The 3 yr.olds ain't what they used to be!

The clock is ticking for three year old colts in the class of 2010 when it comes to “derby” races versus their own age group. This weekend spells the end of such type races with the Super Derby at Louisiana Downs and the Pennsylvania Derby at Parx Race Course (formally known as Philadelphia Park ). This year's group of horses in this category had been a bit disappointing to say the least.

Things looked good earlier in the year, when Eskendereya was knocking them dead at Gulfstream Park and the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct. But then, he fell victim to a career ending injury. Some people were ready to anoint him as a possible Triple Crown winner even though he never even made it to those races. Lookin’ At Lucky had run well as a two year old and his form coming into this year still held up. But, he raced exclusively on polytrack in California until his victory at Oaklawn Park . He got the worst of trips in the Kentucky Derby and was no factor. But, he did bounce back well in the Preakness Stakes and later in the summer at Monmouth in the Haskell…..but more on him later. These two were the top runners of the three year old crop of 2010 and after them, the waters get quite muddy.

Super Saver showed he loved the off-track at Churchill Downs the “First Saturday in May” and was victorious. Drosselmeyer conquer the “Test of Champions” in the Belmont Stakes. But, these two colts had also succumbed to injuries that have put them on the shelf. Just this past week, we learned that Travers Stakes winner; Afleet Express has suffered a minor injury which has him out the rest of the year. In years past, the good three year old colts disappeared after their sophomore year to retirement when bought up by the “Sheiks in the Middle East ”. This year, the injury bug has taken them out of action.

So we are left with the second and third tier three year old horses. These horses are “hard hitting” honest runners, but can they really challenge the older horses at Breeder’s Cup time? In the Super Derby, there are runners like; Hurricane Ike, Golden Moka or Distorted Economy. The question is are they really going to be major players in this year’s Breeder’s Cup if they are successful in victory this weekend? At least in the Pennsylvania Derby , we’ve heard some of these names; First Dude, A Little Warm and Friend or Foe. But then again, these guys hadn’t won a grade I race this year and were minor players behind the three year old grade stake winners of this year. So, as we enter the championship time of racing for 2010, the three year old crop has little ammo or respect in the big race spotlight.

This is a trend in thoroughbred racing that has picked up speed the past several years. Three year old colts not living up to the hype that previous three year old horses have accomplished in the past. There are no Alysheba’s or Easy Goer’s, not even a Bernardini. We lost most of the better runners with the exception of one. His named is Lookin’ For Lucky and he stands tall above the group. But, it’s been since the end of July when he last raced. Your guess is as good as mine where he’ll get his final prep before the Breeder’s Cup Classic. He’s been the one bright spot in a group of very average horses this year among the three year olds. But questions surround him too. The three year old championship may be a “lock” for him now with the other grade I three year old horses hurt and on the shelf or retired. But, the main mountain to climb will be versus older horses next in a few weeks. This mountain may be even too high for him!

ALLELUIA! .....there is light at the end of the tunnel

There is an old saying; “good things, come to those who wait”. But, in some cases we have to wait, and wait, and wait! This could be said with the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and the nearly nine year wait for the installation of Video Lottery Terminals (VLT) at Aqueduct Race Track. Finally, this past week New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli granted final approval for a contract to Genting New York to build and operate video lottery terminals we all have been waiting for. There is a “light at the tunnel” and this near impossible task has been overcome at last. This political football has bounced around more than I care to remember, but at last the state will move forward. Coming after a successful Saratoga meet in the eyes of NYRA officials, this news was good for the future of thoroughbred racing in New York . But, what was lost in the meantime, the last nine years where the New York Racing Association has been “raked over the coals” by everyone and everything?

It’s been a long and tough road for the caretakers of the finest thoroughbred racing product in the country. Scrutiny was the main focus by the holders of public office in this state toward NYRA. Questions of past practices by NYRA were the topic of those officials and the association was cast in a bad light in many circles. NYRA’s feet were held to the fire and changes were made to improve how the company was run. Still, there was no relief from Albany and things continued to flounder. The villain was made out to be NYRA by many throughout this on going process. When the real “villains” were the people who owned NYRA the money needed to put toward their expenses and get the company back in the “black”.

Being a “non-for-profit” entity, NYRA relied on money from the state to run its day-to-day operations. The money was withheld many times in the past, until finally the state made what was considered a “bailout” of the company by some. This in real terms was just giving NYRA the money that was owed to them for their operations and making the company a viable, functional unit. Added with this was the often overlooked aspect of the money owed by New York City Off-Track Betting to NYRA for it’s simulcast operations. There is money STILL owed by NYC OTB as they too have financial difficulties and are near bankruptcy. These are the real reasons that NYRA has had such a downturn this decade.

But, things are slowly but surely getting better. The restraints put on NYRA to “clean up its act” several years back are slowly being lifted. The dreaded “detention barns” that were put in place are now gone. Attempt is being made by NYRA to get the money owed to them by NYC OTB and the money loaned to NYRA by the state for its day-to-day expenses had gotten them back on the right track. Now, we finally get this long overdue deal for the VLT machines at Aqueduct. Once up and running, this will generate millions of dollars for an improved racing product, on and off the track. Purses will increase; breeders and horsemen will get paid. And most of all, the state of New York will get their all important money back which comes down to what the state wants most. All this could have been up and running years ago, but the mentally of people in high places in the State of New York made this easy reality nearly impossible. Like many things in our state, nothing is made easy. But, the wait is over and the “good things” will be on the horizon. It’s been a long race and the finish line is near!

It was a “renaissance” race meet for yours truly - SARATOGA 2010

While many times certain events don’t live up to all the “hype”, the 2010 Saratoga race meet did in my book! I’ll admit that I was a little apprehensive with the expansion to the 40 day meet by adding four extra days. I thought that the influx of more racing days with a six day a week meet would “water down” the racing quality. During the Belmont spring meet, there were short fields and that was with racing only five days a week. But, with the addition of many Kentucky based trainers to Saratoga , things turned out alright.

Another concern was the Monmouth Park “weekend” race meet and what it would take away from Saratoga . This again had little or no impact on the 40 day meet here and saw some horses shipping New Jersey instead , but not enough to really hurt the field size at the Spa. There was a large amount of statebred races and even the “dreaded” five and half furlong turf sprints we had so many of, but Saratoga did survive that onslaught. The group of Kentucky based horses along with a large amount of two year old races really helped the meet and added a good mix of wide open, competitive betting events. My hat is off to; PJ Campo, NYRA Racing Secretary with the great racing cards he put together throughout the 40 day race meet.

We experienced pretty good summer weather also during this year’s race meet. Only opening day and the weekend before Travers week did we have wet weather and racing "off the turf"courses. The good weather kept field sizes up and the betting interests at a good level. Prices were to be had more times that not and there were many races where the favorite betting interest was 3-1 or better. The two year old talent was at the top of its game during the meet this year. Lots of first time maiden starters made great betting opportunities. None better than Thursday, August 12th in the 2nd race when I tabbed a first time starter from the Ralph Nicks barn (Valiant Passion) “on top” in my selections at a 30-1 ($63.00) win mutual. We saw winning at Saratoga this year, older horse; Blame defeat Quality Road in the Whitney Handicap and Blind Luck being victorious in the Alabama Stakes. With BOTH these horses having a victory at Saratoga and Churchill Downs , it is my opinion that Blind Luck wins the Ladies Classic (under the lights) on Breeder’s Cup Friday and Blame wins the Classic the next day......REMEMBER this prediction!

As for myself, it was a “renaissance” type season for selecting winners each day I handicapped the 40 day meet here. My season win total was a record 119 winners “on top” out of 393 races (30%). The 119 win total ranked me 5th out of 24 Saratoga racing handicappers from the season. The ROI total for the meet was $812.00 wagered on those 393 races. That means if you played my “top selection” with a $2.00 wager for the 40 days, you would have been ahead $26.00 at the finish. In other words, I “beat the meet” showing a flat profit. These totals were the best for me since the 103 winners that I had the first year I started handicapping the Saratoga race meet for the RECORDER (1998). I was “in a groove” from day one of the meet and the extra four days did not have an impact on my handicapping style. Not since 1992, when I had my all time best money return at a Saratoga race meet was I more successful with my selections and bankroll. But, the most overall greatest achievement in 2010 Saratoga race meet for me was getting my picture in the winner’s circle with a horse I had an interested in. Sunday August 29th 2010 will always be remembered as the biggest thoroughbred racing thrill I’ve ever had when Ausable Chasm won the 2nd race at Saratoga for Dee Tee Stables. That victory was the “icing on the cake” for a quite memorable Saratoga racing season.

After 25 years of following thoroughbred racing, the 2010 Saratoga race meet was everything that it was hyped up to be......and more. Thoroughbred racing is far from “dead”……this year’s race meet proved that with me!

Mark Hoffman’s Saratoga selections - day #40 (9/6) : Record 115-382 ($788.40)

Race #1

Sextant - drops to 25k straight claimer for Linda Rice with bullet work on turf training course, won for this price two back.

Hangingonaprayer – comes off two straight wins in a row versus allowance company downstate, although 0 for 4 at the distance & 0 for 3 at the Spa!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Silent Stalk – Fiona Freud

Race #2

Yankee Fortune – sharp victory over the track last time out first time versus winners, goes from the rail & turns back slightly.

Good Prospect - two even efforts over the course in last two starts, right there again.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Quick to Charm – Billions Boy

Race #3

Song of Broadway - drops to the bottom off of decent 3rd in last start, best of this weak group.

Shuttle Craft - first time starter for barn looking for first victory of the meet, chance to get off the “duck” here.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Lady Alma – Glance My Way

Race #4

Awakino Cat – three for three in overnight stake victories here on this surface & distance, can’t get pass him!

Affirmatif - got nailed late downstate in last start, a career underachiever though.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Ravalo – Mitigation

Race #5

Aruna - first time stateside for Graham Motion, last start was in group I competition.

Picture Hat - chased the pace for 3rd in first start last time out in U.S. debut, beware of the “Euro-bounce” second time around.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Crazy Catlady – Biz Jet

Race #6

Perregaux - closed slightly turf sprinting in debut while racing greenly, stretches out today.

Willy Pay - rough trip in debut tiring late, wide open youngster event!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Rogue Romance – Associate

Race #7

Baby Me – closed like a rocket at 27-1 in debut, had all sorts of trouble in that start.

Come a Callin – all sorts of trouble also when bet in debut, winner of that race won as the “good thing”.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Centering – Niji’s Grand Girl

Race #8

Gitchee Goomie - just missed in both recent starts downstate turf sprinting, blinkers off today.

Australis Princess – wired a group last time out in optional claimer, back in allowance ranks today off the sharp victory.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Nurse Dolce – Tutti Va Bene

Race #9

Boys At Tosconova – completely aired by 12 lengths first time Dutrow as the odds-on favorite, could be a “monster”?

Stay Thirsty – this son of Bernardini broke maiden impressively here wire to wire in 2nd start, might have the best long term future.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Wine Police – Printing Press

Race #10

Striking Dancer – scratched from spot on Saturday for this longer distance event, should relish the added distance.

Forever Together – hard hitting mare looks to have lost a step, but still…..is right there in every graded event!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Casablanca Smile – Keertana

Race #11

East Indies - rallied 3rd with tough trip in debut, adds lasix for second start.

Voodoo Storm – even effort in debut turf sprinting, gets the added distance today & improves.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Shadow Wood – Iwannaiwannaiwanna



Hoffy’s “Horse to Beat” play of the day (13-36) - SONG OF BROADWAY (3rd)

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #39 (9/5) : Record 111-372 ($763.60)

Race #1

Writingonthewall - seeks third straight, this NY statebred has never been better.

Big Polk a Dot - very interesting Fairgrounds shipper makes first career start on the weeds, bullet grass work here & gets my new favorite jockey aboard!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Karakorum Legend - Stevil

Race #2

Include the Cat - rallied nicely in maiden claimer earlier in the meet, back in special weights & trainer really looking to get off the "duck" in this race!

Sortilege - ran an even 3rd last Fall and has been on the shelf since then, trainer 1-36 this meet.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Grace 'n Style - Speak Freely

Race #3

Delta Holiday - broke maiden by a country mile in April at Gulfstream Park , trainer has full card of runners late in this meet.

Magdalena Girl - broke maiden impressively in last start, takes next logical step today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Bea Bet - Outta My Mind

Race #4

Il Senatore - like the great Elvis Presley ( or John Schneider) sung way back when; "It's Not or Never" with this gelding, four straight runner-up finishes.

Won O Won - not a bad effort first time out for Parting Glass Stable at 28-1, should continue to improve & adds lasix today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Brunelli - Jacob's Dream

Race #5

Ginger Snapit - raced greenly for 2nd in debut, no doubt improves today for Pletcher.

Soinlovewithuam I - tired late after setting the pace on grass a few days back, turf to dirt & cuts back in distance today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Stray Bullet - Roots Run Deep

Race #6

Chardonniere - got in gear late last time out turf sprinting, stretches out to a mile today.

Smart Farming - weakened late after stalking the pace in last, jock switch to Garcia today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Drifting Away - Unbridled Humor

Race #7

Ash Zee - kinda in over her head last time out in the Test Stakes, fits well in this spot.

Film Charm - turns back to a sprint today after setting the pace going a route last time out, was 3rd behind Persistently in that race.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Shine Upon - Sneaky Girl

Race #8

Kan N Klear - rough trip in richer straight claimer last time out, this spot looks better.

Thunder Way - very wide trip throughout in last start as the lukewarm favorite, comes from the back of the pack.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Zodiac Girl - Cougar Cruise

Race #9

Fantastico Roberto - the "main speed" here, can take this short group "wire to wire".

Mystic - rallied from the back of the pack to win last start here, third place finisher in that race won Friday's finale (Prince Will I Am).

Exotic & multi-race runner : Lethal Combination

Race #10

Valiant Passion - called this one at 30-1 in debut for Ralph Nicks, has been privately purchased by TEAM Valor & now trained by Todd Pletcher, they too must have seen something in her!

Repole Stable (entry) - Stopspendingmaria weakened late in the slop on opening day in the Schuylerville, Sky Hosoya broke maiden gate to wire impressively in maiden claimer.

Exotic & multi-race runners : R Heat Lightning - Coax Liberty

Race #11

Atlantic Beauty - disappointed big time as the odds-on favorite last time out, claimed out of that event for new connections.

Collect the Fee - dirt to turf for Pletcher after failing odds-on last start at Monmouth, a speedy sort.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Afteralllivbeenthru - She's a Ketch



Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day - Valiant Passion (10th)

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #38 (9/4) : Record : 106-361 ($739.80)

Race #1

Rose Catherine - two for two at this turf sprint distance and never out of the money on this surface, class edge on this group.

Broken Dreams - very lightly raced runner has done nothing wrong in short three race career, nice victory over the track at this distance.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Quebrada Shiner - Canadian Ballet

Race #2

Crea's Law - 2nd best behind stablemate in last start, Johnny V. back in the saddle today with bullet work to boot!

Exley - set the pace in last start as the favorite tiring late, Ramon D. picks up the mount today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Super Angelo - Street Game

Race #3

Brother Bird - seeks third win in a row after sharp allowance victory over the track at the overlay price of 6-1 in last start, turns back a panel in distance today.

Mr. Fantasy - comes off spring layoff after setting the pace in previous three sprint starts, once was thought of being a stakes horse..... a long time ago!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Speight of Hand - Callide Valley

Race #4

Epicurus - rallied in last start with a rough trip at 12-1 for Mr. Pletcher, looks like he wraps up the training title today......if all my selections win!

Shimmering Forest - was the pace setter as the favorite last start just missing, goes from tough outside post today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Albany Road - Golly Day

Race #5

Jaguar Paw - no factor last time out on the dirt sprinting, tries the weeds today & stretches out in distance.

Rock America - disappointed last time out as the odds-on favorite, claimed out of that race.....but, must draw into today's race from the AE's.

Exotic & multi -race runners : Ender's Universe & Promovedor Glory

Race #6

Astrology - even effort in debut as the favorite, should improve today.

Punster - sharp effort in debut just missing at 13-1, dangerous at a price again.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Economic Summit - Paretereo

Race #7

My Princess Jess - gets very needed class relief in this spot today, bullet turf work for today's start.

Fantasia - even efforts in last two starts, maybe puts it all together today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Forest Trail - C.S. Silk

Race #8

Duke of Naples - had a tough trip in last start as the very lukewarm favorite (3-1) on a yielding turf course, needs a better set up today.

Bishop of Nola - wire to wire in last start and two for two over Saratoga turf courses, never been better!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Abilio - JL Bernstein

Race #9

Vineyard Haven / Girolamo (entry) - this Godolphin one/two punch means business, first half of the entry never been out-of-the-money here at the Spa & won wire to wire opening day, second part; hasn't been seen since the Breeder's Cup Classic last Fall.

Bribon - was no catching Majesticperfection, his opponent last time out, should be closing late.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Omniscient - Big Drama

Race #10

Quality Road - nearly pulled it off in the Whitney Stakes just getting caught late by Blame, no more than a "public workout" today and wins by double digit lengths!

Mythical Power - ships to Saratoga for Bob Baffert and is the new face here, has a bullet work at Saratoga & should be a square price underneath top pick.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Convocation - Tranquil Manner

Race #11

City Train - just missed in turf debut, draws tough outside post though.

Bourbon Bandit - first time starter from Linda Rice.......enough said!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Roaring Conquest - Writethatdown


Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day (13-34) -

Grand Slam Special play (7th) : 2 with 4/5/8 with 1/2/6 with 3

Words can't describe the feeling I had today.......

As I sit back and type on my keyboard just like every other Thursday evening; the past twelve years. Trying to think about what I’ll be writing each week for my weekly column….sometimes it’s tough to come up with the thoroughbred news of the day that hasn’t been alright covered on another racing related paper. Usually, the slow time comes right after the Breeder’s Cup and until the Triple Crown race preps start in mid- February. But, this time of year…...there’s no problem with coming up with material. I always like to take a personal perspective in each column I write. Today’s column is such one!

I’ve been very fortunate to have the pleasure in writing about this sport that I love. It’s been over 12 years here with the Amsterdam Recorder and 22 years in handicapping the “best” thoroughbred meet in the country; Saratoga. I met a lot of great people, learned very much when it comes to this sport and had the occasions of living great moments while doing all of this. But this past Sunday, was the pinnacle of all those days combined.

One thing I never thought I would be a part of was owning a thoroughbred runner. That dream came true during the winter of 2006. Her name was Sumwonlovesyou and she raced twice at Saratoga during the 2007 meet. She was the “lukewarm” the first time out on the opening weekend Sunday and raced back the final Sunday of the meet. After that last start, she never raced again, but it wasn’t the end of our little racing partnership.

We would add seven more horses to our stable and run in races all across the country. We would get winner circle photos at Arlington Park , Turfway Park , Charlestown Raceway and Philadelphia Park . But, what eluded our group was that winner’s circle photo at a New York based track. This past Sunday afternoon, shortly after 1:30pm, that dream came true! With our fourth starting horse at historic Saratoga Race Course, Ausable Chasm finally broke our maiden at my hometown track. This two year old filly maiden; sired by Hook and Ladder and out of a Comet Shine mare (Ausable), not only gave trainer; Gary Sciacca his first victory of the 2010 Saratoga meet, but also gave Dee Tee Stables their first victory at a NYRA racetrack. I cannot described the feeling I had right out by the clubhouse finish line with she crossed the wire first by three lengths. I felt bad for the poor woman if front of me at the fence, because I was screaming so loud as our two year old filly was coming down the lane.

I was literally shaking a she came back to the winner’s circle for our first winner’s circle photo at Saratoga . We had about 40 people gathered there and everyone in attendance was ALL smiles! It finally came to fruition; we had won a race at Saratoga ! It was the icing on the cake for a very good 2010 Saratoga meet for myself with a record number of “winners-on-top” and of course; our horse winning. It has capped off a wonderful and memorable 2010 Saratoga race meet. Great weather, great racing and most of all; fun & memorable times during the world’s greatest race meet. It’s something dreams are made of and for this brief moment in time……it was ours!

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #37 (9/3) : Record 105- 352 (732.30)

Race #1

Money's Sweet / Scale (entry) - I really like the first part of this Linda Rice entry better just missing at this same level last time out, other half goes from turf to dirt & drops from allowance ranks.

Idol Image - also goes from turf to dirt, drops from higher claimer & gets blinkers on today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Living for This - Zone Breaker

Race #2

Flying Train - Pletcher firster scratched from Wednesday for this spot today, entrymate ( Ready and Good ) ran 2nd in that race.

Thatgirl - got caught at the wire after clear long lead on a muddy sealed track in last start, improved big time with the addition of blinkers in last.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Nolita - Forest Whip

Race #3

Don't Forget Gil - classy NY bred meets statebreds for only second time and goes from turf to dirt with blinkers on, gets this needed class relief today.

Banker's Buy - sharp victory last time out at Belmont versus open company, main foe for top selection.

Exotic & multi-race selection : Big Brownie

Race #4

City Sneakers - drew into last race and went wire to wire from the far outside post, back in optional allowance claimer today.

Cookram Rock - won with a late charge last time out going a mile here, should enjoy the added distance today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Shekomeko Son - Tom Kitten

Race #5

Elusive Raven - half sister to Homer Winslow raced a even 2nd in debut while a lukewarm price on the board, gets a dry racing surface today.

Overseas Market - just missed as the even money favorite in debut at Monmouth, horse to beat from the rail today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Trufast - Indian Lilly

Race #6

Winter Memories - a daughter of the great Memories Of Silver makes her first start, with sire El Prado...... the turf breeding doesn't get better than this!

Litigating - never got running when stalled in traffic first time out turf sprinting, stretches out today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Buster's Ready - Town Flirt

Race #7

Indy Scent - ships in late from Ellis Park after no factor in handicap race, drops to this beaten claimer spot in NY debut.

Tripp O Steel - Arlington shipper also finds a good spot here after tiring late last time out as the favorite, wide open turf event.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Montana Knight - Bold Vindication

Race #8

Silver Medallion - got his nose on the wire in debut, 2nd place finisher in that race came back to break maiden last Saturday.

Typhoon Slew - ran off and hid second time on the weeds winning by over 10 lengths, dangerous speed from the inside post.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Powhatan County - Sensational Slam

Race #9

Ordination - sat the trip with stalking effort in last start tiring late, may be the pace setter today versus this group.

Silver Mountain - classy veteran gets much needed class relief, may wake up today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Cheyenne Nation - Prince Will I Am



Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day (13-33) - MONEY'S SWEET (entry) 1st

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #36 (9/2) : 100 - 342 ($698.70)

Race #1

Lead Us Not - won for this number last time out over the hurdles, this is the 2010 finale of Saratoga Steeplechase season.

Riddle - set the pace behind top pick weakening late, should be motoring on the front end.

Exotic & multi-race runners : All Together - Dr. Bloomer

Race #2

Wascally Rabbit - showed marked improvement in second career start with blinkers on, barn only 3 for 73 this Saratoga meet.

All for Peace - Suffolk shipper even 2nd in debut as the odds-on favorite, drops into claimer & very dangerous late meet score possible.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Camillus Drive - Trippi's Tiger

Race #3

Healthy Debate - undefeated out of town coming in with four race winning streak, only clunker was here in debut last summer on a good track.

Sudden Silver - nice win last time out in N2L condition, tries beaten claimers today.

Exotic & multi race runners : Lorraine in Spain - Essex Ferry

Race #4

Snow Top Mountain - just missed as the favorite last time out going this distance on the weeds, wide open first division of stake.

Awesome Maria - been awhile since we saw this good looking filly on track, makes 3 yr. old debut on the weeds for return.

Exotic & multi-race runners : House of Grace - Senada

Race #5

English Ivy - a first time starter from Barclay Tagg & Sackatoga Stable, watch the board.

Copious Notes - returns to special weights and tries the grass today, we're talkin' nice price here!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Skips Prospect - Feels Good

Race #6

Dance Pass - 2nd best both times at this level in marathon turf race tries as the favorite, ONE more chance today!

Emerald Beach - stretches out today for Jonathan Sheppard after even tries out-of-town, worth a look with this trainer.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Dyani - Muhaawra

Race #7

Technique - ships in from Delaware after even effort in debut as the favorite, shows two bullet works for today's 2nd start.

Modest - Darley Stable first time starter, may need more ground than just this short sprint distance.

Exotic & multi-race runners : It's Truly Ahvee - City Cool


Race #8

Platinumplus - just missed by a head last time out, doesn't get an easier spot than this today!

Shehashighhopes - sat a good trip winning last start versus beaten claimers, in versus straight claimers today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : No Rhyme Or Reason - Lovely Promise

Race #9

Marseria - makes her U.S. debut coming in from Italy with two overwhelming victories in both career starts, gets lasix for stateside debut.

Queen of the Creek - just held on after going wire to wire in optional claimer over the turf course, tries to go gate to wire again.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Doe Run - Khancord Kid

Race #10

Theresmyeverything - goes from polytrack to grass first time out for Linda Rice, even effort in debut & stretches out today.

Local Legacy - tired in the slop versus maiden claimers, tries grass & stretches out for a one / two punch for Miss Rice.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Mazara Del Vallo - Rudy Rudy Rudy


Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day (13-32) - Dance Pass (6th)