We are now 14 days from the end of the NYRA Franchise which is set to expire on Dec. 31.
It looks to me that Spitzer and the legislature will give NYRA a "temporary extenstion" to run Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga while they figure out the final conditions.
In the end it will be politics as usual-look for a change in the NYRA's Board of Directors. Although Bruno would love to pull the rug entirely out of NYRA's hand, there is too much pressure from his constituents in the Saratoga area to get this matter settled.
I still believe NYRA to be the lesser of all evils. I am fine with giving the VLT license to a private party but lets give NYRA the racing end of things. A 30 year extenstion seems too long-how about 5 years?
In the meantime no tickets have been sold or distributed for the Saratoga season and people are getting nervous.
Published reports have indicated that that Joseph Bruno, the Republican Senate majority leader, Sheldon Silver, the Democratic speaker of the Assembly, and Spitzer were on the verge of a handshake deal regarding the franchise. Charles Hayward of NYRA called the reports "very troubling," and said he would like a more concrete deal in place by Dec. 27. That is the date NYRA is scheduled to appear in bankruptcy court, at which time Hayward is hoping NYRA's reorganization plan would be approved, finally getting the association out of bankruptcy.
Lets get this settled so we can get our tickets and look forward to opening day.
By the way, opening day is early this year-July 23, 2008.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Monday, September 03, 2007
Saratoga 2007-6 Glorious Weeks
The last day at the Spa was a beautiful Labor Day of cloudless skies and beautiful dry weather. As usual for me it was a bittersweet day, happy to be at the track but sad that the track will be closed for good until summer of 2008.
On this final day we saw Majestic Warrior win The hopeful. He looks like a promising 2 years old as does Ready's Image and Maimonides.
On-track handle at Saratoga Springs, N.Y., racetrack was $123,018,041, up 8.5% from the on-track handle record of $117,368,204 set during the 2003 meet, NYRA reported in a meet-ending release. All-sources handle this year was $582,656,106, up 6% from $548,709,887 in 2006.
Total attendance of 958,574 this year was up 5.7% from $908,569 last year.
Lets hope the governor gives NYRA a shot to keep running Saratoga. I think they made nice strides this summer and deserve to keep it going.
For those of you who attended the meet I do not have to explain the beauty of this track. For those of you who did not, I hope to see you at the Spa in 2008.
On this final day we saw Majestic Warrior win The hopeful. He looks like a promising 2 years old as does Ready's Image and Maimonides.
On-track handle at Saratoga Springs, N.Y., racetrack was $123,018,041, up 8.5% from the on-track handle record of $117,368,204 set during the 2003 meet, NYRA reported in a meet-ending release. All-sources handle this year was $582,656,106, up 6% from $548,709,887 in 2006.
Total attendance of 958,574 this year was up 5.7% from $908,569 last year.
Lets hope the governor gives NYRA a shot to keep running Saratoga. I think they made nice strides this summer and deserve to keep it going.
For those of you who attended the meet I do not have to explain the beauty of this track. For those of you who did not, I hope to see you at the Spa in 2008.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
The Travers Stakes-2007
On a oppressively hot and humid day just under 40,000 came out to see Street Sense duel Grasshopper and win the Travers Stakes. For those who battled the heat they were rewarded with a great race and were treated to seeing Calvin Borel outrace Robby Albarodo on Grasshopper.
Other highlights were Hard Spun in the Kings Bishop. It will be interesting to see if he stretches out and runs in the Breeders Cup Classic or stays as a sprinter.
Now we have one final week at the Spa. The weather should be cooler so be sure to visit the Track. It goes by so quick every year.
Other highlights were Hard Spun in the Kings Bishop. It will be interesting to see if he stretches out and runs in the Breeders Cup Classic or stays as a sprinter.
Now we have one final week at the Spa. The weather should be cooler so be sure to visit the Track. It goes by so quick every year.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
The Alabama postscript--The Travers Preview
What a thrilling Alabama Stakes race today at the Spa -Lady Joanne ridden by Calvin Borel holding back Octave and Lear's Princess. This time Bo-rail was not on the rail but he refused to let Octave get by his horse who was coming up on the rail. After a stewards inquiry, the finish stood and Borel collected another vicotory.
Now we enter Travers Week--My pick here is the obvious one-Street Sense, ridden by Borel...He will be heavily bet down so put him in your exotics and hope one of the longshots comes in with him to give you some sort of payoff. Otherwise just marvel at the this fine horse.
As we end week 4 the attendance has been fantastic-credit fine weather and great cards.
Attendance, on-track handle and total all-sources handle remain up over 2006 figures through Week 3 of racing at Saratoga Race Course.
Attendance is up 4.1 percent, on-track handle rose 7.4 percent, and total all-sources handle increased 6.7 percent over 2006 figures.
Total attendance through Week 3 of the 2007 meet is 500,280, up from 480,383 in 2006.
On-track handle increased to $59,505,142, from $55,362,704 in 2006.
Total all-sources handle rose to $279,246,931 from $261,799,720 in 2006.
With good weather expected to continue into week 5 expect continued good attendance.
If you have not already been to the track , please join us-you will not regret it.
Now we enter Travers Week--My pick here is the obvious one-Street Sense, ridden by Borel...He will be heavily bet down so put him in your exotics and hope one of the longshots comes in with him to give you some sort of payoff. Otherwise just marvel at the this fine horse.
As we end week 4 the attendance has been fantastic-credit fine weather and great cards.
Attendance, on-track handle and total all-sources handle remain up over 2006 figures through Week 3 of racing at Saratoga Race Course.
Attendance is up 4.1 percent, on-track handle rose 7.4 percent, and total all-sources handle increased 6.7 percent over 2006 figures.
Total attendance through Week 3 of the 2007 meet is 500,280, up from 480,383 in 2006.
On-track handle increased to $59,505,142, from $55,362,704 in 2006.
Total all-sources handle rose to $279,246,931 from $261,799,720 in 2006.
With good weather expected to continue into week 5 expect continued good attendance.
If you have not already been to the track , please join us-you will not regret it.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Dark Tuesday 7/31/07-attendance figures
On this first dark Tuesday of the season, here are some Attendance and Handle figures to ponder:
The New York Racing Association reporting a 14% increase in attendance and double-digit increases in handle during the first six days of the session.
Total attendance for the first six days of the meet was 169,134, up from 148,279 in 2006. The daily average of 28,189 was up from 24,713 in 2006.
On-track handle at Saratoga increased 20% to $21,080,631 from $17,538,037 in 2006 for a daily average of $3,513,439 compared with $2,923,006 in 2006. Total handle rose 13% to $100,293,710 from $88,774,948 in 2006, for a daily average of $16,715,618 compared with $14,795,825 in 2006.
The New York Racing Association reporting a 14% increase in attendance and double-digit increases in handle during the first six days of the session.
Total attendance for the first six days of the meet was 169,134, up from 148,279 in 2006. The daily average of 28,189 was up from 24,713 in 2006.
On-track handle at Saratoga increased 20% to $21,080,631 from $17,538,037 in 2006 for a daily average of $3,513,439 compared with $2,923,006 in 2006. Total handle rose 13% to $100,293,710 from $88,774,948 in 2006, for a daily average of $16,715,618 compared with $14,795,825 in 2006.
Monday, July 30, 2007
2007 week one results
Week one of the 2007 season at the Spa is now complete. The first week featured good weather, no rain, and attendance was up over compared to week one in 2006.
Week one highlights.
Winners included Lawyer Ron setting a track record in the Whitney and Street Sense winning the Jim Dandy.
This week forecast is for Hot weather with little to no rain. Look for a solid week with great races, great horses and alot of fun.
See ya at the Track
Week one highlights.
Winners included Lawyer Ron setting a track record in the Whitney and Street Sense winning the Jim Dandy.
This week forecast is for Hot weather with little to no rain. Look for a solid week with great races, great horses and alot of fun.
See ya at the Track
Monday, July 23, 2007
Opening Day Saratoga 2007
Well folks, as I write this we are less than 48 hours away from Day 1, opening day at the legendary Saratoga Race Course, July 25, 2007. If you are anywhere near the track and get away from work or other commitments, get to the track. It is an experience you wont forget. It is the most exciting 6 weeks in these parts and a jewel to behold.
Racing wise you will have stakes races everyday, great purses and plenty of betting opportunities. I will be posting frequently with predictions, recaps, comments on the Saratoga Scene. For day one, remember that Sartoga has always been a track of hot trainers and jockeys. The opening week features The Whitney on Saturday 7/28/07. See ya at the track.
Racing wise you will have stakes races everyday, great purses and plenty of betting opportunities. I will be posting frequently with predictions, recaps, comments on the Saratoga Scene. For day one, remember that Sartoga has always been a track of hot trainers and jockeys. The opening week features The Whitney on Saturday 7/28/07. See ya at the track.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Renovations to Race Course
Good news to Visitors to the Saratoga Race Course in 2007. NYRA has announced that 1.2 million in renovations to the track have been completed. This includes a new copper roof on the clubhouse, refinished wood floors in the clubhouse area, new aluminum roofs over the TV pedestals in the backyard area and hot water in the grandstand concession areas and rebuilding of 5 barns. Regardless of your feelings on NYRA you have to admit that the Track is always beautiful and will be even prettier this year.
Only 15 days left to opening day 2007.
Only 15 days left to opening day 2007.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
The triple crown races are now finished for 2007, Belmont is almost over and soon the most glorious track in North America, Saratoga will open again.
Rags to Riches showed the boys how it is done at the Belmont Stakes. The big question now is will she take a run at them again in the Travers Stakes, Saratoga's biggest race for 3 year olds. My guess, is no, she will stay with the fillies and most likely run the Alabama Stakes on August 18th at the Spa.
Expect to See Street Sense at the Travers, who will most likely run the Jim Dandy on July 29th as a prep. Curlin will try the Haskell at Monmouth on August 5th, so I don't expect Curlin to run in the Travers only 3 weeks later.
July 25th is opening day and posts will be done as much as possible with sightings, predictions and anaylsis from the spa.
Rags to Riches showed the boys how it is done at the Belmont Stakes. The big question now is will she take a run at them again in the Travers Stakes, Saratoga's biggest race for 3 year olds. My guess, is no, she will stay with the fillies and most likely run the Alabama Stakes on August 18th at the Spa.
Expect to See Street Sense at the Travers, who will most likely run the Jim Dandy on July 29th as a prep. Curlin will try the Haskell at Monmouth on August 5th, so I don't expect Curlin to run in the Travers only 3 weeks later.
July 25th is opening day and posts will be done as much as possible with sightings, predictions and anaylsis from the spa.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
No Triple Crown
Well, 10 days before the Belmont Stakes-2007 and no triple crown again. Next year will be 30 years since Affirmed won the last triple crown.
But alas, we have an exciting group of 3 year old horses in Street Sense, Curlin, and Hard Spun.
Street Sense is a good horse but a great horse would not have let Curlin pass him after Street Sense overtook him earlier.
This season looks strong for Saratoga as some of these 3 year old horses will be running in the Jim Dandy Stakes and the Travers.
But alas, we have an exciting group of 3 year old horses in Street Sense, Curlin, and Hard Spun.
Street Sense is a good horse but a great horse would not have let Curlin pass him after Street Sense overtook him earlier.
This season looks strong for Saratoga as some of these 3 year old horses will be running in the Jim Dandy Stakes and the Travers.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
2007 Season
Happy New Year !
We are only a short time away from Opening Day of the 2007 meet at the Saratoga Race Course.
After a year of exciting horses racing at Saratoga in 2006 including Invasor (Horse of the Year) and Bernardini (3 year old of the year) as well as tragedy with the passing of Barbaro we now focus on 2007. The Triple Crown races are almost here and then Saratoga is right around the corner.
In the meantime feel free to contact me, until then support the game, and get ready to come to the track!
We are only a short time away from Opening Day of the 2007 meet at the Saratoga Race Course.
After a year of exciting horses racing at Saratoga in 2006 including Invasor (Horse of the Year) and Bernardini (3 year old of the year) as well as tragedy with the passing of Barbaro we now focus on 2007. The Triple Crown races are almost here and then Saratoga is right around the corner.
In the meantime feel free to contact me, until then support the game, and get ready to come to the track!
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