From the Stray-Stuff-Buried-On-Cluttered-Desk File

During the Del Mar racing season, one of the entries in at least one of the races was “Willie Brown.”

No confirmation — or denial — as to whether the horse was named after the former Assembly Speaker and mayor of San Francisco. 

Willie Brown, the horse, faced six other entrants in one particular race. Starting at 12 to 1 odds, the horse seemed a shrewd across-the-board bet. 

Prior to the starting bell, the odds went to 13 to 1 then jumped to 19 to 1. 

“Willie Brown”  finished dead last.

A more prudent investment strategy might have been embraced had the Union-Tribune‘s assessment of “Willie Brown” been read prior to bet-placing: 

“Woke up a gelding.”

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