last race while putting up a sixty two speed figure.”
“She’s great in allowances,” Scott says. “But stakes is an issue huh?”
“Yeah, at least she’s consistent!” Mike quips. They begin to laugh in harmony as Mike continues. “I guess the SIM will tell me where to send her next. I’m still holding out for a few stakes win to bring her price up as a broodmare one day.”
“We should totally do Fantasy SIMhorseracing.com” Scott adds.
***
“How long have they been at it?” Carolyn asks as she adjusts herself in a recliner.
“The boys?” Mary asks. “Since they all arrived. They’ve been watching Sports Central for hours now.”
“You mean Sportscenter?” Carolyn says.
“Yeah, Center Sports. Whatever.” Mary says. “I'm sure whenever Chuck gets here, they'll still be there. So what do you think about your room?”
“It’s great. It has pictures of some of my past champions and even a shot of The White Album from last year’s Juvenile Fillies Dash.”
“How come she’s not entered in a race yet this season?” Mary asks.
“Whose bag is this?” Carolyn says as she points to a large suit case lying next to her bed.
Mary walks over and checks the tags. “Mike Eaton” she says. “MIIIKE!” She yells.
“WHAT!” Mike yells from downstairs.
“WHY IS YOUR BAG IN CAROLYN’S ROOM! COME GET IT!" Mary screams.
“CAUSE I LIKE THE ROOM WITH THE BALCONY!” Mike yells.
“BUT IT’S MY ROOM!” Carolyn responds.
“WHAT?” Mike says as he climbs the stairs and his voice gets closer.
“Mike,” Mary says in her regular voice now. “This is obviously Carolyn’s room. Yours is downstairs next to the kitchen.”
“Yeah, but this room is way nicer,” Mike says.
“It’s already got all her stuff” Mary responds.
“I can move it,” Mike says. “C’mon Carolyn, let me have the room.”
“No,” Carolyn responds. “It has pictures of my past champs already and it’s already decorated with the color of my silks.”
“So what?” Mike says. “You haven’t even entered The White Album. I’ve already raced, I should get priority.”
“SCOTT!” Mary yells.
“WE’RE WATCHING SPORTSCENTER! WHAT?!” Scott yells from downstairs.
“COME HERE!” Mary yells.
“WHY?! THEY'RE ABOUT TO SHOW DODGER HIGHLIGHTS!”
“JUST COME UP!” Carolyn adds aggressively.
“FINE!” Scott says as he ascends the stairs. “What’s going on? Manny’s getting hot and I want to see his highlights!”
“Mike is trying to take my room,” Carolyn says.
“And?” Scott asks.
“He can’t have it!” Carolyn yells.
“Why do you want this room, Mike?” Scott asks.
“Why do I have to sleep downstairs in that small room with no balcony?” Mike responds.
“Cause it’s assigned to you already. Nursery Farms already sponsored it with pictures of Make Me Clever and stuff. What’s wrong with it?” Scott says.
“And it’s already decorated in your stable colors,” Mary adds.
“AND!” Carolyn says. “This is MY ROOM!”
Mike begins to shake his head. “Fine, you can have it. Just cause your horse won a SIMMY,” he says annoyingly. He begins to head downstairs.
“Are we good?” Scott says.
Carolyn nods her head and gets up. She walks over to her bag and begins to unpack. “Sixteen weeks of this?” She says. “If this keeps up, I’ll be gone before the Louisville Derby!”
“C’mon Mary,” Scott says. “Carolyn, we’ll leave you to unpack. Let me know when you decide on where The White Album’s going to debut this year, OK?”
Carolyn nods in agreement as Mary and Scott close her door.
“Where’s Chuck?” Scott asks as they make their way downstairs.
“Chuck? I don’t know.” Mary responds. “He’s definitely late. I checked his flight earlier. It’s on time.”
“I hope he didn’t get lost. He was supposed to take a taxi from Bob Hope Airport.” Scott says.
“I’ll try calling him,” Mary says.
The two continue downstairs. Mike is back in the living room with Bill. They’re conversing, but neither Scott nor Mary can make out what they’re saying.
“Any luck?” Scott asks Mary.
She looks up from her cell phone and shakes her head. “Straight to voicemail.”
NEXT TIME ON SIM SERIES…
Where’s Chuck Whittingham? Will some form of Fantasy SIMHorseRacing.com materialize? Where will The White Album debut? What will the SIM decide to do with Make Me Clever? Why didn’t this episode address who the mystery participant is like the preview said it would? Find out next week…in the mean time, please go to the forum and vote for Make Me Clever’s next move!
www.simhorseracing.com
“Oh my goodness!” Carolyn says as she returns the hug. “This is amazing!”
They walk together upstairs. “Hey guys,” Carolyn says as they pass.
The guys waive to her as they lounge in the Pays Bas Living Room. The TV is tuned to ESPN as Mike, Bill, and Scott watch intensely. “SportsCenter” is on.
“Mike Vick to the Eagles?” Bill says as he sips a Newcastle.
“Heck yeah!” Scott responds. “For the first pick of the fantasy draft, I select Dog Whisperer Vick!”
“Losers!” Mike says. “We should play some real football!”
Bill and Scott begin laughing. “Dude,” Scott says. “Don’t knock Le Fantasy Futbol until you try it holmes!”
“Holmes?” Bill says chuckling. “What we should have is Fantasy SIM Horseracing!”
“Fantasy SIM Horseracing?” Mike says as he begins to laugh.
“So,” Scott says as he sips his beer. “It would be like Fantasy Horse Racing about a Simulated Fantasy Horse Racing game. A Fantasy league about a fantasy game. It might actually work. I would take Artillery if I had the first pick.”
“We already have the TCT,” Mike says.
“Yeah, but this would last all sixteen weeks and involve almost every horse in the SIM holmes!” Scott says.
“Speaking of Holmes,” Bill says, “I took Santonio Holmes in the 7th round last weekend during our football draft. What a steal!”
“Speaking of steals and the TCT,” Scott says. “Is your horse Think Legendary going to try and steal the Derby or what?”
“He’s going down the Trail,” Bill says. “I’m hoping for some big wins, but we’ll have to see.”
“You’re running him in a Week 3 Monday Stakes at a mile and one-sixteenth though,” Mike says.
“I know, but he still has to win to get his shot,” Bill says. “How’s Make Me Clever doing?”
“Eh,” Mike responds. “She finished third in her last race while putting up a sixty two speed figure.”
“She’s great in allowances,” Scott says. “But stakes is an issue huh?”
“Yeah, at least she’s consistent!” Mike quips. They begin to laugh in harmony as Mike continues. “I guess the SIM will tell me where to send her next. I’m still holding out for a few stakes win to bring her price up as a broodmare one day.”
“We should totally do Fantasy SIMhorseracing.com” Scott adds.
***
“How long have they been at it?” Carolyn asks as she adjusts herself in a recliner.
“The boys?” Mary asks. “Since they all arrived. They’ve been watching Sports Central for hours now.”
“You mean Sportscenter?” Carolyn says.
“Yeah, Center Sports. Whatever.” Mary says. “I'm sure whenever Chuck gets here, they'll still be there. So what do you think about your room?”
“It’s great. It has pictures of some of my past champions and even a shot of The White Album from last year’s Juvenile Fillies Dash.”
“How come she’s not entered in a race yet this season?” Mary asks.
“Whose bag is this?” Carolyn says as she points to a large suit case lying next to her bed.
Mary walks over and checks the tags. “Mike Eaton” she says. “MIIIKE!” She yells.
“WHAT!” Mike yells from downstairs.
“WHY IS YOUR BAG IN CAROLYN’S ROOM! COME GET IT!" Mary screams.
“CAUSE I LIKE THE ROOM WITH THE BALCONY!” Mike yells.
“BUT IT’S MY ROOM!” Carolyn responds.
“WHAT?” Mike says as he climbs the stairs and his voice gets closer.
“Mike,” Mary says in her regular voice now. “This is obviously Carolyn’s room. Yours is downstairs next to the kitchen.”
“Yeah, but this room is way nicer,” Mike says.
“It’s already got all her stuff” Mary responds.
“I can move it,” Mike says. “C’mon Carolyn, let me have the room.”
“No,” Carolyn responds. “It has pictures of my past champs already and it’s already decorated with the color of my silks.”
“So what?” Mike says. “You haven’t even entered The White Album. I’ve already raced, I should get priority.”
“SCOTT!” Mary yells.
“WE’RE WATCHING SPORTSCENTER! WHAT?!” Scott yells from downstairs.
“COME HERE!” Mary yells.
“WHY?! THEY'RE ABOUT TO SHOW DODGER HIGHLIGHTS!”
“JUST COME UP!” Carolyn adds aggressively.
“FINE!” Scott says as he ascends the stairs. “What’s going on? Manny’s getting hot and I want to see his highlights!”
“Mike is trying to take my room,” Carolyn says.
“And?” Scott asks.
“He can’t have it!” Carolyn yells.
“Why do you want this room, Mike?” Scott asks.
“Why do I have to sleep downstairs in that small room with no balcony?” Mike responds.
“Cause it’s assigned to you already. Nursery Farms already sponsored it with pictures of Make Me Clever and stuff. What’s wrong with it?” Scott says.
“And it’s already decorated in your stable colors,” Mary adds.
“AND!” Carolyn says. “This is MY ROOM!”
Mike begins to shake his head. “Fine, you can have it. Just cause your horse won a SIMMY,” he says annoyingly. He begins to head downstairs.
“Are we good?” Scott says.
Carolyn nods her head and gets up. She walks over to her bag and begins to unpack. “Sixteen weeks of this?” She says. “If this keeps up, I’ll be gone before the Louisville Derby!”
“C’mon Mary,” Scott says. “Carolyn, we’ll leave you to unpack. Let me know when you decide on where The White Album’s going to debut this year, OK?”
Carolyn nods in agreement as Mary and Scott close her door.
“Where’s Chuck?” Scott asks as they make their way downstairs.
“Chuck? I don’t know.” Mary responds. “He’s definitely late. I checked his flight earlier. It’s on time.”
“I hope he didn’t get lost. He was supposed to take a taxi from Bob Hope Airport.” Scott says.
“I’ll try calling him,” Mary says.
The two continue downstairs. Mike is back in the living room with Bill. They’re conversing, but neither Scott nor Mary can make out what they’re saying.
“Any luck?” Scott asks Mary.
She looks up from her cell phone and shakes her head. “Straight to voicemail.”
NEXT TIME ON SIM SERIES…
Where’s Chuck Whittingham? Will some form of Fantasy SIMHorseRacing.com materialize? Where will The White Album debut? What will the SIM decide to do with Make Me Clever? Why didn’t this episode address who the mystery participant is like the preview said it would? Find out next week…in the mean time, please go to the forum and vote for Make Me Clever’s next move!
www.simhorseracing.com
Thursday, August 13, 2009
SIM Series - Season 2 Premiere Part I
Inside a large home in Southern California, Mary Weather awakes to the sounds of birds chirping and the distant siren of an Emergency vehicle roaring down the crowded streets of Burbank. It’s only 8AM and already the summer sun has warmed the land to 83 degrees and nearly 90 in her bedroom. She sits up, slightly perspiring from the oven like conditions of her room. She walks into the hallway towards the restroom, stopping to check the thermostat of the AC.
“Darn it!” She snips. “Who turned it off?”
She continues into the restroom and slams the door as she hears a car pull up. She walks to the window and peaks out.
Outside, a white Nissan 350Z with dark tinted windows pulls into the driveway and slightly skids to a stop. The roar of the engine comes to a halt as Scott exits from the vehicle. He sees the home for the first time. It is huge, seemingly fit for royalty. The main door is roughly 10ft tall. The balcony is large enough to have a social. The windows are large, but are currently shut off by curtains. The home’s walls are made from brick, a throw back to old school architecture. To the left of the home is a small Veterinary Hospital. The sign outside reads “Dr. H. Hacklu.” The sign underneath it reads, “Open 24 hours Sponsored by Granite Creek Farms” Next to Dr. Hacklu’s office are multiple barns and a pool for horses. To the right, there’s an equisizer, an automatic hot walker, and even a small training track.
Scott walks through the front door and into the home as Mary comes walking through the main hallway.
“Wow!” Scott says.
“Me or the house?” Mary quips.
“The house!” Scott says sarcastically as he motions to hug her.
“How’s your break?” Mary asks.
“Good. Too short, but too long. A conundrum. How was yours?”
“Busy. Busy. Busy!” Mary replies.
“Doing what?” Scott asks.
“Well…”
The two begin walking through the main hallway. The large formal living room is to the right. Black leather couches adorn it already. They’re organized around a large 55” flat panel TV that’s already hanging from the wall. A DVD player, a Blu Ray Player, and an XBOX 360 are neatly arranged underneath it in the TV stand. Flanking the stand is a home theater system that will no doubt wake up all the neighbors. A glass coffee table sits quaintly between the couches.
They pass through into the kitchen and breakfast nook. Combined, it is almost as large as the living room. A smooth wooden dining table with 12 captain’s chairs sits neatly in the breakfast nook. The kitchen’s sink is on an island with large counters. The stove is nearly restaurant quality with six individual burners. There are two ovens stacked upon each other, a lower oven and upper oven.
Scott walks over to the refrigerator. When he opens it, he sees it’s already stocked with water, soda, juices, milk, and an abundance of fresh food. There's even adult beverages like beer and wine. On the back panel, behind the stacks of goods, he sees the words “Dartmoor Racing Refrigerator”. He grabs a water and continues with Mary into the backyard and the summer heat.
“Goodness!” Scott quips. “A pool? Is that a BBQ over there?”
“The patio furniture is not even here yet,” Mary says. “And that’s a gas BBQ.”
“How did we afford all this on our low budget?” Scott asks.
“Sponsorship,” Mary says as she begins to fan herself. “Season 1 garnered so much interest that Game Points started flowing in from almost every major stable.”
“What the catch?” Scott asks.
“Well, the official title of the show is now SIM Series. Their horses. Your Decisions. Brought to you by A Wheely Merry Farm Franchises Inc. But they’ve allowed us to shorten it on the logo only.”
“What else?” Scott asks. “I already know about the refrigerator.”
“Well.”
“Oh no,” Scott says. “What?”
“The living room is sponsored by Pays Bas Farms by Jon Xett. There’s a big sign across the TV. I’m sure you missed it.”
“What else?” Scott asks earnestly.
“Let’s see,” Mary says. “There’s the Riverstone Kitchen. The Royal Acres Breakfast Center. Trial By Summer Loft, which is upstairs. You haven’t seen it yet. It’s got a pool table, pictures of past greats that came from the TBS auctions, old school Ms. Pacman, and even a pinball machine!”
“Keep going,” Scott says as Mary subsides her smile slightly.
“Dare to Dream Pool and Dare to Dream Pool for Horses,” Mary continues. “Orange Park Hotwalkers, Granite Creek Veterinary Hospital and…”
“And?” Scott asks.
“Alternate Venues’ Restroom and Fox Lair’s Bath.”
“They sponsored the restrooms?”
“I told them no. But they insisted since everybody has to use the restroom while they’re here.”
“What about everybody’s room upstairs?”
“Most were picked up by Nursery Stud or Nursery Quarters officially, except for your room and Carolyn’s room.”
“Who’d they get picked up by?” Scott asks.
“Your own farms silly!” Mary says. “Hill Valley Scott’s and Tosca Stables Carolyn.”
“Wow.” Scott says. “All those GPs got us this house? Talk about unsolicited help! Great job Mary.”
“And, the patio furniture, the ovens, and the stove is still available for sponsorship! I’m sure somebody will step up for it.” Mary says excitedly.
As she says that, the two hear a rustling coming from inside the home. They look and see Mike Eaton followed by Bill Deitch. Mike is pulling his luggage and holding onto a few bags. Bill is in shorts and a polo shirt. They both emerge from the home.
“Hi guys,” Mike says shyly as he puts his stuff down. “This is some change to the show.”
“Definitely not a ghost town!” Bill quips.
“Is college like this? I’ve been looking into colleges lately. I hope all their dorms look like this house.” Mike says.
Mary chuckles as Scott does the same.
“Welcome to California guys,” Scott says. “Southern California.”
END OF PART I (Part II to follow tomorrow)
NEXT TIME ON SIM SERIES…
The house begins to fill up as Carolyn and Chuck arrive. The mystery contestant will begin to unfold and most importantly, where might their horses debut?
www.simhorseracing.com
“Darn it!” She snips. “Who turned it off?”
She continues into the restroom and slams the door as she hears a car pull up. She walks to the window and peaks out.
Outside, a white Nissan 350Z with dark tinted windows pulls into the driveway and slightly skids to a stop. The roar of the engine comes to a halt as Scott exits from the vehicle. He sees the home for the first time. It is huge, seemingly fit for royalty. The main door is roughly 10ft tall. The balcony is large enough to have a social. The windows are large, but are currently shut off by curtains. The home’s walls are made from brick, a throw back to old school architecture. To the left of the home is a small Veterinary Hospital. The sign outside reads “Dr. H. Hacklu.” The sign underneath it reads, “Open 24 hours Sponsored by Granite Creek Farms” Next to Dr. Hacklu’s office are multiple barns and a pool for horses. To the right, there’s an equisizer, an automatic hot walker, and even a small training track.
Scott walks through the front door and into the home as Mary comes walking through the main hallway.
“Wow!” Scott says.
“Me or the house?” Mary quips.
“The house!” Scott says sarcastically as he motions to hug her.
“How’s your break?” Mary asks.
“Good. Too short, but too long. A conundrum. How was yours?”
“Busy. Busy. Busy!” Mary replies.
“Doing what?” Scott asks.
“Well…”
The two begin walking through the main hallway. The large formal living room is to the right. Black leather couches adorn it already. They’re organized around a large 55” flat panel TV that’s already hanging from the wall. A DVD player, a Blu Ray Player, and an XBOX 360 are neatly arranged underneath it in the TV stand. Flanking the stand is a home theater system that will no doubt wake up all the neighbors. A glass coffee table sits quaintly between the couches.
They pass through into the kitchen and breakfast nook. Combined, it is almost as large as the living room. A smooth wooden dining table with 12 captain’s chairs sits neatly in the breakfast nook. The kitchen’s sink is on an island with large counters. The stove is nearly restaurant quality with six individual burners. There are two ovens stacked upon each other, a lower oven and upper oven.
Scott walks over to the refrigerator. When he opens it, he sees it’s already stocked with water, soda, juices, milk, and an abundance of fresh food. There's even adult beverages like beer and wine. On the back panel, behind the stacks of goods, he sees the words “Dartmoor Racing Refrigerator”. He grabs a water and continues with Mary into the backyard and the summer heat.
“Goodness!” Scott quips. “A pool? Is that a BBQ over there?”
“The patio furniture is not even here yet,” Mary says. “And that’s a gas BBQ.”
“How did we afford all this on our low budget?” Scott asks.
“Sponsorship,” Mary says as she begins to fan herself. “Season 1 garnered so much interest that Game Points started flowing in from almost every major stable.”
“What the catch?” Scott asks.
“Well, the official title of the show is now SIM Series. Their horses. Your Decisions. Brought to you by A Wheely Merry Farm Franchises Inc. But they’ve allowed us to shorten it on the logo only.”
“What else?” Scott asks. “I already know about the refrigerator.”
“Well.”
“Oh no,” Scott says. “What?”
“The living room is sponsored by Pays Bas Farms by Jon Xett. There’s a big sign across the TV. I’m sure you missed it.”
“What else?” Scott asks earnestly.
“Let’s see,” Mary says. “There’s the Riverstone Kitchen. The Royal Acres Breakfast Center. Trial By Summer Loft, which is upstairs. You haven’t seen it yet. It’s got a pool table, pictures of past greats that came from the TBS auctions, old school Ms. Pacman, and even a pinball machine!”
“Keep going,” Scott says as Mary subsides her smile slightly.
“Dare to Dream Pool and Dare to Dream Pool for Horses,” Mary continues. “Orange Park Hotwalkers, Granite Creek Veterinary Hospital and…”
“And?” Scott asks.
“Alternate Venues’ Restroom and Fox Lair’s Bath.”
“They sponsored the restrooms?”
“I told them no. But they insisted since everybody has to use the restroom while they’re here.”
“What about everybody’s room upstairs?”
“Most were picked up by Nursery Stud or Nursery Quarters officially, except for your room and Carolyn’s room.”
“Who’d they get picked up by?” Scott asks.
“Your own farms silly!” Mary says. “Hill Valley Scott’s and Tosca Stables Carolyn.”
“Wow.” Scott says. “All those GPs got us this house? Talk about unsolicited help! Great job Mary.”
“And, the patio furniture, the ovens, and the stove is still available for sponsorship! I’m sure somebody will step up for it.” Mary says excitedly.
As she says that, the two hear a rustling coming from inside the home. They look and see Mike Eaton followed by Bill Deitch. Mike is pulling his luggage and holding onto a few bags. Bill is in shorts and a polo shirt. They both emerge from the home.
“Hi guys,” Mike says shyly as he puts his stuff down. “This is some change to the show.”
“Definitely not a ghost town!” Bill quips.
“Is college like this? I’ve been looking into colleges lately. I hope all their dorms look like this house.” Mike says.
Mary chuckles as Scott does the same.
“Welcome to California guys,” Scott says. “Southern California.”
END OF PART I (Part II to follow tomorrow)
NEXT TIME ON SIM SERIES…
The house begins to fill up as Carolyn and Chuck arrive. The mystery contestant will begin to unfold and most importantly, where might their horses debut?
www.simhorseracing.com
Friday, July 10, 2009
SIM Series Season 1 Finale
AND NOW…SIM Series…the Season Finale…
“Hello stranger,” Mary says as I walk into my office.
She’s wearing her trademark black cap and smirk. I brush up next to her and attempt to give her a hug. I think she’s caught off guard by it as we nearly bump our heads together while sorting out which way we’re supposed to move while hugging!
“Sorry,” I say. “How are you doing?”
“I’m alright. I guess.”
“I guess?” I ask as I take a seat. “What’s wrong?”
“What’s wrong?? Haven’t you been reading the Forum? Oh. I forgot you’ve been out bachelor partying it up with scantily clad women that have dollar bills coming out of their ears! Some people are doubting my ability!” She says fiercely. “I mean they ask me to gallop or jog their horses and then when I give them my honest opinion, they get upset at me!”
“Wow. I didn’t know, but as a side note, I also spent some time at the pool as well.”
“Seriously! Some of them even started a Forum posting! I was like. ‘How dare you!!!’”
“What?” I say incredulously.
“I know. I’m not psychic. I gallop them and tell the owners my honest opinion. What’s wrong with honesty??” She asks.
“It’s the best policy right?” I respond.
“It was,” she says.
“You can’t make everybody happy Mary,” I say.
“Yeah. I know,” she says. “I mean. It’s just a gallop. Its like saying Mia Hamm practiced well today. It doesn’t mean she’ll have a good game next time out!”
“I totally understand,” I respond. “That’s a good analogy.”
“Thanks,” she says as she finally cracks a small smile. “So what’s going on for the Steward’s Cup?”
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“I heard it’s like a gala.”
“You’ve never been to or even heard about a Steward’s Cup event?” I ask earnestly.
“Noooooo,” she responds in bratty way. “This is my first year with SIMhorseracing.com remember?”
“Where did you train before?” I ask.
“I don’t know. For some reason, before Year 24 started, I have no real recollection of what I did or where I lived.” Mary says.
“Ok Ms. Jason Bourne!” I retort.
“No. Shut up! Really, it’s almost like I didn’t exist before Year 24.”
“That’s odd,” I respond. “Anyways. For Steward’s Cup a whole gang of SIMsters get together in chat. The Steward splits everybody in half to make two gangs. One is named the Sharks and the other the Jets. Then each gang walks towards each other in a dancing-”
“Stupid! That’s West Side Story!” She says. “Seriously, what happens?”
“It’s pretty much a whole day event. Really cool. The Steward calls all the races and prizes are given out and stuff. After wards, everybody drinks a fifth of tequila and passes out.”
“You mean you drink a fifth of tequila and pass out?” She says mockingly.
“No. I lament about my stable and create reality shows based on Internet games that I play. Like there’s a SIM Series about Slingo that I write as well.”
“No there isn’t you dork!” Mary responds.
“OK. OK. Seriously,” I say jokingly still. “Did you get any responses from the owners? I want to know what they said.”
“Well.” Mary says as she fumbles through some files. “You’re not exactly the most popular guy right now amongst the SIM. For starters, not everybody responded or has responded or… who knows maybe even wants to respond!”
“I know,” I say sighing. “Don’t rub it in!”
“You did get some anonymous fan mail though!” Mary says as she pulls out a small stack of paper.
“Fan mail?” I say incredulously as I grab the stack from her. “Anonymous?”
I flip through a few and open one and begin reading. Oddly, there are no return addresses and it does seem that they are really, really anonymous!
“Dear SIM Series,
I think The White Album is wonderful! OF COURSE she’s going to win the Steward’s Cup Turf Filly Dash! She’s awesome. I love her, I love her, I LOVER her! Though, it would’ve been nice to get any notice about your hiatus! It would’ve made posting my own poll – I mean posting the polls for the owners – WHATEVER! ANYWAYS… For the most part though, I’d say it was a good experience. Keep the heads ringing! – C. Eatin”
“Look,” I say to Mary. “It’s not anonymous! This one is signed C. Eaton!”
“Yeah, but this person spells it E-A-T-I-N.” Mary responds. “Not the same.”
I shake my head and open the next letter.
“Dear Scott,
You need to write more you bum! And make sure you always spell check too! Anyways, I’m writing about Flyin’ Lion. I heard he isn’t running until Year 25, Week 1. Good luck to you and thanks for including us in your fun endeavor! – L. Beegle”
“OK! Come on!’ I say. “Mary, this is signed L. Beagle!”
“Let me see.” She says as she grabs the letter from my hands. “It’s B-E-E, see!”
“Never mind,” I say as I open the next letter.
“Dear Scott SIM Series Pho or 3SP as your now known in the SIM Underground,
Make Me Clever has been fun to follow. I hope I’m wrong, but I think she’ll place in her next race not win. She seems to win allowances all day but only place in stakes. Next year, I – I mean the SIM hopes that she wins a stakes so that maybe they vote to sell her as a broodmare for good money. Congrats on you’re mare Semper Fi, even though you pulled a NOOB move and shipped her to Toronto. (Loser) Maybe you and my best friend Channi Ruzzo can drive down to Sunshine Park together now! Ha ha ha (Evil Laugh) – M. McEaton
PS: Ha Ha Ha”
“Seriously Mary.” I annoyingly say. “Did you write all these? Nobody responded did they?”
“No!” She says. “I couldn’t make this stuff up. Those are real letters from people following SIM Series! They’re real. Definitely, not made up.”
I open the next letter reluctantly.
“Dear 3SP,
What’s the end result of SIM Series? Is there a winner? Does a horse get some kind of singing contract with your record label? Does anybody get eliminated? I mean, it’s been fun and my 2yo – I mean Think Legendary won a Gr. 1 and is now headed to the Stewards Cup Juvenile but… BTW, I always think my horse is going to win! Get it right! – B. O’Deitch"
“Mary?” I say as show her the email. “All you did was put O in front of Bill’s name! That’s not going to trick anybody! If nobody responded, it’s ok. I understand. I can handle it!”
“Scott,” Mary says earnestly. “Those are real. I promise. Why would I write those myself? It would take forever!”
I’m semi-ignoring her as I open up the next letter as I’m sighing.
“Dear Scott,
I don’t really like the 3SP nickname the previous fans are using. It doesn’t capture the essence that is the Scotty Phizzle…”
“Look Mary,” I say showing her the email. “How does this supposed fan know about 3SP???”
She shrugs and continues working. I go back to reading. Again.
“…Scotty Phizzle…I like that Twitter name. Maybe I should sign up using the name J. Dannizzle! People might confuse me with Jolene Danner though. I wonder how many other SIMsters are on Twitter. There could be a Laura Fizzleson, Eric Nizzle-bone, Dave Shizzle, Emily Stew-nizzle, Ara Da-vizzle. OK Enough. Sorry. Going back to Jolene, I love her horse Rockappella. It might be spelled awkwardly, but I think she’s going to win the Steward’s Cup Juvenile Filly Turf aka the Juvy Fizzle Turf. I even put up, I mean Jolene even put up two Steward’s Cup options in the poll to make sure she makes it there. It seems like the SIM is putting her exactly where I, I mean her would have put her if it wasn’t up to the SIM to vote. Giving up control of her was really hard, err must have been hard I mean, but it seems like it’s been pretty fun for the SIM to campaign her. Thanks again for all the fun. – J. Donner”
“OK Mary,” I say as I put down the remaining mail. “What did I do to deserve this?”
“For the last time. Those are real letters!” She sternly responds.
I comb through the remaining “letters” and skim through most of them. For the most part, my eyes go straight for the bottom to see who’s signing them. Names like J. O’Slotsman and M. Clayre show up. I don’t even notice who’s writing them anymore. I finally come across one that actually seems real.
“Dearest Scott,
I really admire your work on SIM Series. It’s quite refreshing. It really has brought the SIM and SIM Series to life. Your take on the SIM is captivating, motivating, and entertaining. I have taken some real joy in reading them. I especially liked how Mary was incorporated into your stories. When you went on your 2-week hiatus, I went on a hunger strike during the last week that you were gone. Thank goodness you came back or else I’d probably be really sick by now. Anyways, I hope to see it return next season! Keep up the great work!
Love,
M. Goose
PS: Just Kidding. This is really your mother. You haven’t been answering your phone. I really need you to come down and help me move some stuff around in the new house. I’ll make you you’re favorite dish, Medium Rib Eye Steak with a side of Scalloped Potatoes and Mac and Cheese. I’ll even make you some beef stew like they make at Santa Anita. I love you and come by this weekend. (Or else) – Love, Mom."
Great. I guess this weekend’s shot already. And how did my mom infiltrate the SIM? I wonder if Mary knew about this! At least it won’t interfere with next week’s Steward’s Cup.
I put aside the remaining letters and decide to ignore them for a long, long while. I talk to Mary briefly about some last minute preparations for next week’s big event. It’s good to have a few snacks and drinks lying around during the race calls. I imagine one day that when technology becomes even more advanced, we’ll actually just have a big SIM Video Conference for Steward’s Cup Day. And…Instead of some fancy computerized simulation horse race, each race would instead be acted out with those carnival games where you have to roll a rubber ball upwards and hope that it lands in the correct hole to make your horse move! That would be awesome!
I begin checking some stats as Mary begins to pack up. “I have to run.” She says. “I have to visit a lot of stables this week! And I have to go pick up Dr. Hacklu!”
“Thanks for getting me those emails,” I say.
“No problem,” she says. “I’ll see you at Sunshine Park.”
I say goodbye to her as she leaves my office for probably the last time in Year 24. She’s done all she can to help prep my horses for the upcoming week. I pull up some files on some of my older horses. Important decisions are made as the year comes to a close. Horses and mares will retire to stud or the pasture. Mares will be sent to studs in the hopes of creating the next great champion. Foals will become Yearlings and Yearlings will become Juveniles. Things always come full circle at the end of the year. It’s the circle of the SIM life. – SIM Series
GOOD LUCK TO ALL!
EL CREDITS:
SIM Series – Their Horses. Your Decisions. Season 1
Directed By: The Money You Could Be Saving By Switching To Geico
Produced By: The Cavemen
Written and Created By: Scott Pho
Cast:
Scott Pho /////////Himself
Mary Weather ////Herself
The Steward //////Herself
Clark Hoss ///////Cal Worthington
Dr. Hacklu ////////Ash from Pokemon
The Sprinters (In order of appearance)
Ara Davies / Time Delay
Carolyn Eaton / The White Album
Mike Eaton (No relation) / Make Me Clever
Channi Ruzzo / The Proven One aka Plato
Chris Simpson / Acting Up
Katy Turner / All For Fun
The Routers (In no particular order)
Jolene Danner / Rockappella
Chuck Whittingham / Hey Girl
Janey Adams / Freeburn
Leonard Beagle / Flyin’ Lion
Michael Edwards / Sinsation
Bill Deitch / Think Legendary
No animals (carbon based or digitally based) were harmed during the production of SIM Series.
Please visit http://www.simhorseracing.com/ for more information about the SIM!
“Hello stranger,” Mary says as I walk into my office.
She’s wearing her trademark black cap and smirk. I brush up next to her and attempt to give her a hug. I think she’s caught off guard by it as we nearly bump our heads together while sorting out which way we’re supposed to move while hugging!
“Sorry,” I say. “How are you doing?”
“I’m alright. I guess.”
“I guess?” I ask as I take a seat. “What’s wrong?”
“What’s wrong?? Haven’t you been reading the Forum? Oh. I forgot you’ve been out bachelor partying it up with scantily clad women that have dollar bills coming out of their ears! Some people are doubting my ability!” She says fiercely. “I mean they ask me to gallop or jog their horses and then when I give them my honest opinion, they get upset at me!”
“Wow. I didn’t know, but as a side note, I also spent some time at the pool as well.”
“Seriously! Some of them even started a Forum posting! I was like. ‘How dare you!!!’”
“What?” I say incredulously.
“I know. I’m not psychic. I gallop them and tell the owners my honest opinion. What’s wrong with honesty??” She asks.
“It’s the best policy right?” I respond.
“It was,” she says.
“You can’t make everybody happy Mary,” I say.
“Yeah. I know,” she says. “I mean. It’s just a gallop. Its like saying Mia Hamm practiced well today. It doesn’t mean she’ll have a good game next time out!”
“I totally understand,” I respond. “That’s a good analogy.”
“Thanks,” she says as she finally cracks a small smile. “So what’s going on for the Steward’s Cup?”
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“I heard it’s like a gala.”
“You’ve never been to or even heard about a Steward’s Cup event?” I ask earnestly.
“Noooooo,” she responds in bratty way. “This is my first year with SIMhorseracing.com remember?”
“Where did you train before?” I ask.
“I don’t know. For some reason, before Year 24 started, I have no real recollection of what I did or where I lived.” Mary says.
“Ok Ms. Jason Bourne!” I retort.
“No. Shut up! Really, it’s almost like I didn’t exist before Year 24.”
“That’s odd,” I respond. “Anyways. For Steward’s Cup a whole gang of SIMsters get together in chat. The Steward splits everybody in half to make two gangs. One is named the Sharks and the other the Jets. Then each gang walks towards each other in a dancing-”
“Stupid! That’s West Side Story!” She says. “Seriously, what happens?”
“It’s pretty much a whole day event. Really cool. The Steward calls all the races and prizes are given out and stuff. After wards, everybody drinks a fifth of tequila and passes out.”
“You mean you drink a fifth of tequila and pass out?” She says mockingly.
“No. I lament about my stable and create reality shows based on Internet games that I play. Like there’s a SIM Series about Slingo that I write as well.”
“No there isn’t you dork!” Mary responds.
“OK. OK. Seriously,” I say jokingly still. “Did you get any responses from the owners? I want to know what they said.”
“Well.” Mary says as she fumbles through some files. “You’re not exactly the most popular guy right now amongst the SIM. For starters, not everybody responded or has responded or… who knows maybe even wants to respond!”
“I know,” I say sighing. “Don’t rub it in!”
“You did get some anonymous fan mail though!” Mary says as she pulls out a small stack of paper.
“Fan mail?” I say incredulously as I grab the stack from her. “Anonymous?”
I flip through a few and open one and begin reading. Oddly, there are no return addresses and it does seem that they are really, really anonymous!
“Dear SIM Series,
I think The White Album is wonderful! OF COURSE she’s going to win the Steward’s Cup Turf Filly Dash! She’s awesome. I love her, I love her, I LOVER her! Though, it would’ve been nice to get any notice about your hiatus! It would’ve made posting my own poll – I mean posting the polls for the owners – WHATEVER! ANYWAYS… For the most part though, I’d say it was a good experience. Keep the heads ringing! – C. Eatin”
“Look,” I say to Mary. “It’s not anonymous! This one is signed C. Eaton!”
“Yeah, but this person spells it E-A-T-I-N.” Mary responds. “Not the same.”
I shake my head and open the next letter.
“Dear Scott,
You need to write more you bum! And make sure you always spell check too! Anyways, I’m writing about Flyin’ Lion. I heard he isn’t running until Year 25, Week 1. Good luck to you and thanks for including us in your fun endeavor! – L. Beegle”
“OK! Come on!’ I say. “Mary, this is signed L. Beagle!”
“Let me see.” She says as she grabs the letter from my hands. “It’s B-E-E, see!”
“Never mind,” I say as I open the next letter.
“Dear Scott SIM Series Pho or 3SP as your now known in the SIM Underground,
Make Me Clever has been fun to follow. I hope I’m wrong, but I think she’ll place in her next race not win. She seems to win allowances all day but only place in stakes. Next year, I – I mean the SIM hopes that she wins a stakes so that maybe they vote to sell her as a broodmare for good money. Congrats on you’re mare Semper Fi, even though you pulled a NOOB move and shipped her to Toronto. (Loser) Maybe you and my best friend Channi Ruzzo can drive down to Sunshine Park together now! Ha ha ha (Evil Laugh) – M. McEaton
PS: Ha Ha Ha”
“Seriously Mary.” I annoyingly say. “Did you write all these? Nobody responded did they?”
“No!” She says. “I couldn’t make this stuff up. Those are real letters from people following SIM Series! They’re real. Definitely, not made up.”
I open the next letter reluctantly.
“Dear 3SP,
What’s the end result of SIM Series? Is there a winner? Does a horse get some kind of singing contract with your record label? Does anybody get eliminated? I mean, it’s been fun and my 2yo – I mean Think Legendary won a Gr. 1 and is now headed to the Stewards Cup Juvenile but… BTW, I always think my horse is going to win! Get it right! – B. O’Deitch"
“Mary?” I say as show her the email. “All you did was put O in front of Bill’s name! That’s not going to trick anybody! If nobody responded, it’s ok. I understand. I can handle it!”
“Scott,” Mary says earnestly. “Those are real. I promise. Why would I write those myself? It would take forever!”
I’m semi-ignoring her as I open up the next letter as I’m sighing.
“Dear Scott,
I don’t really like the 3SP nickname the previous fans are using. It doesn’t capture the essence that is the Scotty Phizzle…”
“Look Mary,” I say showing her the email. “How does this supposed fan know about 3SP???”
She shrugs and continues working. I go back to reading. Again.
“…Scotty Phizzle…I like that Twitter name. Maybe I should sign up using the name J. Dannizzle! People might confuse me with Jolene Danner though. I wonder how many other SIMsters are on Twitter. There could be a Laura Fizzleson, Eric Nizzle-bone, Dave Shizzle, Emily Stew-nizzle, Ara Da-vizzle. OK Enough. Sorry. Going back to Jolene, I love her horse Rockappella. It might be spelled awkwardly, but I think she’s going to win the Steward’s Cup Juvenile Filly Turf aka the Juvy Fizzle Turf. I even put up, I mean Jolene even put up two Steward’s Cup options in the poll to make sure she makes it there. It seems like the SIM is putting her exactly where I, I mean her would have put her if it wasn’t up to the SIM to vote. Giving up control of her was really hard, err must have been hard I mean, but it seems like it’s been pretty fun for the SIM to campaign her. Thanks again for all the fun. – J. Donner”
“OK Mary,” I say as I put down the remaining mail. “What did I do to deserve this?”
“For the last time. Those are real letters!” She sternly responds.
I comb through the remaining “letters” and skim through most of them. For the most part, my eyes go straight for the bottom to see who’s signing them. Names like J. O’Slotsman and M. Clayre show up. I don’t even notice who’s writing them anymore. I finally come across one that actually seems real.
“Dearest Scott,
I really admire your work on SIM Series. It’s quite refreshing. It really has brought the SIM and SIM Series to life. Your take on the SIM is captivating, motivating, and entertaining. I have taken some real joy in reading them. I especially liked how Mary was incorporated into your stories. When you went on your 2-week hiatus, I went on a hunger strike during the last week that you were gone. Thank goodness you came back or else I’d probably be really sick by now. Anyways, I hope to see it return next season! Keep up the great work!
Love,
M. Goose
PS: Just Kidding. This is really your mother. You haven’t been answering your phone. I really need you to come down and help me move some stuff around in the new house. I’ll make you you’re favorite dish, Medium Rib Eye Steak with a side of Scalloped Potatoes and Mac and Cheese. I’ll even make you some beef stew like they make at Santa Anita. I love you and come by this weekend. (Or else) – Love, Mom."
Great. I guess this weekend’s shot already. And how did my mom infiltrate the SIM? I wonder if Mary knew about this! At least it won’t interfere with next week’s Steward’s Cup.
I put aside the remaining letters and decide to ignore them for a long, long while. I talk to Mary briefly about some last minute preparations for next week’s big event. It’s good to have a few snacks and drinks lying around during the race calls. I imagine one day that when technology becomes even more advanced, we’ll actually just have a big SIM Video Conference for Steward’s Cup Day. And…Instead of some fancy computerized simulation horse race, each race would instead be acted out with those carnival games where you have to roll a rubber ball upwards and hope that it lands in the correct hole to make your horse move! That would be awesome!
I begin checking some stats as Mary begins to pack up. “I have to run.” She says. “I have to visit a lot of stables this week! And I have to go pick up Dr. Hacklu!”
“Thanks for getting me those emails,” I say.
“No problem,” she says. “I’ll see you at Sunshine Park.”
I say goodbye to her as she leaves my office for probably the last time in Year 24. She’s done all she can to help prep my horses for the upcoming week. I pull up some files on some of my older horses. Important decisions are made as the year comes to a close. Horses and mares will retire to stud or the pasture. Mares will be sent to studs in the hopes of creating the next great champion. Foals will become Yearlings and Yearlings will become Juveniles. Things always come full circle at the end of the year. It’s the circle of the SIM life. – SIM Series
GOOD LUCK TO ALL!
EL CREDITS:
SIM Series – Their Horses. Your Decisions. Season 1
Directed By: The Money You Could Be Saving By Switching To Geico
Produced By: The Cavemen
Written and Created By: Scott Pho
Cast:
Scott Pho /////////Himself
Mary Weather ////Herself
The Steward //////Herself
Clark Hoss ///////Cal Worthington
Dr. Hacklu ////////Ash from Pokemon
The Sprinters (In order of appearance)
Ara Davies / Time Delay
Carolyn Eaton / The White Album
Mike Eaton (No relation) / Make Me Clever
Channi Ruzzo / The Proven One aka Plato
Chris Simpson / Acting Up
Katy Turner / All For Fun
The Routers (In no particular order)
Jolene Danner / Rockappella
Chuck Whittingham / Hey Girl
Janey Adams / Freeburn
Leonard Beagle / Flyin’ Lion
Michael Edwards / Sinsation
Bill Deitch / Think Legendary
No animals (carbon based or digitally based) were harmed during the production of SIM Series.
Please visit http://www.simhorseracing.com/ for more information about the SIM!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
SIM Series - Week 15 Episode 13
LAST TIME ON SIM SERIES…
The SERIES took a 2 week hiatus, but the horses continued racing. Some are ready for bigger challenges, while some will regroup and prepare for next season. Meanwhile, I’ve been back from San Diego…
AND NOW…SIM Series Week 15 Episode 13
I wake up to the sound of my roommate’s alarm clock. Again. How many times will she hit snooze before she finally gets up. So far, my count is at 6, which means that at 9 minutes between each “snooze” she’s been turning her alarm off for 45 minutes now! I finally get up even though it’s only 7AM. I was hoping to sleep until 10 to recuperate from not only a crazy weekend, but also a crazy month! Today is Friday.
I spent the first weekend of June (and basically all of May) helping my mom move into her new home in Orange County. I spent the weekend before that moving myself into a place that’s closer to my office. Two sentences don’t really justify how long it takes to move my mom’s four-bedroom home about 75 miles from one county to another. Add about 50-55hrs of work during the week and it leads to excessive craziness. In fact, we did all the moving in basically two days. Saturday we loaded the U-Haul and by Sunday morning, (that’s Sunday morning at 2:30AM) we finished unloading. By the time I was ready for bed, it was almost 4AM. I slept on the couch.
The second week of June was spent in San Diego…at least I was coherent enough on Sunday to watch the Kobe win his 4th NBA Championship and the Lakers winning their 15th as a franchise.
The third weekend in June was spent cleaning house, for the most part that is. I needed to really get settled into my new place and organize my belongings. Living out of boxes is only so fun. I also had a tux fitting for another friend’s wedding! I can only handle so much…until my other new roommate, not the one that hits snooze forever, my other roommate wanted to go get some drinks. Needless to say, we spent the night in Hollywood…at a bar/club, drinking Crown and Cokes…
Then, there’s last weekend, the final weekend in June. Vegas. Usually that’s enough said, but I elaborate. Bachelor party, except this was the four-day variety for a friend that I’ve known since grade school. Yes, the friend from the tux fitting. It’s safe to say he’s one of my best friends period.
Thursday night began with a trip to AMC Santa Anita (not to be confused with the track, but it’s a movie theater in the shopping mall next to the race track). We watched The Hangover, a perfect pre-cursor to the upcoming weekend. For those who have seen this instant classic, it led to multiple references for the rest of the weekend, like when I pulled up to my friend’s house at 8AM to pick him up, I yelled, “Paging Dr. Faggot!” We also referred to my friend as Doug for the entire weekend even though his name is Eric. There are a million other references, but it would take to long to go over them! Like how we plotted to steal a Las Vegas PD police cruiser after drinking a lot of Tequila (instead of Jaeger) and (no, we did not become blood brothers on the roof of Cesar’s Palace…we’re already blood brothers..duh!) I only have one question though about the movie…how come they didn’t explain the CHICKEN??? Where did the CHICKEN come from??? And what did it have to do with the plot???
Friday was spent playing golf and then bbqing at his house with his soon to be wife and us already locked and suckered in friends!
Saturday morning we left for Vegas….
I arrived home on Monday morning, at 1AM and went into my office at 7AM and then played in my local adult basketball league’s championship game at 7PM. We won.
Somewhere in between all that, I went to work.
And that leads us to today, the day before the 4th of July. We’re heading into Week 14 Friday and the great festivities that are the final two weeks of the SIM. Another season closing out. I’ve been so lost that I shipped my newfound Steward’s Cup hopeful Semper Fi (thank you btw, you know who you are for pointing out something important to me about Semper Fi) …anyways shipped her to Canada thinking that the Steward’s Cup was at Toronto Racecourse. I think I’ve all but sealed her fate in Week 16. Ironically, at the end of last season, I wondered if my horses would be better off in the hands of veteran owners. Would they fair better? Apparently, the answer is a resounding YES since I can’t even ship properly! Oddly, that led to the creation of SIM Series…
I’ve been clicking through the SIM Series tab and the SIM Forum in general. I’m really impressed by the owners who have taken it upon themselves to post their own polls. I’m also disappointed in myself for not helping the other owners get their polls up as I’ve been doing all season. I don’t blame them at all. For the most part, it was my responsibility, but if SIM Series is to continue (assuming the SIM wants to continue!), it will require much tweaking to the format. I’m a bit embarrassed, but I needed to take this hiatus. I couldn’t find time to do many extra curricular activities during the last few weeks let alone my required responsibilities at work! But now that June is in the books, I can rest easier knowing that July has absolutely nothing scheduled! (At least for now!) August is another disaster waiting to happen staring with Eric’s (Doug’s) wedding on August 1st.
So, with the season winding down, we go back to the main focus of SIM Series, the horses and their owners.
Led by Carolyn Eaton’s The White Album, the Sprinters have done quite well for themselves. The White Album’s performance has all but guaranteed a spot in the Steward’s Cup. The SIM has also overwhelmingly voted for her to race in the Juvenile Filly Dash. Her last time out, she won the Grade 1 Diamonds and Pearls Stakes at South Africa Racecourse with a 78 speed figure.
Mike Eaton’s Make Me Clever might also be headed to Sunshine Park to dance with other Steward’s Cup hopefuls. For now, the SIM is split between the SC and the West Virginia Debutante. Somebody needs to break the tie! Make Me Clever’s last time out was a very respectable 3rd place finish in the Beautiful Swan Stakes.
Hall of Fame trainer Ara Davies is still perplexed with Time Delay. Is she a sprinter, a miler, or a router? After consecutive 2nd place finishes, Time Delay took a minor step back when she finished 4th over a maiden mile. She’s entered again in a similar race, but with a minor tweak in equipment.
Then we have The Proven One aka Plato. Channi Ruzzo has probably raced him for the last time this season. In week 14 Monday, an aberration from his usual Friday racing, Plato finished 4th in a NW2 over 7 furlongs. Regardless, Plato has already earned $26,800 this season, which has more than covered his original 20k purchase price. He still has a long career ahead of him.
The Routers have done just as well if not better.
Jolene Danner’s Rockappella has lived up to her regal bloodlines. She finished 2nd in the 100k Test My Heart Stakes in Week 13 Friday while posting the same speed figure as the winner. All signs point to the Steward’s Cup and a chance to race her name into the history books.
Bill Deitch’s Think Legendary has been holding his own as well. He won a maiden event over 1 1/16 and is now headed to the Grade 1 150k Bubbly Stakes in Long Island Park, Week 14 Friday. A win here and we might see him at the Stewards Cup as well on short rest.
Michael Edward’s Sinsation has also shown much potential after finishing 2nd in a 100k stakes race while posting a 65 speed figure. He’s not entered in another race yet, however the Steward’s Cup could still be a possibility.
Meanwhile, Leonard Beagle’s Flyin’ Lion finished 7th in a Week 13 Friday Maiden over 1 1/16. Leo has no plans on a next race yet, but hopefully a poll will let the SIMsters vote on it.
Janey Adam’s Freeburn raced Week 12 Monday and finished 3rd while posting a 53 speed figure. She’s not entered yet in another race and no poll is up yet. I might take the blame for that!
And finally, Chuck Whittingham’s Hey Girl finished 5th in a 100k stakes race in Buffalo Park. Again, no plans or polls are up for the next race. Again, I might take the blame for that!
And so we charge forward to the finale of Year 24, the Steward’s Cup. Heck, it’s the finale for every season. We gather together via cyber space, all day, chatting it up, while watching the Steward call each race in roughly 30 minute intervals. It’s a charming day, filled with prizes and surprises. It’s a festive day of celebration for the SIM. Bitter sweet. Bitter that another season comes winding down and sweet while watching other owners celebrate their triumphs. Who would have known that these digital creatures could mean so much to the people who own them?
I squirm around in my couch at my new place. My snoozing roommate is up, moving some furniture around now. I peak out the door to see what’s going on. Her room is disorganized. She’s cleaning and moving stuff around. I walk out to say good morning as she tells me sorry if she had woken me up. I tell her no and that it’s all right. I’ve been up already, writing about SIMhorseracing.com.
NEXT WEEK ON SIM SERIES:
The SERIES will conclude with reactions from the Owners. What are they’re thoughts on their horses. Which ones will we see at the Steward’s Cup? Have a safe and happy 4th of July!
www.simhorseracing.com
The SERIES took a 2 week hiatus, but the horses continued racing. Some are ready for bigger challenges, while some will regroup and prepare for next season. Meanwhile, I’ve been back from San Diego…
AND NOW…SIM Series Week 15 Episode 13
I wake up to the sound of my roommate’s alarm clock. Again. How many times will she hit snooze before she finally gets up. So far, my count is at 6, which means that at 9 minutes between each “snooze” she’s been turning her alarm off for 45 minutes now! I finally get up even though it’s only 7AM. I was hoping to sleep until 10 to recuperate from not only a crazy weekend, but also a crazy month! Today is Friday.
I spent the first weekend of June (and basically all of May) helping my mom move into her new home in Orange County. I spent the weekend before that moving myself into a place that’s closer to my office. Two sentences don’t really justify how long it takes to move my mom’s four-bedroom home about 75 miles from one county to another. Add about 50-55hrs of work during the week and it leads to excessive craziness. In fact, we did all the moving in basically two days. Saturday we loaded the U-Haul and by Sunday morning, (that’s Sunday morning at 2:30AM) we finished unloading. By the time I was ready for bed, it was almost 4AM. I slept on the couch.
The second week of June was spent in San Diego…at least I was coherent enough on Sunday to watch the Kobe win his 4th NBA Championship and the Lakers winning their 15th as a franchise.
The third weekend in June was spent cleaning house, for the most part that is. I needed to really get settled into my new place and organize my belongings. Living out of boxes is only so fun. I also had a tux fitting for another friend’s wedding! I can only handle so much…until my other new roommate, not the one that hits snooze forever, my other roommate wanted to go get some drinks. Needless to say, we spent the night in Hollywood…at a bar/club, drinking Crown and Cokes…
Then, there’s last weekend, the final weekend in June. Vegas. Usually that’s enough said, but I elaborate. Bachelor party, except this was the four-day variety for a friend that I’ve known since grade school. Yes, the friend from the tux fitting. It’s safe to say he’s one of my best friends period.
Thursday night began with a trip to AMC Santa Anita (not to be confused with the track, but it’s a movie theater in the shopping mall next to the race track). We watched The Hangover, a perfect pre-cursor to the upcoming weekend. For those who have seen this instant classic, it led to multiple references for the rest of the weekend, like when I pulled up to my friend’s house at 8AM to pick him up, I yelled, “Paging Dr. Faggot!” We also referred to my friend as Doug for the entire weekend even though his name is Eric. There are a million other references, but it would take to long to go over them! Like how we plotted to steal a Las Vegas PD police cruiser after drinking a lot of Tequila (instead of Jaeger) and (no, we did not become blood brothers on the roof of Cesar’s Palace…we’re already blood brothers..duh!) I only have one question though about the movie…how come they didn’t explain the CHICKEN??? Where did the CHICKEN come from??? And what did it have to do with the plot???
Friday was spent playing golf and then bbqing at his house with his soon to be wife and us already locked and suckered in friends!
Saturday morning we left for Vegas….
I arrived home on Monday morning, at 1AM and went into my office at 7AM and then played in my local adult basketball league’s championship game at 7PM. We won.
Somewhere in between all that, I went to work.
And that leads us to today, the day before the 4th of July. We’re heading into Week 14 Friday and the great festivities that are the final two weeks of the SIM. Another season closing out. I’ve been so lost that I shipped my newfound Steward’s Cup hopeful Semper Fi (thank you btw, you know who you are for pointing out something important to me about Semper Fi) …anyways shipped her to Canada thinking that the Steward’s Cup was at Toronto Racecourse. I think I’ve all but sealed her fate in Week 16. Ironically, at the end of last season, I wondered if my horses would be better off in the hands of veteran owners. Would they fair better? Apparently, the answer is a resounding YES since I can’t even ship properly! Oddly, that led to the creation of SIM Series…
I’ve been clicking through the SIM Series tab and the SIM Forum in general. I’m really impressed by the owners who have taken it upon themselves to post their own polls. I’m also disappointed in myself for not helping the other owners get their polls up as I’ve been doing all season. I don’t blame them at all. For the most part, it was my responsibility, but if SIM Series is to continue (assuming the SIM wants to continue!), it will require much tweaking to the format. I’m a bit embarrassed, but I needed to take this hiatus. I couldn’t find time to do many extra curricular activities during the last few weeks let alone my required responsibilities at work! But now that June is in the books, I can rest easier knowing that July has absolutely nothing scheduled! (At least for now!) August is another disaster waiting to happen staring with Eric’s (Doug’s) wedding on August 1st.
So, with the season winding down, we go back to the main focus of SIM Series, the horses and their owners.
Led by Carolyn Eaton’s The White Album, the Sprinters have done quite well for themselves. The White Album’s performance has all but guaranteed a spot in the Steward’s Cup. The SIM has also overwhelmingly voted for her to race in the Juvenile Filly Dash. Her last time out, she won the Grade 1 Diamonds and Pearls Stakes at South Africa Racecourse with a 78 speed figure.
Mike Eaton’s Make Me Clever might also be headed to Sunshine Park to dance with other Steward’s Cup hopefuls. For now, the SIM is split between the SC and the West Virginia Debutante. Somebody needs to break the tie! Make Me Clever’s last time out was a very respectable 3rd place finish in the Beautiful Swan Stakes.
Hall of Fame trainer Ara Davies is still perplexed with Time Delay. Is she a sprinter, a miler, or a router? After consecutive 2nd place finishes, Time Delay took a minor step back when she finished 4th over a maiden mile. She’s entered again in a similar race, but with a minor tweak in equipment.
Then we have The Proven One aka Plato. Channi Ruzzo has probably raced him for the last time this season. In week 14 Monday, an aberration from his usual Friday racing, Plato finished 4th in a NW2 over 7 furlongs. Regardless, Plato has already earned $26,800 this season, which has more than covered his original 20k purchase price. He still has a long career ahead of him.
The Routers have done just as well if not better.
Jolene Danner’s Rockappella has lived up to her regal bloodlines. She finished 2nd in the 100k Test My Heart Stakes in Week 13 Friday while posting the same speed figure as the winner. All signs point to the Steward’s Cup and a chance to race her name into the history books.
Bill Deitch’s Think Legendary has been holding his own as well. He won a maiden event over 1 1/16 and is now headed to the Grade 1 150k Bubbly Stakes in Long Island Park, Week 14 Friday. A win here and we might see him at the Stewards Cup as well on short rest.
Michael Edward’s Sinsation has also shown much potential after finishing 2nd in a 100k stakes race while posting a 65 speed figure. He’s not entered in another race yet, however the Steward’s Cup could still be a possibility.
Meanwhile, Leonard Beagle’s Flyin’ Lion finished 7th in a Week 13 Friday Maiden over 1 1/16. Leo has no plans on a next race yet, but hopefully a poll will let the SIMsters vote on it.
Janey Adam’s Freeburn raced Week 12 Monday and finished 3rd while posting a 53 speed figure. She’s not entered yet in another race and no poll is up yet. I might take the blame for that!
And finally, Chuck Whittingham’s Hey Girl finished 5th in a 100k stakes race in Buffalo Park. Again, no plans or polls are up for the next race. Again, I might take the blame for that!
And so we charge forward to the finale of Year 24, the Steward’s Cup. Heck, it’s the finale for every season. We gather together via cyber space, all day, chatting it up, while watching the Steward call each race in roughly 30 minute intervals. It’s a charming day, filled with prizes and surprises. It’s a festive day of celebration for the SIM. Bitter sweet. Bitter that another season comes winding down and sweet while watching other owners celebrate their triumphs. Who would have known that these digital creatures could mean so much to the people who own them?
I squirm around in my couch at my new place. My snoozing roommate is up, moving some furniture around now. I peak out the door to see what’s going on. Her room is disorganized. She’s cleaning and moving stuff around. I walk out to say good morning as she tells me sorry if she had woken me up. I tell her no and that it’s all right. I’ve been up already, writing about SIMhorseracing.com.
NEXT WEEK ON SIM SERIES:
The SERIES will conclude with reactions from the Owners. What are they’re thoughts on their horses. Which ones will we see at the Steward’s Cup? Have a safe and happy 4th of July!
www.simhorseracing.com
Friday, June 12, 2009
SIM Series - Week 12 Episode 12
LAST WEEK ON SIM SERIES…
The voters have spoken. Katy Turner’s All For Fun and Chris Simpson’s Acting Up have unfortunately been eliminated. Best of luck to them and their horses! Meanwhile, the Series moves forward…
AND NOW…SIM Series Week 12 Episode 12
It’s been a harrowing last few weeks. My stable has been sorely neglected. I noticed the other day that I forgot to instruct my main jockey, Byron Cooper to add much needed equipment to a few young horses that are struggling. The result; they stunk it up again on the oval despite their perceived potential. Mary even left me a few notes to remind me but I forgot all about it.
I walk into my office. It’s only 7AM. I’ve spent the last few weeks moving into a new place. I never mentioned it because I was procrastinating. Three weeks seems so far away until you realize that three weeks have passed already! I finally got settled into my new place last Sunday at 2AM. During last week’s Elimination Episode, I scavenged through a bunch of neatly stacked boxes in various rooms just to find a pair of black socks! Wearing white socks with a suit is undoubtedly a fashion no-no.
I log into my sophisticated horse racing management software, also known as SIM 4.0. I have yet to see the final poll results for last week’s show. They look eerily similar now that I’m clicking around. The White Album, Time Delay, Make Me Clever, and The Proven One all received a similar amount of votes to make the cut. The owners were also able to select their own next races as the Elimination Episode took course. The voting will begin again soon.
The White Album ran her record to 4:3-0-1 by winning the Grade 2 Real Yellowwood Fillies Championship in Week 10 Friday. Her total earnings now total $188,750, making her the highest earning SIM Series horse so far! I also notice that Carolyn has nominated her to the Stewards Cup. Is a trip to Sunshine Park in the cards?
Conversely, Time Delay continues to perplex Hall of Fame trainer Ara Davies. She finished fourth in her last outing, a maiden mile at Fledging Park, flattening out in the stretch and ironically losing to a Katy Turner owned horse. Time Delay will continue on, but will it be over sprints or the mile?
The dirt sprinters continue to impress as well, even though Mike Eaton and Channi Ruzzo are at odds. The Proven One is poised to take on five other colts in the $75k Mountain Juvenile Stakes at Mountain Park in Week 11 Friday. He finished 2nd last time out in an NW2 and now totals $18,250 in earnings while going 3:1-1-0.
Meanwhile, Mike Eaton’s Make Me Clever has moved to Friday racing and will have at it in Week 11 at Futurity Park over a 6 Furlong allowance race. I’m not sure if it’s safe to have Mike and Channi on the same coast though! Make Me Clever finished 3rd in her last outing and now has total earnings of $29,000 and has yet to miss the board with a 3:1-1-1 record. It’s a safe assumption that Mike is prepping her for a possible Steward’s Cup run. Will the SIM vote the same way?
I click around SIM 4.0 again but this time in search of the Routers.
Jolene Danner’s Rockappella finished 3rd in her last race, the $75k Pop Idol Stakes, while losing to two regally bred turf milers that posted speed figures in the 70’s and have been already nominated to the Steward’s Cup. This now runs her record to 2:1-0-1 with total earnings of $20,000. I’m sure these horses will hook up again in Week 16, barring the SIM’s vote.
Janey Adams’s Freeburn struggled in her first race over a mile but will get a chance at redemption in Week 12 Monday when she runs in a 1 1/16 turf maiden event at Futurity Park. Currently, there are no changes in equipment. Janey is a veteran owner so I’m sure Freeburn will bounce back with a better performance.
Sinsation, Michael Edwards’ colt, ran himself into first place while posting a respectable 60 speed figure. His next race hasn’t been determined yet, but I heard through the Forum that Michael welcomed a new son into his family. Angus Edwards. I’m guessing that might take a little priority over the SIM! …I’m not sure WHY?! But…Congratulations to Michael and his family.
Bill Deitch’s Think Legendary has been busy on the track as well. After finishing second to a $12.5 million dollar Cadeauje (Don’t ask me how to pronounce that) Stewards Bred purchase named Lofty Goals, Think Legendary bounced back to win a maiden in Week 11 Monday at 1 1/16 while posting a 72 speed figure. His next race has yet to be determined, but it might be safe to add him to the list of Week 16 Friday contenders!
Chuck Whittinham’s “ghetto fabulous” filly Hey Girl finished 4th in her debut in Week 9 Monday in a Grade 3 $100k mile. I’m not sure where she’s racing next, but I do know that her trailer was upgraded again. It now has three 10” subwoofers for better bass, upgraded speakers, an Alpine Radio Tuner with CD player and iPod jack, and built in Internet service so that Hey Girl and Chuck can Twitter their latest happenings. Just recently Hey Girl tweeted this:
“Felt tired late in the stretch C-Dub! Gold Chains around my neck holding me down. I also would’ve answered Scott’s questions during SIM Series, but he sent wrong set of questions!!! First questions was, “How does this victory feel?” …Loser!”
Hmm….
Anyways…Leo Beagle’s filly Flyin’ Lion is also looking to bounce back after a poor outing in his debut. She’s moving to a longer 1 1/16 which might suit her more. She’s also getting Lasix, a Tongue Tie and Hind Bandages. Flyin’ Lion will resume her career on Week 12 Friday at Futurity Park.
The voters have spoken. Katy Turner’s All For Fun and Chris Simpson’s Acting Up have unfortunately been eliminated. Best of luck to them and their horses! Meanwhile, the Series moves forward…
AND NOW…SIM Series Week 12 Episode 12
It’s been a harrowing last few weeks. My stable has been sorely neglected. I noticed the other day that I forgot to instruct my main jockey, Byron Cooper to add much needed equipment to a few young horses that are struggling. The result; they stunk it up again on the oval despite their perceived potential. Mary even left me a few notes to remind me but I forgot all about it.
I walk into my office. It’s only 7AM. I’ve spent the last few weeks moving into a new place. I never mentioned it because I was procrastinating. Three weeks seems so far away until you realize that three weeks have passed already! I finally got settled into my new place last Sunday at 2AM. During last week’s Elimination Episode, I scavenged through a bunch of neatly stacked boxes in various rooms just to find a pair of black socks! Wearing white socks with a suit is undoubtedly a fashion no-no.
I log into my sophisticated horse racing management software, also known as SIM 4.0. I have yet to see the final poll results for last week’s show. They look eerily similar now that I’m clicking around. The White Album, Time Delay, Make Me Clever, and The Proven One all received a similar amount of votes to make the cut. The owners were also able to select their own next races as the Elimination Episode took course. The voting will begin again soon.
The White Album ran her record to 4:3-0-1 by winning the Grade 2 Real Yellowwood Fillies Championship in Week 10 Friday. Her total earnings now total $188,750, making her the highest earning SIM Series horse so far! I also notice that Carolyn has nominated her to the Stewards Cup. Is a trip to Sunshine Park in the cards?
Conversely, Time Delay continues to perplex Hall of Fame trainer Ara Davies. She finished fourth in her last outing, a maiden mile at Fledging Park, flattening out in the stretch and ironically losing to a Katy Turner owned horse. Time Delay will continue on, but will it be over sprints or the mile?
The dirt sprinters continue to impress as well, even though Mike Eaton and Channi Ruzzo are at odds. The Proven One is poised to take on five other colts in the $75k Mountain Juvenile Stakes at Mountain Park in Week 11 Friday. He finished 2nd last time out in an NW2 and now totals $18,250 in earnings while going 3:1-1-0.
Meanwhile, Mike Eaton’s Make Me Clever has moved to Friday racing and will have at it in Week 11 at Futurity Park over a 6 Furlong allowance race. I’m not sure if it’s safe to have Mike and Channi on the same coast though! Make Me Clever finished 3rd in her last outing and now has total earnings of $29,000 and has yet to miss the board with a 3:1-1-1 record. It’s a safe assumption that Mike is prepping her for a possible Steward’s Cup run. Will the SIM vote the same way?
I click around SIM 4.0 again but this time in search of the Routers.
Jolene Danner’s Rockappella finished 3rd in her last race, the $75k Pop Idol Stakes, while losing to two regally bred turf milers that posted speed figures in the 70’s and have been already nominated to the Steward’s Cup. This now runs her record to 2:1-0-1 with total earnings of $20,000. I’m sure these horses will hook up again in Week 16, barring the SIM’s vote.
Janey Adams’s Freeburn struggled in her first race over a mile but will get a chance at redemption in Week 12 Monday when she runs in a 1 1/16 turf maiden event at Futurity Park. Currently, there are no changes in equipment. Janey is a veteran owner so I’m sure Freeburn will bounce back with a better performance.
Sinsation, Michael Edwards’ colt, ran himself into first place while posting a respectable 60 speed figure. His next race hasn’t been determined yet, but I heard through the Forum that Michael welcomed a new son into his family. Angus Edwards. I’m guessing that might take a little priority over the SIM! …I’m not sure WHY?! But…Congratulations to Michael and his family.
Bill Deitch’s Think Legendary has been busy on the track as well. After finishing second to a $12.5 million dollar Cadeauje (Don’t ask me how to pronounce that) Stewards Bred purchase named Lofty Goals, Think Legendary bounced back to win a maiden in Week 11 Monday at 1 1/16 while posting a 72 speed figure. His next race has yet to be determined, but it might be safe to add him to the list of Week 16 Friday contenders!
Chuck Whittinham’s “ghetto fabulous” filly Hey Girl finished 4th in her debut in Week 9 Monday in a Grade 3 $100k mile. I’m not sure where she’s racing next, but I do know that her trailer was upgraded again. It now has three 10” subwoofers for better bass, upgraded speakers, an Alpine Radio Tuner with CD player and iPod jack, and built in Internet service so that Hey Girl and Chuck can Twitter their latest happenings. Just recently Hey Girl tweeted this:
“Felt tired late in the stretch C-Dub! Gold Chains around my neck holding me down. I also would’ve answered Scott’s questions during SIM Series, but he sent wrong set of questions!!! First questions was, “How does this victory feel?” …Loser!”
Hmm….
Anyways…Leo Beagle’s filly Flyin’ Lion is also looking to bounce back after a poor outing in his debut. She’s moving to a longer 1 1/16 which might suit her more. She’s also getting Lasix, a Tongue Tie and Hind Bandages. Flyin’ Lion will resume her career on Week 12 Friday at Futurity Park.
I click around my office for a bit longer and check my entries, the Stud Book, and even a few races that might suit some of my older horses. I call Dr. Hacklu to get my daily health report for my horses. Apparently, it’s a great day for racing and his daughter wants to be a veterinarian just like him. Either way, most of my horses come back healthy. I also call Clark Hoss and set up a few appointments for my younger colts and fillies. They need his spiritual guidance to make sure they don’t jump off bridges when they see water!
I shut everything down. It’s already past 10AM. My stable will be in Mary’s hands this weekend as I get into my car to drive back to my new place. I have to pack for Diego…err San Diego that is. An old college friend is having his bachelor party this weekend. I’m sure the next three days will pass by like three minutes.
NEXT TIME ON SIM SERIES…
Voting continues as some of the SIM Series horses begin to prep to the Stewards Cup! The Sprinters return to action! Who will be at Sunshine Park, Week 16 Friday?
I shut everything down. It’s already past 10AM. My stable will be in Mary’s hands this weekend as I get into my car to drive back to my new place. I have to pack for Diego…err San Diego that is. An old college friend is having his bachelor party this weekend. I’m sure the next three days will pass by like three minutes.
NEXT TIME ON SIM SERIES…
Voting continues as some of the SIM Series horses begin to prep to the Stewards Cup! The Sprinters return to action! Who will be at Sunshine Park, Week 16 Friday?
www.simhorseracing.com
Friday, June 5, 2009
SIM Series - Week 11 Episode 11
LAST WEEK ON SIM SERIES…
Chuck Whittingham’s stylish filly Hey Girl finished 4th in her debut in the $100k Gr. 3 Venezuelan Debutante while Leo Beagle’s Flyin’ Lion struggled to a 7th place finish respectively. The Routers are definitely in full effect…
AND NOW…SIM Series Week 11 Episode 11
I stand anxiously next to Mary backstage in the Coke Zero Red Room. She’s wearing a lavender colored, short-sleeved band bottom dress. She holds a microphone in her left hand tightly. I wriggle my gold colored side-striped tie one last time as I adjust the coat on my suit.
“Stop fidgeting,” Mary snips as she takes off her cap and goggles. “You’re making me nervous!”
“I’m not fidgeting!”
“Yes you are!” She replies as she grips the microphone even tighter while fixing her hair.
I look down at my trousers and black dress shoes. I’m wearing a navy blue suit over a baby blue dress shirt. I thought it matched the lavender well. We begin walking to the main stage as the PA announcer begins prepping the crowd for the upcoming show. It’s sold out tonight! As we arrive onto the main stage, the curtains are closed and it is rather dark. The live band is sitting together to our right. We can hear the sounds of the audience shuffling around.
Then suddenly, the theme music begins. The curtains part ways in opposite directions. The audience suddenly comes to life, clapping, cheering, and whistling! The stage lights dimly turn on. A spotlight suddenly shines on us as we walk forward, and instantly we are in front of over 3000 screaming teenagers, young adults, and adults, all mixed in together. Most are sitting in the upper sections, while a select bunch, mostly SIMsters and roughly 300 are in the pit area! They’re going wacko! “I love you Mary!” Somebody screams out loud! I think it was Eric Nalbone! Wait. What’s Eric doing in the pit!?
We walk together, microphones in hand and the cheering continues.
“Thank you,” I say into the microphone. “Thank you. Stop it. Stop. Please.” I say humbly.
“Thank you,” I say again as the raucous crowd calms a little. “And welcome to the SIM Series Idol Elimination Episode!”
The audience breaks into wild cheering again!
“We are live at the Kodak Theatre tonight!” I say loudly into the microphone. “This is my co-host. A very familiar lady that you’ve all seen in your stables many times, riding your pretty little VB Script horses! Mary Weather everybody!”
The crowd breaks out again into a feverish roar.
“Thank you Scott,” Mary says. “Tonight is a special episode. I am soooooo excited to be out of the jockey suit! Because tonight, we’ll reveal the bottom two! One dirt sprinter. One turf sprinter!”
More cheering. Wildness.
“But, first, let’s say hi to our judges!” Mary says as she points to a small elevated stage to the left of us. “As always, the incomparable Ali Labdulke.”
Wildness ensuing again.
“I took a day off from the track,” Ali says as she sips something out of her Coke Zero mug. “And I love Same Old Plot. He’s such a great little horsey horse!”
“Goodness!” AR Roberts suddenly blurts out. Oddly, he speaks in a British accent. “SOP! For God’s sake Paula. I mean Ali. I don’t know about that. I mean I sold him already!”
“OK,” I butt in awkwardly. “Ladies and gentlemen, our second judge and full time SIM player, Mr. AR Roberts.”
There’s half cheering and half booing.
“And finally,” I continue. “Our last judge and originator of the SIM. The reason why SIM Series Idol is even possible. Some compare her to the Creator from the Matrix. Some have debated whether she actually sits in her office with hundreds of TVs in a lone chair in a white room while programming horses and races and horses and races with just a universal remote control. Some have debated if she even really exists, or is it all just a dream like the finale of Dallas. While some--”
“Scott!” Mary yells.
“Sorry. The Steward! Ladies and Gentlemen. The Steward!”
The crowd breaks into pandemonium as they begin chanting “Steward! Steward! Steward!”
“Thank you guys,” The Steward says. “Thank you unequivocally, ergo, I am very pleased to be here. Where’s the Hawrse Pound at!”
“Alright guys,” Mary interrupts. “We’ll come back to you guys later, but now, we must bring out our six finalist who have been competing all season long!”
“Yes,” I say. “That’s right Mary. And, we’re going to start it off with the two. Yes the TWO! TOP! VOTE GETTERS SO FAR! In each category! Remember now, these two are currently sitting atop the polls. Neither one have ever been in the bottom two all season, a new SIM Series Idol record.”
“So,” Mary continues. “Without further delay. Our first top vote getter with over 35 million votes is…Carolyn Eaton and her turf sprinting filly The White Album!”
They walk onto the stage, with Carolyn leading TWA out.
“Come stand next to me,” I say to Carolyn. “She’s a beauty!”
“I said she was awesome! Didn’t I?” Carolyn responds as the crowd breaks into craziness again.
“Now,” I say as I begin petting TWA. “Why should you two continue onwards on the show?”
“Well, she’s won a Grade 2 and put out a hot HOT speed figure. I’m pretty sure she’s headed to the Steward’s Cup Filly Dash!” Carolyn says confidently.
“Wha-What!” The Steward jumps in. “WHOOMP! WHOOMP! WHOOMP! Ergo, where the Hawrse Pound tonight!”
“I hope everyone continues to support TWA!” Carolyn says.
“We will,” Ali says. “We love you and TWA!”
“Ali,” AR Roberts says annoyingly in his odd British accent. “We finally agree on something. Amazing.”
“Everybody!” I break in again. “Carolyn Eaton and TWA!”
They walk to the side staging area as a few teenage boys and girls scream wildly for them, trying desperately to touch one of them.
“And now,” Mary says. “Our current top vote getters from the Dirt Sprinting category! It’s so close right now we’re going to bring both of them out! Mike Eaton and Make Me Clever and Channi Ruzzo and Plato!”
“OK,” I say. “You guys were supposed to come in together, not from opposite ends of the stage.”
Channi rolls her eyes. “Yeah,” she says.
I walk over to Mike as Mary walks over to Channi just as we had rehearsed a few days ago.
“Alright Mike,” I say. “Give us the scoop.”
“She’s obviously a major player,” he says.
“You mean Channi or Make Me Clever?” I ask jokingly. As always, nobody laughs at my jokes.
“She’s not even at her best yet.” Mike continues. “She’s a stakes filly and a consistent one. People! The fun is just beginning with her!”
Mary speaks up. “Channi, any thoughts?”
“Oh, my horse is fun too,” Channi says. “I don’t think Plato or The Proven One has fulfilled his namesake either. And if that’s not good enough, then pretty please with cherries on top drizzled with chocolate and drowned with whip cream! YEAH!”
The crowd erupts as most of the guys, including Dave Shields nearly faint. John Xett, who’s been with the SIM for a decade has to hold him up while fanning him.
The two walk towards Carolyn as their horses follow. They each stand on opposite sides of her.
Together, Mary and I bring out Hall of Fame Trainer Ara Davies and her turf filly Time Delay.
“She’s developing,” Ara says. “It’s going to be interesting to find her niche. There’s still plenty of work that can be done with her.”
“You wanted to say something else, right?” I ask.
“Yeah,” Ara says. “I’d really like to see more input from everyone than just voting. I’d like to see more participation from the SIM Community.”
“I know. There’s like three people total watching,” I respond. “We’re like a sitcom, we have to pay the audience to show up. That’s how we got 3000 screaming fans in here!”
“Well. I hope everybody continues to support Time Delay regardless!” Ara says as she walks to the staging area with the other participants.
“Before we reveal the bottom two,” I say. “Just a quick programming note. Michael Edward’s Sinsation, debuted on Week 10 Monday and finished impressively first. His full profile will be shown next week. Also, Rockappella will race Week 10 Friday in the Pop Idol Stakes at Adolescent Acres. Her complete interview will also be show next week.”
“And now,” Mary says. “The Bottom Two. Unfortunately, by total coincidence, it’s the pairing of Katy Turner’s All For Fun and Chris Simpson’s Acting Up.
The two walk out together. They look excited, yet nervous. Their horses are not with them as they are racing in Week 10. As they approach Mary and I, they huddle together as the other participants come over and give them hugs. We finally separate them from the group.
“I’m sorry All For Fun hasn’t lived up to expectations,” Katy says.
“Don’t be sorry,” I say. “You’ve done a great job so far!”
“Thank you,” Katy responds. “It’s certainly has brought a large portion of the community together and that’s been every enjoyable. I’ve had a lot of fun and I can only hope that it continues!”
“And Chris?” Mary asks. “Any comments.”
He remains quiet as they continue embracing. Eventually, the rest of the group comes over again. They embrace; humans and horses standing there together and dressed in formal wear. It’s an awkward looking scene. For the most part, they’ve been engaged in friendly competition and now unfortunately, two of them will have to go. They gather around as Mary and I announce that they’re going to sing “No Boundaries” together. I didn’t know they could sing!
Mary and I walk off the stage together as the music cues up and crowd breaks out into a frenzy again. I look over at the judges and see them chatting. The episode has gone longer than anticipated as the uncertainty of who’s being eliminated continues to grow. There’s one thing for sure though, nobody really wants to get eliminated.
NEXT WEEK ON SIM SERIES…
The results will be finalized once the poll closes this Saturday. Also, updates are coming for the Routers. Who will NOT make the cut?
www.simhorseracing.com
Chuck Whittingham’s stylish filly Hey Girl finished 4th in her debut in the $100k Gr. 3 Venezuelan Debutante while Leo Beagle’s Flyin’ Lion struggled to a 7th place finish respectively. The Routers are definitely in full effect…
AND NOW…SIM Series Week 11 Episode 11
I stand anxiously next to Mary backstage in the Coke Zero Red Room. She’s wearing a lavender colored, short-sleeved band bottom dress. She holds a microphone in her left hand tightly. I wriggle my gold colored side-striped tie one last time as I adjust the coat on my suit.
“Stop fidgeting,” Mary snips as she takes off her cap and goggles. “You’re making me nervous!”
“I’m not fidgeting!”
“Yes you are!” She replies as she grips the microphone even tighter while fixing her hair.
I look down at my trousers and black dress shoes. I’m wearing a navy blue suit over a baby blue dress shirt. I thought it matched the lavender well. We begin walking to the main stage as the PA announcer begins prepping the crowd for the upcoming show. It’s sold out tonight! As we arrive onto the main stage, the curtains are closed and it is rather dark. The live band is sitting together to our right. We can hear the sounds of the audience shuffling around.
Then suddenly, the theme music begins. The curtains part ways in opposite directions. The audience suddenly comes to life, clapping, cheering, and whistling! The stage lights dimly turn on. A spotlight suddenly shines on us as we walk forward, and instantly we are in front of over 3000 screaming teenagers, young adults, and adults, all mixed in together. Most are sitting in the upper sections, while a select bunch, mostly SIMsters and roughly 300 are in the pit area! They’re going wacko! “I love you Mary!” Somebody screams out loud! I think it was Eric Nalbone! Wait. What’s Eric doing in the pit!?
We walk together, microphones in hand and the cheering continues.
“Thank you,” I say into the microphone. “Thank you. Stop it. Stop. Please.” I say humbly.
“Thank you,” I say again as the raucous crowd calms a little. “And welcome to the SIM Series Idol Elimination Episode!”
The audience breaks into wild cheering again!
“We are live at the Kodak Theatre tonight!” I say loudly into the microphone. “This is my co-host. A very familiar lady that you’ve all seen in your stables many times, riding your pretty little VB Script horses! Mary Weather everybody!”
The crowd breaks out again into a feverish roar.
“Thank you Scott,” Mary says. “Tonight is a special episode. I am soooooo excited to be out of the jockey suit! Because tonight, we’ll reveal the bottom two! One dirt sprinter. One turf sprinter!”
More cheering. Wildness.
“But, first, let’s say hi to our judges!” Mary says as she points to a small elevated stage to the left of us. “As always, the incomparable Ali Labdulke.”
Wildness ensuing again.
“I took a day off from the track,” Ali says as she sips something out of her Coke Zero mug. “And I love Same Old Plot. He’s such a great little horsey horse!”
“Goodness!” AR Roberts suddenly blurts out. Oddly, he speaks in a British accent. “SOP! For God’s sake Paula. I mean Ali. I don’t know about that. I mean I sold him already!”
“OK,” I butt in awkwardly. “Ladies and gentlemen, our second judge and full time SIM player, Mr. AR Roberts.”
There’s half cheering and half booing.
“And finally,” I continue. “Our last judge and originator of the SIM. The reason why SIM Series Idol is even possible. Some compare her to the Creator from the Matrix. Some have debated whether she actually sits in her office with hundreds of TVs in a lone chair in a white room while programming horses and races and horses and races with just a universal remote control. Some have debated if she even really exists, or is it all just a dream like the finale of Dallas. While some--”
“Scott!” Mary yells.
“Sorry. The Steward! Ladies and Gentlemen. The Steward!”
The crowd breaks into pandemonium as they begin chanting “Steward! Steward! Steward!”
“Thank you guys,” The Steward says. “Thank you unequivocally, ergo, I am very pleased to be here. Where’s the Hawrse Pound at!”
“Alright guys,” Mary interrupts. “We’ll come back to you guys later, but now, we must bring out our six finalist who have been competing all season long!”
“Yes,” I say. “That’s right Mary. And, we’re going to start it off with the two. Yes the TWO! TOP! VOTE GETTERS SO FAR! In each category! Remember now, these two are currently sitting atop the polls. Neither one have ever been in the bottom two all season, a new SIM Series Idol record.”
“So,” Mary continues. “Without further delay. Our first top vote getter with over 35 million votes is…Carolyn Eaton and her turf sprinting filly The White Album!”
They walk onto the stage, with Carolyn leading TWA out.
“Come stand next to me,” I say to Carolyn. “She’s a beauty!”
“I said she was awesome! Didn’t I?” Carolyn responds as the crowd breaks into craziness again.
“Now,” I say as I begin petting TWA. “Why should you two continue onwards on the show?”
“Well, she’s won a Grade 2 and put out a hot HOT speed figure. I’m pretty sure she’s headed to the Steward’s Cup Filly Dash!” Carolyn says confidently.
“Wha-What!” The Steward jumps in. “WHOOMP! WHOOMP! WHOOMP! Ergo, where the Hawrse Pound tonight!”
“I hope everyone continues to support TWA!” Carolyn says.
“We will,” Ali says. “We love you and TWA!”
“Ali,” AR Roberts says annoyingly in his odd British accent. “We finally agree on something. Amazing.”
“Everybody!” I break in again. “Carolyn Eaton and TWA!”
They walk to the side staging area as a few teenage boys and girls scream wildly for them, trying desperately to touch one of them.
“And now,” Mary says. “Our current top vote getters from the Dirt Sprinting category! It’s so close right now we’re going to bring both of them out! Mike Eaton and Make Me Clever and Channi Ruzzo and Plato!”
“OK,” I say. “You guys were supposed to come in together, not from opposite ends of the stage.”
Channi rolls her eyes. “Yeah,” she says.
I walk over to Mike as Mary walks over to Channi just as we had rehearsed a few days ago.
“Alright Mike,” I say. “Give us the scoop.”
“She’s obviously a major player,” he says.
“You mean Channi or Make Me Clever?” I ask jokingly. As always, nobody laughs at my jokes.
“She’s not even at her best yet.” Mike continues. “She’s a stakes filly and a consistent one. People! The fun is just beginning with her!”
Mary speaks up. “Channi, any thoughts?”
“Oh, my horse is fun too,” Channi says. “I don’t think Plato or The Proven One has fulfilled his namesake either. And if that’s not good enough, then pretty please with cherries on top drizzled with chocolate and drowned with whip cream! YEAH!”
The crowd erupts as most of the guys, including Dave Shields nearly faint. John Xett, who’s been with the SIM for a decade has to hold him up while fanning him.
The two walk towards Carolyn as their horses follow. They each stand on opposite sides of her.
Together, Mary and I bring out Hall of Fame Trainer Ara Davies and her turf filly Time Delay.
“She’s developing,” Ara says. “It’s going to be interesting to find her niche. There’s still plenty of work that can be done with her.”
“You wanted to say something else, right?” I ask.
“Yeah,” Ara says. “I’d really like to see more input from everyone than just voting. I’d like to see more participation from the SIM Community.”
“I know. There’s like three people total watching,” I respond. “We’re like a sitcom, we have to pay the audience to show up. That’s how we got 3000 screaming fans in here!”
“Well. I hope everybody continues to support Time Delay regardless!” Ara says as she walks to the staging area with the other participants.
“Before we reveal the bottom two,” I say. “Just a quick programming note. Michael Edward’s Sinsation, debuted on Week 10 Monday and finished impressively first. His full profile will be shown next week. Also, Rockappella will race Week 10 Friday in the Pop Idol Stakes at Adolescent Acres. Her complete interview will also be show next week.”
“And now,” Mary says. “The Bottom Two. Unfortunately, by total coincidence, it’s the pairing of Katy Turner’s All For Fun and Chris Simpson’s Acting Up.
The two walk out together. They look excited, yet nervous. Their horses are not with them as they are racing in Week 10. As they approach Mary and I, they huddle together as the other participants come over and give them hugs. We finally separate them from the group.
“I’m sorry All For Fun hasn’t lived up to expectations,” Katy says.
“Don’t be sorry,” I say. “You’ve done a great job so far!”
“Thank you,” Katy responds. “It’s certainly has brought a large portion of the community together and that’s been every enjoyable. I’ve had a lot of fun and I can only hope that it continues!”
“And Chris?” Mary asks. “Any comments.”
He remains quiet as they continue embracing. Eventually, the rest of the group comes over again. They embrace; humans and horses standing there together and dressed in formal wear. It’s an awkward looking scene. For the most part, they’ve been engaged in friendly competition and now unfortunately, two of them will have to go. They gather around as Mary and I announce that they’re going to sing “No Boundaries” together. I didn’t know they could sing!
Mary and I walk off the stage together as the music cues up and crowd breaks out into a frenzy again. I look over at the judges and see them chatting. The episode has gone longer than anticipated as the uncertainty of who’s being eliminated continues to grow. There’s one thing for sure though, nobody really wants to get eliminated.
NEXT WEEK ON SIM SERIES…
The results will be finalized once the poll closes this Saturday. Also, updates are coming for the Routers. Who will NOT make the cut?
www.simhorseracing.com
Friday, May 29, 2009
SIM Series - Week 10 Episode 10
LAST WEEK ON SIM SERIES….
Bill Deitch’s Think Legendary finished 2nd in his debut while Janey Adams’ Freeburn respectively debuted in eighth. Meanwhile, Katy Turner’s All For Fun and Chris Simpson’s Acting Up get ready for their 3rd races….
AND NOW…SIM Series Week 10 Episode 10
“Hold on Scott,” Mary says as she answers her call waiting.
I continue driving towards Chuck Whittingham’s place. It’s 12pm now, but an hour ago I landed in Arlington, TX.
“Scott?” Mary says clicking back over.
“So what’d they say?” I ask.
“We can do the Nokia Theater or the Kodak depending on one last scheduling issue. But it’s definitely a go!” She says excitedly.
“That’s great,” I say. “You’re going to have to get a gown now!”
“I know. I can’t wait to get out of my training silks and cap! I wear these everyday!”
“I think I already have a suit in mind,” I add.
We close the conversation amicably as I pull up to Chuck Whittingham’s stable. He meets me out front with a beer in each of his hands as we begin walking towards his barns, specifically towards his dirt routing filly Hey Girl’s. He offers me a cold one and I accept.
“The SIM Community is a great group of people,” Chuck says. “I think it’ll be fun to have more interaction with them.” He takes a swig as my cell phone begins ringing. I let it go to voicemail.
“Possibly,” he continues. “I can learn what it takes to get a horse to the big races and keep her there.”
We eventually make it to Hey Girl’s barn. She’s not present, but her barn is exquisitely decorated, eerily similar to Chloe’s room from Beverly Hills Chihuahua! I can’t really see, but I think there’s a pink bow hanging on one of the walls and a Jackie O type outfit.
Hey Girl is a brown 15.2 hands filly out of Change the Past and a 200k earning mare named Pleasure. She is homebred.
“She’s got style and sass,” Chuck says. “Her horse trailer has 24-inch spinners.”
I look at him incredulously and laugh as he urges me to go outside and take a look. Goodness! It really does have 24-inch spinner rims! They’re chromed as well and the trailer windows are tinted in the darkest shade of black that is possible! There’s a Mercedes Benz emblem on the front of it as well!
“Told you she has style,” Chuck says proudly. “We’re going to ship it to Hipodromo Valenzuela, where she raced on Week 9 Monday.” He lowers his voice. “And finished fourth in the 100k Grade 3 Venezuelan Debutante” He begins to mumble something that I can’t make out.
Chuck is a relatively newer player, having started his addiction to the SIM on March 30th, 2007. He currently owns EIEIO Farm in England, dirt routing stallion Coup D’etat and a total of 242 horses.
“I ran her without equipment.” Chuck says. “I expected her to win, but the SIM will tell me where to race her now. She is well bred and I am hoping she can be a Grade 1 winner and eventually compete in the Louisville Oaks.”
We continue chatting about his competitiveness as we finish off our beers. I jokingly ask for Petron Silver Tequila and a lime. Chuck is up for it, but I back out, realizing that I have to drive. I thank him for the ONE beer that doesn’t really impair me since I’m 6ft and about 195lbs and this is a PG game (so kids, Don’t Drink and Drive, 55 Saves Life, and Say No to Drugs)… so I wish him the best as I leave. I’m planning on driving 315 miles northeast to Hot Springs, AR to meet Leonard Beagle and his turf routing filly Flyin’ Lion.
As I’m driving safely with my hands at exactly 10 and 2, I check my voicemail from earlier. It’s Chris Simpson.
“Hey Scott,” Chris says. “This is Chris Simpson and I’m picking Caldron in the Long Island Classic. I’m kidding…seriously Acting Up finished 2nd last out. I thought he could’ve won, but he doesn’t seem to have any speed so I’m starting to think about blinkers. Other than that, I’m happy with him so far. Thanks again bud, I’ll see you elimination week!”
I press “7” to erase the message as I continue driving extremely safely. I dial Katy Turner.
“We’re always doing this over the phone!” I say to her.
“I don’t mind,” she responds. “Anyways, I’m going to have to tinker with All For Fun a bit. I mean, I still think he has stakes potential, but he really needs to break his maiden first.”
“I know,” I say. “I’m really shocked!”
“Yeah,” Katy responds. “I was shocked and disappointed too that he finished sixth in his first start. I don’t know, maybe he needs to go longer. His half brother won at seven furlongs and his half sister has won stakes at a mile! He comes from a good family so hopefully he’ll get his act together.”
Our conversation eventually comes to an end as I continue driving. I finally make it into Hot Springs. Apparently, it’s the number one tourist destination in Arkansas.
I’m greeted by Leonard as I pull up. We exchange pleasantries.
“I hope to continue to represent fun and friendliness to others who are watching and playing,” Leonard says. “I’ve always been the type that wanted to support what I’m involved in. In fact, Chani is one of my chat buddies, so I especially root for her and Plato.”
We begin walking towards his patio. We set ourselves down outside in the setting sun as it’s now almost 7PM.
Leonard began his SIM Racing career on June 8th, 2007. He doesn’t own a farm yet and rests his nearly 240 horses in various farms throughout the world. Even as a newer player, Leo has won the Juvenile Turf Mile, the Barbados Triple Crown, and a SIMMY for Islands Horse of the Year. He currently stands Lionize, a turf routing champion and also the sire of his SIM Series horse Flyin’ Lion.
“She’s all heart,” Leo says. “She’d run through the rail if she thought it’d please me. I can see her fighting through a tight spot to get to the wire. She’s going to be in a maiden, Week 9 Friday over at Virginia Gallops. I’d be excited if she were to finish in the top 3 since her workout times don’t suggest much right now. But, we’ll see if she’s game and performs when it counts.”
We continue chatting about his filly. The conversation spills over to Murfreesboro, AR which has the only diamond mine in America. I imagine it’s nothing like the movie Blood Diamond! Leo continues on about how he doesn’t like it when others offer advice on how one SHOULD run their stables and ironically how his favorite thing is the people of the SIM. I totally agree.
We wrap up our conversation as I wish him good luck with Flyin’ Lion. I throw in a cheap plug about next week’s Elimination Episode as I’m hoping to get over 65 million votes worldwide. As I leave to catch my flight back to Long Beach, I make a note to make sure I come back one day to visit the diamond mine and Hot Springs more thoroughly. As I’m driving, I wonder what color gown Mary will be wearing next week. I’d hate to be in a suit that doesn’t compliment her color.
NEXT WEEK ON SIM SERIES…
Elimination Time! Two sprinters will be voted off the show! In fact, the poll will open soon in the FORUM, so get ready to cast your vote! (Standard TXT FORUM Message fees apply, depending on you simhorseracing.com carrier)
Bill Deitch’s Think Legendary finished 2nd in his debut while Janey Adams’ Freeburn respectively debuted in eighth. Meanwhile, Katy Turner’s All For Fun and Chris Simpson’s Acting Up get ready for their 3rd races….
AND NOW…SIM Series Week 10 Episode 10
“Hold on Scott,” Mary says as she answers her call waiting.
I continue driving towards Chuck Whittingham’s place. It’s 12pm now, but an hour ago I landed in Arlington, TX.
“Scott?” Mary says clicking back over.
“So what’d they say?” I ask.
“We can do the Nokia Theater or the Kodak depending on one last scheduling issue. But it’s definitely a go!” She says excitedly.
“That’s great,” I say. “You’re going to have to get a gown now!”
“I know. I can’t wait to get out of my training silks and cap! I wear these everyday!”
“I think I already have a suit in mind,” I add.
We close the conversation amicably as I pull up to Chuck Whittingham’s stable. He meets me out front with a beer in each of his hands as we begin walking towards his barns, specifically towards his dirt routing filly Hey Girl’s. He offers me a cold one and I accept.
“The SIM Community is a great group of people,” Chuck says. “I think it’ll be fun to have more interaction with them.” He takes a swig as my cell phone begins ringing. I let it go to voicemail.
“Possibly,” he continues. “I can learn what it takes to get a horse to the big races and keep her there.”
We eventually make it to Hey Girl’s barn. She’s not present, but her barn is exquisitely decorated, eerily similar to Chloe’s room from Beverly Hills Chihuahua! I can’t really see, but I think there’s a pink bow hanging on one of the walls and a Jackie O type outfit.
Hey Girl is a brown 15.2 hands filly out of Change the Past and a 200k earning mare named Pleasure. She is homebred.
“She’s got style and sass,” Chuck says. “Her horse trailer has 24-inch spinners.”
I look at him incredulously and laugh as he urges me to go outside and take a look. Goodness! It really does have 24-inch spinner rims! They’re chromed as well and the trailer windows are tinted in the darkest shade of black that is possible! There’s a Mercedes Benz emblem on the front of it as well!
“Told you she has style,” Chuck says proudly. “We’re going to ship it to Hipodromo Valenzuela, where she raced on Week 9 Monday.” He lowers his voice. “And finished fourth in the 100k Grade 3 Venezuelan Debutante” He begins to mumble something that I can’t make out.
Chuck is a relatively newer player, having started his addiction to the SIM on March 30th, 2007. He currently owns EIEIO Farm in England, dirt routing stallion Coup D’etat and a total of 242 horses.
“I ran her without equipment.” Chuck says. “I expected her to win, but the SIM will tell me where to race her now. She is well bred and I am hoping she can be a Grade 1 winner and eventually compete in the Louisville Oaks.”
We continue chatting about his competitiveness as we finish off our beers. I jokingly ask for Petron Silver Tequila and a lime. Chuck is up for it, but I back out, realizing that I have to drive. I thank him for the ONE beer that doesn’t really impair me since I’m 6ft and about 195lbs and this is a PG game (so kids, Don’t Drink and Drive, 55 Saves Life, and Say No to Drugs)… so I wish him the best as I leave. I’m planning on driving 315 miles northeast to Hot Springs, AR to meet Leonard Beagle and his turf routing filly Flyin’ Lion.
As I’m driving safely with my hands at exactly 10 and 2, I check my voicemail from earlier. It’s Chris Simpson.
“Hey Scott,” Chris says. “This is Chris Simpson and I’m picking Caldron in the Long Island Classic. I’m kidding…seriously Acting Up finished 2nd last out. I thought he could’ve won, but he doesn’t seem to have any speed so I’m starting to think about blinkers. Other than that, I’m happy with him so far. Thanks again bud, I’ll see you elimination week!”
I press “7” to erase the message as I continue driving extremely safely. I dial Katy Turner.
“We’re always doing this over the phone!” I say to her.
“I don’t mind,” she responds. “Anyways, I’m going to have to tinker with All For Fun a bit. I mean, I still think he has stakes potential, but he really needs to break his maiden first.”
“I know,” I say. “I’m really shocked!”
“Yeah,” Katy responds. “I was shocked and disappointed too that he finished sixth in his first start. I don’t know, maybe he needs to go longer. His half brother won at seven furlongs and his half sister has won stakes at a mile! He comes from a good family so hopefully he’ll get his act together.”
Our conversation eventually comes to an end as I continue driving. I finally make it into Hot Springs. Apparently, it’s the number one tourist destination in Arkansas.
I’m greeted by Leonard as I pull up. We exchange pleasantries.
“I hope to continue to represent fun and friendliness to others who are watching and playing,” Leonard says. “I’ve always been the type that wanted to support what I’m involved in. In fact, Chani is one of my chat buddies, so I especially root for her and Plato.”
We begin walking towards his patio. We set ourselves down outside in the setting sun as it’s now almost 7PM.
Leonard began his SIM Racing career on June 8th, 2007. He doesn’t own a farm yet and rests his nearly 240 horses in various farms throughout the world. Even as a newer player, Leo has won the Juvenile Turf Mile, the Barbados Triple Crown, and a SIMMY for Islands Horse of the Year. He currently stands Lionize, a turf routing champion and also the sire of his SIM Series horse Flyin’ Lion.
“She’s all heart,” Leo says. “She’d run through the rail if she thought it’d please me. I can see her fighting through a tight spot to get to the wire. She’s going to be in a maiden, Week 9 Friday over at Virginia Gallops. I’d be excited if she were to finish in the top 3 since her workout times don’t suggest much right now. But, we’ll see if she’s game and performs when it counts.”
We continue chatting about his filly. The conversation spills over to Murfreesboro, AR which has the only diamond mine in America. I imagine it’s nothing like the movie Blood Diamond! Leo continues on about how he doesn’t like it when others offer advice on how one SHOULD run their stables and ironically how his favorite thing is the people of the SIM. I totally agree.
We wrap up our conversation as I wish him good luck with Flyin’ Lion. I throw in a cheap plug about next week’s Elimination Episode as I’m hoping to get over 65 million votes worldwide. As I leave to catch my flight back to Long Beach, I make a note to make sure I come back one day to visit the diamond mine and Hot Springs more thoroughly. As I’m driving, I wonder what color gown Mary will be wearing next week. I’d hate to be in a suit that doesn’t compliment her color.
NEXT WEEK ON SIM SERIES…
Elimination Time! Two sprinters will be voted off the show! In fact, the poll will open soon in the FORUM, so get ready to cast your vote! (Standard TXT FORUM Message fees apply, depending on you simhorseracing.com carrier)
Friday, May 22, 2009
SIM Series - Week 9 Episode 9
LAST WEEK ON SIM SERIES…
Carolyn Eaton’s The White Album finished first in spectacular fashion in the South African Fillies Nursery while posting an 83 speed figure. Meanwhile, Ara Davies’ Time Delay continues to finish second along with Chris Simpson’s Acting Up. Katy Turner’s All For Fun continues to struggle and Rockappella rocked the Routers’ debut by winning her maiden debut at a mile!
AND NOW…SIM Series Week 9 Episode 9
THE FOLLOWING TAKES PLACE BETWEEN 9:00AM and 10:00AM…Pacific Daylight Time, in Long Beach, CA, in the dumpy offices of Scott Pho’s simhorseracing.com racing stable.
“An elimination episode for the Sprinters? That’s crazy!” Mary says as we sit in my conference room. She begins typing on her laptop.
“I know. It’s risky, but necessary. I always do what’s necessary!” I respond sternly as I pace around. “It needs to be done on Week 10! Got it?!”
“OK. OK. It’ll get it done,” Mary responds. “I’ll pick up all the stuff you need. I also set up the video conferencing equipment that you asked for so that you can interrogate Janey Adams and her horse Freeburn. It’s all Mac by the way,” she says mockingly.
“And what about Bill Buchanan and his horse Think Legendary?”
“You mean Bill Deitch? I set them up in Interrogation One,” Mary responds. “They’re waiting for you.”
“Sorry. Bill Deitch. Interrogation One? Thank you. I think,” I say. “I didn’t know you were so technologically savvy Mary.”
“Well. I only used to work at CTU before I became a horse trainer, Jack. I mean Kiefer. No! I mean Scott.”
“Why’d you call me Jack?”
“Nothing.”
“Really. Jack? Kiefer?” I continue.
“Look Scott. I know it’s been a while, but before I became Mary Weather, I was Mary Lynn Rajskub, and before that I was Chloe O’Brien. I mean come on Jack, you’ve only called me 8,564 times for help on the CTU Database and systems and we’ve only known each other for years now. You saved my life in Season 5. Remember?” Mary says earnestly.
09:19.36
I look at Mary oddly. She called me Jack again, but didn’t stop to correct herself. I pace around, and put on my Flak Jacket in preparation for Bill Deitch’s interrogation. I notice for the first time that it actually does say “CTU” on the back. I also notice that there’s no reason to have a Flak Jacket in my dumpy office.
“I’m going to Interrogation One.” I say. “I want you to monitor Bill’s heart pressure. Here wear this earpiece. It’ll let us communicate.” I give it to her. “If his rates spike, let me know. I also want you to get Janey Adams on conference and get her prepped! Got it!”
“Alright.” Mary says as she goes back to typing while shaking her head in disapproval and disgust.
I make my way over to Bill Deitch. Him and his dirt router Think Legendary are sitting side by side inside Interrogation One.
“Let me see their files,” I say to the guard at his door.
Think Legendary is a finely bred, brown 15.1 hands colt out of Loki Dynasty and a $500k earning mare named Like Thinking. Loki Dynasty is also the sire of the SIM’s most recent undefeated Triple Crown Winner, Awake As I Am.
Bill Deitch is a relatively newer player, playing since January 2nd, 2007. He’s a winner of multiple Grade 1 races and owns about 115 horses. His dossier includes stallions like dirt sprinter Walking On Water and current stars City of God, Jacob’s Ladder, and Enchanted Rockstar.
I enter the room as both Bill and Think Legendary sit up. I begin pacing back and forth, trying to look mean.
“So Bill Deitch? Or is that really your name? You live forty-five minutes from Chicago and Wrigley Field where the Cubs play. Do you know Tony Almeida!” I ask.
He doesn’t answer and looks at me oddly but I can see that Think Legendary is starting to sweat.
“How about you!” I motion towards Think Legendary. “What are you smirking about! You’ve read my file and you know what I’m capable of! Now tell me what race and week you’re starting in!”
“Leave him alone!” Bill finally says. “He’s a classic introvert. He doesn’t like me or anybody else to hang out for very long. I think he might be a little insecure!”
“Then answer my question! Damn it!” I scream as I pound the table in front of them.
“Week 8!” Bill says. “Week 8, Friday at Futurity at a maiden mile. He’s running tonight at Week 8! No equipment!”
“Mary,” I say into my com unit inside my ear. “Did you get that? The plan is to go with Week 8 Friday.”
“And I think he’ll win! He’s a 900k Stewards Bred purchase. I wouldn’t send him out there if I didn’t think he’ll win,” Bill says.
“Good luck Bill,” I say as I walk out of Interrogation One. “You did the right thing by telling us.”
09:38.29
I walk swiftly over to the conference room where Mary is waiting. She’s already turned on the video conferencing and has Janey Adams and her horse Freeburn on the screens.
“Scott,” Mary says. “Janey says she wants Immunity, signed by the Steward in exchange for all her information.”
“Full immunity,” Janey chimes in via video conferencing. “For both of us.”
I look at Freeburn. She’s a black 16 hands regally bread turf router out of Stealth Ninja and Lucky Rainbow. I scan through Janey’s dossier as well. She’s a veteran player boasting a millionaire bankroll out of Indiana.
“Why are you doing this Janey?!” I ask sternly. “Freeburn’s career is at stake here. Why let the SIM take over his actions!”
“In all honesty.” She hesitates. “I have nice nice horses that are SIMMY winners. I have Steward’s Cup winners who never get much respect ever. I stand stallions like Historic, a $1.7 million dollar earning dirt router, Desert Force, a $2 million dollar earning dirt miler, Montstroked, a $1.4 million dollar earning turf miler and Spirited, a $1.49 million dollar earning turf sprinter. I’m also campaigning my current stars Scorpion King, Profile in Courage and Rocket Fuel yet they never get any media coverage or acknowledgement. I just want to be recognized. I want my name to be mentioned with the likes of Nalbone, Ferguson, Raisher, and Davies, to just name a few.”
I’m moved by her reasoning and explanation. Being that good without anybody really knowing is like a tree falling down in the middle of the rain forest. Does anybody really hear it fall or care?
“Mary,” I say calmly. “Get me the Steward. Tell her we need her to sign an Immunity Agreement. Tell her that Janey is our only lead.”
I turn my attention back to Janey. “You got your immunity. Now spill it all or I will tear that immunity agreement up right here in front of you when the Steward faxes it back to me!”
“Freeburn’s running in Week 8, Friday.” She says excitedly. “Futurity Park at a mile over the turf. No equipment. It’s a maiden. She’s going to be a router and may not mature until later, but her works suggest she will be descent.”
I pull Mary out of the conference room. “Week 8 Friday again in Futurity.” I semi-whisper. “Something must be up. We need to get a team together and go down there to watch. I want you to run point from the office. I also need a car ready in 10 minutes.”
“What do you want me to do with Bill and Janey?” Mary asks.
“Let them go so that they can ship their horses,” I say. “We don’t want their handlers to think there’s anything wrong. We don’t want to tip them off. Got it!”
“OK. Yeah,” Mary says annoyingly. “I got it.”
I walk outside into the hot California sun, still wearing my CTU flak jacket. I grab my ray ban aviator sunglasses and my radar gun to time some workouts. Oddly, it has a holster. I see my car pull up, a Hyundai Genesis. Something tells me that it’s going to be a long day, possibly a full 24 hours. No eating. No changing clothes. No using the restroom.
09:59.57
NEXT TIME ON SIM Series…
Carolyn Eaton’s The White Album finished first in spectacular fashion in the South African Fillies Nursery while posting an 83 speed figure. Meanwhile, Ara Davies’ Time Delay continues to finish second along with Chris Simpson’s Acting Up. Katy Turner’s All For Fun continues to struggle and Rockappella rocked the Routers’ debut by winning her maiden debut at a mile!
AND NOW…SIM Series Week 9 Episode 9
THE FOLLOWING TAKES PLACE BETWEEN 9:00AM and 10:00AM…Pacific Daylight Time, in Long Beach, CA, in the dumpy offices of Scott Pho’s simhorseracing.com racing stable.
“An elimination episode for the Sprinters? That’s crazy!” Mary says as we sit in my conference room. She begins typing on her laptop.
“I know. It’s risky, but necessary. I always do what’s necessary!” I respond sternly as I pace around. “It needs to be done on Week 10! Got it?!”
“OK. OK. It’ll get it done,” Mary responds. “I’ll pick up all the stuff you need. I also set up the video conferencing equipment that you asked for so that you can interrogate Janey Adams and her horse Freeburn. It’s all Mac by the way,” she says mockingly.
“And what about Bill Buchanan and his horse Think Legendary?”
“You mean Bill Deitch? I set them up in Interrogation One,” Mary responds. “They’re waiting for you.”
“Sorry. Bill Deitch. Interrogation One? Thank you. I think,” I say. “I didn’t know you were so technologically savvy Mary.”
“Well. I only used to work at CTU before I became a horse trainer, Jack. I mean Kiefer. No! I mean Scott.”
“Why’d you call me Jack?”
“Nothing.”
“Really. Jack? Kiefer?” I continue.
“Look Scott. I know it’s been a while, but before I became Mary Weather, I was Mary Lynn Rajskub, and before that I was Chloe O’Brien. I mean come on Jack, you’ve only called me 8,564 times for help on the CTU Database and systems and we’ve only known each other for years now. You saved my life in Season 5. Remember?” Mary says earnestly.
09:19.36
I look at Mary oddly. She called me Jack again, but didn’t stop to correct herself. I pace around, and put on my Flak Jacket in preparation for Bill Deitch’s interrogation. I notice for the first time that it actually does say “CTU” on the back. I also notice that there’s no reason to have a Flak Jacket in my dumpy office.
“I’m going to Interrogation One.” I say. “I want you to monitor Bill’s heart pressure. Here wear this earpiece. It’ll let us communicate.” I give it to her. “If his rates spike, let me know. I also want you to get Janey Adams on conference and get her prepped! Got it!”
“Alright.” Mary says as she goes back to typing while shaking her head in disapproval and disgust.
I make my way over to Bill Deitch. Him and his dirt router Think Legendary are sitting side by side inside Interrogation One.
“Let me see their files,” I say to the guard at his door.
Think Legendary is a finely bred, brown 15.1 hands colt out of Loki Dynasty and a $500k earning mare named Like Thinking. Loki Dynasty is also the sire of the SIM’s most recent undefeated Triple Crown Winner, Awake As I Am.
Bill Deitch is a relatively newer player, playing since January 2nd, 2007. He’s a winner of multiple Grade 1 races and owns about 115 horses. His dossier includes stallions like dirt sprinter Walking On Water and current stars City of God, Jacob’s Ladder, and Enchanted Rockstar.
I enter the room as both Bill and Think Legendary sit up. I begin pacing back and forth, trying to look mean.
“So Bill Deitch? Or is that really your name? You live forty-five minutes from Chicago and Wrigley Field where the Cubs play. Do you know Tony Almeida!” I ask.
He doesn’t answer and looks at me oddly but I can see that Think Legendary is starting to sweat.
“How about you!” I motion towards Think Legendary. “What are you smirking about! You’ve read my file and you know what I’m capable of! Now tell me what race and week you’re starting in!”
“Leave him alone!” Bill finally says. “He’s a classic introvert. He doesn’t like me or anybody else to hang out for very long. I think he might be a little insecure!”
“Then answer my question! Damn it!” I scream as I pound the table in front of them.
“Week 8!” Bill says. “Week 8, Friday at Futurity at a maiden mile. He’s running tonight at Week 8! No equipment!”
“Mary,” I say into my com unit inside my ear. “Did you get that? The plan is to go with Week 8 Friday.”
“And I think he’ll win! He’s a 900k Stewards Bred purchase. I wouldn’t send him out there if I didn’t think he’ll win,” Bill says.
“Good luck Bill,” I say as I walk out of Interrogation One. “You did the right thing by telling us.”
09:38.29
I walk swiftly over to the conference room where Mary is waiting. She’s already turned on the video conferencing and has Janey Adams and her horse Freeburn on the screens.
“Scott,” Mary says. “Janey says she wants Immunity, signed by the Steward in exchange for all her information.”
“Full immunity,” Janey chimes in via video conferencing. “For both of us.”
I look at Freeburn. She’s a black 16 hands regally bread turf router out of Stealth Ninja and Lucky Rainbow. I scan through Janey’s dossier as well. She’s a veteran player boasting a millionaire bankroll out of Indiana.
“Why are you doing this Janey?!” I ask sternly. “Freeburn’s career is at stake here. Why let the SIM take over his actions!”
“In all honesty.” She hesitates. “I have nice nice horses that are SIMMY winners. I have Steward’s Cup winners who never get much respect ever. I stand stallions like Historic, a $1.7 million dollar earning dirt router, Desert Force, a $2 million dollar earning dirt miler, Montstroked, a $1.4 million dollar earning turf miler and Spirited, a $1.49 million dollar earning turf sprinter. I’m also campaigning my current stars Scorpion King, Profile in Courage and Rocket Fuel yet they never get any media coverage or acknowledgement. I just want to be recognized. I want my name to be mentioned with the likes of Nalbone, Ferguson, Raisher, and Davies, to just name a few.”
I’m moved by her reasoning and explanation. Being that good without anybody really knowing is like a tree falling down in the middle of the rain forest. Does anybody really hear it fall or care?
“Mary,” I say calmly. “Get me the Steward. Tell her we need her to sign an Immunity Agreement. Tell her that Janey is our only lead.”
I turn my attention back to Janey. “You got your immunity. Now spill it all or I will tear that immunity agreement up right here in front of you when the Steward faxes it back to me!”
“Freeburn’s running in Week 8, Friday.” She says excitedly. “Futurity Park at a mile over the turf. No equipment. It’s a maiden. She’s going to be a router and may not mature until later, but her works suggest she will be descent.”
I pull Mary out of the conference room. “Week 8 Friday again in Futurity.” I semi-whisper. “Something must be up. We need to get a team together and go down there to watch. I want you to run point from the office. I also need a car ready in 10 minutes.”
“What do you want me to do with Bill and Janey?” Mary asks.
“Let them go so that they can ship their horses,” I say. “We don’t want their handlers to think there’s anything wrong. We don’t want to tip them off. Got it!”
“OK. Yeah,” Mary says annoyingly. “I got it.”
I walk outside into the hot California sun, still wearing my CTU flak jacket. I grab my ray ban aviator sunglasses and my radar gun to time some workouts. Oddly, it has a holster. I see my car pull up, a Hyundai Genesis. Something tells me that it’s going to be a long day, possibly a full 24 hours. No eating. No changing clothes. No using the restroom.
09:59.57
NEXT TIME ON SIM Series…
More Routers debut as the Sprinters are finishing their races. Stay tuned for the Elimination Episode coming in Week 10!
Friday, May 15, 2009
SIM Series - Week 8 Episode 8
LAST WEEK ON SIM SERIES…
Carolyn Eaton sent her regal filly The White Album to the Grade 2, 200k South African Fillies Nursery, while the SIM Community voted to send Ara Davies’ Time Delay to a Maiden mile turf event instead of a sprint. Both will race Week 7 Friday along with Chris Simpson’s Acting Up and Katy Turner’s All For Fun. Meanwhile, the debut of Volume 2, The Routers begins today…
AND NOW…SIM Series Week 8 Episode 8
“How’d you leave Buckingham out of your Trail?” Mary asks over the phone.
“Stupid huh?” I reply as I continue walking through the Tampa Airport in Florida. “Dude. Hindsight is always twenty-twenty.”
“At least he’s not running in the Baltimore Crown. Dude.” Mary replies.
“Dude. I know. What a break!” I say as I enter my rental car.
“Seriously, stop this ‘dude’ nonsense.”
“Dude-ette. I can’t talk anyways. Driving now.” I respond.
“Have fun with Jolene at Granite Creek,” she says as I end the phone call.
I leave the rental car terminal in a fury. It’s 3:30PM local time. I’m already late as my flight was delayed from Louisville. Today, I am meeting Jolene Danner, owner of Rockappella, a beautiful turf routing filly out of Frayed and Acappella, who is actually a $1.9 million dollar earning mare!
Carolyn Eaton sent her regal filly The White Album to the Grade 2, 200k South African Fillies Nursery, while the SIM Community voted to send Ara Davies’ Time Delay to a Maiden mile turf event instead of a sprint. Both will race Week 7 Friday along with Chris Simpson’s Acting Up and Katy Turner’s All For Fun. Meanwhile, the debut of Volume 2, The Routers begins today…
AND NOW…SIM Series Week 8 Episode 8
“How’d you leave Buckingham out of your Trail?” Mary asks over the phone.
“Stupid huh?” I reply as I continue walking through the Tampa Airport in Florida. “Dude. Hindsight is always twenty-twenty.”
“At least he’s not running in the Baltimore Crown. Dude.” Mary replies.
“Dude. I know. What a break!” I say as I enter my rental car.
“Seriously, stop this ‘dude’ nonsense.”
“Dude-ette. I can’t talk anyways. Driving now.” I respond.
“Have fun with Jolene at Granite Creek,” she says as I end the phone call.
I leave the rental car terminal in a fury. It’s 3:30PM local time. I’m already late as my flight was delayed from Louisville. Today, I am meeting Jolene Danner, owner of Rockappella, a beautiful turf routing filly out of Frayed and Acappella, who is actually a $1.9 million dollar earning mare!
Jolene is not too shabby herself, sporting a veteran millionaire bankroll. She owns stallions like turf routing champion Acapulco and dirt sprinting champion Chris’ Missile to name a few. Her racing resume is even more impressive with multiple Stewards Cup victories not to mention wins in Los Campeones, the English Derby, Irish Derby, and the Dubai World Championships, specifically the Desert Duty Free with Acapulco. Even one win in any of those races would make my career nearly complete, let alone multiple wins!
Her farm is already equipped with the latest upgrades. I notice that is larger than life with barns popping up everywhere. If I didn’t know better, I might think that I was at a military base. As I’m exiting my car, I notice Jolene walking towards me with a horse in hand.
“Look who this is,” she says as she approaches me.
“The ‘Pella!” I say as I reach out to shake her hand. I notice she is wearing a SIMhorseracing.com cap.
“So how did you like Derby week in Louisville?” Jolene asks as she pets her majestic filly.
“I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to meet you,” I say. “But it was great.”
“You were busy,” she replies. “Getting ignored by Ara and Carolyn.” She begins laughing. “Ara and I are great friends by the way. We always hang out in our box together at major events often consuming cheese, Chinese, and champagne.”
I reluctantly start laughing with her as she Ch-Ch-chides me.
“No really,” she says seriously now. “It’s going to be fun. Hopefully the SIM will learn something from campaigning a horse like her. I expect her to be a champion. I mean, winning is EVERYTHING!”
She breaks into an evil laugh. I take a step back. Even Rockappella looks kind of scared.
“I envision a win!” She continues. “She’s going to start in a Maiden in Week 7 Friday. And win. I’m starting her with hind bandages and a tongue tie like I always do, but after that it’ll be up to her to WIN!”
She continues talking about the SIM as we walk Rockappella back to her barn. She mentions bad stallions and how she hates them with the fury of 1,000,000 suns. She also laments about the ending of Battlestar Galactica and how Fridays are just not the same anymore. We eventually make it inside as she shows me the guest room. As we walk in, my phone rings.
“What’s up Mary?” I say.
“I’m sending a video over to your phone,” she replies.
“You’re doing what?”
“Just check it out,” Mary says as she hangs up.
I click through my Blackberry and pull it up. It’s rather hard to see on my 2x2 inch screen. Jolene squeezes in next to me as it begins playing. It’s Channi Ruzzo, watching The Proven One, aka Plato winning his maiden at Inglewood.
Her farm is already equipped with the latest upgrades. I notice that is larger than life with barns popping up everywhere. If I didn’t know better, I might think that I was at a military base. As I’m exiting my car, I notice Jolene walking towards me with a horse in hand.
“Look who this is,” she says as she approaches me.
“The ‘Pella!” I say as I reach out to shake her hand. I notice she is wearing a SIMhorseracing.com cap.
“So how did you like Derby week in Louisville?” Jolene asks as she pets her majestic filly.
“I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to meet you,” I say. “But it was great.”
“You were busy,” she replies. “Getting ignored by Ara and Carolyn.” She begins laughing. “Ara and I are great friends by the way. We always hang out in our box together at major events often consuming cheese, Chinese, and champagne.”
I reluctantly start laughing with her as she Ch-Ch-chides me.
“No really,” she says seriously now. “It’s going to be fun. Hopefully the SIM will learn something from campaigning a horse like her. I expect her to be a champion. I mean, winning is EVERYTHING!”
She breaks into an evil laugh. I take a step back. Even Rockappella looks kind of scared.
“I envision a win!” She continues. “She’s going to start in a Maiden in Week 7 Friday. And win. I’m starting her with hind bandages and a tongue tie like I always do, but after that it’ll be up to her to WIN!”
She continues talking about the SIM as we walk Rockappella back to her barn. She mentions bad stallions and how she hates them with the fury of 1,000,000 suns. She also laments about the ending of Battlestar Galactica and how Fridays are just not the same anymore. We eventually make it inside as she shows me the guest room. As we walk in, my phone rings.
“What’s up Mary?” I say.
“I’m sending a video over to your phone,” she replies.
“You’re doing what?”
“Just check it out,” Mary says as she hangs up.
I click through my Blackberry and pull it up. It’s rather hard to see on my 2x2 inch screen. Jolene squeezes in next to me as it begins playing. It’s Channi Ruzzo, watching The Proven One, aka Plato winning his maiden at Inglewood.
Channi jumps up and down, nearly climbing over the rail as Plato crosses the finish line first. She’s screams Whoop! Whoop! Whoop! All the while pumping her fist like Arsenio Hall.
I’m not sure who’s filming but it cuts to Channi up close, in a video interview environment. I can tell she’s still at Inglewood Park somewhere. Jolene asks me to turn the volume up and I comply.
“He ran just the way I wanted him too, taking an easy win in the stretch,” Channi says. “Hopefully he’ll do the same in Week 8 Friday when he runs in an NW2 at Inglewood again. But going back to his win, I couldn’t ask for more, really. I mean I’m going to be moving him a lot slower than I wanted to, but I’m sure he’ll just pick up the pace and run better when he has more experience under his girth. Can you say girth in this show?”
I’m not sure who it is, but another female voice cuts in and asks a question.
“Anything confuse you about him yet?” The voice asks.
“Nothing yet,” Channi says. “Now that he’s back on his imported Timbits diet he’s seemed to have settle down quite nicely. Thank goodness they aren’t considered contraband. Who knew doughnut holes would be the key to success. Lydia Martin, my stable nutritionist, she got it right. He needed more, not less.”
“Let’s change the subject,” the voice says. “Any thoughts about the other owners or horses?”
She hesitates for a second. “That Mike Eaton,” she says as her face and voice becomes stern. “He really grinds my gears. Like I’m going to run Plato in a claimer so that he can claim him! But that’s okay. I don’t see him sending his filly after Plato anytime soon. But seriously, he should think before opening that mouth of his. I mean. It’s CLASS not sass that wins. Yeah you heard me.”
The video suddenly cuts to Mike Eaton. He’s in a similar video interview environment, but definitely not at Inglewood Park.
I’m not sure who’s filming but it cuts to Channi up close, in a video interview environment. I can tell she’s still at Inglewood Park somewhere. Jolene asks me to turn the volume up and I comply.
“He ran just the way I wanted him too, taking an easy win in the stretch,” Channi says. “Hopefully he’ll do the same in Week 8 Friday when he runs in an NW2 at Inglewood again. But going back to his win, I couldn’t ask for more, really. I mean I’m going to be moving him a lot slower than I wanted to, but I’m sure he’ll just pick up the pace and run better when he has more experience under his girth. Can you say girth in this show?”
I’m not sure who it is, but another female voice cuts in and asks a question.
“Anything confuse you about him yet?” The voice asks.
“Nothing yet,” Channi says. “Now that he’s back on his imported Timbits diet he’s seemed to have settle down quite nicely. Thank goodness they aren’t considered contraband. Who knew doughnut holes would be the key to success. Lydia Martin, my stable nutritionist, she got it right. He needed more, not less.”
“Let’s change the subject,” the voice says. “Any thoughts about the other owners or horses?”
She hesitates for a second. “That Mike Eaton,” she says as her face and voice becomes stern. “He really grinds my gears. Like I’m going to run Plato in a claimer so that he can claim him! But that’s okay. I don’t see him sending his filly after Plato anytime soon. But seriously, he should think before opening that mouth of his. I mean. It’s CLASS not sass that wins. Yeah you heard me.”
The video suddenly cuts to Mike Eaton. He’s in a similar video interview environment, but definitely not at Inglewood Park.
Mike begins laughing. “She talks way too much. I mean her horse is good but obviously she should have picked a better spot to start him off and work from the ground up. Instead she’s doing the opposite.”
The same female voice cuts in.
“Tell me about Make Me Clever,” the voice says.
“Make Me Clever did fine. She came in second, but she gave it a good effort. She should be a stakes winner by this year, if not next. I just need to figure out which distance she likes better. She should bounce back in the 50k Denver Debutante in Week 8 Monday. Yeah you heard me,” He says mockingly.
The video ends as abruptly as it started.
“That’s odd,” Jolene says, as she looks as shocked as I am. “Mike Eaton bugs ME a lot. Constantly talking when I’m signed in on AIM or facebook.”
I shrug at her comment and shake my head, unsure of what to say. I begin dialing Mary Weather as Jolene motions to me that she’s going to check on one of her horses. After a few rings it goes to her voice mail. I don’t leave a message. I try calling again but with no success. I try the office phone number, but it yields nothing. Apparently, Mary has gone dark! I continue calling, impatiently trying to get an answer about the video. All I keep hearing is Mary’s voicemail.
NEXT WEEK ON SIM SERIES:
The same female voice cuts in.
“Tell me about Make Me Clever,” the voice says.
“Make Me Clever did fine. She came in second, but she gave it a good effort. She should be a stakes winner by this year, if not next. I just need to figure out which distance she likes better. She should bounce back in the 50k Denver Debutante in Week 8 Monday. Yeah you heard me,” He says mockingly.
The video ends as abruptly as it started.
“That’s odd,” Jolene says, as she looks as shocked as I am. “Mike Eaton bugs ME a lot. Constantly talking when I’m signed in on AIM or facebook.”
I shrug at her comment and shake my head, unsure of what to say. I begin dialing Mary Weather as Jolene motions to me that she’s going to check on one of her horses. After a few rings it goes to her voice mail. I don’t leave a message. I try calling again but with no success. I try the office phone number, but it yields nothing. Apparently, Mary has gone dark! I continue calling, impatiently trying to get an answer about the video. All I keep hearing is Mary’s voicemail.
NEXT WEEK ON SIM SERIES:
Volume 1, The Sprinters is creeping towards its first elimination vote! Which four do you want to continue following? Also, two more owners and their routers will make their debut. Find out what happens next time on SIM Series...
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