Weekend Picks-Saratoga

The big money race on this "Win and Your In" weekend is the Whitney Stakes. When I think about this race I always think about Onion upsetting Secretariat in the Whitney Stakes after Secretariat won the triple crown in '73. This photo is a head on shot of the final stretch Drive.

Twilight Racing Day Today-the weather is sunny, breezy and DRY-however the turf is still wet so everything but the Lake George is off the Turf, or so they are saying this morning. I will be at the Track all weekend so look for a wrap-up with photos on Monday as weekend blogging will be limited due too track festivities and the like.

Weekend Selections:

7/25/08-Race #3-Hamsa $2 to Win
Race #8-My Princess Jess/Zee Zee -$2 Exacta Box
7/26/08 Race #8-Bustin Stones-$20 to Win (The Alfred G Vanderbilt)
Race 10-Notional/Grasshopper/Commentator-Tri Box $2 (The Whitney)
7/27/08 Jim Dandy-Grade II--Pyro -$5 W/P/S

Total Blog selections ROI to Date: $0

Best Bet-Bustin Stones-#3 in the TBA Standings in the Sprint Division-Look for him to rise up the standings after Saturday's race. The horse is rested after missing the Met Mile. He is 6-0 and Look for a big Winners circle for Local owner Roddy Valente. Valente is a owner of RJ Valente Gravel Inc. about 20 miles from the track. He got into this game in 1992 and this would be his first stakes winner.

Thoughts and Photos from Opening Day 2008

Wow, that's alot of Rain!! I have been at Saratoga many times before during a drenching shower or thunderstorm but this was the longest sustained rainfall I can remember at the Track while I was there. Constant Companion MBA and I arrived in perfect time for post time and my $2 bet on Star Player paid off a tidy $10.20 which became my seed money for the rest of the day resulting in an overall 10 race net payoff of $11.80. Kudos to all of the die-hards, 18,127 strong, who showed up and braved the rain. Of course upon leaving after the 10th race, It was an absolute monsoon, so after staying dry in the Grandstand in Section O, we got drenched anyway walking to our car. We ditched a visit to Siro's and went straight to an excellent dinner at Maestro's in downtown Saratoga. Missed the fellow TBA bloggers who made it to Siro's but think I saw one over in Section M. Here are some photos from the day:


Winning $16.60 Exacta Ticket in the 2nd-Cognito/Brave Victory; When you only bet $2 at a time, this ticket is like gold.


Wright Street Entrance-12:30 pm -light drizzle at this point.


Lookin at Her at 1/8th pole in nice stretch duel with Fiddlers Afleet in the 5th Race


The Canoe featuring Winning Travers Stakes Colors (Street Sense)


Looking from our section in Section O towards Clubhouse area


Final stretch drive of the Schuylerville Stakes on very sloppy track/heavy rain

Bring on the Mudders

The forecast for Opening Day looks bleak. Expect Showers around the 1 pm post time, than the probability of steady rain by the 4th or 5th race.

Such a shame as last year was such a sunny beautiful day to be at the Spa with 30,000 plus fans. Last year as a whole featured good weather over the 36 day meet. Good weather is essential to this meet. Never mind the economy, keep an eye on the weather to better forecast the attendance for this meet. Sunny days keeps the locals coming and the spur of the moment crowd. The backyard picnic area is a huge draw, but not so fun when 2 inches of rain are forecast. Luckily for me and my Constant Companion MBA, we have seats under cover in the Grandstand and will be taking in the races from there with limited walks to the paddock and for people watching. Our camera will be with us and I will post photos from Opening Day. Rain or no Rain it is still the Spa and I would rather be nowhere else. Like Christmas when I was a kid and baseball opening day the anticipation for the Opening Day at the Spa is such a great feeling. Tommorrow I enter Heaven on Earth and stay there for 36 racing days over a 42 day time period.

Just for fun I will try to handicap this meet and post occasional picks. I figure my picks are as good as the old guy standing outside the Wright Street entrance gate to the the track who charges you for his picks. He is always there, and when you ask him how he did the day before it always the same: "7 winners on top, 4 exactas and 1 pick 3". You think it would mix it up just to keep everyone on their toes. My goal is always to leave the track with enough money to pay for my drinks later that evening. If you have more lofty goals, please consult with the more astute handicappers out there.

I will stay away from the turf races with the rain forecast. In the 9th race-the Grade III Schyulerville Stakes for 2 y.o. fillies, I like a $2 exacta box on Ocean Colors, Boom Town Sally. (#1,8 ex box) and in the 5th, $2 to win on Storm Hope.(#5, Win). Total Investment: $6.00

Opening Day Facts

With Just one day to rest up for Opening Day at Saratoga here are some figures to ponder...

Best opening day attendance at the Saratoga Race Track - 32,913 (2002)
Best opening day on Track handle-3,789,795 (2007)
Best total opening Day handle-15,533,027 (2006)

The opening day attendance this year should be strong-but not a record. Last year, under a gorgeous sunny sky with low humidity, attendance was 30,052. The photo in this post, taken by myself on opening day 2007, gives you an idea of the pristine weather that day. The weather is forecast to be more iffy this year, with higher humidity and possible rain, so lets go with 29,285. I expect on track handle (reflective of the feel good atmosphere at Saratoga) to be strong at 3,700,000 with total on and off track handle (more reflective of the less than stellar economy) dipping a bit to be about 14,500,000.

Overall I am sticking with my position that attendance overall for the meet will be very strong. Contrary to the "sky is falling crowd" who love to trumpet how terrible the economy is doing and how people are choosing gas over food-I see no starving people in the streets of Saratoga. The restaurants are packed, the Caroline street bars are elbow to elbow, the hotels from Clifton Park at Exit 9- up to Wilton at Exit 15 are booked (the track is off Exit 13 and/or exit 14), and everyone who came up last year is here now and the mood is festive. The uniqueness of this meet, the generally strong fields and the draw of the Saratoga scene seems to trump current economic conditions.

Interview-Michael Amo (Thorofan)

I recently had the opportunity to interview Michael Amo, Chairman of the Thoroughbred Racing Fans Assocation aka Thorofan . We talked about the genesis of the group, background of the founders, involvement of NYRA, and the goals of Thorofan.

They’re in the Gate (TITG): Mr. Amo-How did the idea for Thorofan come about?

M. Amo: Last fall during the NYRA franchise negotiation, we noticed that the fans were not asked for input. Fearful that our favorite pastime could be destroyed by the wrong bidder, we were very concerned. We began to explore the role the fan has played in the industry across the nation to date. Very little evidence could be found, save a focus group. We wondered why. After all we are an integral part of the sport, why shouldn't our "voice be heard?" A small group of fans from around the state began to have regular brainstorming meetings to think what might be down. The result was, "Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association, Inc or Thorofan."

TITG: Is the Group Non-Profit and do you have your 501(c)3 filing?

M. Amo: Yes in New York State. We are working on our 501(c)3 application.

TITG: Tell me a little about yourself and the vice chair Joanne Yepsen and the Secy/treas. Niki Lee Rowe? How long have you been a fan and how did you become a fan?

M. Amo: After graduate school, a few us went to the 1978 Belmont Stakes. I was hooked. I haven't missed a Belmont since then; waiting for the next TC. I have been coming to Saratoga since 1980. Along the way I have "raced" at Gulfstream, Oaklawn, Santa Anita, Hollywood, Fairmont, Pimlico, Monmouth, Suffolk, Fort Erie, Fair Grounds, Retema Park, Sam Houston, Keeneland, Churchill and Turfway. Niki Lee Rowe is the horseman. She grew up in southern California riding competitively. Exercised Thoroughbreds at Garden State, Monmouth, Bowie and Belmont. She spent years living on working breeding farms in California. Joanne Dittes Yepsen is local Saratoga fan. She is passionate about her home track and racing in New York in general.

TITG: What does Thorofan hope to accomplish on behalf of the fan?

M. Amo: We want to give the fan a voice. To do that we most first mobilize fans like ourselves. With a critical mass of Thoroughbred racing fans our voice will be heard. We want to enrich the fans experience through tangible benefits, education, interaction and advocacy. We want to use our voice to take positions on critical issue to the fans facing the sport and industry. These issues will come from the fans. What they want we want.

TITG: Can you outline some short term and long term goals of the group?

M. Amo:
Long Term Goals
1. Enhance fan enjoyment
2. Enhance fan knowledge of the sport
3. Enhance fan handicapping skill base
4. Gain cooperation with other organizations in the thoroughbred business community
5. Continually develop a substantial and growing membership
6. Continually research and develop new fan benefits
7. Continually research and develop positions on issues important to the membership and the sport
8. Procure funds through corporate memberships, fundraising, website advertising etc. to fully fund TRFA’s administrative costs so that all member dues will be used for the enhancement of our members’ enjoyment, knowledge, and participation in the sport of Thoroughbred racing.

Goals – 2008

1. Develop cooperative working relationship with NYRA
2. Develop cooperative relationships with all Thoroughbred Racing vendors III.
3. Develop special non-voting corporate memberships
4. Develop a substantial website to enhance member interest, knowledge, and enjoyment
5. Develop bus trips for members to New York racetracks
6. Have presence at signature events at all NYRA tracks
7. Develop seminars and programs for members
8. Have a membership base of 10,000 by December 31, 2008
9. Have a 2009 membership renewal rate of 90%


TITG: I noticed that NYRA is a corporate contributor. What exactly does that entail?

M. Amo: NYRA has not contributed any money to our development efforts. They have provided us with a location at the Saratoga Race Course to register new members and offer some basic education programs. We are grateful for their help. But we are totally independent of NYRA. We are about the voice of the fan, not marketing.

TITG: Can Thorofan be an independent fan driven organization, running independently of NYRA as far as what it hopes to accomplish?

M. Amo: Absolutely. We want to work with racing venues in New York and elsewhere to improve the fan experience.

TITG: Can we expect Thorofan to have a presence at Belmont and Aqueduct once Saratoga closes its meet?

M. Amo: It is our desire to work with NYRA at all their locations. We are also hoping to reach out to other tracks. We are planning a trip to Keeneland in October to begin the discussion there. We have had members join from Michigan and ask if there might be a Michigan chapter of Thorofan in the future?

TITG: Do you have any plans to open branches of the club at other areas of the country such as Kentucky, California Etc.?

M. Amo: Yes if their is a sufficient interest and fan base.

TITG: What is the cost too join and what are the benefits to members?

M. Amo: The 2008 membership is set at $25 discounted to $20 for on track registration. Members will get discounts from DRF, Thoroughbred Times and local area businesses. The membership card if used to its fullest will generate benefits many multiples of the dues. That will always be our philosophy.

TITG: What do you see as the issues that need to be addressed in this sport?

M. Amo: As fans we all can list a number of issues that need attention, drugs, takeouts, etc. Once our membership base is established we will reach out to members for input and direction. We want to be the collective voice of the fan.

TITG: Do you have plans to advocate actively on behalf of members needs such as horse welfare, promotion of the sport, use of drugs in the sport, gambling and ADW issues, etc?

M. Amo: Yes, if that is the desire of the membership!

TITG: Will non board members have a say in Thorofan advocacy issues?

M. Amo: Absolutely, our website will become more interactive and solicitive of member input. We are already trying to set up committees of the Board and are looking for members to participate. Anyone one interested should contact us at Board@thorofan.com.

TITG: What is your website?

M. Amo: www.thorofan.com

TITG: What has the reaction in the racing fan community been thus far.?

M. Amo: Very positive. We have all facets of the industry participating in our meetings.

TITG: Where do you see the sport of Thoroughbred Racing and Thorofan in 5 years?

M. Amo:I hope it grows and fans are drawn back to live racing. If NASCAR can do it why can't Thoroughbred racing? Unfortunately, the data suggest otherwise. I don't think the industry will be righted by "marketing schemes." Rather, I think if we get back to what racing is about, the fabulous Thoroughbred race horses, than our sport has a bright future.


Comments: Well , there you have it. Mr. Amo is an enthusiastic fellow and don’t be surprised when you see the Thorofan Table at the track this summer, if he is the person working behind the table.
We have had a number of “Fan” groups start up this summer including the very promising SAFC and HANA. This sport needs activism from the fans if things are too change for the better. If Thorofan sounds interesting to you, look for the Thorofan Table as you enter the Sarotoga Race Track near the entrance to the Grandstand or check them out at their website: www.thorofan.com.

The Baby Race and Beyond

I love the 2 year old "baby" races that have popped up at Belmont, and will be run at Delmar and Saratoga. They hold much allure for me as it does for others such as teresa over at Brooklyn Backstretch

I love going up to the Spa in the summer, picking a horse in a 2 year old baby race and then following along the way-maybe a Derby or Oaks winner, maybe a Breeders Cup Juvenile racer, maybe not. I bet many races, and forget very quickly, but for some reason the names of the horses I bet in the baby races always stick with me for years later.

Today in the 3rd race at Belmont Cool the Economy , a 4 year old runs in a fillies & mares allowance for $50,000. I saw her break her maiden at Saratoga in 2006. I brought my daughter and son to the track with me and my daughter picked Cool the Economy, I placed $2 on her and won a nice payoff of $14.00 when she finished 1st.

She then raced next in the Spinaway at Saratoga, finishing 5th. She did not become a champion but is a solid horse placing in 6 races out of 10 lifetime starts. Everytime she runs, I place a small wager on her. It reminds me of that 1st Hot summer sunny day when anyone can pick a winner in a baby race and dream that they have just witnessed the beginning of something special. I remember how excited my daughter was after Cool the Economy won and I walked out of the Great Old Track that day relishing the delight we had, all for a $3 general admission ticket.

So yes, today $2.00 too Win on Cool the Econony in the 3rd at Belmont

Summertime Attendance

Among my wish list for racing is for shorter meets, with better fields and more relevance to the racing days and dare I say a racing season. Belmont, Aqueduct and many others are just way, way too long. Yesterday, in the waning days of Belmont's Spring meet, just over 4,350 managed to pass through the gates at Belmont. Meanwhile, at Delmar, on Opening Day, 43,459, a record crowd came out. Next Wednesday at Saratoga for Opening Day will also see a strong turnout. Despite high food and gas prices if you give people a good product they will come out.

Why dilute the product with long drawn out meets with weak fields? The State racing associations love it but the fan (remember him) does not.

At Belmont today there is a race of interest to me. In the 4th race, a 2 year old maiden race, Prince Charming at morning line odds of 6-1 will be running. He is by 2002 Breeders Cup Juvenile Winner Vindication, who died last week.

Saratoga Open House-July 20th

It's not too early to think about what to do this weekend. If you are in the Saratoga Area and want to check out the Track, I suggest the Saratoga Open House at the track. Opening Day is July 23, 2008, but on Sunday, July 20th you can come to the track between 11am-4 pm and check it out. There is no actual pari-mutuel betting going on but The National Steeplechase Association will presenting a total of five races - four jump races and a training flat race, all featuring Thoroughbreds prepping for one of the seven Steeplechases during the Saratoga meet.

Best of all the event is Free. Free is always good. It is a good day to just walk around, check out the track in a non rushed atmosphere, walk around the backyard, check out the grandstand and just look around the grand old track. There are also Handicapping Seminars going on at various times throughout the day. I have attended these seminars in the past and they are helpful-especially if you are someone who is not an expert. There will be food vendors and the like there, and all proceeds go to an assortment of charities and non-profit groups. I like to stop in every year at the Open House for an hour or 2, as it charges me up for Opening Day. For more information click here

Sunday Ramblings

What I love about this sport is the discussions it generates. Like Baseball it is a sport of numbers, predictions, situations etc. After Curlin's second place finish in the Man 'O War at Belmont yesterday (before a small but Curlin adoring crowd of 8,420)we all can now speculate and discuss where Curlin goes from here. I thought his second place finish for his first time on grass was decent. I would hope they would "stay the course" and continue on turf. I think Curlin is one of these horses that constantly adjusts and will improve on his second time over the same surface.

For now, Curlin ships to Saratoga, not to run in the six week meet, but to train on the Oklahoma Training Track. At this point I have the feeling that they will bring him back to the dirt and point him to the BC Classic.

At Belmont today, in the 6th race, I have a feeling Sightseeing, can take this race. He is overdue for a win and has been in races with much better horses.

Thoroughbred Racing Fans Association

The “Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association” (TRFA) is now officially off and running. This new, non-profit membership organization is designed to give racing fans a ‘true voice” in the sport. Its mission is to foster growth of Thoroughbred racing by giving fans an organization to actively support their interests. The official website is www.thorofan.com

“Our goal is to enhance fan enjoyment of Thoroughbred racing. In the process, we hope that fans, whether regular participants or new-comers, will more fully experience the excitement of racing,” said Michael Amo, Chair of the association’s board of directors.

I recently had the opportunity to meet Mr. Amo and other founding members and they are one dynamic group. They believe that without the fan and horseplayer, racing does not exist. Like many of us they looked around at the recent troubling issues in thoroughbred racing and saw that no one was asking the fan what they thought. They have assembled an assortment of fans and horseman alike including advisory board member, Jack Knowlton of Sackatoga Stable LLC.

The buzz words they spoke about too me were “advocate, educate and excite”.
They will be very visible at Saratoga Race Course this summer with a regular table in the grandstand area. Fans can join the TRFA at the Track this summer or on-line at the TRFA website.

It has been a busy week as fellow bloggers Dana of Green but Game and Jessica of Railbird Media launched the Self Appointed Fan Committee with a simple agenda of making sure the fans voice is heard.

I believe the tide is turning as the fans out there are finding their voice and are not afraid to use it.

Promotion of the Product

Received this e-mail from NYRA today. Looks like they are finally learning that you must promote the product-Great horses running on your track.

ESPNEWS to televise Man 'O War Stakes

I believe we must promote horse racing as a sport first, with focus on the "product", that being our great, beautiful race horses. If we promote the great horses, give people standings (see right side column for TBA standings) to understand and make going to the Track and betting easier, we can succeed. Well one step forward as ESPNEWS, found on most cable systems, will televise the Man 'O War Stakes featuring Curlin on the Turf.

If you cannot get to Belmont, you will at least be able to see the race live.

National Museum of Racing to Show The First Saturday in May

The excellent documentary titled "The First Saturday in May" will be shown all summer long at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs NY. For those planning a trip up to the Track this summer take a walk across the street to see this film. You can find my prior movie review here. For the full schedule along with information on the Museum itself click here

Denis of Cork done for the year

Denis of Cork, the Belmont Stakes runner up will miss the remainder of the year with a hairline fracture. His Trainer David Carrol was pointing him to the Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes on opening weekend of the Saratoga meet and then the Grade 1 Travers. His owners did state they look forward to his 4 year old campaign. Lets hope we see him run in '09. So looking ahead, who is left to run in the Travers? Well, Nick Zito said he will run Belmont Stakes winner Da Tara (3rd in 3 yo colt standings) as well as Anak Nakal. Dwyer Stakes winner, Mint Lane, might also run.

This is why I love Race Call announcer Tom Durkin

One of the joys of going to Belmont or Saratoga is listening to The race call by Tom Durkin-he is just amazing, always calling the horses in the right order, putting the right amount of excitement into the call and when needed, injecting humor. This call from yesterday's card at Belmont says it all.

Early indicators on Saratoga Attendance

In the media and blogs
out there, talk has begun as to the attendance at the upcoming Saratoga meet (July 23rd-Sept 1st). One columnist thinks it is a no-brainer.

He feels even at $10 bucks a gallon for gas the crowds will be there. While I am not quite as optimistic, all early indications are that the crowds will be still going to the Spa. This is by no means scientific but my evidence so far supports the theory that attendance will be good. My yearly request for reserved seating came back with the usual seat locations. Had ticket sales been slow, the seating location would be better. I thought with an early submittal for seats and the poor economy I would get a better location. With my seats in hand I called NYRA yesterday to reserve seats at the track dining facilities for days when I have guests coming up to the track with me. I was told the various track restaurants are filling up quickly with 3 of the 4 "sit down" restaurants already sold out for Travers Day. The Popular "Porch" restaurant located on the track level of the clubhouse is sold out for every Saturday of the meet-selling out quicker then they usually do according to the representative I spoke too. Tickets at the Turf Terrace Restaurant are also near sellout.

I feel overall attendance will be flat when compared with last year. Some of the mid week days will be down and I still prefer a 4 or 5 week meet like it used to be instead of the current 6 week format. I could be wrong, but I do not see the drastic turn down some people forecast. The New York City crowd will come up less, but I expect more locals to spend a day at the track to make up this shortfall. When you have a relatively good local economy in the Saratoga Region, a decent size population of locals too attend, and a short meet with history and relevance you will still draw. Things are tight with gas and food prices but it appears from the non-scientific evidence I have seen thus far, that people are budgeting elsewhere and will continue to spend money at the Spa.

Thoroughbred Racing Fans Association

There is a new non-profit racing fans association group formed which for now seems like it will start out focusing on the Saratoga Race Course. Not much is known right now but I did ferret out the official mission statement from the meeting minutes of a recent Saratoga County public meeting:

The Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association (TRFA) is a non-profit membership based corporation designed to foster growth of the Thoroughbred racing industry by providing racing fans with an organization that will actively support their interests. Our goal is to enchance fan enjoyment and knowledge of Thoroughbred racing and skills in handicapping. TRFA, in cooperation with other organizations in the Thorougbred business community seeks to retain existing racing fans and develop new ones for the industry by creating membership rewards.

Thus far no website yet, and the only local press I found was here Appears the Mike Kane of the National Museum of Racing (also located in Saratoga) is affiliated with the group. This is a good thing as he is a knowledgeable racing fan and big racing historian.

I will be interested to see who else is affiliated with the group and how involved they plan to be. Hey at least this a group for "fans" unlike the recent government hearings which made no mention of the fans. Stay tuned for more information as it develops.

Heatseeker retired-what it means too me.

Heatseeker, # 1 in the TBA older horse standings, is now retired because of injury. What a bummer. In an older horse division lacking stars, we now have one less horse to root for. I wish Invasor, Bernardini and others were still running but they are all retired. The news can give you the history but For me, the average fan, what does this mean? Well this means one less horse that I know by name, one less horse I can follow, one less horse I can look forward to see race this summer and one less horse who will run in the Breeders Cup this fall.

When my downstate NY buddies come up Upstate to hit Saratoga this summer this is one less horse to talk about when we talk about not only who is running at the Spa but who looks good out west. We love this game and long for name horses to stay in the sport so we can see them compete, see them run. This is why we need to pay attention to the TBA standings and enjoy these horses when they do run, because their time before us is always so short.

Sunday Morning Ramblings

Yesterday was a busy Saturday for Racing with 2 Grade 1's at Belmont and the Hollywood Gold Cup out west. The most interesting was probably the Mother Goose with Music Note (now 3-0) the winner over Proud Spell (2nd in TBA 3 yo Filly standings). My feeling is this was a Riders Race, with a slow pace, and Gabriel Saez did not have a good ride. I know he had bad luck with a terrible start out of the gate, but he still had a chance coming around the final turn-I thought when he was on the rail he had a chance to squeeze by but Saez did not take it.

Look for Music Note to turn up at the Alabama at the Spa on the 16th of August.

In other thoughts, there are 2 Two year old races today at Belmont -take a look at Mr. Mistoffelees in the Tremont Stakes-this colt won debut on Poly surface by 9.5 lengths-lets see how he does on the dirt today. In the Astoria Stakes, Stewart Elliot comes up to Belmont to ride Bold Union, the 2 y.o. filly won big at her debut at Monmouth Park.

Weekend Grade 1 Races

We have 2 Grade 1 races at Belmont this weekend-but the field is questionable, especially for the Suburban Handicap which has no actual Grade 1 winners in it. Even the NYRA website describes the field with a left handed compliment stating: "Saturday’s 122nd edition of the Grade 1, $400,000 Suburban presented by Shadwell Farm has drawn a most unique assemblage of eight horses" Meanwhile Oaks winner Proud Spell (2nd in 3 yo filly TBA standings)faces just 3 opponents in the Mother Goose.

I am an east coast racing fan but I must look to the West this weekend.

The Hollywood Gold Cup on Saturday is a Grade 1 that actually has a bunch of Grade 1 horses in it including Heatseeker (1st in older horse TBA standings), Tiago (3rd in TBA), Student Council and the old but graceful Perfect Drift. This is a legitimate older horse race (I only hope the Whitney on Saratoga's opening weekend can be as good)and a good race to bet as odds will be spread out.

2 Old-Timers we can root for.

On a day where we heard some more bad news for racing with Dutrow's suspension in Kentucky and Jockey Jeromy Rose getting suspended for whipping his mount in the face at Delaware Park, here is some good news: In todays Times Union newspaper (Albany NY-article in print edition only) staff writer Tim Wilken (and a good writer at that) reports that 10 year old Evening Attire will run at Saratoga this summer. His Trainer, Pat Kelly, is looking to put him in an allowance race at the Spa. Evening Attire is a fan favorite and look for the appreciative Spa crowd to root this horse on strongly this summer.

Speaking of old-timers, 9 year old Perfect Drift will run in the Grade 1 Hollywood Gold Cup this Saturday.

Wait, I got it...it was a loose shoe.

Excuses given by the Big Brown owners and trainer Rick Dutrow Jr as to Big Brown's failings in the Belmont:

1. Nothing-the horse was fine
2. Wait, we changed our mind- it was The bad ride of his Jockey
3. No wait-The condition of the Track surface-it was too deep
4. and this too- it was The Hot weather
5. No wait- how about The Starter
6. No wait-it was....The Loose Shoe!!

The owners and trainer's would also like to give their first (and hopefully only) excuse for skipping the Travers to run in the Haskell at Monmouth: Even though we told you before the Belmont we would next run in the Travers, we now will not, because we just found out that it gets hot in August in Saratoga. Had we known this piece of information before the Belmont we would have honestly never had said we would run the Travers...honest...we think...at least for now.

R.I.P. Bobblehead Day

NYRA held a press conference today in Colonie NY to announce the giveway days this year at Saratoga. Last year there were 6 giveway days, this year only 5. They are:

July 27: Saratoga Baseball Cap Sunday

Aug. 3: Saratoga T-Shirt

Aug. 10: Saratoga Stadium Seat

Aug. 17: Saratoga Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Aug. 31: Saratoga Cooler Bag

Gone this year is Bobblehead Day. As I go to the track to watch the races and bet, the giveway days are not of interest to me. However I enjoyed Bobblehead Day as I would take my kids with me. They got a kick out of the Bobblehead and looked forward to going every year. It is not easy to constantly drag your young kids to the track with you, and keep them occupied while I insist on staying for the whole card, long after my children have lost patience.

In typical NYRA logic, a NYRA spokesperson said the Bobblehead promotion was let go because it was the least popular of the giveway days. What they failed to mention is that is was held on a Thursday, the second day of the meet, which is historically the lowest attended day of the entire meet. All other promotion days are on Sundays, when people are off and can run to the Track and get their giveway booty. Also the racing card is better on Sundays and vacationers tend to come up on weekends. When they started this Bobblehead promotion in 2002, attendance kicked up dramatically for the Thursday held event. I felt it kicked up an otherwise lowly attended day. Any giveway on a Thursday would be lower than a Sunday giveway. But this is NYRA logic, not exactly the Mensa society of Marketing. So instead of a neat looking Bobblehead to put on your shelf or give to your kid, you can get a crappy T-shirt that reminds me of the garbage T-shirts I would buy in the parking lot at the Meadowlands after a Judas Priest concert in the 80's for 5 bucks.

Sunday Morning Ramblings

As we always focus on the Saratoga Race Track at this site, let me give kudos to Will Springstead of the Post Star (Glens Falls NY) for his opinion piece on Big Brown written 6/21/08 running in the Haskell instead of The Travers. Will points out that before the Belmont, the connections to Big Brown talked up the Travers, stating how it meant something, especially to them as they were New York Guys. You can find the article here

Person who looked the best coming out of the Congressional hearings this week-ESPN's Randy Moss. He said it best when he said the best thing for the sport and the horses is if they all ran on "Hay, Oats and Water".

Today's Queen Plate Selections-Grade 1-3 years olds-Dirt

1. Ginger Brew
2. Solitaire
3. Sebastions Song

Belmont Stakes TV Ratings

Nielsen Media Research Inc. Television ratings indicate that all 6 games of the NBA Finals were the top six watched sports programs on US Television in the month of June 2008. The Belmont Stakes was the top non-NBA most watched sports event with 13.1 million viewers.

Here are some of the sports programs the Belmont beat out this month: The NHL Finals (Game 5 & 6 were broadcast in June), The US Open ( all days including The final round on Sunday June 15th and the Playoff on Monday June 16th), all NASCAR TV Events, All Fox National Baseball Broadcasts, the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships and all WWE wrestling broadcasts (Nielsen ratings count the WWE as a sports program).

PETA and Churchill

Churchill Downs Inc. President Bob Evans has agreed to a meeting between CDI executives and PETA Representatives. While I support all honest efforts to improve Horse Safety at the Track, I wonder where PETA comes up with their proposals which include banning racing of 2 year old horses, putting a limit on the number of races a horse can run in a year and changing to all synthetic surfaces. I am not a doctor, but not running a horse at 2 years old seems like telling your teenager running on the High School Track Team would be dangerous for him because he is not yet fully grown and his bones are not fully formed yet. Seems crazy to me, how about you?

Big Brown to duck the Travers-will run in the Haskell

Michael Ivarone of IEAH annouced today that Big Brown will run in the Haskell at Monmouth Park on August 3rd and skip the Travers Stakes at Saratoga on August 23rd. According to quotes of Ivarone in the Daily Racing Form, Ivarone feels it will be less hot and humid at Monmouth than the Spa in August. It is also a tighter race track which should be more to the liking of Big Brown. Ivarone after the Belmont was critical of the Belmont dirt surface and no doubt has litte faith in NYRA to give him a favorable track up at the Spa. He will get that at Monmouth plus an additional $50,000 to the owners and $50,000 to Dutrow as bonus money from Monmouth officials as Big Brown won 2 Triple Crown Races. That money would not be given to run in the Travers. So, for you east coast fans of Big Brown you will have to travel to the Shore this summer to see Big Brown as he won't be at the Spa. After that it is possibly off to the West Coast for the Breeders Cup and than bye bye Big Brown.

5 Weeks till Opening Day

With the Belmont meet winding down, Willie Randolph getting fired, congressional hearings beginning, NYRA takeouts increasing, it's time to look forward to something more upbeat- Opening Day at Saratoga Race Course-exactly 5 weeks from today.

99.875%

The Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) will present to a Congressional Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection a report on thoroughbreds, standardbreds and quarterhorses that have died at racing facilities. According to Ed Martin, president of RCI, the numbers in the report show that 99.875% of all starters in a race, finish the race safely.

You can read more here as reported by the Joe Drape in the NY Times. What the committee does with this information going forward will be interesting. Will they digest all the numbers or skew the #'s to fit their own view of the racing industry. What will anti racing groups like PETA have to say? Historically it looks to me like racing fatalities have remained about the same. Of course, soundness of the horse, use of medications, quality of racing, durability of the horses are all deeper issues that the #'s won't easily show. Will the Congress subcommitte hearing, which begins Thursday, be anything more than a dog and pony show? I guess your answer lies in what you think of big government's ability to fix racing problems. I for one, remain dubious that government can figure out a better way to run things than the private entities already involved in the sport.

Curlin Wins the Stephen Foster

Curlin has just won the Stephen Foster in convincing fashion, winning in 1:49 with Einstein 2nd, long shot Barcola 3rd and Grasshopper 4th. I was lucky enough to catch the race live on CapitalOTB TV channel on my Time Warner Cable system. Curlin was boxed in early in slow fractions with Jockey Robby Albarado patiently waiting with the long shot Barcola leading the way. Around the final Turn Curlin found an opening, made his move and sped pass the field. He passed a tiring Barcola and won comfortably.

NTRA response to lack of TV Coverage

Well, Alex Waldrop of the NTRA has responded to the excellent open letter posted by fellow blogger greenbutgame. I give him credit for his response and hope that the NTRA can be more forward thinking in their promotion of the sport. We need more foresight in TV coverage (the recent TV ratings have been good), more promotion of non Triple Crown events, better marketing of the handicap division and promotion of the TBA standings (see the right hand column of this blog). It is a shame that media coverage of today's card is limited. Lets hope the ESPN NEWS channel will at least have the replay of this race on their coverage later today.

How not to promote the Sport

Let see, This Saturday only one week after the Belmont Stakes we have Curlin running in the Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill against some pretty good horses-Einstein, Grasshopper, etc. Curlin is having a monster 4 year old campaign and everyone not talking about the Big Brown follies is talking about this horse. This is also the Northern Dancer stakes on the undercard featuring Pyro, Visionaire and RecapturetheGlory. Perfect for one of the ESPN channels right? Especially since Disney owned ESPN/ABC will be telecasting the Breeders Cup this year. Fresh off the Belmont what a way to keep the sport in the spotlight. Well of course, TV minds think differently and the Churchill card will only be seen on Horse Racing Television Network (HRTV) which can only be found on certain Satellite Systems. If you have regular cable, such as Time Warner or Comcast, etc you are out of luck. Green but Game blogger posted an excellent open letter to the NRTA on this. As a cable subscriber myself,I will have to rely on waiting for a reply are a posting of the video clip on You Tube, bloodhorse.com, etc later in the day. As Curlin was known to be racing in this race for months, why wouldn't ESPN get on the phone and get this race live on one of their channels???

Curlin draws rail in the Stephen Foster Handicap

With the Triple Crown behind us, it is time to move away from the Dutrow-Kent squabbling for now and watch Curlin this Saturday. The great 4 year old drew the 1 post position in the Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs. We are fortunate to have this horse run as a 4 year old. With so many of our 3 year old horses retiring, it is a pleasure to watch this magnificent horse get better and better. Unfortunately, unless you have Horseracing TV network on your cable or satellite system , there is no network or ESPN coverage. Too bad, because the whole card is good and the race itself features Curlin, Grasshopper, Einstein and other fine horses. In any event, with all the talk of what is bad in racing, lets remember what is good-horses like Curlin that stick around and keep racing.

Dutrow blames Kent

Well, the finger pointing has begun. Trainer Rick Dutrow has wasted no time blaming Kent Desormeaux for the ride on Big Brown. He also did not like that Kent pulled him up on the final turn, claiming Big Brown was not sore, so why pull him up. I have to agree. Unless Kent truly felt his horse was injured(and then he should jump off and help the horse immediately..i.e. like Prado did with Barbaro ) why not just ease him up a bit, forget the whip but continue to run through the finish line, finishing last or next to last. I don't get it. This does not look good for Kent, especially since he has been criticized in the Press and in the blogosphere for pulling up horses in the past if they are not in the money.

I had a great vantage point from my seat in section 3N in the Grandstand and I can tell you Big Brown was absolutely through on the final turn and would not have finished in the top 5, but he still should have run through the finish line, even if he had to gallop.

Photos from the Belmont Stakes

Here are some photos from my day at the track from top to bottom they are:

This was taken just as the horses leave the Gate. It looked like a clean start for everyone.
Next is the horses loading into the gate-no problems loading anyone
Next is Big Brown (#1-red) walking towards the gate-Big Brown looks calm.
The last photo is the track just before the horses entered the track for the Belmont Stakes. Little did the crowd know what they were about to see.

Post Belmont Thoughts-Triple Crown Bid Falls

What a hot sweltering day at Belmont Park. Fist things First, from my seat in the Grandstands, Section N, I had a gret view of the final turn. It was clear that as the Da' Tara came out of the final turn that Big Brown would not be going with him. This horse just had no gas, and the acceleration BB showed in the Preakness was absent. We can now say he is a very good horse, but not a truly great horse, as he did not win the Test of Champions. He will not run as a 4 year old, so he does not even have the chance to prove he can be a great horse. Hat's off to anyone who picked Da' Tara. I looked at him and threw him out as a non factor. Speed held all day on the track and who would have thought a speed horse would win wire to wire in the Belmont?

As for the day itself at Belmont, the heat was real tough and my hats off to the ladies who had to deal with non functioning ladies rooms. When I went to the men's room before the 10th race, there were 3 women in the men's room because the lines for the ladies rooms were at least 60 deep. The crowd was under 100,000 (94,000 plus) and I think my predictions in earlier posts about bad weather (hot weather ) and the cost of gas kept the crowd down a bit. I also felt the crowd was much more up and electric in 2004 for Smarty Jones. Lets face it, Dutrow and the ownership group of Big Brown were hard to like, and I think the racing gods may have bit them yesterday. The fans were stunned but I can't say we were sadenned like we were when Smarty Jones lost in the stretch.

The photo in this post was taken on my cell phone camera of the start of the Belmont Stakes. I will post more photos from our day at the track all this week.

This Just in-Casino Drive misses training run

According to Bill Finley of the NY Times, Casino Drive missed a training run and he is being evaluated by his management team-no decision has been made for tomorrow. At this point, might want to throw him out of your exotics even if he does run. Lets hope he is okay.

Belmont Stakes Picks

I will be at the Belmont Stakes all day tomorrow so here are my picks a day early.
Something may happen between now and when I approach the betting windows on Saturday around 6:25 pm but notwithstanding that here is how i see it.

I believe Big Brown is a worthy Triple Crown type horse and I don't see anyone else in the field in his class. I do believe Casino Drive is a very interesting horse with great breeding, but he has only run twice. I worry about his race maturity and whether he has the great turn of foot that great horses need. He won both of his races, but looks very green at this point. Other than Casino Drive possibly being in Big Brown's class none of the rest of the field is. That does not mean they can't win on any given day, including Belmont Stakes day. This is horse racing and great horses do lose. Big Brown can feel less than 100% and come in 2nd or even off the board. That is why this sport is so interesting and tough to handicap.

I will bet a bunch of collectible $2 win tickets on Big Brown to win and then bet the following:

1. Big Brown
2. Denis of Cork
3. Casino Drive
4. Tale of Ekati

Just in case BB bombs out I will play a safety 4 horse tri box of Denis of Cork, Casino Drive, Tale of Ekati, Ready's Echo (I have changed my mind on this horse and think he can get a piece late and might hit the board).

Hope to see you all at the track, enjoy the day, take it all in and may all your tickets be winners!

Belmont Posts Drawn-Preliminary Thoughts

Big Brown draws the rail. I won't repeat the post postions, they can be seen here. With the Belmont 2 days away here are my early thoughts. I will keep an eye on the weather, thunderstorms possible on a humid hot day, and make my final picks while I am actually at the track on Saturday. For blog purposes I will post my picks here on Friday, as I will be at the track when the gates open at 8:30am and away from the Internet all day. I encourage all of you within a tank of gas away from Belmont to come on out. Belmont Park has plenty of room, and although crowded, we can fit you in. So turn off the computer and come on out and say hello. I will be milling around the park all day.

As far as my picks, I keep looking for a way that Big Brown can lose but I just can't see it. He looks ready, rested and fresh. I like Casino Drive, but just don't know enough about the type of horse he really is, especially after just one race on American soil. I do know the breeding is impeccable on him, so for that alone I will put him in my exotics. Throw out Da' Tara, Anak Nakal, Readys Echo. The horses fighthing for places 2-4 should be Casino Drive, Icabad Crane, Denis of Cork, Tale of Ekati. I am undecided on where Macho Again and Guadalcanal fit at this point.

Ivarone says Big Brown will run after Belmont

Good news for for fans who hope Big Brown will continue to run. Much criticized Michael Ivarone, co-president of IEAH Stables said today: "We’re definitely going to point him for the Breeders’ Cup Classic." While there are many doubters out there who believe he will retire after the Belmont, assuming he is healthy my bet is he will run in the Breeders Cup. He will need to run a prep before this and the Travers on August 23rd, 2008 would be the perfect Grade 1 prep for the Classic. Racing fans will be aching for this horse to continue to run if he wins the Triple Crown, and I think is handlers will love the attention Big Brown will get if he runs the Travers up at the Spa and then tries the Classic and a possible duel with Curlin.

Will it be the best thing in the Sport for Big Brown to win?

I have been talking with many serious and casual race fans about Big Brown and his quest for the Triple Crown. The question is, will winning the Triple Crown be good for the sport? I ask this because when I talk to people it seems to be a 60/40 split that it will be good for the sport. The 60% in favor think it is great, can't wait for the Belmont, and believe racing needs a Triple Crown winner. The 40% who don't seem to base this on a dislike for Big Brown's Trainer Rich Dutrow and his often cocky comments as well as a dislike for his ownership IEAH. These people are actively rooting for Big Brown to lose because of his handlers. As the race approaches, I find myself torn. I do not care for Dutrow or IEAH, but I also realize that the Triple Crown would be great for the Sport. I was living in New York City as a child and became interested in the sport when Secretariat, Affirmed and Seattle Slew whon the Triple Crown in 73, 77 and 78. The excitement was electric and it drew me in.

I think the Triple Crown can do that again, draw more casual fans into the sport. Of course, I believe Big Brown will race only 2 more times, (The Travers and the Breeders Cup) and then he will be gone. Where will the casual fans go then? With so many great 3 year olds, like Bernardini, Street Sense, Smarty Jones, retiring early , how do we keep the casual fan in the game. Hard to answer, but the Triple Crown is a start and if it gets people talking about the sport, it will only help this sport. I am in it for life, so for me I am a fan whether Big Brown wins or not. Part of me, because of my feelings on Dutrow and IEAH will be rooting for Big Brown to lose, but as I stand in the Big Grandstand at Belmont this coming Saturday I will be probably rooting for Big Brown to win. My home county, Saratoga, is already buzzing about Big Brown running up at the Spa, and someone who spends all 36 racing days at the Spa, I can tell you there will be a uptick in attendance not only on Travers day but other days if Big Brown wins. Big Brown, with his NY connections will help the NY racing scene and the NYRA tracks will have an up year. As for the long term effect, I really think seeing our great 3 year olds running as 4 and 5 year olds will have a greater long term effect than any one horse winning the Triple Crown.

More reasons to root against Big Brown

The horse may be great, but Big Brown's ownership and trainer just are not all that "cuddly and fuzzy" and easy to love. Unlike past ownership groups like the Sackatoga guys that owned Funny Cide, it is just really hard to warm up to Michael Ivarone, co-president of IEAH, the principal owners of Big Brown. Now we read more news from the Joe Drape of the NY Times on the past troubles of Michael Ivarone. I personally find it real hard to root for a large syndicate that comes in, picks up the horse after his maiden win at Saratoga last September, runs him in the Derby, than sells his stud rights before the Preakness, and then announces he will not run as a 4 year old. As a fan, I wish I could see these great horses continue to run as 4 year olds, much like Curlin is doing this year. Look at the excitement Curlin has generated with his Dubai Cup win, and speculation about his campaign for the rest of the year. Meanwhile, horses like Street Sense are off to Stud , and the casual fan has long forgotten about him.

Edgar Prado to ride Casino Drive

The Japanese management team for Casino Drive announced today that Jockey Edgar Prado will ride Casino Drive.
As detailed in my prior posts, this was the Jockey I was looking for to ride Prado. Big Brown is a beast but if any Jockey knows how to ride over the Belmont track it is Prado. So with 11 days to go the table appears to be set.

2 weeks before Belmont- the field as it looks so far.

As of May 26, New York Racing Association Stakes Coordination Andrew Byrnes expects the Belmont Stakes field to be: Big Brown, Anak Nakal, Casino Drive, Denis of Cork, Icabad Crane, Macho Again, Tale of Ekati, and Tomcito. Bloodhorse.com has latest workout information here. The quarter crack to Big Browns hoof appears to be healing well and I don't think it will be a factor. One odd thing I find is that Casino Drive handlers have still not named a jockey. Are they possibly hoping that Big Brown's injury is worse than feared and they can then grab Kent Desormeaux??? Stay tuned for more info.

More talk of Big Brown vs. Curlin

With most people assuming Big Brown will win the Triple Crown, the talks are heating up of a Big Brown vs. Curlin matchup. I think it would be great for the sport. This sport needs great 3 year olds running against great 4 year olds. As I have previously voiced on this blog, it is my opinion that Big Brown will not retire after the Belmont. I think his handlers will point him to the The Travers at Saratoga and then the monster matchup vs. Curlin in the Breeders Cup at Santa Anita.

Big Brown Trainer continues to talk up the Travers

Enough people think Big Brown will not run again after the Belmont Stakes, but I believe we will see him run again, and I think it will be the Travers and then the Breeders Cup Classic. Big Brown Trainer, never one to shy away from talking, continues to talk up the Travers as well as the Breeders Cup Classic. Dutrow wants to win the Belmont then race in the Travers, then go up against Curlin in the Breeders Cup Classic.

Looking ahead-Big Brown to run in the Travers?

I know the Belmont Stakes has not arrived yet, but I am already looking ahead to the possibility of Big Brown running in the Travers should he get the Triple Crown. According to the Times Union, Trainer Rick Dutrow was quoted as saying The Travers at Saratoga Aug. 23 and the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita Oct. 25 would be the logical races for Big Brown to end his career. Lets hope the owners of Big Brown agree with Dutrow. The Spa will be rocking should Big Brown Barrell into town to run the Travers

Big Brown wins the Preakness

Big Brown was mighty impressive and is the real deal. His turn of foot and acceleration are visually impressive.

We now go on to the Belmont in 3 weeks. I will venture downstate from my home track of Saratoga to my 2nd favorite track-Belmont Park. It is a beautiful track and I invite all of you to come out and witness the attempt for a Triple Crown.

The Belmont is the true "Test of Champions". I think Big Brown will be tested with the likes of Casino Drive, Denis of Cork, Tale of Ekati. That long final stretch has doomed alot of horses seeking the Triple Crown. I was there when Smarty Jones was in the lead only to be taken down by Birdstone in the stretch, and Funny Cide and War Emblem failed at the Belmont also. You have to get all 3 races to win the Triple Crown and that is what makes it so tough. It will be a fun 3 weeks leading up to the hype to Belmont.

Picks for the Preakness

It has been all about Big Brown since the Derby win, either about the horse himself or his majority owners, IEAH . After reviewing the Past Performances of the other 12 entrants, I just don't see how Big Brown can lose. I think the Belmont will be a different story as I see potential entrants of Casino Drive, Denis of Cork, and Tale of Ekati all to be very dangerous in the Belmont.

Of course this is Horse Racing and anything can happen in the Preakness but Big Brown just seems so much better than the other entrants. My advice is to put him on top of your bets over various others in exacta Bets and Tri's and see what happens. I will go with Big Brown over Icabad Crane, BehindattheBar, Kentucky Bear, Giant Moon, Gayego, and Hey Bryn. Predicted order of finish: 1. Big Brown 2. Icabad Crane 3. Kentucky Bear 4. Gayego

Preakness Post Positions-Big Brown #7

The Post Positions are drawn with heavy favorite Big Brown getting Post # 7.

Look for my picks on Friday.

In other news, the syndicate that owns Big Brown, IEAH Stables, announced that Big Brown will not run as a 4 year old.


I predict after the Belmont we will never see him run again. If he should lose the Preakness, his owners say he will not run in the Belmont Stakes.

IEAH are strictly businessmen, not horsemen. I look up to the Jacksons, owner of Curlin. They are horsemen in every sense of the word. But where are the others? This will really hurt the sport in the long run.

Harlem Rocker is out of the Preakness

Harlem Rocker, a Canadian Bred Horse, who won impressively at Aqueduct in the Withers Stakes is out of the Preakness. His owners have decided to point him to the Queens Plate at Woodbine on June 22, 2008. I thought he would have a good shot in the Preakness and would have like to see him run.

The good news for all those who want a competitive field in the Preakness is that it looks like we will have a full field in the Preakness. According to the Daily Racing Forum, Gayego might run. I think he would be a better fit for the Belmont , but if he does run, at least one Derby runner will be back to give it a go. He did win the Arkansas Derby and it would not surprise me if he ran well. I just don't know if he can beet Big Brown at the Preakness Distance.

source: http://www.drf.com/news/article/94499.html

Harlem Rocker out of the Preakness

Harlem Rocker will not run in the preakness.

Looking ahead to the Belmont Stakes

If you have not already seen the clip, watch the Peter Pan Stakes, a Grade 11 race which took place today, 5/10/08 @ Belmont. Casino Drive, a Japenese owned and trained colt, was impressive in winning this race. He is now 2-0 , winning impressively in both starts. He will run in the Belmont. Casino Drive is the half brother to Last years Belmont Stakes winner, Rags to Riches, and also Half brother to 2006 Belmont Stakes winner Jazil. The Horse will have no problem in my opinion getting the 1.5 mile Belmont distance.

Big Brown will have his hands full if he gets by the Preakness.

Who will run in the Preakness?

Will anyone give Big Brown a run for his money?
Let me throw out a candidate.
Harlem Rocker

He will work out this Friday and then a decision will be made on the Preakness.
He ran a 103 beyer in the Withers Stakes at the Big A.

He is Canadian Bred and owned.

Is there anyone else out there you like?

Derby Day Aftermath-Triumph and Tragedy

A review of the news and blogs shows more attention to Eight Belles than Big Brown. This is understandable. When a horse dies just after the Kentucky Derby , this is a major story. I just wish the people giving an opinion would know something about racing. I really disagree with William Rhoden's article in the NY Times (May 4th, 2008) portraying horse racing as a brutal sport.

I also believe Eight Belles could have just as easily broke her ankles running in the Oaks with fellow fillies. She was a competitor and would have been running just as hard the day before.

Fillies routinely run against the boys in Europe and years ago horse ran much more than they do now. Lets focus on track surfaces, training schedules, medications, illegal doping, etc and eliminate the nonsense about this sport being brutal.

Big Brown wins the Derby

Big Brown won the 2008 Kentucky Derby in impressive fashion, with super smooth cruising speed and a easy acceleration down the strech. A gallant Eight Belles was second before collapsing after her finish with 2 broken ankles resulting in her being put down. Triumph and Tragedy on the same day.

I did not have Big Brown to win and had him in multiple exotics with Colonel John, Pyro and others. I will have to watch the replay to see what happened in the also rans to see what happened and where we go from here.

Derby Selections

Well the post positions are picked and here are my selections.
First, here is who I don't like to finish in the money: Cool Coal Man, Anak Nakal, Big Truck, Z Humor, Bob Black Jack, Recapture the Glory.

Everyone else has a chance. Put we must pick someone so here it goes.

I like Colonel John to win. I like his breeding (sire is Tiznow) , he can run the distance and his workouts this week on dirt have been fine.

I will put him in an Exacta wheel with Big Brown, Adriano, Monba, Pyro and Denis of Cork.
Then I will play side bets on Court Vision, Eight Belles, Z fortune and Visionaire.

My order of finish :
Colonel John
Pyro
Monba
Denis of Cork
Big Brown

The First Saturday in May -Movie Review

I went and saw "The First Saturday in May" this weekend. This independent film, made by 2 brothers, John and Brad Hennegan, follows 6 horses as they prepare to run in the various Derby Prep races in hopes of making the 2006 Derby.

The film follows Barbaro, Brother Derek, Jazil, Sharp Humor, Lawyer Ron and Achilles of Troy. The film centers on the horses and the trainers who train them. This film was obviously made by people who love the game and it shows. If you love this game also you will love this film and if you don't know much about it, you will get a good behind the scenes look at the game. The film is fulled with behind the scenes moments with the trainers, the jockeys, and various others who are involved in getting a thoroughbred ready for a race. I found the film both funny and because Barbaro is one of the horses featured, very sad at times. The film reminds us of the various characters involved in this sport. I found myself rooting for all 6 trainers and horses as the film went on (even though the ending is already well known). This is a very absorbing film.

I thoroughly enjoyed it and give it 4 stars !.

Check out the website: www.thefirstsaturdayinmay.com

If you can't catch it in a theatre the DVD will be out soon.

8 Days to go

8 days away to the Derby, and 5 days to the post picks. Until the post positions are set, you really can't pick your winners. This race with 20 horses is a stampede and I think this race, more than others, really depends on post position, tactical speed and getting the distance. It is such a tough race to win, and the of course to win the next day and actually win at Belmont, well that's why its been a while since a triple crown winner.

In other news, Majestic Warrior, who broke her maiden at Saratoga last summer will be running in the Derby Prep this Saturday. It is worth checking out.

2 weeks to the Derby

We are now under the 2 week mark to the Kentucky Derby. The big news week this weekend was the injury to War Pass which will take him off the Derby trail, and probably out of all 3 triple crown races. Look for him to return sometime this summer at Saratoga.

There now will be decision making for the Derby entrants. Will the filly Eight Belles run? How about Proud Spell?

For now, my top 3 remain Pyro, Colonel John, Big Brown. After the posts are picked I will then give my betting picks.

The First Saturday in May

Yes, we all know that means the Kentucky Derby. But it is also the name of a new independent film that opens this week. It is a documentary made about the 2006 Derby and all it takes to get to the Derby. It is made by 2 brothers, John and Brad Hennegan. The film focuses on 6 horses, including Barbaro.

I have seen the Trailer and loved the trailer. After watching the Trailer my heart was racing and I wanted to see the film. The reviews are very positive. It premiers in the Saratoga area on April 24th, 2008 at the Saratoga Film Forum.

I will see it next week and post my review.

2 out of 3 ain't bad

Yes, Meatloaf you are right.
If you followed my advise and bet as I advised this past Saturday in the 3 Derby Preps, you took home some money, especially with the Monba pick. Monba looks like he is maturing at the right time and now Pletcher has one horse (any maybe 2 ) in the Derby.

Todays Derby prep picks

Holy Bull--Hey Bryn
Arkansas Derby-Blackberry Road
Blue Grass States--Upset Special--Monba (this is Trainer Todd Pletcher's best shot to get in the Derby in 08)

Derby Trail

Who's out: Turf War, Salute the Sarge, Elysium Fields
On the bubble: Cowboy Cal, King's Silver Son, Yankee Bravo

My top 3 remain: Pyro, Colonel John, Big Brown

It remains to be seen if War Pass will run. Also will Pletcher get a horse in - I would wager that he gets in Monba as his only entrant

4 weeks to the Derby

We had a big Derby Prep weekend-The Wood Memorial at Aqueduct, The Santa Anita Derby and the Illinois Derby. Of all the winners of these 3 preps the most impressive too me was Colonel John, winner of the Santa Anita Derby. This horse has moved up to my top 3 of the Derby along with Pyro and Big Brown. I think Colonel John will have no problem going the 1-1/4 mile at Churchill Downs. War Pass was a game second in the Wood but I just don't think he can go 1 1/4 mile at Churchill and don't seem him in the money if he runs on Derby Day. Tale of Etaki with the win at the Wood will now race in the Derby. Good to see Barclay Tagg with another Derby horse.

NYRA & Derby Prep Season 2008

Well, what has happenned since my last post?. Well the NYRA franchise issue got settled, after being dragged out way too long. The rush is now on for NYRA to gather ticket requests for Saratoga and get out those tickets. I sent in a request for tickets to every day of the meet-which they deem to be Category 1. However they sent a letter back to me, acknowledging my request, stating I am in Category 2. Why not Category 1, because this is NYRA. How well, at least Spitzer is gone and the State can move on.

We now look forward to the Derby on the First Saturday in May.
Right now, (yes it could change) I like : Big Brown, War Pass, Pyro, Georgie Boy.

We will update as the Derby season progesses.

Franchise Follies

Well it is now 2008 and the Franchise Follies continues. NYRA getting the franchise appears to be the resolution but of course our Governor, Bruno and Silver will drag it out as long as possible. We are now on the second extension for NYRA, now bleeding into February, with no permanent agreement. It all seems so silly, expecially when this could have all been ironed out last year.

In the meantime, NYRA can't sell any seating tickets for the upcoming summer season. Once this gets settled expect some screw ups when you send in your seating application to NYRA. Do you expect customer service to be any different when they have even less time this year to distribute the tickets. It should be a mess.

Meanwhile we await the upcoming season with some good Derby preps coming up. Look for War Pass, Court Vision and Pyro on the Derby prep trails

NYRA Racing Franchise

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Week 6

Well, Week 6 went by too fast as did the entire track season.
Friday night was twilight racing starting at 3 pm. It was great to see the last race go off at 7:17 pm just before sunset on a beautiful day.

Look for NYRA to do 2 Twilight racing days next year.
Attendance for the last week was high with many people coming for Twilight racing as well as the final weekend.

The season was a success with track handle and off track handle very high and attendence over 900,000 for the season.

Saratoga Race Course is a jewel. It is truly the best race course in the country. If you have not been there please mark your calenders for next year for it is the Summer place to be.

I will see you next year, until then I welcome your comments and e-mails.

Week 5-Travers Week

It was a splendid Travers week at the spa-featuring of course the 137th running of the Travers Stakes. A nice crowd of 40,000 plus was there on a day when the sun never came out.

Bernardini ran a awesome race, toying with the 6 horse field. Bluegrass Cat was toyed with by Bernardini as he left Bluegrass Cat and the rest of the field in the dust at the last turn.

He is my choice for 3 year old horse of the year.
Also impressive was Henny Hughes in the King Bishop.
On Friday , Discreet Cat, demolished the field in a 3 yr. old allowance race. Keep on eye on this horse.

Siro's, Broadway and Caroline Street were rocking at night, as they should be.
Already starting to count down till next years travers.

Week 4 complete

Beautiful weather and large crowds at the Spa for week 4, the week before travers.
Pine Island a beautiful huge filly wins the Pine Island.

Will rest for Travers week.

Week 3 complete

What a difference a week makes. The weahter changed and the crowds came out also, including a spinner crowd of $70,000 plus on Sunday. Very nice tribute to the great Jerry Bailey on Sunday.
Was lucky enough to be there Friday through Sunday and see some great racing. Hit the grand slam on Saturday and actually had the first place horse in all 4 races. However it paid only $162.50 oppossed to $961 I had bet the pick 4 and hit on the 4 horses. Dont really like the grand slam as he get know reward for hitting a win or place bet over the show in the 1st 3 races. The grand slam is to me, designed to entice the novice better.
I hit the trifecta in the 2nd for a $123.05 payoff and had a nice weekend. And of course the nice weather brought out some great people watching. The meet is half over with week 4 bringing more races including the Alabama. See ya at the track.

Week 2 complete

What a week- We saw the first ever meet day cancelled because of excessive heat and ended the week with an impressive Grade 1 win by Invasor. This horse is the potential Horse of the Year if he can win 2 more including a Breeder's Cup Win.
The weekend weather was beautiful and the crowds were a plenty both Saturday and Sunday. I know Sunday was a spinner day but nonetheless the crowds were out.

There have been a quite a few articles bemoaning the drop in attendance for week one of the meet. The articles are nonsensical too me as they do not make mention of what I suspect is an overall drop in summer 2006 tourism and entertainment attendance due to the high cost of gas and the miserable heat this summer. I would even guess when compared to Lake George attendence and other close tourist venues that the "drop" is less than those spots. All I know is that the track seems crowed when I am there and the restaurants and bars are packed in the evening.

Now that the weather seems to have turned for the better watch for an increase in attendance.

No Racing Today

For the 1st time in modern racing history at Saratoga a day at the races has been cancelled because of the heat. Economically this is a blow to the meet. Between attendance, money spent on track, bet on track as well as off track handle the $$$ add up. Some of the races will be added to Friday and Sunday's cards but NYRA cannot possibly make up all they would have made today.

Interestingly there have been articles running in the news stating attendence is down 14% as is overall money bet on track. NYRA has blamed increased cost of gasoline for the decline. Big factor, but what about the weather. Of the first 6 days, it rained at least in part on 4 of the 6 days and it has been oppressively hot on all 6 days. I would say Gasoline and the weather are equal factors.
If the weather cools off, attendance will increase, especially for the day trippers who might go up for the day on a weekday.

Day 5 & 6

Sunday, Day 5 the spinners were out. People claim to be reselling for $15-$30 dollars. Hard to believe as you can buy the hat retail for about 5 bucks.
Spun Sugar, another Pletcher horse was the stakes winner of the day giving Pletcher another stakes win. If you have not learned yet, keep betting Pletcher horses this meet.
People at the track still talking about Bernardini's win on Saturday.

Day 6, Monday, a day of Upsets with some great payoffs for those that had the right underdogs.
Still at -$48.20 for the meet.

Will be resting on dark day to get ready for Wednesday, Day 7