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.

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.