For months now, while other gals have been making eyes at Derby dates, or flirting with out-of-town tracks, here at the relocated Castle, I've been waiting ever so patiently for the opening of Prairie Meadows. None of that lukewarm Derby fever here -- I'm not looking for a one-night stand in May. Nope, I'm hoping for something more long-term than that.

It's true that I've been missing my old beau, Mountaineer, something awful. And I was absolutely thrilled when HANA chose Mountaineer for its "buycott" race of the week, as it gave me a legitimate reason to take a peek at the ex. I must admit my heart went pitter-pat as I listened to announcer Peter Berry mentioning HANA's designated race. Simulcast hosts Mark and Nancy looked like they were having fun, too. If I hadn't known better, I would have thought there was a stakes race on the card.

So, I guess I've have been a bit nostalgic for the former home track. Yes, I understand the arguments against year-long racing, but there was something comforting in the knowledge that Mountie was always there, maybe not the most attentive boyfriend, but except for 2 weeks in January, a reliable alternative for a Saturday night.

But now Mountie's 800 miles away now, and I've always been a "love the one you're with" kind of gal. So I'm definitely in the mood to give this new Perry Meadows guy a chance. So far, he's looking pretty good, with advertisements about racing on tv, radio, and even the lampposts downtown. And there are even racing picks for Friday's races on the Des Moines Register's site!

Of course I've been asking around about Perry, snooping through tons of articles at the Des Moines Register. I already know that there'll be no turf racing, ever. since there's no grass track. Sure, that's a big minus, but then again, maybe I'll like the quarter horses when they arrive in July. On the plus side, there'll be a Haskell-winning rider in the gate tonight: Tim Doocy, an Iowa native whose 5000 wins rank him ahead of Gary Stevens and Eddie Arcaro.

I'm trying not to expect too much, but really, doesn't it sound good: Spring in Iowa! Live races! Thundering hoofbeats! Ten-cent superfectas! Be still, my heart.

Thoroughbred racing returns to Iowa tonight. And me, I've got a mystery date. Fingers crossed that he's a dream, not a dud!