Even if you are not into horses, chances are they pop up regularly in your conversation. I’m Jeff Keane stayed tuned I’ll tell you how after the break. Throughout  history expressions from the horse world have peppered every day speech, here’s Susan Allen with a look at horse racing terms. Jeff years ago I worked in PR for California Thoroughbred racing and I learned first hand how horse racing can be a metaphor for life so I love it when someone unknowingly uses racing idoms like; “give them a run for their money,” …or he is “The Dark Horse”. We call someone that in political campaigns but we saw it’s  true meaning in this year’s Kentucky Derby when the “unknown horse” Mine that Bird won. Long shot is another political term from horse racing again used for  a horse like Mine that Bird . But Jeff did you know when you say someone win’s “hands down’ you’re really referring to the fact that when a jockey wins a race “hands down” he has not needed to use his whip during the race? Or how about when a college kid tells you it’s down to the wire regarding finals? Tell him   the race isn’t over until the horses cross the finish line, there just might be photo finish? Feeling confident …”you have hit your stride” … meaning you’re   like a racehorse who is moving as fast as it possibly can. Yes Susan we use horse racing  terms…. “Across the board” Ah.. meaning you  have bet an equal amount to win place and show…Okay  time to bring this program into the home stretch…. Yes I know,its the last turn towards the finish line and we are “home Free”. I’m Jeff Keane.