Snap Judgment Podcast Episode Summary: "Winning Colors - Snap Classic"

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Winning Colors - Snap Classic," hosted by Glenn Washington of Snap Judgment and PRX, listeners are drawn into a high-stakes tale of friendship, luck, and danger within the world of horse racing and gambling. This long-form narrative meticulously follows the journey of Mark Paul, known as "Miami," and his best friend Dino Mateo as they place bold bets on a remarkable filly named Winning Colors.

The Gambler’s Bet on Winning Colors [03:53 - 07:46]

Mark Paul, affectionately dubbed Miami, has been an avid horse racing enthusiast since his teenage years. In his early 20s, Miami balances his passion for horse racing with a career as a real estate broker, allowing him the flexibility to frequent racetracks like Santa Anita. His lifelong friend, Dino Mateo, introduced him to the intricacies of horse betting, making Dino an indispensable partner in Miami's gambling ventures.

One pivotal moment occurs on August 13, 1987, at the Saratoga Racetrack in New York. While watching a live race, Miami notices a striking gray filly named Winning Colors, whose impressive performance and distinctive appearance immediately capture his attention.

Mark Paul [05:17]: "Winning Colors to myself, man, if that horse ever comes to LA, I want to be there for her next race so we could bet on her."

Winning Colors swiftly dominates the race, winning by three and a half lengths, igniting Miami and Dino's belief in her potential.

The Initial Setback [07:46 - 09:46]

Despite Winning Colors' initial victory, qualifying for the prestigious Kentucky Derby requires consistent performance in subsequent stakes races. A few days after her win, Dino urges Miami to seize a burgeoning opportunity:

Dino Mateo [06:58]: "If we don't take this opportunity and do it soon, the odds are going to be gone because everybody's going to be betting on her."

He convinces Miami to place a substantial bet of $2,500 each on Winning Colors at extraordinarily favorable odds of 50 to 1 at the Agua Caliente Racetrack in Tijuana, Mexico. This bold move promises a potential payday of $250,000 but introduces significant risk, especially given the racetrack's association with Jorge Ron's drug cartel.

The Race and Narrow Miss [10:51 - 19:51]

Over the next few months, Winning Colors competes in various races, steadily earning a spot in the Kentucky Derby. However, during a critical race against Goodbye Halo, the top filly from the East Coast, Winning Colors falters, losing by a narrow half-length. This defeat not only jeopardizes their bet but also their hopes of securing a place in the Derby.

Dino Mateo [18:43]: "Goodbye Halo just pulls ahead and beats her by a half length."

Dino's disappointment underscores the fragility of their fortune, as their substantial investment teeters on the brink of collapse.

The Opportunity and the Risk [22:48 - 33:03]

Despite the setback, Winning Colors reclaims her form, qualifying for the Kentucky Derby by winning the Santa Anita Derby with an impressive eight-length victory. Miami and Dino's unwavering belief in Winning Colors is further fueled by a passionate fanbase that rallies behind the filly, symbolizing a fierce fight against the odds.

As the Derby day approaches, the duo anticipates a monumental payout. They travel to Tijuana's Agua Caliente Racetrack to place their $250,000 bet, envisioning a life-changing win.

The Victory and the Danger [33:03 - 35:14]

On Derby day, Winning Colors dominates the race, emerging as only the third filly in 114 years to win the Kentucky Derby. The exhilaration of their triumph is swiftly replaced by peril as they attempt to collect their winnings. However, the Agua Caliente Racetrack, under the control of the Felix Arellano drug cartel, refuses to honor the hefty payout.

Dino Mateo [43:56]: "We know who you are, too. We know all about Jorge Ron. We know all about your cartel connections."

Their confrontation with El Jefe, the cartel leader, escalates quickly, resulting in armed guards threatening Miami and Dino. The situation becomes life-threatening, forcing them to flee with nothing but a small portion of their winnings.

The Confrontation and Escape [35:14 - 50:00]

Determined to secure their $250,000, Miami and Dino embark on a frantic escape from Agua Caliente. With the help of newly hired muscle—three professional fighters—they navigate the dangerous landscape of Tijuana. Their journey is fraught with tension as they evade armed guards intent on reclaiming the winnings.

Dino Mateo [48:14]: "We gotta get out of here now."

In a high-octane chase, they manage to cross back into the United States with a significant portion of the money, albeit under the constant threat of pursuit and violence from the cartel.

Aftermath and Legacy [50:11 - 54:00]

Four months after their daring escape, Miami and Dino reflect on their ordeal with a mix of relief and awe. Their bond is strengthened by the shared experience, and they pay tribute to Winning Colors by visiting her at her stable in Southern California.

Winning Colors' legacy endures beyond the narrative, with her retirement following her vibrant Kentucky Derby win and her subsequent induction into the U.S. National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2000. Her story serves as a testament to resilience and the unpredictable nature of gambling.

Glenn Washington [50:52]: "Winning Colors was greatness."

Conclusion

"Winning Colors - Snap Classic" is a compelling exploration of friendship, risk, and the elusive pursuit of fortune. Through Miami and Dino's tumultuous journey, the episode delves into the seductive allure of gambling, the bonds it forges, and the perils it can unleash. Winning Colors stands as a symbol of both triumph and caution, embodying the unpredictable essence of chance and fate.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mark Paul [05:17]: "Winning Colors to myself, man, if that horse ever comes to LA, I want to be there for her next race so we could bet on her."

• Dino Mateo [18:43]: "Goodbye Halo just pulls ahead and beats her by a half length."

• Dino Mateo [43:56]: "We know who you are, too. We know all about Jorge Ron. We know all about your cartel connections."

• Dino Mateo [48:14]: "We gotta get out of here now."

• Glenn Washington [50:52]: "Winning Colors was greatness."

Final Thoughts

This episode masterfully weaves a narrative that is both thrilling and cautionary, highlighting the highs and lows of gambling while showcasing the depth of human relationships under pressure. For listeners who have yet to experience "Winning Colors," this summary encapsulates a story of ambition, loyalty, and the unforeseen consequences of betting on fate.