They're off & running @ Saratoga.......flying start!

Well, week #1 and then some is in the books, once again the racing carded at Saratoga is bar none and the opening card was just an indicating of that. It was just a "little hot" but, my morning got started early with my good friend; Mike Villa at his house just a few blocks from the track (lucky guy). We looking at the days card then headed over to the track. Between the time I left my car outside the track and the first race, I must have ran into at least a half dozen of my fellow horse racing friends. After narrowly missing in the opener with Fizzano at 7-1, my "Horse to Beat" play of the day came through in the fourth race. Valiant Passion (who I tabbed at 30-1 here last year). She returned to the races, proved that she "loves" the Spa and is back, ready for stakes action with her victory. Later in the afternoon, Pure Gossip reprised a Valiant Passion effort and with the same. longshot price ($78.00) as my 2nd choice in the 7th race. In the opening day feature, Todd Pletcher picked up right where he left off last year with Georgie's Angel in the Schuylerville Stakes for two year old fillies. Just like the card, day #1 was great!

Saturday's card was a "headbanger" to say the least. Other than Bob Baffert's west coast shipper in the 3rd race (Saddleranch) the races were wide open and very tough to decipher. In the 7th race, a maiden special weight event; the post time favorite was 9-2 in the betting. The day was topped off with five horse, evenly matched field in the TVG Coaching Club American Oaks. It's Tricky narrowly defeated Plum Pretty at the shadow of the wire and now will be heading to the Alabama in a few weeks.

On Sunday, Dee Tee Stable's maiden gelding; Lloydobler made his first appearance at Saratoga and was the first time I saw him in the flesh. Although he didn't race that well, it was an exciting day with my good friend; Dave Scott and the rest of my partnership friends seeing him run at the Spa. Oh, by the way....Todd Pletcher won the feature again with a two year old. Will, Overdriven be this year's version of Uncle Mo ? He did sure look good in winning the Sanford Stakes.

Monday, the rains came during the 2nd race and while it cooled things off a bit, I remained "hot" with my most profitable day of the meet so far. Could have even been more better, but late scratches and races off the turf hinter my exotic payouts. The first four days of what some call the "mini" meet was good for my bankroll and kept me "above water" early into the meet.

Starting the first full week on Wednesday, we saw two explosive efforts. When Overdriven won the Sanford Stakes on Sunday, the horse he ran down in his maiden breaker was returning in the 3rd race. JC 's Pride won the race in impressive style and also set a track record at Saratoga for five furlongs. Later on in the card, the best three year old turf filly showed why she is just that. Winter Memories came from the back of the pack while getting checked on the far turn and rallied to victory. While drawing away in the stretch, she was "geared down" and under wraps. This effort may be the best at the Spa all season long. The first six days of the meet, the racing was great as usual and the bankroll is looking good going into the weekend. I love this time of the year and we're off to a good start. Hopefully more to come at the Spa.

My "Saratoga Statement" ....... thoughts on 25 yrs. of lovin' the track!

The "summer place to be" Saratoga is among us; 40 days of the best racing in the country, right in our backyard! This year's Saratoga season means especially more to me, because it marks the 25th year of myself following the sport of thoroughbred racing and also going to Saratoga racecourse. The other night, while thinking back about the last 25 years; a lot of memories returned. I sat down and as they were fresh in my mind, I wrote what I call my; "Saratoga Statement". I always like to tell a story about things and memories of the past, when it comes to my life experiences. Many times, people are amazed how I can remember certain things, times and places. I guess they made an impression in my mind, so it's easy to recall them. So, I tried in a short way to describe my Saratoga experience and the memories I had the last 25 years there and with the people who mean most to me. Here is my little "statement" I hope you enjoy it.


"Well, this opening day begins my 25th year of going to my most favorite place on the earth; Saratoga Racecourse. If you asked me that question before I started to work for Montgomery County , I would have said; "huh"???? You see I had NO interest in horse racing before then. But, it has become a ritual for myself ever since then. I've been handicapping every Saratoga race since 1988 and in print since 1998, it's something I find challenging and enjoy to do. I've seen great thoroughbreds like; Easy Goer, Point Given and Rachel Alexandra win at this historic track. I've spend many nights handicapping the daily 9 (or 10 plus) races, made many trips on route 29 east or route 67 to the Spa, through any type of weather. I've met many great people throughout the years and even had a horse; race and win at the Spa. That was one of the best moments and was memorable. Last year when Ausable Chasm broke her maiden for Dee Tee Stables the day after the Travers, I was thrilled to no end! Then, there was the time in 2008 when, Sumwonslovesyou; our first horse for the stable, was the post time favorite in a race at Saratoga, this I'll never forget. But, most of all, it was all the times throughout the years that I spend with family and friends at Saratoga that meant the most. These days were most special to me! My dad; Bill Hoffman was my companion at the track until he past away in 2008. He was the biggest supporter of me and my love of thoroughbred racing, I missed the trips with him here very much, I owe a lot to him. There are all the times with my friends from Fort Plain, heading to the track and enjoying the day. Most recent years, with my Dee Tee Stables partners at the Carolina Bar-b-que and seeing our horses race. But, the person who I've spend the last 20 years with is the one who I owe the most. She has taken up with my wins, losses and would-have & should haves. She is the "love of my life" Karen. You see, she was like me and didn't know anything about horse racing until she was introduced to it. She became a fan and like me and fell in love with the sport. With her support throughout the years, my life during July and August really has been enjoyable with her by my side. Everybody knows that this is a special time of the year for me and my involvement with this sport. It's the one thing that I can say that I am most proud of in my life. There are not many things I'm good at, but thoroughbred racing and Saratoga is my life each and every summer. I'm a lucky guy to be blessed with the passion for it! It's now post time........let's try and get a few winners and have fun!"

The anticipation for SARATOGA is at a fever pitch!

Anybody who knows me or is a friend of mine on Facebook, can tell that I'm very excited for the upcoming Saratoga race meet. I've been counting down the past month with videos from Saratoga on my home page and now, we're less than one week away. This year marks the 25th year of myself following the sport of thoroughbred racing. I've been handicapping the race meet since 1988 and here in the Recorder since 1998. Last year was my best year with winners (119) and overall one of my most enjoyable meets. I also got my first "winners circle" photo when, Ausable Chasm broke her maiden the day after the Travers Stakes. Coming off such an fun race meet, it will be tough to top the success. But, my attitude toward Saratoga 2011 is a good one and it's a time in my life where I'm striding for my very best and out to prove a point. Hopefully, the next 40 days my work will be proven out.

Two events leading up to next Saturday are on tap, tomorrow is the 31st annual Saratoga open house. A Saratoga tradition, it offers a full day of attractions, games and activities for ALL ages. Presented by Hannaford Supermarkets, a major partner with Saratoga racecourse this season, it will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission and parking are free. The popular Jockey Autograph Book will be available for the first time this season with a voluntary contribution to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. The autograph books will be distributed on track by Hannaford Supermarkets. The 20-page book features a full page for the top 12 leading jockeys by the number of wins at Saratoga in 2010, along with photos and fun facts for each. Also, The National Steeplechase Association will get a jump on the racing season by presenting three hurdle races and one on the main turf. No pari-mutuel wagering is available on these races which get underway every 45 minutes beginning at 1:30 p.m. The backyard will play host to a variety of activities including pony rides, inflatables, face painting, caricatures and a petting zoo. For those looking forward to the upcoming meet, Saratoga 2011 season passes will be available for purchase at the Grandstand Customer Service Center. The passes, $75 for clubhouse admission and $35 for grandstand, are good for the entire 40-day Saratoga meet, including Travers Day on Saturday, August 27.

One day before the meet starts, Hannaford Supermarkets will invite racing fans to meet Saratoga ’s world-class jockeys and obtain their signatures at 95 Weibel Avenue store in Saratoga Springs on Thursday, July 21 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The autograph session will feature Saratoga ’s top three jockeys from 2010; John Velazquez, Javier Castellano and Ramon Dominguez. Velazquez, won this year’s Kentucky Derby, captured the 2010 riding title at Saratoga with 57 wins followed by Castellano with 54 wins and Dominguez with 46 victories. Several other of Saratoga ’s leading riders will also be in attendance. Hannaford Supermarkets is the official sponsor of the 2011 Jockey Autograph Book. The autograph books will be available at the signing with a voluntary contribution to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). This marks the first time since introducing the Jockey Autograph Book that fans will be able to pick up a copy outside of the race course. There also is a surprise in store for 20 lucky owners of the new Jockey Book. Hidden exclusively in the pages of the Jockey Books that are at Hannaford stores are a total of 20 golden tickets. Each golden ticket will entitle the holder and three companions to a complimentary breakfast with the jockeys at Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday, August 31.

I will be handicapping the 40 day race meet each race day in the Recorder and my column will appear on Saturday as usual along with both Saturday's and Sunday's selections. During the week, I'll be giving out my "selection of the day" on 1490am WCSS at 8:15am during Mike Mancini's morning show. You'll have wall-to-wall coverage of the 2011 Saratoga meet each day here at the Recorder and hopefully the success of last year will continue this year. I'm ready for it, are you?

Dee Tee's "summer at Saratoga" '11

The beginning of the 2011 Saratoga thoroughbred race meet begins in less than two weeks. This year's meet could be the biggest ever for the little group that I've been involved with for nearly five years, Dee Tee Stables. From Sumwonlovesyou in 2007 to last year with our first "winner's circle" photo; Ausable Chasm, the lime green and slate blue silks look to have as many as three horses race at the Spa during the 40 day meet.

I've been going to Saratoga regularly for 25 years and have had many exciting moments throughout that time. But, nothing could top the day after the Travers in 2010. In the 2nd race that day, our 2nd time starter; Ausable Chasm broke her maiden at 10-1 and also gave us our first winner in New York and at it's most famous track; Saratoga. It was truly a great moment for myself and one that I thought could never happen. This year, Dee Tee Stable will be attacking the Spa meet with a "three prong" group of runners and looking to make the winner's circle once again.

The group of horses are all trained by Gary Sciacca, have been training on the NYRA circuit and raced at all three NYRA tracks. Lloydobler; our four year old maiden gelding, missed the Saratoga meet last year due to an injury. He was stabled at the Oklahoma track during the end of the meet last summer and will return to the main track upstate for his next start. It is hope that a return to dirt and jockey switch, may get the "Lloydster" finally to the winner's circle on his 15th attempt.

The three year old NY bred and last year's winner here; Ausable Chasm will be returning to the track at Saratoga . After breaking her maiden 2nd time out sprinting here, she is still trying to get though her non-winners of one lifetime statebred condition. She'll be coming off a short layoff and trying the grass first time in her return. There will be plenty of statebred turf sprints at the Spa and will have Maylan Studart in the irons for her return.

The newest Dee Tee Stable runner is a two year old NY bred maiden by the name of My Pal Of Pals. This son of City Zip is in co-ownership with Dr. Paul Giacopelli and will be the first of four NY breds to hit the track for Dee Tee Stables in the near future. He is the most developed of the group and will be racing in statebred maiden contest sometime during the meet. Also, making their debut in the near future will be; Toy Cannon, this son of Thunder Gulch (named after Houston Astros 70's slugger; Jimmy Wynn) is also in co-ownership with Paul Pompa who has had past interest with such runners like; Big Brown, D'Funnybone and Franny Freud. This colt may not race at Saratoga , but look for him to be trained by either; Todd Pletcher, Bill Mott or Chad Brown. Two others to watch in the future are; Spondulix ( Rockport Harbor ) and Corybant ( Johannesburg ) these two colts will be making belated debuts sometime in the near future and most likely will be trained by Gary Sciacca.

This is a exciting time of the year for me and this year will be even more exciting with the possibly of three Dee Tee Stables runners racing at the greatest racetrack in the world. I'll keep everyone posted when these horses will be entered at the Spa and anyone interested in getting into our racing partnership can contact me or check out; www.derbytrail.com for more information.

The "usual" best wishes before the "big" meet.........

This past Monday afternoon, I attended the yearly pre-Saratoga media press conference at the Desmond in Albany . I've been a part of this event for the past 13 years as a member of the press covering the premier thoroughbred meet in the country. The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has had many different faces represent their organization throughout the time I've been attending these media days. The company that has presented thoroughbred racing in this state for the past fifty plus years, has had a lot of scrutiny piled along the way. Some of it warranted and sometimes, not. There were sins of the past, that were corrected. The organization has made great strides the past few years in correcting things and making the company more efficient. But, every year this press conference comes along, one month before the Saratoga meet, the "bad" headlines resurface about NYRA and tend to place them in a bad light. Why should 2011 be any different?

Less than a week before this very press conference, the "oversight" board for NYRA's operations came questioning them again. Coincidence??? maybe, a pattern of every year? more likely! It's seems to me that the politicians and other groups in this state have made NYRA their public "whipping" boy far too often. It always seems that when it looks to be a "light at the end of the tunnel" for NYRA, something in the headlines, pops up and derails the forward progress. It's happen again this year and I applauded NYRA - CEO and Chairman; Charles Heywood on explaining the situation to the gathered press at the news conference on Monday. Many times too often, we hear and see one side of the story. It's so easy to make headlines with problems and "gloom and doom" situations. But, it's so much better when things can be explained out with reasonable answers to the subject at hand. I think, Mr. Haywood did an excellent job rebuking the claims made toward NYRA once again.

How about some of the good that this organization has done the past few years to fix the "sins of the past". Granted, NYRA had problems that put themselves in dyer situations. They were on the brink of disappearing all together. But, good leadership and trust has brought NYRA back from near extinction. After the political waggling by those against NYRA, the chance was given for the association to make good and rise from the ashes. A year ago, the contract for VLT's was put in place and a new revenue fund (long over due) was put into place. The current financial situation is no fault of NYRA's, but money that was owe to them by the collapse of New York City OTB. This is what the current problem with NYRA's financial picture at this moment. When the VLT's are up and running, the picture will be a lot different and in the "black".

I as well as many others, look forward to this time of the year. The best thoroughbred racing in the world is less than an hour away from us for 40 days. I just wish one time, that the headlines read; "NYRA leads the way toward the Saratoga season". Instead of all the negative things we see in print, year in and year out. Will that ever happen in this day in age? I rather doubt it, but I can dream. Also, I can say without a doubt that, NYRA will rise about ALL the criticism again!