The Thrill of the Race
SUMMERLIN, Nev. — On the eve of the Marlboro Cup at Belmont Park, during that chilly and rainy October Saturday in 1976, Mike Colucci reached into his pockets and found just six dollars. “I had been losing all day,” he recalled. “That day was unforgettable; it was freezing!”
A Lucky Bet
In the next race, he wagered four of those dollars on a 40-to-1 long shot, pairing it in an exacta bet with the last two favorites. Both bets paid off successfully. “Now I have $500,” Colucci exclaimed. He decided to place the full amount on Forego in the Marlboro. His friend, who was winning that day, was encouraged by Colucci: “Don’t worry, Forego will win this race.” His friend then wagered $5,000 on the same horse.
Forego’s Challenge
With Willie Shoemaker riding, the 6-year-old bay weighed in at 137 pounds, burdened by over 30 pounds of lead in his saddle, making him the heaviest among his ten rivals by a significant margin. Colucci’s 4-year-old son, Duane, soaked up the electrifying atmosphere around them.
A Nail-Biting Finish
Forego didn’t start strong. Colucci remembered his friend yelling, “You made me bet the $5,000!” in frustration. However, as Shoemaker took the final turn wide, he powered through the pack like a freight train and ultimately won by a narrow margin against Honest Pleasure. This race became legendary, with Shoemaker calling it the greatest he had ever participated in. Forego’s victory brought Mike $1,100, while his friend won $11,000.
Life Lessons at the Track
Born and raised in Queens, Duane learned invaluable lessons at Aqueduct, Belmont Park, and Saratoga, fostering his innate talent for numbers into a successful career in Las Vegas. Since 2020, he has been the race and sportsbook director at the Rampart Casino just northwest of Vegas and has been in high demand for podcasts and seminars as the Kentucky Derby approaches.
A True Passion for Racing
According to Gaughan Gaming sportsbook director Vinny Magliulo, Duane stands out as an exceptional handicapper in the city. “He combines a deep passion for racing with undeniable talent,” he noted. Growing up, Duane would often entertain himself by calling imaginary races into a tape recorder while his father and mother prepared for outings.
Successes and Setbacks
Duane reflects on his education from the racetracks more than his time at Queensborough Community College, where he struggled to keep up with classes. His successes include hitting a Superfecta for $15,000 at Del Mar and a Pick Six for $40,000, but he also endured an 81-race losing streak at Aqueduct, emphasizing, “You can’t let a losing streak defeat you; you know a winning streak will come.”
The Rampart Family
In 1993, the Colucci family relocated to Vegas, where Duane excelled in dealer school and rose through the ranks at various casinos. Today, he manages the Rampart, where Mike, now 76, still places daily bets. Renowned handicapper Tommy Lorenzo appreciates the Rampart’s balanced atmosphere, likening it to a “Goldilocks book” for its blend of comfort and customer service. As Churchill Downs approaches, Duane is optimistic about East Avenue, sharing, “He’s definitely a sleeper.”
