ATP the "lost columns" (# 1 - 12/17)

Remember when you were in school and you had to write an essay on a subject you enjoyed? You had no problem coming up with the “thing” that you enjoyed, it was writing the paper and having it make sense the tough part. Back nearly 12 years ago, when I was first approached about writing a weekly column, it was kind of tough for me. The subject matter was easy; the handicapping aspect was also easy. It was coming up with a column, long enough to full each week and making it sound right.

I remember the very first column I wrote for the Amsterdam Recorder for the 1998 Kentucky Derby weekend. I remember the sports editor at the time telling me; “feel free to include more” when it came to the size of the column. Well, the next week and weeks to follow; the size of the column grew and it became easier to write each week. Subject matter was easy some weeks and tougher on others. Material was no problem to come up with during the Triple Crown trail, Saratoga and Breeder’s Cup time. It was after the Breeder’s Cup until usually when the three year old colts started prep races for the Kentucky Derby, when the writing time was slow. It’s that time of the year and while my column will be in a “winter” hiatus in “print”, it won’t be on the “web”.

Back, in April of 2008 I discovered how to make a “blog” on the internet. Ironically, I put it together the same day as when my father; Bill Hoffman passed away. I put the blog together between the time I got up that morning and went to work. In less than an hour, I had my words on the “world wide web” and a new avenue was opened for me. At first, the blog had more pictures than stories on it. But, just like my column; it flourished into something much more. It was another outlet for expressing my love for thoroughbred racing. Since then “AT THE POST on the Sand Flats” has been a source of fond memories of horse racing and related events the past year and a half. Whether it’s about Dee Tee Stables or other big horse racing events, my blog has been a fun thing to do. Now, that my weekly column won’t be returning to the RECORDER until the first week in March, my blog will be the “thing” that will keep my writing skills sharp. There might not be a new column each week, but it will stay updated when the things of thoroughbred racing importance come up.

In the next ten weeks, I’ll be looking back at racing in 2009 and the end of the first decade in the 21st century, updates on my racing partnership; Dee Tee Stables, the Eclipse Award voting and nominates, an early look at the upcoming three year old season on the road to the Triple Crown. As Neil Young would say; “Rust never sleeps” and I'll continue with the Thursday night tradition I’ve grown to love. The “lost” columns will be written as a tool to keep sharp until I’m back in print. This is the first of these columns…..next week I’ll give the “lowdown” on my trip to Philadelphia Park and Dee Tee Stables; Kickin N Screamin’s second race on the east coast with the legendary Anthony S. Black in the irons. Until next week…..cash those tickets!

The "At the Post" column finale for 2009

Well, the last AT THE POST column for 2009 has been sent to the RECORDER and will appear Saturday (12/12) I will be taking a "winter" hiatus with the column until March 6th 2010. It's gonna be very different the next 10 weeks without writing on Thursday night, something I've been doing for nearly 12 years! I'm a little sad :( but, look forward to "recharging my batteries" and be ready for 2010 Triple Crown trail! Here it is...............

As I look back at the 2009 year in racing, we were treated with a once in a lifetime experience of having two very talented and wonderful distaff horses. One, who as a five year old mare remained undefeated in 14 career starts. The second, a three year old filly who had a record performance in the Kentucky Oaks and then went on to beat the boys on three occasions during year and finished a perfect eight for eight for the season. These two runners made me truly grateful and bless to have them grace our sport. It was something that may not ever come along again in this lifetime.

Zenyatta; trained by California based, John Shirreffs went into this year’s Breeder’s Cup a perfect four for four this season, added with her perfect nine for nine victorious previously in her 13 race career. Never been beaten on a synthetic surface and racing in her home state, Zenyatta would go for all the marbles and face colts for the first time in her career and in doing so, put her undefeated racing streak on the line. After an eventful starting gate load, Zenyatta came out and soon dropped back in the pack with her usual running style. Gradually, she made her way through the pack of her male competition and once clear, exploded to the front and victory. She remained undefeated and became the first distaff horse ever to win the Breeder’s Cup Classic. She ended her three year racing career a perfect 14 for 14 and won racing’s biggest event. She had accomplished something no horse had ever done before. On any other year, she would be a champion “hands down”. But, there was another distaff runner who also accomplished something truly amazing and she is just a three year old.

Rachel Alexandra came into her three year old season with little fanfare as the top two year old filly the previous season. But after her eight length victory in her seasonal debut, Rachel Alexandra became a force to be reckoned with. She would win two more races impressively and then entered the Kentucky Oaks as the odds-on favorite. There she would romp by over 20 lengths and become a threat versus her three year old male counterparts. She would have new owners and trainer for her next start and step up in class versus the “boys”. She would contest the second leg of the Triple Crown; the Preakness Stakes and this girl would not disappoint! After beating the three year old boys, it was back against the girls with similar results as in the Kentucky Oaks. This time it was an over 10 length win in the Mother Goose Stakes at Belmont Park . With nothing more to prove versus her own three year old sex, it was back against the boys for her final two starts of this year. She beat the three year old colts prepping for the Travers in the Haskell Stakes on a sloppy track and then made a bold move in racing going against older males at Saratoga in the Woodward Stakes. She would hold off six rivals and defeat the much tougher older male horses and in doing so, become the first filly in over a hundred years to accomplish that feat.

Two spectacular horses, both females and who both defeated the males in the same calendar year. Something that has not been done as far as I know...... ever! Two distaff runners who are hard to separate in 2009 and both who could be equally be “Horse of the Year”. This in our sport, I am very grateful for and as we wind down the year, we look forward to 2010 and next year’s racing season.

I’ll be taking a “winter” hiatus from my “At the Post” column for the next two and a half months. I’ll be getting my batteries recharged and get ready for the upcoming 2010 Triple Crown trail when by my column reappears on March 6th 2010. Until then, you can follow my exploits on my horse racing blog; “At the Post” on the Sand Flats @ www.hickoryhillhoff.blogspot.com where I will be doing handicapping and updating race events for the next several months. Until then, Happy Holidays and good luck at the windows……I’ll see you in the spring!

The "thankful" things in 2009 - part I

Even though Thanksgiving was a week ago, we have things to be thankful for as a thoroughbred racing fan and there have been plenty this past year. The sport has been very fortunate to be full with exciting new people we got to meet for the first time, superstar horses that only come along once in a lifetime and fine wonderful things right here in our area that make playing the ponies so much fun and profitable!

This year’s Triple Crown trail saw two new faces enter the picture of our sport. For years; the well known, established trainers ruled the “big” races and the Triple Crown trail. This year there were two new men that stepped forward into the spotlight with their horses gaining victory in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. They were young fresh faces that never were really heard of until they found the winners circle on racing’s biggest stage.

When 50-1 longshot, Mine That Bird came roaring up the rail to win this year’s Kentucky Derby and it was the first time we met the guy with the cowboy hat and crutches. Bennie “Chip” Wooley Jr. went from a little known thoroughbred trainer from New Mexico to national prominence. He’s been around the racing game for nearly 20 years, but it took an unlikely horse to put in at the top of the game. A gelding that was last in the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile the year before and got into the Kentucky Derby on just earnings. He won the “Run for the Roses” was a gallant 2nd in the Preakness Stakes and rounded the final leg of the Triple Crown with a 3rd in the Belmont Stakes. He'll be known with the trademark cowboy hat, pictured on crutches throughout the entire series of races and the long van trips across country to various racing venues which made "Chip" Wooley a very noticeable household name.

Another young new face to racing’s biggest stage appeared late on the Triple Crown trail in Arkansas with a horse named; Summer Bird. Lightly raced; Summer Bird didn’t make much of an impact in the Kentucky Derby, but his trainer Tim Ice had bigger plans for him. New to the sport, Summer Bird was Tim Ice’s first “big” horse. After skipping the Preakness to point for the Belmont Stakes, Tim Ice had made the right decision and on his 35th birthday was rewarded with a Belmont Stakes victory. Summer Bird would then run behind Rachel Alexandra in the Haskell Stakes at Monmouth in the slop, but regroup and point for the Mid-Summer’s Derby; The Travers Stakes. It was there that he would get his second grade I victory and go to the top of the three year old colts division. He stayed in New York to prep for the Breeder’s Cup and it was there that he won the Jockey Club Gold Cup and became the first horse since the great Easy Goer to win the Belmont Stakes, Travers Stakes and Jockey Club Gold Cup as a three year old, all in the same year. While the horse was doing this on the track, Tim and his wife had their first child. Summer Bird ventured to the west coast for the Breeder’s Cup Classic and was a respectable 3rd in the race on the “pro-ride” surface, finishing the best of the east coast “real” dirt runners. With the success of Summer Bird, Tim Ice has decided to relocated to the east coast and expand his stable with more horses and new owners for the upcoming year.

These are just two of the “thankful” things we had in thoroughbred racing in 2009 and the next few weeks, I’ll be reminding us more on others like; two superstar fillies that unfortunately came along in the same year and great things right here at home for the racing fan & wager during the summer months and year round.

The last big day in 2009 for NYRA

The major racing season in New York winds down this weekend. We’ve been spoiled by this wonderful November weather and it won’t be long until the Aqueduct “Inner-track” opens and the snow begins to fly. But, today we have four graded races on the card and it will be probably the last time we see these type runners until the spring. So with that said, here’s my look at the Aqueduct’s Holiday-fest card for today. We had two year old runners pointing for bigger things “down the road”, three year old fillies and the older handicap runners in grade I action.

First up are the two year old fillies in the grade I – Demoiselle Stakes going the mile & an eighth route distance. I’m going with the “regal” breeding here and taking the Shug McGaughey trainee; Protesting. Her dam; On Parade was the first foal from My Flag and has the Phipps “blue blood” breeding. She recently broke her maiden at Keeneland on their “polytrack” quite easily. Her previous starts here in New York were even at best. Even though she is bred to be a “good one”, it’s highly doubtful that she’ll be the favorite here. The favorism will be on the Kelly Breen entry; In the Rough & Profiteroles. Both recent broke their maidens out of town and will be tough off those efforts.

The “boys” are next up in the Remsen Stakes at the same distance. It comes down to three very impressive young two year old runners here. Buddy’s Saint nearly wired the field in the most recently run, Nashua Stakes going a mile here on Breeder’s Cup day. Winning off by over 12 lengths, he’ll get the favorism here. Homeboykris was also impressive by winning the Champagne Stakes at Belmont a few weeks back. He’s been working well and will now try two turns. But for my top pick, I’m going with Citrus Kid. This son of Lemon Drop Kid recently won a stake race at Delaware Park after breaking his maiden there impressively. He’ll be the bigger price over the two above horses and could be equally good.

Three year old fillies go in the Gazelle Handicap, a race that has never been run this time of the year in the past. I’m taking a shot with a filly that was on “top of the world” a little bit over a year ago. She has never raced on “real dirt” and hasn't raced in six months. Stardom Bound was more regarded than Rachel Alexandra was as a two year old. The Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Filly winner was last seen running third at Keeneland in the Ashland Stakes. Now, she returns for new connections, but gets her regular rider aboard; Mike Smith. For second, Flashing returns to a route distance and “real dirt”. She ran well over the Aqueduct main track last spring. Milwaukee Appeal and Unrivaled Belle will round out my triple and superfecta plays.

In the last grade I stake of 2009, older males will be going the “flat” mile in the Cigar Mile. We only get six entered, but it is an evenly matched field of top quality runners. This race screams out for a “true” miler and that horse is my top pick; Bribon. A grade I winner on both dirt and turf, he is the definite class of this group. For second; speed is always dangerous and the “main speed” will be from the rail in Driven By Success. This statebred is very tough with his speed and is definitely the one to catch. Rounding out this good edition of the Cigar Mile is Pyro who is making his final career start and returning to a dirt surface.

Brooklyn native / California legend - Bobby Frankel 1941-2009

The past Monday, the thoroughbred world lost a legendary figure. Hall of Fame trainer; Bobby Frankel succumbed to the cancer he had been battling the past year. His death at the age of 68 leaves a void in the sport that may be hard to replace. His nearly 45 years on the track as a trainer originally from the east coast and then transplanted to the west coast was one of exceptional greatness. Born in Brooklyn, he got his start as a “hot walker” at Aqueduct and Belmont Park in the early 60’s. A brash, no nonsense New Yorker; Bobby was tough as nails in the metropolitan racing scene. He saddled his first winner in 1966 and then spent the next six years as a trainer on the New York circuit. In 1972, Bobby decided to move his tact to the west coast. That is where he would flourish and become the great trainer that we know.

His rise to greatness came just about the same time I was beginning to be interested in the sport. In 1986, he won the Eddie Read Stakes with Al Mammon and that started a great stretch of graded stakes wins in California and throughout the country. He trained champion colts; Bertrando (1993) and 2004 Horse of the Year; Ghostzapper, champion sprinter; Squirtle Squirt (2001) and 2003 Belmont Stakes winner; Empire Maker. But, Bobby was best with the opposite members of the sex; the filly and mares. Here Frankel had a knack with the gals and the list of winners and champions he trained is a long one. Ginger Punch, Intercontinental, Possibly Perfect, Wandtesa and Ryafan were all champions for Frankel. The list goes non-stop from the late 80’s until today with graded stake winners. It earned him a place in thoroughbred racing’s Hall of Fame in 1995.

Bobby had won 3,654 races from 17,657 starters and his horses earned $227,947,775, second all-time on the money list to D. Wayne Lukas. He was an Eclipse Award-winning trainer five times (1993 and 2000-2003), and he won 11 Eclipse Awards with the above mention horses. Throughout his training career, he won 30 individual meet training titles. When he relocated on the west coast, he won 10 titles at Hollywood Park 's spring meet, 6 at Santa Anita's Oak Tree meeting, 5 at Santa Anita's main winter meeting, 5 more at Del Mar, and 3 at Hollywood 's fall meeting. His main success the last decade was with Juddmonte Farms who he trained for and garnered six Eclipse Awards as champion owner and breeder.

But, under that rough exterior that Bobby Frankel showed most of his career was a softer side that he had when people got close to him and it came out more the past few years. Two year’s ago his beloved Australian shepherd pup; Happy passed away just before 2007 Breeder’s Cup at Monmouth Park . Very upset about his death, Frankel did not attend the event. Bobby loved his dog and his horses and would get very emotional when he spoke about them. I know people that became very close to him the past few years and tell stories on how “down to earth” Bobby had become later in life. He was a fun loving guy who enjoyed a good Italian meal, watching sports and celebrating after a big win on the track. He’ll be missed by his friends and the sport will be a lesser place without him in it. He had a long career that spanned from one coast to another, made a lot of friends and won a lot of races. Bobby Frankel was a legend in our sport and will be missed, but never forgotten.

"Z" is.....what "Z" is......the perfect champion!

I really thought lightning couldn’t strike twice in one year, yet alone ever with two wonderful and fabulous filly & mares. But, just when you thought you saw everything with the three year old season that Rachel Alexandra had, Zenyatta adds to it with a powerful victory in the Breeder’s Cup Classic.

The same could be said with the Breeder’s Cup being held at Santa Anita Park for the second straight year too! Much like last year, my handicapping skills excelled on the “pro-ride” surface. But, this year it came quickly in the first race on Friday afternoon in the Marathon . My selection and play of Man of Iron set things up quickly with $300 in my account. Unfortunately, the remaining 13 races didn’t fare quite as well as that. But, overall my bankroll showed a profit for the second straight year at racing’s biggest event on the synthetic racing surface.

It seemed that it was the opposite sex (filly and mares) that had center stage on both racing days. Of course five out of the six races on Friday were for the distaffers. Two year old filly; She Be Wild had a tremendous rail skimming ride in the Juvenile Fillies race and quite possibly locked up year end honors in that category. Informed Decision showed that she is the best older female sprinter in the country outgunning Ventura to victory and is now perfect sprinting on polytrack. In the Ladies Classic, Life is Sweet came out of the shadow from her stablemate; Zenyatta and showed her affinity for Santa Anita’s track surface in victory. Again this year, after day one there was a trend beginning and an all too familiar one.

Saturday’s racing was a mixed bag of results for my wagering. I came ever so close in the day’s first two races from making lots of money. Had the wrong European runner in the Juvenile turf race and if Gotta Have Her wins the turf sprint, I see a payout much like Man of Iron plays on Friday. Once again, a sharp local runner who is a female and lover of Santa Anita’s downhill course came through. This race follows the form we’ve seen before, as does the dirt sprint race. The winner, although seemed to face less competition was victorious over a track he had race well over in the past.

I could not come up with either winners of the Juvenile or the Dirt Mile, but returning champions Goldikova & Conduit remembered Santa Anita well from last year and now are two time repeat winners in their categories. But, all the previous 13 races from this year’s Breeder’s Cup could not compare to what was about to happen in the Breeder’s Cup Classic.

The loading of the starting gate was most eventful with Quality Road literality losing his mind and having to be scratched. At the break, Zenyatta dropped way back as the twelve other runners made their way on the pro-ride surface. Mike Smith then guided Zenyatta masterfully through the pack and clear after occurring traffic in mid stretch. Then with her powerful kick that we’ve seen so many times before, Zenyatta roared past the “boys” with a breathtaking victory and a record in the history books. She became the first female horse to ever win the Breeder’s Cup Classic and to remain undefeated, a perfect 14 for 14. Everything that her connections planned for her came true. It was another defining for the sport this year by a filly, something we rarely see. The debate will go on for months on whose better; Rachel Alexandra or Zenyatta. But for now, we’ll savior the moment on the wonderful and history making performance by the undefeated Zenyatta.

No complaints here......Breeder's Cup XXVI

After all the complaints about the Breeder’s Cup being contested two straight years at Santa Anita Park and on a synthetic surface, we have gotten a record number of horses back for a second year to defend their championship titles from 2008. Six runners are looking to become back-to-back winners in the Filly & Mare Sprint ( Ventura ), Filly & Mare Turf (Forever Together), Marathon (Muhannak), Turf Sprint (Desert Code), Mile (Goldikova) and Turf (Conduit). Also, three other winners from last year; Maram (Filly & Mare Juvenile), Zenyatta (Ladies Classic) and Midshipman (Juvenile) have returned to race in other categories (F&M Turf, Classic and Dirt Mile). That’s nine horses who have returned back where they won last year and will attempt to be two time winners. Not much outcry from the connections of these runners about the racing surface.

The number of European entrants this year has increased with the success of last year’s Euros winning here. Muhannak, Goldikova, Donativum, Conduit and Raven’s Pass all notched championships at Santa Anita. Also four other European runners were runner-up with in the money finishes (Heart Shaped, Westphalia & Eagle Mountain ). So it was completely logical that European connections would come across the pond for a second year in a row.

We have maximum fields in 6 of the 14 races carded, with many of the Juvenile runners having to choose either the main track or turf races. The older male horses had to choose between the Dirt Mile & the Classic. All in all, this year’s edition of the Breeder’s Cup Championship races comes across as a highly exciting betting affair with many intriguing angles.

The Godolphin Stable from the desert has been “red hot” since the summer months. They have sent many runners here to not only win championships, but see if thier string of horses will be good enough to dominate thier races early next year when they open their new “synthetic” track in the United Arab Emirates . Owner George Strawbridge has a runner in each of the five filly and mare races on Friday afternoon. Ventura tries to repeat as champion for her ailing trainer; Bobby Frankel. Presious Passion attempts a victory for little known trainer; Mary Hartmann in the Turf versus the “big” European guns; Sir Michael Stoute, John Gosden and Brian Meehan. In the “main event” race on the Breeder’s Cup card; the Breeder’s Cup Classic, a full field of 13 line up with many questions to be answered. Will the American three year old colts; Summer Bird, Quality Road, Mine That Bird, Regal Ransom and Girolamo take to Santa Anita’s pro-ride surface and be successful in victory? Will European lightning strike twice in the Classic with either; Rip Van Winkle or Twice Over winning? Do the “local” runners at Santa Anita; Awesome Gem, Colonel John or Richard’s Kid have an edge by racing over the polytrack surface and did the two turf horses; Einstein and Gio Ponti make the right decision by passing up the Turf and choosing in this spot?

These subplots are nothing to compare to the biggest question of all. Will, the fabulous mare; Zenyatta who is placing her undefeated streak of 13 straight victories on the line by facing the “boys” for the first time in her career going a mile an a quarter, put her in the record books? Yes, the championship day is at the same venue for a second year and yes, it is on an unnatural surface. But, today with the horses entered and titles at stake, it adds up for an exciting and intriguing day for our sport!

Breeder's Cup selections for Saturday (11/7) main card

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf

Viscount Nelson (#2) – another O’Brien two year old runner who also has done quite well in group races overseas, many European pundits like his chances here.
Interactif (#11) – a different horse since switched to the weeds, best of the American based runners.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Bridgetown (#7) – Buzzword (#12) – Pounced (#4)

Breeder’s Cup Turf Sprint

Gotta Have Her (#7) – hard hitting mare is 4 for 4 at this distance & 6 for 8 over Santa Anita turf course, 11 for 13 the last two years ITM and will be a price here.

California Flag (#3) – speedball is the “one to catch” again this year in this race, tired badly in last year’s running.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Diamondrella (#9) – Cannonball (#6) – Silver Timber (#2)

Breeder’s Cup Sprint

Gayego (#5) – third start off layoff, monster victory with late charge in the Anicent Title last time out, runs down the speed in the end.

Capt.Candyman Can (#8) – pass the synthetic test last time out at Keeneland in the Phoenix Stakes, connections go here with heavy hearts because of the recent passing of one of his owners.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Zensational (#1) – Fatal Bullet (#3) – Crown of Thorns (#4)

Breeders' Cup Juvenile

Aikenite (#9) – rallied quickly first time on polytrack & going a route distance, taken to upset here and possibly at a price.

Lookin At Lucky (#13) – undefeated local runner has been the odds-on in all four lifetime starts, the "one to beat" as the favorite.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Noble’s Promise (#4) – Radiohead (#11) – D’Funnybone (#5)

Breeder’s Cup Mile

Cowboy Cal (#3) – never been better at the flat mile distance and seems to flourish on the west coast, will be motoring on the front end & turns back the “wise guy” Euros.

Zacinto (#8) – lightly raced European runner comes into this race with a sharp 2nd behind Rip Van Winkle (a Classic starter) last time out, would be no surprise here.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Goldikova (#11) – Justenuffhumor (#10) – Courageous Cat (#6)

Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile

Midshipman (#3) – last year’s Breeder’s Cup Juvenile winner here makes his second start off the layoff after returning on the dirt sprinting at Belmont Park, loved the pro-ride here last year & should be a square price.

Mastercraftsman (#1) – sharp Irish bred three year old has finished behind European superstar; Sea The Stars, draws the rail for his second synthetic race start which he romped first time on .

Exotic & multi-race runners : Ready’s Echo (#10) – Mr. Sidney (#8) – Bullsbay (#4)

Breeders' Cup Turf

Spanish Moon (#7) – on paper this European runner looks to have this field “over a barrel” with his recent form, he’s my Best Bet on Saturday’s card & overall “lock” of the Cup.

Presious Passion (#6) – American “speed ball” has out raced them this year with four wins in seven starts, quite possibly could “wire” this field of runners.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Conduit (#2) – Da Re Mei (#5)

Breeder’s Cup Classic

Girolamo (#9) – taking a longshot flyer in this very tough edition of the Classic, has not raced on synthetic surface yet….but, his sire AP Indy has placed several stake winners on it, loved this horse in his debut last summer at Saratoga and is razor sharp coming into this race.

Quality Road (#12) – this very talented three year old runner has been one of my favorites this past year, caught a slop track in his last two starts and didn’t run poorly, now tries the pro-ride for the first time & connections may try to rate him more in today’s race, you’ll NEVER get this morning line price on him again!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Zenyatta (#4) – Summer Bird (#3) – Gio Ponti (#7)

2009 Breeder's Cup day #1 selections (11/6)

Breeder’s Cup Marathon -

Man of Iron (#9) – is out of the mare; Better Than Honour, which makes him a half brother to classic winners; Jazil, Rags to Riches also Casino Drive, has two victories on polytrack and should enjoy the mile & three quarter distance.
Mastery (#6) – winner of the grade I – St.Leger Stakes last time out on grass, ran 4th last spring in the Kentucky Derby Challenge on the polytrack surface, the one to beat.

Exotic & multi-race runners: Night Light (#3) – Cloudy’s Knight (#4) – Muhannak (#2)

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf -

Lillie Langtry (#8) – Irish bred European invader comes stateside in fine form, stakes placed in four of six lifetime starts, could be a “big” Cup for our friends "across the pond".
Junia Tepzia (#11) – an Irish bred filly that has a German trainer and has raced in Italy , impressive in both lifetime starts, could be anything.

Exotic & multi-race runners : House of Grace (#7) – Smart Seattle (#3) – Hatheer (#9)

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies -

Negligee (#10) – recent winner (12-1) in the Alcibiades Stakes at Keeneland for new connections, been working well over the Santa Anita pro-ride surface.
Blind Luck (#3) – recent winner of the Oak Leaf Stakes over the Santa Anita strip, proven on polytrack & the one to beat

Exotic & multi-race runners : Zilva (#1) – Connie and Michael (#6) – She Be Wild (#8)

Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf -

Midday (#6) – European invader has done well in group I competition, new shooter faces somewhat weak American group.
Forever Together (#2) – the defending champion may have not cared for the soft Keeneland turf in last start, may not be as sharp this year as when she won last year.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Magical Fantasy (#4) – Rutherienne (#3) – Pure Clan (#5)

Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint -

Ventura (#9) – another defending champion comes off a grade I victory on the weeds versus the males at Woodbine, handles grass or polytrack & is my Best Bet on Friday’s card.
Informed Decision (#7) – perfect 6 for 6 on synthetic surfaces, will give top pick all she can handle in this “chalky” exacta selection.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Sara Louise (#2) – Evita Argentina (#6) – Seventh Street (#8)

Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic -

Careless Jewel (#1) – razor sharp three year old filly has quite a turn of foot, has raced well on the polytrack at Woodbine early this year and is the one to catch.
Music Note (#7) – third start off the layoff after two monster wins on natural dirt, no factor third in this race last year behind Zenyatta.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Muska (#3) – Life is Sweet (#2) – Proviso (#5)

Europeans, turf runners & synthetic lovers.....questions abound!

The 2009 Breeder’s Cup pre-entries were released this past Wednesday afternoon and 166horses were pre-entered for the 14 championship races next Friday and Saturday. Six races will be contested on Friday afternoon with five of them for the filly and mares. The eight races on Saturday will make up the rest of this tough racing event on the synthetic “pro-ride” surface at Santa Anita Park. With the success of the European contingent last year, especially in the Breeder’s Cup Classic, 36 horses from “across the pond” will be pointing for the races this year. It’s the second straight year of the event being held at Santa Anita, so this year should be a bit easier to gauge on this new racing surface. A strong statistic from last year’s races here was the number of successful dirt horses winning over the pro-ride surface. The total was zero, although a decent amount did fill out the exotic positions. With that said, it should be no surprise that the horses that should be strongly looked at in the year’s races are the ones with synthetic track victories.

Here’s a list of the main track horses that have NEVER raced on any type of an synthetic track; Cloudy’s Knight (marathon) Sara Louise (F&M sprint) Seventh Street (F&M sprint) Devil May Care (Juvenile fillies) Ms Vanenzza (Juvenile fillies) Girolamo (Classic) Mambo Meister (Dirt mile) Quality Road (Classic) Sweet Hearth (Dirt mile) Alfred Nobel (Juvenile) Aspire (Juvenile) Beethoven (Juvenile) D’Funnybone (Juvenile) Radiohead (Juvenile) Vale of York (Juvenile) Eskendereya (Juvenile) Fleeting Spirit (Sprint) Rip Van Winkle (Classic) Summer Bird (Classic) Twice Over (Classic).

Of these twenty listed runners who have never raced over this type surface, the two that will get the most attention will be Quality Road and Summer Bird. Both have been top quality three year old runners on natural dirt, but are an unknown quality on pro-ride. Most likely, Summer Bird will be one of the top three choices in the wagering going in the Classic. Quality Road may also take money because of his connections and past record. So, what is the price you would want on these two horses on the tote board?

The same could be said with the two first time stateside European runners also. Both Rip Van Winkle and Twice Over will try to duplicate what Raven’s Pass and Henry the Navigator did in last year’s Classic running one / two , first time on the pro-ride surface. Will the price on these two horses be considerably lower than their European counterparts last year?

In an ordinary year on a traditional dirt track, both the well known American runners would be strong favorites. On class alone, they would merit this. But, this is Santa Anita and pro-ride which may favor the two European runners, may be a better price on the board. Then you have to also include the turf horses that on a regular Breeder’s Cup venue with natural dirt would stay on the grass surface. Gio Ponti comes to mind in the Classic. It looked like he did not enjoy the mile & a half distance on the turf in his last start (which is the Turf distance in the Breeder’s Cup). Now, he also opted for the Classic race at a slightly shorter distance. These are questions that will be answered in one week and until then, you may to study the past performances over and over until the wagering begins.

New York bred Showcase Day @ Belmont Park.....it will be a soggy one!

The 2009 Belmont Park racing calendar wind’s up this weekend with the 16th annual New York bred Showcase Day racing card. This year with the forecast of inclement weather schedule for Saturday in the greater metropolitan area, the two races on the grass (Ticonderoga & Mohawk Handicap) will be run on the final Belmont card Sunday afternoon. That leaves only five New York bred restricted races today on the main track. We have a pair of two year old races going a mile, two sprint races both for the males & fillies and the Empire Classic, going a mile & an eighth for the older N.Y. breds. This race card is one of my favorites that NYRA schedules each year. It comes at the end of the racing year and always just before the Breeder’s Cup day. The topic of this week’s column is an old fashioned handicapping card of the five races that make up this year’s New York bred Showcase Day.

Race #6 starts the showcase card with the Maid of the Mist for two year old fillies at a mile. The focus here is on the one / two finishers in the recently run Joseph A Gimma Stakes at Belmont Park going seven furlongs in the slop on September 27th. Mineralogist (#2) and Sugar Trade (#6) ran first & second in that event and look tough coming back going an addition panel. Theses two get my top billing with Raffie’s Rose (#7) – Spirit of Rose (#8) – Embrace Change (#9) underneath in the triple and superfecta plays.

Race #7 is the boys turn in the The Sleepy Hollow going the same distance. Here once again, I’m going with the proven product on a sloppy track condition with the winner of the Bertram F. Bongard ran the same day as the J.A. Gimma Stakes. Make a Note (#7) was solid in winning that day with a $20.00 mutual. I’ll use him along with Ibboyee (#10) the undefeated runner from the Todd Pletcher barn. Underneath these two will be used; Magic Tiger (#9) – City Trooper (#5) – Come From Behind (#3).

Older filly and mare sprinters are up next (8th) in the seven furlong – Iroquois Stakes. Here is my first “price” play of the card. The three year old filly; Sapphire Sky (#9) has had interesting season so far. Her only two off-the-board finishes this year were on the grass and versus open company runners. Her victory in an overnight stake at Saratoga on a sloppy track gives her the call here for me at the 12-1 morning line odds. My second selection is also a price on the morning line. Under Service (#8) has flashy speed and her only try on an off-track was a nearly wire to wire victory. Rightly So (#10) morning line favorite will be used underneath in the exotics, but gets a class test today. Afleet Alexandra (#12) & Gold for the Queen (#4) both should relish the off-track and should be also used.

The older boys go one less panel in the Hudson Handicap (9th). It will be tough going past the rail horse; Driven by Success (#1) with his early speed. Legal Consent (#4) can handle an off-track and the sprint distance, should be a square price in the exacta. Law Enforcement (#11) defeated the top selection at Saratoga , Lookin At Her (#8) was a longshot winner last out and Smokin Hero (#2) has never been out of the money on wet tracks. These three go underneath the top two picks.

The Empire Classic (#10) is a clash between two nice three year old runners and the usual classy older N.Y. bred runners. Consistent three year old; Slevin (#2) gets the top pick here over the in-form, sharp older gelding – Future Prospect (#6). One horse to watch here is the second off the layoff runner; Haynesfield (#5). He’ll be used with Ruffino (#10) who seeks his five in a row and the filly; Weathered (#4) who has clashed with some top older open company distaffers.

It's a "synthetic" world we live in!

For the second straight year, the Breeder’s Cup Championship races that are contested on the main track will not be on the traditional dirt surface. Pro-Ride is the synthetic polytrack of choice at Santa Anita Park and whether we like it or not, this is what we face as handicappers. Last year, it was a whole new game trying to come up with horses that would excel on the surface. This year with the experience under our belt, it should be much easier. Fact is that horses either love the surface or hate it. If you have a horse that runs well on turf, usually this artificial surface will be no problem for him or her. It’s the horses who maintain a steady diet of natural dirt races that are in question. With the major prep races done for this year’s Breeder’s Cup, we’ll look back at where they were run and which of those tracks may favorite runners on November 6th and 7th.

A quick glance of the “Win and you’re In” Breeder’s Cup Challenge races have horses winning at these “polytrack” venues; Arlington Park , Del Mar, Turfway Park , Woodbine , Keeneland and Santa Anita Park . Of those horses winning these designated races; Gio Ponti could contest the Classic instead of the mile and a half Turf, Zensational could be the favorite in the Sprint, Richard’s Kid ran well for a second time on the surface and could be a square price in the Classic, distance loving; Nite Light looks toward the Marathon with a victory at Turfway Park , Ventura could race on either surface or in three different races, Looking at Lucky & Blind Luck lead the charge in both Juvenile races with victories at Santa Anita, Negligee & Noble’s Promise were longshot winners last weekend at Keeneland in their two Juvenile races. Fatal Bullet & Informed Decision both enjoy the polytrack surface and Zenyatta stretched her winning streak to 13 straight and may take on the boys in the Classic.

These horses above have shown that they can win on the surface that Santa Anita has for racing on thier main track. Consideration of these runners is high priority when it comes to handicapping the Breeder’s Cup races. The horses that will be in question are the ones that have never raced on a synthetic surface and especially those who will be a short price. Summer Bird and Quality Road who are both pointing to the Classic have never raced on anything but natural dirt. These two runners will also be a “short” price in the wagering. Taking a chance versus the proven synthetic runners is a risky proposition. The two year old horses that raced at Saratoga and Belmont have to be placed in the same category. These young horses that haven’t raced on polytrack shouldn’t be taken at a short price in any circumstance. There will be many horses cross-entered both in the turf races and on the main track. The European runners that excelled so well here last year, will lead the charge of cross-entered runners.

In the past, we as handicappers only needed to worry about dirt and turf races when we went over the races. Sometimes the weather and track conditions also came into play. Now, polytrack puts a new wrinkle into our handicapping. And for a second straight year, it’s on thoroughbred racing’s biggest day. The second time around should be much easier with the lessons learned from last year.

Four is more.....when it comes to Spa racing days!

When something is successful and "the powers to be" want to expand it’s scope, the same question always arises; when is more, too much? Too much of a good thing can “water down” a product and sometimes make it less appealing. Whether it’s too many teams making the playoffs in professional sports or too much of a good thing in the entertainment field (i.e. Jay Leno on every night), sometimes if we get too much of a good thing, the result may backfire on the purpose.

We’ve are blessed to have the greatest thoroughbred racing in the world right out our back door in Saratoga . One of three racing meets in New York , it wasn’t until 1962 when then Governor W. Averill Harriman instituted the “The Harriman Law,” which mandated a minimum of 24 race days at Saratoga every year. The racing days remained that way for nearly thirty years until the meet was expanded in 1991 to 30 days. Three year’s later the number went to 34 and has been 36 since 1997. This past Wednesday, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) decided to add four more days to its 2010 thoroughbred race meet and bring the total 40 days. This increase in racing days comes on the heels of a very successful 2009 Saratoga race meet, spite the overall decrease in thoroughbred racing nationwide.

The meet will end on the traditional closing day which is Labor Day and the four new days will be added to the beginning on the meet in July. The 2010 Saratoga race meet will start on July 23rd which is a Friday and will include a stake race each day. The grade I - Coaching Club America Oaks which is traditionally run at Belmont Park, will move to Saratoga that first Saturday of the meet (July 24th). All these new changes are pending approval from the NYRA Board of Directors of course, but this should be no problem.

While thoroughbred racing numbers were on a decline nationwide about 12% in August, Saratoga was only down less than 2%. The horsemen throughout the country wanted to come to the Spa with a record number of stall applications and the increase of days will play in favor to NYRA. Another plus for NYRA was that they could continue to race six days a week, while many other tracks throughout the country had to cut back on days of racing.

The reaction of most of the people in the Saratoga area has been a positive one with the recent economy problems and the addition of these four days will bring added revenue to the area. But with the four added days, will the “on track” race product be affected adversely? The first half of this year’s Saratoga meet had full and very difficult racing fields which made my handicapping very tough. It was a bad thing for myself, but very lucrative for those who wagered successfully. The during the second half, the fields got smaller toward the end of the meet. Now, I know four more race days shouldn’t make much of a difference, but in the past when six new days were added to the meet, a few years later it expanded to 36 for a total of 12 new days. Hopefully, the past rumored idea of starting the meet during the 4th of July week will not come to fruition.

As always, the weather plays the biggest factor during the Saratoga meet for its success. But, the main purpose of NYRA and the Saratoga Springs area is to make revenue and stay in the “black”. With these four added days, it will help them achieve that goal and should not impact the “on track” racing product. This time, more helps out and makes things better.

"Super Saturday" Belmont Park selections - full card!

1st race: Independence War (#9) – the “stranger of this group” comes out an overnight stake at Lone Star Park in mid May on a sloppy track, 7 for 19 in the win column the past two years. “scratch” pick – Benlaya (#6)

2nd race: Jimmy Vegas (#10) – failed in only start last March on the “inner-track” as part of the favorite entry in special weight class, drops to maiden claimer today versus weak group. “scratch” pick – Tinto (#2)

3rd race: Keep Thinking (#6) – rallied at the Spa going six panels after racing on polytrack out-of-town, one turn mile should be right up his alley. “scratch” pick – Jayden’s Hope (#8)

4th race: Captain Rio (#5) – second best behind Saratoga Russell on the opening day card at Saratoga , sports two straight 90 plus Beyer speed figures. “scratch” pick – Redding Colliery (#4)

5th race: Habana (#1) – a Dynaformer firster from the Mott barn, also includes MTO entrymate. “scratch” pick – Rule (#13)

6th race (The Beldame) – Copper State (#3) looking for an upset here with this Prairie Meadows / Churchill shipper, will definitely be overlooked in the short field. Music Note (#2) did not mind the turnback in distance or the sloppy track last time out in the Ballerina, the “horse to beat”.

7th race (The Vosburgh) – Fabulous Strike (#5) the overall class of this sprinting field, gives his best effort every time out. Munnings (#3) even effort in the King’s Bishop Stakes, has beaten older horses already this year. Exotic horses: Kodiak Cowboy (#4)

8th race (The Flower Bowl) – Moneycantbuymelove (#7) European invader ran 3rd last time out in group I race in England, first time lasix & handles soft turf. Pure Clan (#3) closer was gaining ground as the favorite in the Beverly D at Arlington Park last time out, will be flying late. Exotic horses: Dynaforce (#4) & Clement entry (#1)

9th race (Joe Hirsch Turf Classic) – Gio Ponti (#1) seeks fifth win in a row, has become the premier turf horse in the country. Grand Couturier (#8) returned to his old form last time out in the Bowling Green Handicap, winner of this race last year. Exotic horses: Al Khali (#3) & Ready’s Echo (#6)

10th race (Jockey Club Gold Cup) – Summer Bird (#3) made me a believer with his Travers Stakes victory in the slop, looks to get the same set up today. Quality Road (#7) game effort on a track he didn’t like in the Travers, may get the same track today. Exotic horses: Macho Again (#2) & Dry Martini (#6)

11th race: Love and Havoc (#3) – tries the weeds after showing speed in debut on a sloppy sealed track, will take on either surface if it rains. “scratch” pick – Saginaw (#14)

Godolphin "blue" is "red" hot!

There’s an old saying that getting “hot” at the right time of the season means more when heading into the championships. Well, that’s what exactly is going on with the powerful thoroughbred racing stable of the desert; Godolphin. After a rather weak start to their American campaign this past spring, the “royal blue” silks of his highness; Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his well bred stable of runners have caught fire since the start of the Saratoga race meet. Head trainer; Saeed bin Suroor and his American assistant trainer; Rick Mettee have assembled the most well bred thoroughbred runners in the world and pointed them to many of the top stakes races this past summer and into the Fall. Many of these Godolphin runners had little racing time in the early part of 2009 and now are making impact in races the last few months with all pointing toward the Breeder’s Cup races this coming November at Santa Anita.

One of last year’s Kentucky Derby favorites; Pyro made a return to the races on the opening day card at Saratoga with a sharp 2nd place finish in the James Marvin Stakes at seven furlongs. After that overnight stake effort, Pyro would return in the grade I – Forego Stakes on the final Saturday of the meet and was victorious over a very large and tough field of older male sprinters. Look’s like he’ll remain sprinting and point toward the Breeder’s Cup Sprint with prep races most likely in New York .

The four year old filly; Seventh Street captured the Go For Wand Stakes on a slop track early in the Saratoga race meet. She returned at Belmont Park earlier this month and was 2nd in the Ruffian Handicap. Cocoa Beach who was a late season monster last year running 2nd in the Breeder’s Cup Distaff behind Zenyatta scratched from the Go For Wand Stakes to try the grass and was victorious in the De La Rose Stakes going a mile on the turf. Even though she hasn’t shown her good form from last season, Cocoa Beach showed she can handle either racing on dirt or grass.

Another sharp filly from the Godolphin barn is the three year old runner; Flashing who raced well at Belmont Park earlier in the summer and captured the grade I – Test Stakes at Saratoga going seven panels. Most recently she tried the synthetic track at Presque Isle Downs and was third. One of the nice two year olds from last year that went on the shelf from racing returned at Saratoga early in the meet and showed his early two year old form. Girolamo, a son of AP Indy broke his maiden impressive last summer at the Spa. He came off a layoff from last Fall and won first out for his three year old campaign. After the seven furlong optional allowance win, he returned at Belmont Park and won a mile race in allowance company. The sky could be the limit for the good looking three year old colt down the road.

Another sharp three year old from last year; Gaygeo returned to the races at Saratoga and found the winner’s circle, after racing 2nd in the Godolphin Mile at Nad El Sheba back in March. On the Travers Stakes undercard, team Godolphin found the winner’s twice and also got a runner-up placement. Sara Louise; who was the last horse to defeat Rachel Alexandra, won the Victory Ride Stakes going six furlongs. Music Note turned back from route racing and went seven furlongs for the first time in over a year. The result was a victory in the Ballerina Stakes and later on,Vineyard Haven; who had not raced yet in the states as a three year old finished first in the King’s Bishop Stakes. But was disqualified and placed second for bearing out in the stretch drive. Just this past Friday, last year’s Breeder’s Cup Juvenile winner; Midshipman returned to the races for the first time in Godolphin “blue” and was triumphful at Belmont Park in an allowance test. My Kentucky Derby selection; Regal Ransom returned from his dull derby effort and won the Super Derby last Saturday at Louisiana Downs, which has topped off a very big recent winning streak for the Sheik and his connections.

It’s been an exciting two months for this racing group and all these named runners will be pointing to bigger races in the next few months. The Godolphin success has also played well for a very popular New York based jockey. Richard Migliore has been named of late on many of the Godolphin horses. There couldn’t be a better or nicer jockey than Rich and with the current “hook up” with Godolphin means many big mounts the next few months. When your hot, your hot and Godolphin "blue" and their contingent is “red hot”.

We're "Alive & Kickin" .....national sports coverage, take note!

I’ve seen quite a few great thoroughbred races the past 23 years and some championship caliber horses, but the events of this past Saturday may have topped them all. History was made at historic Saratoga Racetrack in the Woodward Stakes when the three year old filly; Rachel Alexandra defeated older colts in front of a crowd of 32,000 screaming fans. This sensational filly once again showed her dominance over the opposite sex and stamped herself as the leading contender for the 2009 Horse of the Year honors. Being in attendance at this historic event meant quite a bit to me as a racing fan and lover of thoroughbred racing and will be always etched in my mind for the rest of my life.

If you follow the sport of thoroughbred racing like I do or are a fan of Saratoga , you knew full well the importance and historical meaning of this particular race. But, on a national scene this event wasn’t covered as it should have been. The local television and newspapers gave Rachel’s race full coverage, partly because the event was held at Saratoga . Unfortunately, thoroughbred racing only seems to make “headlines” during the Triple Crown season and if something negative impacts the sport. Unless a Triple Crown is on the line or a horse is injured during the running of a major race, the national media usually misses the boat.

What Rachel Alexandra accomplished last Saturday was a rarer event than even a horse trying to win a Triple Crown. Very seldom fillies or mares face older male counterparts in North American dirt races. While it happens often in Europe and sometimes here in the states on grass, the distaff runners stay against their own kind on dirt. When it comes to three year old runners, the girls never face the boys at all. This year, we had a girl beat the boys twice in two major three year old races for the males. This alone should have her in the headlines nationwide to say the least. But when her connections chose to race at Saratoga against older male colts, this alone should have been top story news in sports before and after the race. I know that the “four letter” sports network was busy covering the first weekend of college football, but the other four cable networks should have jumped at the chance to show this once in a lifetime event. Thankfully, the New York based MSG plus who covers thoroughbred racing from NYRA gave Rachel her due with coverage. The sports world is covered on all angles in this day and age with lesser events. The “sport of kings” has been around for centuries. Some say that thoroughbred horse racing is a dying sport. For all those nay sayers, I say it’s far from that! The excitement is still there and horses like Rachel Alexandra will lead the sport back to the top. It may be about the wagering during the daily nine, but when it comes to the spotlight of the our sport; thoroughbreds that capture the imagination like Rachel Alexandra are what will make the “sport of kings” rise to the top again. National sports coverage, take note!

My final race statistics for the 2009 Saratoga meet were; 85 winners selected “on top” out of 365 races for the 36 day meet. Total money won on those 85 winners was $538.40 (on a $2.00 wager), 53 winners were listed from my 2nd runner-up pick and 97 other winners came from my multi-race runners listed. 78 exactas, 49 triples and 14 superfectas all “boxed” plays were given out as well with 50 other multi-race winning plays (doubles, pick 3 & 4 or grand slams). As the meet went on; my handicapping improved with 49 winners chosen the second half of the meet, after only having 36 the first three weeks.

"Hickory the Handicapper" week #6 - 2009 Saratoga results

13 winners “on top” selections (63 races) = $71.80

11 winners from “runner-up” selection
15 winners from “exotic & multi-race” selections

16 exacta “boxed” winners
11 triple “boxed” winners
2 superfecta “boxed” winners
9 “other” exotic winners

“Personal” bankroll @ 473. ($459.)

It's ALL about Rachel today......

It’s an old cliché, but very true this time. A race like today's only comes around once in a lifetime. Today is a rare opportunity to see an amazing racehorse try to complete a feat that has only been attempted once before, a three year old filly going up against older seasoned male horses and winning in New York. The darling of the girls in 2009, Rachel Alexandra will try to make unique history at this historic track in a few hours. I’ve seen some pretty nice fillies race in my lifetime and some great ones, but Rachel Alexandra brings an element like no other distaff runner since Ruffian.

I only remember seeing Ruffian from films at the time she ran. Her story was a great one, but tragic. Her brilliance was unheard for her time and she dominated her sex much like Rachel Alexandra has. But, before that ill faded breakdown in a match race versus Foolish Pleasure in 1975, she only dominated her own sex. The great Lady’s Secret would defeat the “boys” in the Whitney Stakes here in 1986, but she was four year’s old at the time. Back in 1990, the late great Go For Wand won both the Test Stakes and Alabama Stakes only weeks apart as a three year old filly. But, today Rachel Alexandra attempts a feat that may be only done once in a lifetime.

The ramifications are wide spread here in today’s Woodward Stakes. Since the race’s inception in 1954; no filly or mare has won this race. Let alone that it’s a three year old filly trying to do this is amazing itself. Hall of Fame colts and geldings have won this race during its long history. But only one time during the great history of racing in New York , has a three year old filly defeated older male counterparts in a grade I race. That was in 1887 when Lady Primrose won the Manhattan Handicap. Few have tried, but those few aren’t in the same caliber of Rachel Alexandra.

Her rise to prominence started at Oaklawn Park in February and has ridden a seven race win streak in today’s event. Handling her lady foes quite easily in her spring prep races, her twenty plus length victory in the Kentucky Oaks stamped her as something special. It was on to face her three year old male counterparts in the Preakness Stakes and again she did not disappoint. For good measure, she crushed her own sex again in the Mother Goose Stakes and after that once again showed that she was the best three year old horse in training with a Haskell Stakes victory at Monmouth Park over Belmont Stakes winner & last Saturday’s Travers victor; Summer Bird.

Coming into today’s event, Rachel Alexandra gets a considerable weight break for facing older male horses. She’ll be giving eight pounds up to her six opponents. Only two of the “boys” she is facing have ever won a grade I race, she has four straight times. While this group of older males seems even on paper, there is no superstar that has accomplished what she has this year or any year.

The only two horses that look like they will be running on the front end with her are; D’Tara and Pass the Point. The later held on gamely last year in this race versus Curlin. Bullsbay had a career effort in the Whitney Stakes last time out and may “bounce” off that effort. Same goes for the other part of the Nick Zito entry; Cool Coal Man. He has shown in his past performances that when he faces grade stakes competition he’s not quite up to it. If anyone could defeat this superstar filly, it may be one of three remaining horses (Asiatic Boy, Macho Again or It’s a Bird). Asiatic Boy has finished second in both his North American starts. Scratched from the Whitney Stakes, he returns trying to regain his form previous to this year’s Dubai World Cup. Macho Again is a “grinder” and should be flying late to pick up the pieces. It’s a Bird was no factor downstate in the Suburban Handicap, but his trainer ships in for a reason. My selections for this race are; Rachel Alexandra with Asiatic Boy for second and Macho Again & It’s a Bird in the exotic and multi-race spots. We’ll have beautiful late summer weather this afternoon. So come out to the Spa and see history in the making. It’s very doubtful you’ll ever see a three year old filly like Rachel Alexandra again!

Mark Hoffman’s 2009 graded Travers Stakes selections

Quality Road (#4) Velazquez / Pletcher 8-5
The Florida Derby winner made a triumphant return here at the Spa setting a track record going six & a half furlongs in the Amsterdam Stakes which is a prep for the King’s Bishop on this undercard, off that effort his connections decided return to a route distance and take on the “big boys”, he is the most talented of the three year old colts “on paper” this year.

Our Edge (#5) Garcia / Zito 15-1
The modern day “Giant Killer” Nick Zito sends this rank outsider into the fray off of three straight victories on the front end, speed is dangerous and this one has got a win on a sloppy track, hoping for a “two speed” number on what could be an “off track”.

Hold Me Back (#1) Leparoux / Mott 15-1
Was no factor last time out in the grassy Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs, faces top notch three year old runners once again and this time gets a jockey switch to the young Julian Leparoux, think he surprises a few today.

Summer Bird (#6) Desormeaux / Ice 3-1
Belmont Stakes winner at nearly 12-1 ran an even race behind Rachel Alexandra in the Haskell Stakes in the slop at Monmouth, question if he likes an “off track” with his two previous races on that surface, I needed to toss one of the two favorites out…..he’s the one!

Kensei (#7) Prado / Asmussen 7-2
The “now horse” has won two straight stakes routes and never has been in better form, still question if he wants to go this far….but, has made me a believer.

Charitable Man (#2) Dominguez / McLaughlin 6-1
Got somewhat a late start in the three year old races….but, won the mile & an eighth Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont in May, since then really no factor in last two starts, the Pennsylvania Derby would have been more suited for him.

Warrior’s Reward (#3) Borel / Wilkes 8-1
Even 2nd behind Kensei in the Jim Dandy, a nice three year old…..but, not at this class level going long in my opinion.

"Hickory the Handicapper" week #4 - Saratoga 2009 results

17 winners “on top” selections (59 races) = $98.60

5 winners from “runner-up” selection
13 winners from “exotic & multi-race” selections

10 exacta “boxed” winners
6 triple “boxed” winners
No superfecta “boxed” winners
9 “other” exotic winners

“Personal” bankroll @ 156.($204.)

"Hickory the Handicapper" week #3 - Saratoga 2009 results

9 winners “on top” selections (60 races) = $51.70

11 winners from “runner-up” selection
13 winners from “exotic & multi-race” selections

7 exacta “boxed” winners
7 triple “boxed” winners
3 superfecta “boxed” winners
6 other “exotic” winners

“Personal” bankroll @ 98. ($304.)


Hey, at least I'm honest! Worst first three weeks of a meet.....ever!

A day at the races.....with good friends and fun!

This was my most recent "At the Post" column for the Recorder.....there's more than just winning.

I’ve had a lot of interesting experiences going to the Saratoga race course the past 23 years. There been times where I’ve done quite well at the windows and others that I rather forget about. I’ve seen quite a few spectacular races with some very famous horses contest over the Spa strip. There have also been times when the weather would change in a heartbeat and go from lovely to down right dangerous. But, this past Monday it was none of the above. It was about good times with friends that dominated this trip to the track.

We’ll start on Saturday afternoon and meeting up with the “boys” from Fort Plain back in the picnic area. Pat, Tom and “T” made their second trip of the meet over since opening day. It was very profitable for the “boys” from the western end of the county and two other friends that made their first trip to the Spa. These two “newbies” really didn’t know much about thoroughbred racing and polled us “so-called” experts who to wager on. In the Whitney Stakes after the late scratches, I told them the best horse to cover “across the board” was Bullsbay at his ridiculous overlay price of 18-1. Needless to say, both the newcomers to the track placed a substantial win-place-show wager on him and left the track very happy. After the last race, I headed over to the Carolina Barbeque to meet up with some of my racing partnership group.

There I ran into my friend Dave who was formerly from the Capital District and now lives in Virginia . I met two years ago at Saratoga when he first joined Dee Tee Stables. With him was the famous “Joe the Dude” a regular caller to “At the Races” on Sirius satellite radio and also member of the partnership. I’ve waited a long time to meet him and was hoping to run into him here at the Spa. We decided to meet on Monday and spend an August afternoon at the Spa.

Dave and Joe showed up mid-way through the Monday afternoon card and joined me and other Dee Tee members on the patio at the barbeque. Trainer Chuck Simon, his dad and Steve Byk along with us watched the nine race card, which proved very profitable for Dave who hit the late pick 4 for over a thousand dollars. Needless to say, we celebrated over at Siros with a few drinks and then headed to the Fasig-Tipton yearling sales at the newly-remodeled Humphrey S. Finney Sales Pavilion on East Avenue across from the Oklahoma training track. There the atmosphere was electric with people, young horses and newly remodeled walking ring outside the pavilion with a outside café and bar. We met a lot of very famous thoroughbred people and saw the ruler of Dubai - Sheikh Mohammed, who oversees the powerful Godolphin Stable. It was quite fun meeting up with people like; Steve Haskin, Andy Serling, Chuck Simon and also seeing trainer Chip Wooley and Bob Baffert in attendance. This was a blast for me, Dave and the great sense of humor that “Joe the Dude” had during the whole experience.

I must say, that next year I’ll try to make both nights of the sales. It is an experience that everyone should encounter at least once. After the sales, the three of us got a late night meal and then went our separate ways. The whole experience with Dave and Joe was one of the most enjoyable I’ve ever had at Saratoga in all the years that I’ve been going there. The meet financial –wise for me hasn’t been the greatest so far, but the fun that I enjoyed with my friends from Fort Plain and Dee Tee Stables group, along with all the other great horse racing people I’ve met has been a memory I’ll never forget!

"Hickory the Handicapper" week #1 - Saratoga 2009 results

13 winners “on top” selections (60 races) = $87.60

6 winners from “runner-up” selection
20 winners from “exotic & multi-wager” selections

11 exacta “boxed” winners (based on top 2 w/ 3 others listed)
5 triple “boxed” winners
3 superfecta “boxed” winners
5 other “exotic” winners (doubles & pick 3’s – with top 2 picks)

“Personal” bankroll stands @ $167 ($392)

A Dee Tee "4th to remember" with latest stable roster update

There could be a lot of fireworks today, July 4th at Arlington Park near Chicago for our little racing partnership; Dee Tee Stables. For the first time since our first race just a little over two years ago, we will have two of a runners entered on the same race card. It’s just another milestone with our little fun group of people all across the country that makes up Dee Tee Stables.

My last update on our partnership was early last Fall right after Aldebutante made her debut at Belmont Park. She makes her long awaited return to the races today after minor surgery late last year. She’ll debut on the grass sprinting five furlongs in maiden special weight conditions carded as 4th race with approximate post time at 3:21pm EST. Her first race was an off-the-turf event where she didn’t get the best of trips. Soon after that, she came up with a minor leg issue and had surgery to correct it. She has been “working up a storm” training at Churchill Downs and looks ready for her three year old debut.

Before the long awaited return for Aldebutante, our leading flag bearer of the stable; Kickin N Screamin will return to a route race in the first race opener at 1:00pm EST. She was out of her element last time out sprinting about a month ago. It will her 13 start for our group with a record of 2 wins, 2 places and 2 show positions. I’m looking for a better effort today on a surface that she likes and a distance more suited for her running style. These two runners could be just the beginning for an exciting summer with our racing partnership which has expanded to three more horses since my last update.

Not only have we increased our racing stock, but added two more trainers to the Dee Tee Stables family. To start things off, our first horse Sumwonlovesyou was unsuccessful in her return to training late in April and was retired. The good news though is that she is in foal to the stallion; Purim and will return to New York and “drop” the foal here, thus making it a N.Y. bred runner. Our fourth runner; Rampillion just broke her maiden a little over a week ago at Delaware Park on her sixth try. Now being trained by our Mid-Atlantic conditioner; Linda Albert, Rampillion broke on the lead and never looked back winning by seven lengths going six panels. She most likely will remain at Delaware Park awaiting a non-winners of one allowance test. Rampillion earned Dee Tee Stables their third winners circle photo.

The latest partnership (which I have an interest in) is with three two year old runners. It was original four, but the three year old Point Given gelding; Run Burgundy was retired because he was deemed “too slow” to become an effective racehorse and will just be a riding horse. There are two Smarty Jones offspring; Redboard King in Kentucky and Hal Carmichael who has been transferred to New York based trainer; Gary Sciacca. Along with the two boys, also there is a two year old filly named Missus Mayflower. There is pending a 5th partnership with a N.Y. bred runner which is currently a yearling and will be trained by Gary Sciacca when she is of racing age.

So, with three current runners, three others that are “waiting in the wings”, a future runner later on “down the road” and trained by three different conditioners across the country, Dee Tee Stables has grown into a very good partnership with a bright future. With 25 starts under our belt and just under 50% in the money, Dee Tee Stables has become a dream come true!

Goodbye to the Fort Plain OTB branch!

Tomorrow afternoon around 5pm or so, an end of a era will come to my hometown of Fort Plain N.Y. After nearly 20 years on Canal Street in the village, the Fort Plain Off-track Betting Branch will close its doors forever. Located in the old Buhrmaster’s Pharmacy, it was the place to put down your bet in the western part of Montgomery County . The funny part of when this branch opened was the timing. It opened soon after I left town and moved to Fonda. I always thought that was funny because if I still lived in Fort Plain, it would most likely been my second home. But since my family still lives in Fort Plain, I would frequent the branch often.

It was the place my dad would make his wagers during the Triple Crown. I spent the 1993 Saratoga season there a lot, since I stayed with my parents while waiting for my house closure on the Sand Flats in Fonda. My best friend Frank bought his pick six winning ticket there during the 1997 Saratoga meet. It would be frequent by the local horse players like; the late Gordy Thomas, Archie Fox, former Mayor Albert Nalli and Wayne Kramer, who always would get a coffee for the gals that worked behind the betting windows. It was the branch that still had the everyday horse players coming in noon hour each day when it was open like; George, John, Dutch and “Poopy”. Others like the “Boys from Cherry Valley ” would come in on the weekends, especially on Sundays because it was one of the few small branches open that day. I would travel here to meet the guys from “E-Street” on big event days like the Derby , Preakness and Belmont Stakes and many times during the Spa meet.

Those were the faces that came in each day, but there were also the people who worked there throughout the years. In the beginning was Ed, Rocco and Debbie and later on the two “mainstays” Myra and Yvonne or as we lovingly call her “Yak”. I’ll miss the whole group who wagered their hard earned cash on the thoroughbreds running at every track across the country, five days a week. But, like all good things unfortunately they come to an end. Capital OTB seemed fit to close the branch with the economy as it is and all. They had a customer appreciation day there this past Thursday which was owed to the many loyal customers that frequent the branch throughout the years. While it may be the “numbers” that closed the branch, you can’t take anyway the people that walked through the doors during the years. I’ll miss the place, the people there and the memories of the last 17 years. But, time goes on and I bid farewell to the Fort Plain OTB branch…..you were a part of my horse wagering career.

Mark Hoffman’s 2009 graded Belmont Stakes selections

DUNKIRK (#2) Velazquez / Pletcher 4-1

The “forgotten” horse from five weeks ago, his trainer pointed for this classic right after his unlucky effort in the Kentucky Derby, a lot has been thought of this son of Unbridled’s Song out of a AP Indy mare since his two dynamite races at Gulfstream Park earlier this year, looking for a nice square price on this regally bred runner.

MINE THAT BIRD (#7) Borel / Woolley 2-1

The longshot Kentucky Derby winner and game Preakness runner-up made me a believer that he is no fluke as a top three year old runner this year, another jump and we’re talking a Triple Crown possibility, can see him winning today….it’s his price that I can’t take. Long way from 50-1 to favoritism.

MINER’S ESCAPE (#9) Lezcano / Zito 15-1

An improving and interesting longshot from the connections that shocked Big Brown last year, should be forwardly placed in the early running and has got the breeding to get this marathon distance, a “live” longshot worth a look.

CHARITABLE MAN (#6) Garcia / McLaughlin 3-1

Makes third start off the layoff and comes in here off a sharp victory in the Peter Pan Stakes which is the prep for this, has the style and breeding to win this…..but his price is too short for me in the top two spots and taking a stand against here.

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BRAVE VICTORY (#10) Maragh / Zito 15-1

I’ve had a soft spot for this horse ever since he debuted as a two year old last summer Saratoga, his breeding and form doesn’t shout out a mile & a half….but, Nick must have a reason to enter in this spot, worth a deuce especially if you’re from Fonda!

CHOCOLATE CANDY (#1) Gomez / Hollendorfer 10-1

This California based synthetic runner had a mild rally in the Kentucky Derby and pointed for this race since that effort, hard for me to give this type of runner a shot until I see him perform with a winning effort on “real” dirt….a reluctant “toss” here.

MR. HOT STUFF (#3) Prado/ Harty 15-1

This full brother to Colonel John has the look of a “plodder” at this point in his career, like Chocolate Candy….needs to prove he can handle dirt. Passes tired horses at best here.

SUMMER BIRD (#4) Desormeaux / Ice 10-1

Closed some ground in the Kentucky Derby but was non-threatening, another who pointed for this race, has a future…..but not today.

FLYING PRIVATE (#8) Leparoux / Lukas 12-1

Did better than I thought in the Preakness Stakes finishing a non-threatening 4th, has danced every dance so far….gotta give him credit for that!

LUV GOV (#5) Mena / Lukas 20-1

This guy is a plodder with no early foot, a ironic named colt for running in New York’s biggest race, would love to see the N.Y. papers headlines if this horse won!

Another DEE TEE runner changes venue..... Harold Carmichael Moved to New York and the Sciacca barn

Per "DERBY TRAIL" post.....

On the heels of Rampillion moving to Linda Albert in Maryland to campaign in the Mid-Atlantic region this summer, we're pleased to announce that HAROLD CARMICHAEL has been sent to New York joining Gary Sciacca's string. Barring any setbacks, the son of Smarty Jones will be prepared by Gary and assistant Paul Barone for a start at the end of the current Belmont meet, at Saratoga, Monmouth or Philadelphia.

This move opens up a third regional front for Dee Tee and gives rise to races at more than a dozen possible venues from Richmond, VA to Des Moines, IA! It also gets Gary started with Dee Tee in advance of the New York bred Hook and Ladder yearling filly he will have with us next year. Gary and his staff are a great fit for Dee Tee as they will happily accomodate visits to Barn 60 at Belmont and his easily accessed barn at Saratoga.

Rampillion sent to Linda Albert for Mid-Atlantic campaign

Per "DERBY TRAIL" post....

We're very pleased to announce that well known and highly respected Maryland trainer Linda Albert has agreed to take on the conditioning responsibilities for RAMPILLION, with an eye on racing opportunities at Laurel, Delaware, Philadelphia, Colonial and West Virginia.

Based on the big turnout for Kickin N Screamin's race at Atlantic City, the idea was forwarded by Sumwonlovesyou partner Tom Baldwin, who has several partnerships of his own, and has been successful for many years as an owner in Maryland. He has a long standing relationship with Linda who was voted Maryland Trainer of the Year (2004), ranks in the top 10 trainers of Maryland Million winners, including a win of the MD Million Classic. She recently notched her 500th career win, which is the most for a female trainer in MD racing history.

This will offer many more partners the chance top see a Dee Tee runner without traveling to Kentucky or Chicago. We are going to continue to add regional placements like this, spreading out the horses for more to visit and see race. Linda will spend the next couple weeks getting to know Rampillion before thinking about where she will run her.