Light on Substance, heavy on Fluff, I wonder if I Want Revenge feels slighted, as Joe and Conan talk about the The Kentucky Derby without mentioning I Want Revenge by name.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Young and Old
In the 3rd race at Belmont today, New York Bred and fan favorite Naughty New Yorker finished 6th and last in a New York Bred $65,000 race. It was his 50th start. We last saw him run at Saratoga in the Funny Cide Stakes on August 28th when he rallied for 2nd place. His 3 races before that in '09 have been clunkers. Maybe the 2nd place finish at the Spa, where he made his patented stretch run was his last hurrah??
On the younger front, while watching Jockey's last night on Animal Planet, they focused on the filly Stardom Bound, showing her win in the Santa Anita Oaks and than her 3rd place finish in the Ashland at Keeneland on April 4th. Well, she hasn't raced since. It's funny how horses like that, so promising, often fall off the radar and out of our racing memory. But she has had 4 workouts at Aqueduct and apparently is a possibility for the Breeders Cup Ladies Classic.
Speaking of the Breeders Cup, for news on who's running, and who's not, check out the Breeders Cup Divisional Blogs on NTRA.com written exclusively for the NTRA by my fellow members of the Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance.
On the younger front, while watching Jockey's last night on Animal Planet, they focused on the filly Stardom Bound, showing her win in the Santa Anita Oaks and than her 3rd place finish in the Ashland at Keeneland on April 4th. Well, she hasn't raced since. It's funny how horses like that, so promising, often fall off the radar and out of our racing memory. But she has had 4 workouts at Aqueduct and apparently is a possibility for the Breeders Cup Ladies Classic.
Speaking of the Breeders Cup, for news on who's running, and who's not, check out the Breeders Cup Divisional Blogs on NTRA.com written exclusively for the NTRA by my fellow members of the Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance.
Friday, September 25, 2009
State of the Nation?
The apparent return of 8 year old gelding Lava Man from retirement to training has brought out the predictable "the sky is falling" mass hysteria. I guess in this day of instant commenting on Myspace, Facebook, Twitter or whatever it is, we have to expect instant commentary and opinions.
Myself, I cannot give an instant opinion. I would rather wait and see before commenting on the issue. I want to see the workouts of Lava Man, read the Trainer's and Vet's comments to the press, see what type of races they are thinking about actually racing Lava Man in, before I make any comment. Maybe bringing back Lava Man is a bad decision, maybe it is a good one- but can we wait a few weeks before declaring this a bad decision?
It gets really weird when a blogger named soothsayer99 on the popular left wing site The Daily Kos decides to blog on the issue. The blog is filled with the typical bashing of the game quotes you would expect including this gem:
"Left to the gamblers?"-does anyone want to explain to soothsayer99 that the game only exists because of gambling. Take away gambling, bye, bye horse racing.
Of course soothsayer99 also pulls out the "death" card with this quote:
"tens of thousands of nameless more?" Soothsayer99-- is that tens of thousands figure per day, week, year? soothsayer99 does not specify, but I figure it was just thrown in the sentence because soothsayer99 knows it sounds so evil and will surely fire up the crowd, so who cares about specific data and numbers.
Perhaps it is cold to say it but the truth is the Thoroughbred is specifically bred for the game and is only alive today because of Horse racing. But I have also witnessed many a Thoroughbred being taken care of so lovingly, often treated better than any pet dog or cat, by the trainers and backstretch workers who see to it that the horse gets the chance to do what he/she is bred to do, which is race.
Myself, I cannot give an instant opinion. I would rather wait and see before commenting on the issue. I want to see the workouts of Lava Man, read the Trainer's and Vet's comments to the press, see what type of races they are thinking about actually racing Lava Man in, before I make any comment. Maybe bringing back Lava Man is a bad decision, maybe it is a good one- but can we wait a few weeks before declaring this a bad decision?
It gets really weird when a blogger named soothsayer99 on the popular left wing site The Daily Kos decides to blog on the issue. The blog is filled with the typical bashing of the game quotes you would expect including this gem:
"Horseracing is now an obscure and sullied sport, left to the gamblers and those who love horses too much to turn away."
"Left to the gamblers?"-does anyone want to explain to soothsayer99 that the game only exists because of gambling. Take away gambling, bye, bye horse racing.
Of course soothsayer99 also pulls out the "death" card with this quote:
"This is a recipe for disaster. Horseracing is a brutal sport that claims the lives of at least 3 horses per day - Barbaro, Eight Belles, Inesperado, and tens of thousands of nameless more. It is rife with drugs, risk, and tragedy.
Lava Man was one of the lucky ones to make it out alive - he has earned his retirement."
"tens of thousands of nameless more?" Soothsayer99-- is that tens of thousands figure per day, week, year? soothsayer99 does not specify, but I figure it was just thrown in the sentence because soothsayer99 knows it sounds so evil and will surely fire up the crowd, so who cares about specific data and numbers.
Perhaps it is cold to say it but the truth is the Thoroughbred is specifically bred for the game and is only alive today because of Horse racing. But I have also witnessed many a Thoroughbred being taken care of so lovingly, often treated better than any pet dog or cat, by the trainers and backstretch workers who see to it that the horse gets the chance to do what he/she is bred to do, which is race.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Calling Jerry Jones
While watching the Cowboys-Giants game last night on NBC, if I received a dollar for every time they mentioned the new Cowboys stadium or showed Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in his owners box, I would be a millionaire. Give Jerry credit, in a down economy he managed to fill his place and get the media to hawk it.
Maybe the NTRA should give Jerry a call for tips on marketing the Breeders Cup.
Maybe the NTRA should give Jerry a call for tips on marketing the Breeders Cup.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Mildly Interested?
Midshipman, last years Breeders Cup Juvenile Champ, finally makes his 3 year old debut at Belmont Park today. According to NYRA, the debut is "eagerly anticipated". I don't know if "eagerly anticipated" is how I feel.
I am more "mildly interested" to see how Midshipman does after the long, long layoff.
I will make sure to read the results online tonight; or if I forget peruse the Belmont Results in the paper tomorrow morning or maybe even check out the race on my OTB simulcast channel if I remember this afternoon, but no, I am not eagerly anticipating today's 3rd race at Belmont.
And at 3-1 morning line odds, he won't get my money and I would recommend playing one of the 5 others at more attractive odds.
I am more "mildly interested" to see how Midshipman does after the long, long layoff.
I will make sure to read the results online tonight; or if I forget peruse the Belmont Results in the paper tomorrow morning or maybe even check out the race on my OTB simulcast channel if I remember this afternoon, but no, I am not eagerly anticipating today's 3rd race at Belmont.
And at 3-1 morning line odds, he won't get my money and I would recommend playing one of the 5 others at more attractive odds.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Breeders Cup Gambles on Football
There has been mixed reaction to the decision to air Breeders Cup Qualifier races between a College Football doubleheader on ESPN on October 10th, 2009.
Depending on the schedule, viewers tuned into ESPN on that day will get the chance to see either Zenyatta in the Lady's Secret or Mine That Bird in the Goodwood Stakes.
Some may be offended at being sandwiched between the 2 games, but lets face it, Horse racing (besides the Triple Crown races) just can't draw the #'s that college football brings in for ESPN. Just this past Saturday for instance, USC's victory over Ohio State drew a 6.3 rating and 10.6 million viewers on ESPN. If the college football telecast on the 10th is only half that , say a 3.1, and say only half of that # stay to watch the racing between the games, that still is a rating of 1.5. By comparison last years "Filly Friday" drew a 0.3 rating and the Saturday portion of the Breeders Cup telecast on ESPN on Saturday drew a 1.0 rating.
Much as many people won't like the truncated short coverage, the potential viewing audience can't be ignored.
source: Neilsen Media Research
Depending on the schedule, viewers tuned into ESPN on that day will get the chance to see either Zenyatta in the Lady's Secret or Mine That Bird in the Goodwood Stakes.
Some may be offended at being sandwiched between the 2 games, but lets face it, Horse racing (besides the Triple Crown races) just can't draw the #'s that college football brings in for ESPN. Just this past Saturday for instance, USC's victory over Ohio State drew a 6.3 rating and 10.6 million viewers on ESPN. If the college football telecast on the 10th is only half that , say a 3.1, and say only half of that # stay to watch the racing between the games, that still is a rating of 1.5. By comparison last years "Filly Friday" drew a 0.3 rating and the Saturday portion of the Breeders Cup telecast on ESPN on Saturday drew a 1.0 rating.
Much as many people won't like the truncated short coverage, the potential viewing audience can't be ignored.
source: Neilsen Media Research
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Still Dancing
After 6 weeks of great times at the Spa, this is the week I usually crash and enter into a deep morose period. I tend to get cranky, and bitch about things like: is there ever gonna be a time the light bulbs are all working in the Saratoga infield tote board? (wait, is that 8-1, 3-1, or is it 9-1???) But thanks to the historic Rachel Alexandra win in the Woodward on Saturday, I'm still on a high. I suspect many other fans who were there that day, are feeling the same way. How many of you have watched the replay at least 4 or 5 times?
I will remember a ton of stuff from my many days spent at the Spa this summer-the overall better weather than '08 (except for yet another crappy Travers weather day), Linda Rice's incredible win percentage of 27 % and her "in the money" % of 43%, the 6 way turf photo finish on Alabama Day, seeing Chip Woolery having such a good time at the Spa, watching Summer Bird duplicate his Daddy's feat with the Belmont/Travers double, seeing 2 year old filly Hot Dixie Chick blow away the field in 2 races- but nothing compares to Rachel winning the Woodward Stakes.
I have attended a ton of sporting events in my time, some I remember vividly, some barely at all, but I believe I will always remember standing in the clubhouse on Saturday and watching Rachel come down the stretch while the crowd all around me roared.
How often does a potential great Graded Stakes race suddenly fall apart when "the" horse pulls out a few days before or maybe scratches that morning with a fever or minor injury? Or if the horse makes it to the gate, often we are disappointed-the horse gets a bad trip, gets beat out by a lesser known, or simply never picks up his/her feet to run.
But Rachel did none of that, this athlete would not let us down, this time the race was better than we could have imagined and the Spa roared as loud as it ever had in its storied history.
A native of New York City, now living in Saratoga County, 46 weeks of the year is dedicated to awaiting opening day at the Spa, my justification for living through very long Upstate NY winters. Thanks to Rachel, I suspect I will recount the Woodward Stakes more than a few times this winter and that will help to make the winter seem a little shorter, a little warmer and a lot happier.
I will remember a ton of stuff from my many days spent at the Spa this summer-the overall better weather than '08 (except for yet another crappy Travers weather day), Linda Rice's incredible win percentage of 27 % and her "in the money" % of 43%, the 6 way turf photo finish on Alabama Day, seeing Chip Woolery having such a good time at the Spa, watching Summer Bird duplicate his Daddy's feat with the Belmont/Travers double, seeing 2 year old filly Hot Dixie Chick blow away the field in 2 races- but nothing compares to Rachel winning the Woodward Stakes.
I have attended a ton of sporting events in my time, some I remember vividly, some barely at all, but I believe I will always remember standing in the clubhouse on Saturday and watching Rachel come down the stretch while the crowd all around me roared.
How often does a potential great Graded Stakes race suddenly fall apart when "the" horse pulls out a few days before or maybe scratches that morning with a fever or minor injury? Or if the horse makes it to the gate, often we are disappointed-the horse gets a bad trip, gets beat out by a lesser known, or simply never picks up his/her feet to run.
But Rachel did none of that, this athlete would not let us down, this time the race was better than we could have imagined and the Spa roared as loud as it ever had in its storied history.
A native of New York City, now living in Saratoga County, 46 weeks of the year is dedicated to awaiting opening day at the Spa, my justification for living through very long Upstate NY winters. Thanks to Rachel, I suspect I will recount the Woodward Stakes more than a few times this winter and that will help to make the winter seem a little shorter, a little warmer and a lot happier.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Rachel Alexandra- A Fan's View
Wow-call me impressed! Today at the Spa, I was a fan, not a horseplayer.
I have been to Saratoga, many, many times but I am hard pressed to find a more exciting day at the Spa, than the one I had today watching Rachel Alexandra win the Woodward Stakes. It reminded me how much fun the game can be, not just from playing the card, but as a fan.
It was funny, early in the day; the crowd seemed subdued and muted, almost like they were saving their energy for the big race to come.
And than it happened, as the 9th race ended (The Forego Stakes) the crowd at the rail, which usually leaves before reconvening a few minutes before the next race, stayed put as if they were fearful of losing their spot on the rail. I quickly ran to the clubhouse ground floor to view the Paddock Post Parade and found people lined 4 deep in the Parade area between the Paddock and the Track. As Rachel walked towards the track, the excitement was palpable and the crowd grew excited. I took the photo above of a very calm Rachel and Borel as they walked by me in the Post Parade.
I raced back to my seats, and heard an audible gasp from the crowd when Rachel unseated Borel shortly after she entered the track. All was fine though and Borel was back on her safely. I then arrived back in my seat in Section K and watched history unfold.
As Rachel came around the turn and entered the final stretch, the entire grandstand and clubhouse crowd stood up, section by section, in unison. It seemed everyone in the joint was rooting for Rachel. I know my kids, age 15 and 12, were screaming the loudest I have ever seen them scream at a sporting event or game. My girlfriend compared the crowd noise to a rock concert.
As Rachel crossed the finish line, withstanding a furious run by Macho Again, the crowd was going nuts, still standing, still screaming. The crowd of 31, 171 made a noise level that was one of the loudest I ever heard at the grand old Spa. The crowd reaction reminded me of the fan excitement at a NY Giant football game in
This horse is simply a true champion. She is a premier athlete, seemingly always ready, always wanting to compete.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Schooling with Rachel
For the faithful who showed up at Saratoga today, it was obvious the main attraction was Rachel Alexandra, who schooled in the Paddock at around 3:00 pm. As evidenced by the photo above taken by yours truly, the fans were standing 4 deep at the paddock gate.
I will say this, this horse is very impressive looking. She has that rare look that a truly great athlete has, that look of always being ready to compete. She looked fantastic in the Paddock, walking calmly around like she owned the place. I'm sure her current winning streak will end eventually, but she does not look ready to lose anytime soon.
Alan at Left at the Gate hits all the right notes on his blog regarding attendance for the Woodward in his post titled "I'll Take the Under".
Thus far this week, attendance has been disappointing despite 3 days of crystal clear blue skies without a speck of humidity. Monday brought 10,006 out, Wednesday had 10,983 and today had 11,809.
The forecast will be fantastic for Saturday, so NYRA can't blame the weather. I just think too many of the out of towners are long gone and the walk up sales on a Labor Day weekend can only increase so much, even when a Curlin or Rachel is running. The attendance will be good, just not crazy good. Curlin brought in 22,572 last year. Throw in another 10,000 for my guess of 32,572 fans who will witness the Rachel walkover.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Question and Answers
Q: I can't make it to Saratoga this Saturday, can I watch the Woodward Stakes on national Television?
A: No, It is available if you have TVG, HRTV or on MSG+ network ( a regional network available in the Middle Atlantic region of the US)
Q: I don't live in the Middle Atlantic area and my cable provider does not carry TVG or HRTV. Can't a national network broadcast it. I thought Rachel Alexandra is a national sensation?
A: In the racing world yes, outside of it no. College football starts this weekend. Football is a television sport. People love watching it as much as they love gambling on it. Advertisers know that, hence you will see many, many games this weekend.
Q: Really?
A: Yes, ESPN will televise 28 college football games this weekend across the various stations that make up the ESPN network including ABC.
Q: Oh, maybe NBC will pick up the race, they broadcast the Derby and Preakness right?
A: Yes, they did broadcast those races, and No- they will not pick it up, NBC will be broadcasting the Notre Dame-Nevada college football game this Saturday.
Q: CBS?
A: Nope , they have the Tennis US Open
Q: Your kidding me, what else would they broadcast instead , an NFL Exhibition game?
A: Yes, they would-and happily so, last Sunday's NFL Exhibition game on NBC drew 10.6 million viewers and a 6.5 rating.
Q: But doesn't everyone want to see Rachel run?
A: Yes, but against horses she has a rivalry with, not against older non-stars. The Preakness with the feel good story of Mine That Bird going against Rachel Alexandra was a story the networks love and can sell. The Woodward is a much harder sell.
Q: What should I do?
A: The weather will be great this weekend in Saratoga. Come up and watch the race.
A: No, It is available if you have TVG, HRTV or on MSG+ network ( a regional network available in the Middle Atlantic region of the US)
Q: I don't live in the Middle Atlantic area and my cable provider does not carry TVG or HRTV. Can't a national network broadcast it. I thought Rachel Alexandra is a national sensation?
A: In the racing world yes, outside of it no. College football starts this weekend. Football is a television sport. People love watching it as much as they love gambling on it. Advertisers know that, hence you will see many, many games this weekend.
Q: Really?
A: Yes, ESPN will televise 28 college football games this weekend across the various stations that make up the ESPN network including ABC.
Q: Oh, maybe NBC will pick up the race, they broadcast the Derby and Preakness right?
A: Yes, they did broadcast those races, and No- they will not pick it up, NBC will be broadcasting the Notre Dame-Nevada college football game this Saturday.
Q: CBS?
A: Nope , they have the Tennis US Open
Q: Your kidding me, what else would they broadcast instead , an NFL Exhibition game?
A: Yes, they would-and happily so, last Sunday's NFL Exhibition game on NBC drew 10.6 million viewers and a 6.5 rating.
Q: But doesn't everyone want to see Rachel run?
A: Yes, but against horses she has a rivalry with, not against older non-stars. The Preakness with the feel good story of Mine That Bird going against Rachel Alexandra was a story the networks love and can sell. The Woodward is a much harder sell.
Q: What should I do?
A: The weather will be great this weekend in Saratoga. Come up and watch the race.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Post Travers Reflections
Random Reflections from Travers Weekend at the Spa:
-I wonder if any of my loyal 5 readers bet the Summer Bird/Hold me Back Exacta I gave out on Friday.
-Very glad I was at the track Saturday and not at home betting on my NYRA Rewards Account-Many commenter's on Steve Crists' Cristblog complained about slow service and getting locked out of the site when trying to place an online bet.
-I was a little perplexed at the low crowd figure on Saturday of 34,221 (the lowest since 1979). I realize the dropout of Rachel Alexandra and Mine That Bird hurt, but you still had the Belmont winner, plus Quality Road and a competitive field of seven. Yeah the forecast was bad, but it was not raining all that hard once the races started. I would have thought 40,000 or so fans would have still showed up, with rain gear in hand. Maybe everyone is just coming next Saturday to see Rachel Alexandra. Everyone says they are showing up, but my guess is less than you think will actually be there.(more about that later this week).
-Here are a few photos I took on Travers Day:
Quality Road unseats Velasquez while trying to load in the Gate
Summer Bird looking relaxed and ready going into the Gate
and they're off in the 140th running of the Travers Stakes!
-I wonder if any of my loyal 5 readers bet the Summer Bird/Hold me Back Exacta I gave out on Friday.
-Very glad I was at the track Saturday and not at home betting on my NYRA Rewards Account-Many commenter's on Steve Crists' Cristblog complained about slow service and getting locked out of the site when trying to place an online bet.
-I was a little perplexed at the low crowd figure on Saturday of 34,221 (the lowest since 1979). I realize the dropout of Rachel Alexandra and Mine That Bird hurt, but you still had the Belmont winner, plus Quality Road and a competitive field of seven. Yeah the forecast was bad, but it was not raining all that hard once the races started. I would have thought 40,000 or so fans would have still showed up, with rain gear in hand. Maybe everyone is just coming next Saturday to see Rachel Alexandra. Everyone says they are showing up, but my guess is less than you think will actually be there.(more about that later this week).
-Here are a few photos I took on Travers Day:
Quality Road unseats Velasquez while trying to load in the Gate
Summer Bird looking relaxed and ready going into the Gate
and they're off in the 140th running of the Travers Stakes!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Travers Weekend
Can you spot the error in the official NYRA "Shadwell Travers Stakes" Souvenir Glass? (Special thanks to Reader LJK for finding the error and the photo)
Looking at today's card, the races seem only so-so (except for the Baruch), I would have expected a stronger card for the Friday before Travers day.
On the Travers day card, the King's Bishop is loaded. I like Big Drama in this one. I won't touch Vineyard Haven, having raced only once since last October, placing 4th in Dubai for the Goldophin crew, but would not be surprised either if this horse beats me.
In the Travers, I like Summer Bird at this distance, I think the pace and distance sets up well for this bird. Looking for a nice exacta payoff, I like Hold Me Back, who returns to the dirt after running a 106 on the Turf at Colonial on July 18th. If this colt manages to grab 1st, the color of the canoe stays the same (Winstar Farm owned Colonel John).
Latest weather forecast has rain coming in heavy tonight but moving out of Saratoga by 11 am tomorrow with only a chance of showers after that. Look for a crowd in the mid-40's under a cloudy sky and a good track. See you at the Spa.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Jockey Title at Saratoga: What a battle
With 11 days left at the Saratoga meet, Ramon Dominquez and Alan Garcia are in a fast and furious battle for the Leading Jockey Title. After Wednesdays action, where Dominguez had 4 wins, he now vaults on top of the leader board with 31 wins , 2 more than Garcia who has 29 wins. These 2 have been have been alternating multi-win days this past week pulling way ahead of the rest with Rajiv Maragh far back in 3rd with 19 wins.
You can bet Dominquez and Garcia are taking all mounts seriously as the margin of victory might come down to one win. Just look at the last 4 racing days:
8/22/09: Dominquez 4 wins, Garcia 1 win--Dominquez pulls ahead 26-25
8/23/09: Dominquez 1 win, Garcia 1 win--Dominquez stays 1 ahead 27-26
8/24/09: Dominquez 0 wins, Garcia 3 wins-Garcia leaps ahead 29-27
8/26/09: Dominquez 4 wins, Garcia 0 wins-Dominquez leaps ahead 31-29
I'm pulling for Dominquez, as my betting interest is with him in the Equispace Toga Party Contest.
I would watch who these guys are on in the last race on each race day-a place some Jockeys mail it in on what is usually a low level claiming race- these 2 cannot afford to relax and will be looking to steal a win wherever they can.
You can bet Dominquez and Garcia are taking all mounts seriously as the margin of victory might come down to one win. Just look at the last 4 racing days:
8/22/09: Dominquez 4 wins, Garcia 1 win--Dominquez pulls ahead 26-25
8/23/09: Dominquez 1 win, Garcia 1 win--Dominquez stays 1 ahead 27-26
8/24/09: Dominquez 0 wins, Garcia 3 wins-Garcia leaps ahead 29-27
8/26/09: Dominquez 4 wins, Garcia 0 wins-Dominquez leaps ahead 31-29
I'm pulling for Dominquez, as my betting interest is with him in the Equispace Toga Party Contest.
I would watch who these guys are on in the last race on each race day-a place some Jockeys mail it in on what is usually a low level claiming race- these 2 cannot afford to relax and will be looking to steal a win wherever they can.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Rachel Alexandra Winner-NYRA
They might want to add the Woodward Stakes on Septmember 5th to this Hotel sign, now that Rachel Alexandra will be running in it.
I certainly understand the historical perspective if this great filly dusts the field of older males in the Woodward, and I fully expect she will dust the field, but I think the Travers would have been a harder test, even if she did already beat the 3 year old boys (twice at that). I think the Mile and a 1/4 length would have been a challenge, especially against a healthy Mine That Bird, Summer Bird and Quality Road.
But the choice has been made, and the real winner is NYRA, which now gets rewarded with all 3 Triple Crown Race winners running in the final 2 weekends of the meet.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Pictures from Alabama Day
Light Bulb problems again for NYRA as the Infield Tote Board (Grandstand side) Winner Place and Show payouts are not visible all day for the customers.
The Day at Saratoga Started cloudy with the dirt listed as muddy and the turf soft
Ramon Dominguez aboard Winner 3 year old Happy Bull in the 5th, one of 3 winners for Dominguez on the day, putting him on top of the Jockey standings for the Saratoga Meet.
The Saddlecloths are all Pink in The Breast Cancer Research Foundation 8th race won by 2 year old Discreetly Mine with Edgar Prado aboard
The Sun shines before the Alabama on a track now labeled good
Careless Jewel pulls away from the field down the stretch in The Alabama Stakes
Notes: Photo Credit: Me
After Sunday, 22 racing days in the books, only 14 days left.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Rachel Alexandra: One down, Four under consideration
Scratch one off the list, Rachel Alexandra, will not be running this Saturday in the Alabama Stakes. Not that anyone thought she would, but it was on the list of 5 races the RA camp said they were considering. Originally a decision was possibly to be made this week on where RA will run next. Now, we are told, a decision will come next week
Owner Jess Jackson was quoted in a Daily Racing Form article written by Dave Grenig as saying:
Hey Jess--Let's not forget the fans and horse players who want to see Rachel run in person but can't yet plan a weekend because they don't know whether to book on Travers weekend or Labor Day weekend for the Woodward. And how many on short notice can turn around and make all the arrangements to get to Pennsylvania on Labor Day if Rachel is sent to the Pennsylvania Derby on Sept. 7th?.
Owner Jess Jackson was quoted in a Daily Racing Form article written by Dave Grenig as saying:
"I know delaying the decision makes it harder for the press to follow, but it's all about the horse."
Hey Jess--Let's not forget the fans and horse players who want to see Rachel run in person but can't yet plan a weekend because they don't know whether to book on Travers weekend or Labor Day weekend for the Woodward. And how many on short notice can turn around and make all the arrangements to get to Pennsylvania on Labor Day if Rachel is sent to the Pennsylvania Derby on Sept. 7th?.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Guess we will have a Jockey Change Announcement
Looks like Norberto Arroyo Jr. will not be making his mounts on Races 1, 2,4,5,6,7, and 8 today at Saratoga.
The Times Union is reporting that Jockey Norberto Arroyo Jr. was arrested Sunday morning in Saratoga Springs for possession of an illegal substance after police said they caught him with more than 11 grams of cocaine. As of 10:40 am this morning they reported he was still in Jail pending $25,000 bail.
The Times Union is reporting that Jockey Norberto Arroyo Jr. was arrested Sunday morning in Saratoga Springs for possession of an illegal substance after police said they caught him with more than 11 grams of cocaine. As of 10:40 am this morning they reported he was still in Jail pending $25,000 bail.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Completing the Saratoga Double
The Saratoga Double is now complete-that being my attempt to run the Fasig-Tipton 5k Road Race in Saratoga Saturday morning and than return to Saratoga to enjoy a full day of racing at the track.
The race itself was great. I finished 78th out of 239 finishers, running it in 25 minutes on the nose (25:00); with a pace of 8:03 and a place of 13th in my age group (40-49 male). Coming off a recent surgery, I was happy with the results.
It was hot but the scenic course made it a pleasant run, especially the parts on Union Avenue with a view of the grandstand side of the main track, and Fifth Avenue with a view of the Oklahoma Training Track. It was a very well run race and 4 racing charities will receive the racing proceeds. I will definitely be back to run it next year. It was neat to see all the racing related runners-other bloggers, writers, horseman, as well as the out of town runners from Florida, Canada and of course, a bunch from Kentucky. You can peruse the finishers and their hometowns here.
The runners were allowed to park in the Oklahoma Training Track parking area, and upon returning to my car after the race, I stopped for a few minutes to watch the horses in action on the training track. As the sun rose above the track I was once again reminded that there is no better place to be in the a.m than on the Oklahoma training track at Saratoga.
I later returned to Saratoga and watched a full day off long shots win at the Spa, including Telling in the Sword Dancer Stakes. My heart was with Better Talk Now, and the 10 year old warrior made a nice late move on the outside, but it was not enough as he finished 2nd to the long shot Telling.
The race itself was great. I finished 78th out of 239 finishers, running it in 25 minutes on the nose (25:00); with a pace of 8:03 and a place of 13th in my age group (40-49 male). Coming off a recent surgery, I was happy with the results.
It was hot but the scenic course made it a pleasant run, especially the parts on Union Avenue with a view of the grandstand side of the main track, and Fifth Avenue with a view of the Oklahoma Training Track. It was a very well run race and 4 racing charities will receive the racing proceeds. I will definitely be back to run it next year. It was neat to see all the racing related runners-other bloggers, writers, horseman, as well as the out of town runners from Florida, Canada and of course, a bunch from Kentucky. You can peruse the finishers and their hometowns here.
The runners were allowed to park in the Oklahoma Training Track parking area, and upon returning to my car after the race, I stopped for a few minutes to watch the horses in action on the training track. As the sun rose above the track I was once again reminded that there is no better place to be in the a.m than on the Oklahoma training track at Saratoga.
I later returned to Saratoga and watched a full day off long shots win at the Spa, including Telling in the Sword Dancer Stakes. My heart was with Better Talk Now, and the 10 year old warrior made a nice late move on the outside, but it was not enough as he finished 2nd to the long shot Telling.
Friday, August 14, 2009
The Saratoga Double
The weather forecast for this weekend at Saratoga is Hot and Humid, not exactly the perfect weather conditions for my attempt at the Saratoga Double on Saturday. I will be running in the Fasig-Tipton 5K road race to benefit New York Racing Backstretch Charities. The race starts at 8 am looping around Union Avenue and onto 5th Avenue, affording all runners views of the back of the Saratoga Grandstand, The Oklahoma Training Track and some prime real estate in between. You can still sign up if you want to give it a shot and help out some great racing charities.
After returning home for a shower and some nourishment it is back to the Track for a full card of racing featuring the Grade 1 Sword Dancer. Personally I would love to see 10 year old Better Talk Now somehow pull out a win. If Better Talk Now were to pull out a win, he would become the oldest horse in North America to win a Grade 1 Stakes race. John Henry, John's Call and The Tin Man all won a Grade 1 at 9 years old.
I don't know who is the oldest horse outside of North America to win a Grade 1. Perhaps our international readers or fans of racing outside of North America would know the answer?
After returning home for a shower and some nourishment it is back to the Track for a full card of racing featuring the Grade 1 Sword Dancer. Personally I would love to see 10 year old Better Talk Now somehow pull out a win. If Better Talk Now were to pull out a win, he would become the oldest horse in North America to win a Grade 1 Stakes race. John Henry, John's Call and The Tin Man all won a Grade 1 at 9 years old.
I don't know who is the oldest horse outside of North America to win a Grade 1. Perhaps our international readers or fans of racing outside of North America would know the answer?
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Saratoga after 2 weeks-Good Stuff
With 2 weeks in the books, attendance for the Saratoga meet is up 4.8 % compared to last year and on-track handle is up 8.3%. Pretty good news when compared to the meet figures at other tracks where attendance and on-track handle have been down this year.
What do we attribute this too? Here's my take:
Moving the Whitney Stakes back-Last year the The Whitney was moved from it's traditional weekend spot to the 1st weekend (Saturday), sharing the spotlight with the Jim Dandy Stakes being run that same weekend. This resulted in a lopsided meet leading to a stakes less weekend later on in the meet. This year it was moved back to the 2nd weekend resulting in the traditional schedule of running the Whitney a week after the Jim Dandy. Attendance for this year's Jim Dandy was 33,954 and the Whitney this past Saturday was a very healthy 39,568.
Decent weather-this year has had far less rain and more sunny comfortable days. Good weather equals good attendance, bad weather equals bad crowd. More than any other meet, Saratoga is weather dependent.
Familiar names-Saratoga visitors love to see horses, owners and trainers they know and plenty of familiar names are up here this summer-Commentator last week, with Mine That Bird, Summer Bird and maybe even Rachel Alexandra later on in the meet. I saw Mine That Bird Trainer Chip Woolery milling about at Siro's Saturday night and he was instantly recognized and treated like a rock star by the Siro's patrons.
Crowd makeup-It seems out of town visitors and week and meet long house rentals are down-but local "walk up" attendance by the locals seems to up-the Capital Region economy has faltered not nearly as badly as the rest of the country and I have seen far more frequent print media and local TV advertising by NYRA in an effort to draw the locals.
Still 4 weeks to go, but so far so good
What do we attribute this too? Here's my take:
Moving the Whitney Stakes back-Last year the The Whitney was moved from it's traditional weekend spot to the 1st weekend (Saturday), sharing the spotlight with the Jim Dandy Stakes being run that same weekend. This resulted in a lopsided meet leading to a stakes less weekend later on in the meet. This year it was moved back to the 2nd weekend resulting in the traditional schedule of running the Whitney a week after the Jim Dandy. Attendance for this year's Jim Dandy was 33,954 and the Whitney this past Saturday was a very healthy 39,568.
Decent weather-this year has had far less rain and more sunny comfortable days. Good weather equals good attendance, bad weather equals bad crowd. More than any other meet, Saratoga is weather dependent.
Familiar names-Saratoga visitors love to see horses, owners and trainers they know and plenty of familiar names are up here this summer-Commentator last week, with Mine That Bird, Summer Bird and maybe even Rachel Alexandra later on in the meet. I saw Mine That Bird Trainer Chip Woolery milling about at Siro's Saturday night and he was instantly recognized and treated like a rock star by the Siro's patrons.
Crowd makeup-It seems out of town visitors and week and meet long house rentals are down-but local "walk up" attendance by the locals seems to up-the Capital Region economy has faltered not nearly as badly as the rest of the country and I have seen far more frequent print media and local TV advertising by NYRA in an effort to draw the locals.
Still 4 weeks to go, but so far so good
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