Celebrate Freedom with Wine and Patriotic Horse Names

Patriotic horse names abound at tracks celebrating our nation's independence this weekend. (Photos by Eclipse Sportswire)
Do you want to cheer on a Thoroughbred with some added fervor on this weekend celebrating our independence? Maybe while celebrating freedom you want to put your money where your mouth is. Read on to find a roster of great names entered on July 3 and 4.
I looked through a lot of entries and found these names to add some excitement to your hot dogs and fireworks. If youʼre feeling extra patriotic, you can place a bet on these horses but understand that I make no claims that these are good handicapping selections, only that the names are great.
For those who appreciate the rebellious nature of our Declaration of Independence:
July 3: Revolt runs in Arlington’s second race. The Royal Boot runs in Race 4 at Gulfstream Park. Rebel Witha Chance runs in Woodbine’s first race.
July 4: Tar and Feather runs in Arlington’s ninth race.
For those who feel filled with pride and want to remember those who fought for our freedom, Delta Downs is loaded with patriotic Quarter Horses:
July 3: Proud Patriot 45 runs in Race 7.
July 4: Patriot Lady Warrior and Beau Windys Patriot both run in Race 1 (patriotic exacta possibilities). Send a Patriot runs in the third race. Toast to Patriot runs in Race 5.
There are some more running on July 4 that donʼt really fit a category but are clearly appropriate for the holiday:
At Evangeline Downs, Miracles Yankee runs in the second race. Kiss a Yankee runs in the first race at Louisiana Downs. All Her Glory runs in Parx Racing’s ninth race.
NOW-RETIRED AWESOME PATRIOT HAS A GREAT NAME FOR THE FOURTH

There are also some stakes races with some good names slated to run. On July 3 at Monmouth Park, Race 10 is the $150,000 Molly Pitcher Stakes with longshot Lucky Liberty. On July 4, Woodbine’s Race 6 features Decision Day running in the $100,000 Charlie Barley Stakes on a day with a historic declaration.
Wine for Grilling
While the family gathers and grilling becomes nearly mandatory, make time to watch some racing and consider adding one of these wines to your meal.
Everyone talks about Zinfandel being the most American wine (and it certainly is), but if you can find wine made from the Norton grape, try it. It was first grown in Virginia and has expanded beyond, especially in Missouri. I hear some California vintners are experimenting but have not seen any bottled yet.
If you canʼt find any Norton, there are some wines that will work well with all manner of grilled items and wonʼt hurt your wallet too much if you serve them to a large group. No, the grapes are not originally from America (most of us arenʼt either) but they were grown here (like most of us). Castle Rock makes some great bargain-priced Syrah and Pinot Noir and Ravenswood is, justifiably, best known for their Zinfandels but also makes a great Petite Sirah (Vintner's Blend).
Happy Fourth of July!