As much as 2019 is winding down to a close, there are some places where things are beginning to heat up.

The starting gates open for Gulfstream Park’s winter meet Friday, kicking off a meet that will bring some of the East’s best horses and horsemen to the South Florida track through late March.

With another Breeders’ Cup in the books, there’s no shortage of could haves, would haves, and should haves. So for the next few weeks, let’s look back at what happened on Nov. 1-2 during the 36th edition of the World Championships to see what lessons can be gleaned from it.

For one, how was your money management? Ideally, every handicapper dreams of striking it big early in the card and then playing with house money the rest of the way.

Unfortunately, it usually doesn’t work out that way.