Flashy fedoras,Cuban cigars and Tommy Bahama attire. That's how the betting men are decked at the 104th running of the Louisiana Derby at the New Orleans Fairgrounds. 

    For one bartender sales are not going as usual and the lightness of the crowd proves it. She claims everyone is taking their time today. To prove that the crowds are not the usual drunkards, one woman walks up to make change out of a $20 bill and nothing else. Some women drank Mimosas, but no Mint Juleps. Must be saving that taste for the big one next month.

   Even the betting queues are sketchy. Not much noise either just Brian Spencer, the Fairgrounds announcer and horse tracing expert calling races. 

    "You pick ya winner yet?" That's what one bystander asks out on the paddock. "Girvin, that's who wants to go to the Kentucky Derby."  With all the confidence in the world, I went in bought a $5.00 cigar. "Girvin. That's what I went with...and that's who won. After the big win, I watched the owner's wife and her celebratory cheer out on the course with her blue and gold feathered hat. She made it to the winner's box before her husband. 

     So if you're looking for Girvin on May 6th, don't look for him anywhere in Girvin,Texas. He's got a prior engagement in Kentucky.