Tony Capazzo was looking dapper as usual as he and the LUX assistant manager Frankie walked into the horserace track. People were filled to what looked like capacity. In this day and age not everyone could afford to go to Vegas and spend thousands on the craps tables, for regular middle class men and woman this was their golden casino, a place they could come to, sit down, enjoy, make a bet or two and hopefully walk home with a thicker wallet or purse then what they came with.

Of course for Tony he wasn't interested in the small money, it was the big money he chased after. After all it was all about business, about making and earning, kicking up to the boss....earning, kicking and spending. That was the cycle of life he knew.

It was midday and alot of the races were already over however there was one race in particular Tony came to see. Frankie and him took a seat in a area specially reserved for them, no doubt the perks of being in this life.

"Boss, I looked into this next one. The number 4 horse is a 1-1 favorite, I figure we can drop a good chunk of change on him and double up our money."

"What's his name Frankie, the horse?"

"Crimson."

"Crimson? Like the color of...blood?"

"Yeah boss, if that's not a omen I don't know what is!"

Tony smiled as he looked around while the horses were getting warmed up for the big race.

"Who else is in the field?"

"To be honest boss, this is it, the horse is a huge favorite, no one else looks good."

Frankie went through the racetrack's daily list of races and scanned through to find the next race. One by one he went down with his index finger until he found the next upcoming race. He intently read through all the pertinent information and then turned to Tony.

"Okay it looks like the other horses are way behind. The # 4, Crimson, IS the favorite. It looks like the # 8 horse, Magic is a 12-1 underdog, the other horses are all gigantic longshots looks like 30-1 odds and above."

Tony smiled again and pulled out a cigar, he cut off the tip and lit it. He looked around as Frankie rolled out stat after stat regarding the race. It was a very simple decision, Crimson the number 4 horse was ahead of the pack. It was a given he would win the race. Tony liked easy money especially when he didn't have to get his hands dirty. It was easy money and smart money. Tony looked around and couldn't help but enjoy the excellent weather this particular afternoon. He sat there and puffed away at his cigar while looking at the horses and took everything in. Once Frankie was done rattling off stats he looked at Tony.

"So yeah, that's pretty much it."

"Frankie, thanks very much for all the research and info. I think we have a winner here today, no correction, I know we have a winner today."

"Did you want me to go and place the bet boss?"

Tony smiled and shook his head no.

"I got this one."

Tony got up and walked through the crowd. The race was to begin in a few minutes and he made his way to the window to place his bet. The guy behind the counter smiled and asked him what he liked today. Tony told him which horse he wanted and reached into his jacket pocket. He pulled out a envelope with a sizable amount of cash in it. The guy's jaw dropped and his eyes opened wide as if he'd seen a ghost. In reality he had never seen so much money in front of him. He gave Tony his ticket and wished him luck.

Tony looked at his ticket to make sure everything was correct and then one last time looked up at the board. '#4-CRIMSON (1-1)' the favorite was what he looked at. He smiled and put the ticket in his pocket and walked back toward Frankie.

By the time Tony had gotten back Frankie had already ordered them two drinks. It wasn't the regular stuff, it was the good stuff that only a man with connections could get in a place like this and Tony indeed was a man with those connections. He unbuttoned his jacket and sat back down. Frankie passed him his drink and Tony took a sip then a puff of his cigar.

"Ahhhh whiskey on the rocks, just like I like it."

Just then it was announced the race was getting ready to begin. Tony zoomed in on the number 4 horse Crimson and watched him and the jockey strongly. Tony smiled thinking about the payday he was about to come into.

Just then a gunshot went off and a voice announced...."ANNNNNNNNND THERE OFF!!"

The number 4 horse Crimson shot out of the gate like a bullet taking a early lead. He galloped his way on as the other horses were a few steps behind. Crimson enjoyed the lead and continued on. Frankie was ecstatic.

"Yes, go CRIMSON, run run boy run!! We got this boss!! Don Latin is going to be so happy!!"

Tony smiled and nodded as he intently watched the race, calm and cool as always.

Crimson took a decent lead as half the race was almost over. The number 8 horse Magic was a a good distance behind and the other horses were just a touch behind him. They rounded the three quarter turn as Crimson was ready to ride his way into the victory circle. Frankie got on his feet and cheered the horse on. Tony looked at him and couldn't help but smile. He was happy he had the luxury and time to take out one of his closest associates who had bent over backwards helping him with all his projects. Frankie cheered on and Tony sat there quietly and watched.

The race approached the last turn and then the final straight away. Crimson looked great and strong striding. Just then the jockey pulled up, it looked as if Crimson had stumbled and the jockey pulled back to keep him steady. The jockey tried to keep him steady as he went out of control. Just then coming out the back was the rest of the pack, the number 8 horse Magic led the trailing pack. Magic's jockey kicked and kicked and kicked inching closer and closer to Crimson who was holding on to the lead by a hair. The race came down to the end. Crimson was in a whirlwind of problems by this time as the jockey completely held him back not to cause a wipeout. Magic kicked on and by a tenth of a second.....Won the race.

Frankie threw his drink on the floor in disgust.

"What the fuck!!!!! This is bullshit, that cocksucking jockey couldn't control that god damn horse. For fuck sake boss! We fuckin need to go pay him a visit!"

Tony looked at the track and contemplated at what had just happened. He nodded a bit and calmly stood up. He let Frankie finish his rant then calmed him down. This was enough for one day. Tony signaled to Frankie for them to get out of there and Frankie nodded. The two men walked out of the racing area and Frankie continued seething.

"Sir, I just can't believe it!"

Tony walked alongside Frankie and as they reached the counter Tony stopped for a moment.

"I think you should go see the counter Frankie."

Frankie thought about it for a moment and then realized the boss was right, Frankie should go and just off the ticket guy for the travesty that just occured.

"Yeah you're right boss!"

Frankie reached into his jacket to pull out his piece but Tony stopped him.

"Frankie, you'll be needing this."

Tony handed Frankie his ticket and Frankie looked down on it.

'#8 - MAGIC (12-1) TO WIN'

Frankie's jaw dropped as he became amazed and at a loss for words.

"But..b-b...how...how'd y- b-b-b..."

Tony smiled and tipped his hat at Frankie.

"Magic."

Tony smiled. He knew he had the jockey in his pocket, Crimson never had a chance as Tony had bought the race.

"Frankie, my good friend, it's not gambling when you know your going to win."

Tony smiled again as he puffed his cigar. Frankie looked on in amazement and smiled as he made his way toward the counter to collect their winnings. Today was a good day at the track.