Here are a few more definitions to help you decode the not-so-secret language of horseplay.  It’s only a matter of time before you’re walking around the paddock area with a program in your hand claiming; “He looks good.  Had a bullet workout last week.  There’s an equipment change as he added blinkers, plus he’s light today because the bug-boy is riding him.”  If that sounds like gibberish, please review the last blog post.

Caller:  One who calls the running positions of horses in a race.  Example; “And down the stretch they come!”

Chalk (chalk player):  Horses favored in a race, and a bettor who wagers on them.

Chute:  An extension of backstretch or homestretch to permit a straightaway run for the start of a race.

Clocker:  One who times workouts and races.

Closer:  A horse who runs best in the latter part of a race, coming from off the pace.

Colors:  Racing silks (jacket and cap) worn by riders to denote the specific barn of the horse’s owner(s).

Colt:  Male horse under five years of age.

Coupled:  Two or more horses running as an entry in a single betting unit.

Daily Double:  Type of wager calling for the selection of winners of two consecutive races.

Dam:  Mother of a horse.

Dead Heat:  Two or more horses finishing in a tie at the wire.

Disqualification:  A change in the order of finish by race officials due to a rules infraction.

Driving:  A strong urging by the jockey in the stretch run.

That will do it for this installment of learn the lingo.  DRB will continue to shed light on what is what at the racetrack, but next up we’ll start to take a look at who might be running in The Belmont Stakes, as undefeated JUSTIFY looks to become horse racing’s second Triple Crown winner in the last three.  So come on back.