On the Turf

Somehow we are now in April and the 1st quarter of 2013 comes to a close.

What is new? Looks like the same old, same old. A bunch of NY State Politicians get to do the Perp walk, and an early Pletcher Derby Hopeful falls off the trail.

Something new at least for 2013 is Turf racing in New York as 3 races are carded today at the Big A. If the weather cooperates and the races stay on the Turf, my eyes are on the 9th race, where a 16 horse field is entered.

Some horses are I am looking at for a nice score:

Suilleabhain at 6-1 ML has 4 prior starts on Turf. Retired at 8-1 ML is a half brother to 3 grass winners and has also been raced prior on the Turf.

Sayaprayerforme, 20-1 on Morning Line, gets the quick turnaround from Trainer Anthony Quartarolo after racing on dirt at the Big A on March 27th, finishing 9th in a Maiden Special Weight. This 3 year old gelding is out of the Dam Nan's Bay who is a daughter of the great turf racer Dynaformer.

If it stays on Turf and all 3 above stay in, lets try the three  in a Trifecta box

February Thoughts

It's February 2013? How did that happen? Oh well, here is what has happened since I last checked in.

Despite the changing of the guard at NYRA, on track deaths at Aqueduct are just about the same as last years rate.

Starting next week Aqueduct goes to a 4 day race week from the usual 5 to address safety issues and preserve a horse population that has dwindled, apparently at least in part due too more aggressive new drug rules that went into effect prior to this meet. For those holiday planners, no live card on Valentine's Day, so you will have to impress your date by taking her/him elsewhere.

Some highly regarded Pletcher horse goes in the Withers this Saturday at the Big A. You can check out my look at the race over at the Thorofan site.

Came and Went

Well that was quick.

Seems like the Breeder's Cup came quickly and than left quickly, nary any lingering stories to debate  or talk about.Nothing too surprising of note to come out of the day. I have taken a liking to 2 year old undefeated  Shanghai Bobby, having seen him win up at the Spa this summer but we know how Pletcher 2 year old's do as 3 year old's of late.

 Of course, its' all relative and from my vantage being eyeballs deep in Superstorm Sandy insurance claims, the BC just wasn't all that important to me this year.

Seeing the devastation Mother Nature brought upon the Northeast, especially the New Jersey-New York metro area has been unbelievable. I have been through many storms but this one is the worst. The recovery will be long and painful.

If you want to help the best thing to do is donate money to a legitimate charity organization that can properly allocate your funds to the relief effort. May I suggest the Red Cross at   www.redcross.orghttp://www.redcross.org/ or if want a specific racing related charity you can donate to the New York Racetrack Chaplaincy at www.rtcany.orghttp://www.rtcany.org/.

Be well and have a great Thanksgiving.