I was watching a DS video on You Tube last night and he mentioned he was going to writing a book about his pace handicapping methods. This video is 10 years old, so I am wondering if he ever did write one. I can't find anything on the net.
I learned a lot from Derek over the years. I was glad I answered his random FB post about "anyone looking to write about horse racing?" a few years back.
Since I know you read some of my articles, Derek gave me some guidance on what to write and how to tell a story... hence the personification of "Rail Guy" was born. Derek always said my style evolved into a very Damon Runyon-esque sort of style.
The best part is that all of the characters I ever wrote about were real people... and only the type of folks you'll meet by spending way too much of your time at the track (especially on weeknights!).
I think Derek will always have the bug for horse racing though... even when I tried to walk away to focus more on my career in the mid 2000's, I was always drawn back in!