THE EYES of a THOROUGHBRED
Rillito Downs - Race 5 (5 1/2 furlongs)


With a spirited toss of the head,
Thunder Ali, high-stepped his way into the paddock.

With those well-angled shoulders, and 
Lean but powerful haunches.
He showed the audience a winner. 

After his second lap around the paddock,
All 1,100 pounds of him paused in front of me.
Lowering his head and stepping closer.
His piercing brown eye stared directly at me.
Saying, “ Thunder Ali to win.”

#4, 
Ridden by Jockey Carl Williams wearing yellow.
The ride was fast and close until the final stretch.
Tunder Ali - didn’t win, place or show.
But, wow, we shared a moment.

Didn’t we?