Its been a long time since the first days when the Wanderers beat the Freebooters at Cortland Park. Back then Palm Beach was a swamp and the land belonged to the Alligators and snakes. Life, however, changes. There were a few years for one reason or another and the Open was not played for approx. 11 years due to economy, weather and war, but it just seems to always be the one big tournament to win.
This year is no different. There are two very strong teams in the finals. The tournament went from 12 competing teams to two finalists. It took 20 days, 360 horses, 120 grooms, 48 players and a few extras, a million feet of video and many, many miles of riding, driving and flying.
The finals have been narrowed down to an American-based team from the Hills of Kentucky vs. the Colors of Columbia which is also high in the hills. There are two veteran Polo Patrons in their own right. Both are very steady and experienced performers. George Rawlings is so damn tough to get away from a master of the pic and block. He probably played a lot of basketball as a youngster. The other Patron is Camilo Bautista, who has a reckless abandon for speed. The need to get it done seems to propel him about the field. They obviously have been successful in business as this is not a inexpensive outing for pleasure.
Behind them and in front of them as they are opposites they have strong support. George Rawlings plays a back (#4 position) and Camilo is in front at the #1 position. George has “The Dominator” in Jeff Blake, who fears nothing on this Earth. He also has former 10-goal Argentine superstar Nachi Heguy and the man who is the Super Star the “Fedder of polo” or the “Tiger of Polo” (as they are just as dominant in their sports) Adolfo Cambiaso. Adolfo likes the word “Open” I guess because he has won a lot of them in the last decade and most of them this century. The name of this team is CRAB ORCARD which is home of the Rawlings. They are the defending champions.
On the otherside will be the Bright Orange of Camilo Bautista and his LAS MONJITAS Squad. They will be easy to see and they will be coming as they have also had this cup only a couple of years back. They are all from south of the equator as the other three with Camilo are brothers, the Astradas Nacho, Eduardo & Javier (who also was 10-goals recently) and Eduardo (who is pointed that way as well). I think Nacho was also 10 in Argentina until recently.
So, who will win it? Well they met in the semis of the Gold Cup and Las Monjitas ran over the Crab Orchard, but that was then. I doubt it will happen again. From the semis they were the same . . .both won by 1 @12 to 11.
To me neither team has been really tested, so it could be a toss up with the edge to Las Monjitas except for the Adoflo factor. He is teamed up with two very hard-working Yanks so I think it will be Crab Orchard. It has been a while for Jeff Blake. He has won a couple Opens, but back in ’99 was the last one.
Some trivia for you . . .
The last All-American team to win was 1986. Although the Gracidas are close to being Americans, I am not sure which passport they use, but born in the USA would be 1986 like 22 years ago. This team was led by Tommy Wayman and the #2 was famous then the team was RETAMA.
So if your in the south drop in. If not, buy a video. It will be a good one I think.
See ya.