How I long for the days of; 9 races, 24 days and TOP quality Saratoga racing!

One week of the 2012 Saratoga meet in the books, it was a little different for me than in past years. The "quietist" surrounding the beginning of the meet, with the state take over (behind the scenes) has made this year's Saratoga , somewhat average without the usual "big" opening. Opening day had the usual glitches, problems with the sound on the PA system, water in the bathrooms with low pressure and the new "Wi-Fi" wireless system not working in all areas. Little problems that weren't major problems, like the tote betting system going down like a few years back. The weather was the best in quite a few years and a good solid, comfortable crowd came out for opening day. These things are just part of opening day and with 39 more after that, all things considered it went well. But, the lack of NYRA being out in full force on opening day was noticeable to me.

The early morning of opening day, I usually watch the local television news stations to see there coverage of one of the bigger events in the Capital District each summer. This year, there were "spoke people" for what was going on about the leading up to Saratoga , but they were new faces and not the usual suspects. After all, with state government getting involve with thoroughbred racing in this state and all the "evil" things that NYRA has done, we saw a new spin on the 40 thoroughbred meet.

The driving force I noticed was played up by the VLT's that are finally running at Aqueduct and how much more the purse will bring horsemen from all across the country to Saratoga. This has been really going on since the beginning of the year. Higher purses during the Aqueduct Inner-track meet had full fields and big payouts to the horsemen who stayed in New York during the winter months. In reality, we saw the same old horses, race three or four times a month and soon making several starts which meant runners taking turns, beating each other during the dead of winter. There were times where wagering in New York became very dull and monotonous. Since Saratoga has expanded to 40 days from the original 24 and the race cards from nine a day to ten and sometimes 11, the racing product will be affected in quality because of quantity.

More isn't better when the cash is out there, the cards fill up and the top horses have many places to go during the summer months to race. Two years ago, Monmouth Park had incredible purses that were partially funded by the state. A lot of that money, went into the stake racing program. Here at Saratoga , we had the usual amount of stake races and ALL top quality. But, it seems because of the many avenues for top horses to go, the extra money in New York benefits the "cheaper" horses. Maybe it's me, but 40 days and cheaper races have taken away the "aura"of Saratoga .

Saratoga is noted for it's stake races almost everyday, two year old racing and turf racing on it's two grass surfaces. But, many races are carded with large fields of horses who would have NOT raced at Saratoga , 15 years ago. This is mainly a product of the 40 day meet. If the weather cooperatives, there will be many grass races carded with full fields and horses not under 3-1 odds. It's the non-winners of one lifetime racing for 20k that I think, should just race downstate. Saratoga is about tradition, the best horses from top connections with championships to be won in the Fall. But, now that we've going "40" and ten plus races a day.....the "cheaper" races will reign. This is a trend that will continue, especially when it's about the almighty dollar when it comes to the state. Let's hope that is the ONLY thing that will change at Saratoga . When they start tinkering with picnic area and other Saratoga traditions, then it will show for ALL the public to see!

Twas the Night Before Saratoga by Mark Hoffman

It was the night before Saratoga , as I prepared for the meet
My computer was buzzing, even my wireless mouse.
The past performances were printed with care,
In hopes that the "racing gods" would treat me fair.

The entries were nestled all in their post positions,
While visions of winning tickets, danced in my head.
Mamma watching the "Lifetime" network and me with my racing form,
We just settled our brains for a long Saratoga meet.

When on my computer, there rose such a dilemma
I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter.
Away to the entries I flew like a flash,
Tore open the running lines and marked up the paper.

The sunset of the hot day
Gave the thought of the races tomorrow.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a moral "lock" in tomorrow's feature race.

With a little known jockey, so lively with weight,
I knew in a moment he must be real quick.
With buzz from the start, the bettors they came,
And like a rocket he broke, so speedy from the gate.

He got clear of the leaders and away he went.
From the top of the stretch, his steed was in the lead.
Now dash away, dash away from them all and away he went.

As he left his opponents in the dust, like a wild hurricane fly,
When he got to the finish on his mount, I reached to the sky.
So in the grandstand, the crowd did cheer.
With the victory in hand, and the bettors that were happy as dear.

He returned to the winner's circle and did the crowd roar.
I got out my winning ticket and cashed out my score.
Back through the paddock, the winner was going .
And his body all tarnished with dirt and sweat.
with his saddle was no longer flung on his back,
And he looked like a winner, proud from the pack.

His eyes, how they twinkled and so did mine!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And his head stood proud, as he headed back to the barn.

His bit was no longer held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke, was left on the track.
He had a broad face and was full of muscle.
That shook when he whined, so full of trouble.

And I saluted when I saw him, and was full of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon told me everything I know, I had chosen the best!

He spoke not a word, as he walked into the distance
And filled all the winners, cash in their pockets
I gave him a nod, and back to the barn he went.

I said to myself, with endearment to my pick .
God, I love this game and will never quit.
So, Saratoga is here......for the next 40 days
Happy Spa to all, and cash tickets all day!

What's in store for SARATOGA 2012 - on and off track!

We got thrown a curve ball this year leading up to the biggest racing meet of the season; Saratoga. The information has been coming to us in bits and pieces since the spring, but one thing is for certain; the 40 days of thoroughbred racing at Saratoga means the most for NYRA and racing in the country. I'll give you the "highlights" on what I've learned and what to look forward to starting July 20th through Labor Day.

We first learned late last winter that the stakes purse structure at Saratoga would be increase for the upcoming meet. With all the hoopla about take-out and money lost for NYRA, it's nice to see that the organization is putting cash toward it's premier meet. This will lure horsemen from all across the country for NYRA's great stakes scheduled. The stakes schedule will include several key stakes that also have great meaning for this year's Breeder's Cup events in the Fall. Four events will have a point system for the winners and horses finishing in the money that will gain those horses entrance into the Breeder's Cup stakes. The four races are; the Whitney Handicap (8/4) for older stake horses, the Ballerina Stakes (8/24) for filly & mare sprinters, the Personnel Ensign Handicap (8/26) for older filly & mares going a route distance and the Three Chimney's Hopeful Stakes (9/3) for the two year old colts.

Racing at Saratoga will also be showcased on network television throughout the meet. The NBC Sports Network (locally on channel 44) will be presenting five graded stake races on their network. They'll be on Saturdays and one Sunday. Starting on Saturday, August 11th - the Fourstardave Handicap on the grass from 6pm to 7pm on the NBC Sports Network, Sunday, August 12th the next day - the Adirondack & Saratoga Special from the young two year old runners same time as the above and also on the NBC Sports Network, on August 18th - the Alabama Stakes (for 3 yr.old fillies) and the Sword Dancer Invitational (older grass runners) 5pm to 6pm on the NBC Sports Network, the biggest day of the meet August 25th Travers day from 4pm to 6pm on NBC (locally on channel 13) and will showcase the Ballston Spa on the grass, the Test Stakes & King's Bishop Stakes (for 3yr.old sprinters) and of course; the Travers Stakes - Mid-Summer's Derby. Rounding out the Summer at Saratoga schedule is the Woodward Stakes on Saturday September 1st on the NBC from 5pm to 6pm.

Giveaways always play a big part of the Saratoga season. These were announced the day that NYRA used to have the annual Saratoga press conference. First up is the Saratoga Baseball Cap on July 29th (Sunday) a sharp, two toned hat which may be the best that they have given away yet! On Sunday, August 12th there is a new item; Saratoga Picnic Mat which is a nice foldable pack and is in the iconic Saratoga traditional colors. Sunday, August 19th a Saratoga Pilsner Glass is the special giveaway. We round out the list of giveaways on Sunday. August 2nd the final Sunday with the classic Saratoga Fleece Blanket in the Saratoga red with logo. Missing for the first time in over 25 years, the famous Saratoga T-shirt giveaway.

Special event days fill the Saratoga schedule throughout the meet. There is Family Fun Fridays, each Friday of the meet. The Travers Festival from August 18th through the 26th. Party at the Spa with a later post times on July 27th (second Friday) and August 31st (last Friday) of the meet. Also, the Final Stretch Festival from Saturday, September 1st through closing day; Labor Day - September 3rd. Other daily events are; Hats Off to Saratoga (7/20 to 7/22), College Day (7/27), Mid-Summer Saint Patrick's Day (8/2), Galloping Grapes event (8/5), Fabulous Fillies Day (8/17) and Veterans Day (8/29).

These are just a few things going on during the 40 day race meet at beautiful and historic Saratoga Race Track, try to get out to the track at least once during this premier meet!

Horses who won at Saratoga in 2011 & have raced in the last 6 months

It's Tricky - grade I winning filly is the top prospect for Godolphin Stable

Rule - hard hitting older handicap runner from the Pletcher barn, recent stakes winner

Currency Swap - grade I winner here last year in the slop, pointed for the King's Bishop

Turbulent Descent - west coast wonder last year, now transferred to the Pletcher barn

Funky Monkey Mama - hard hitting ALWAYS hits the board, watch in mid/ high price claimers.

Vexor - 3 yr.old colt trained by John Kimmel, watch in sprints

Big Blue Kitten - recently tried group race in Europe , watch back on the weeds here

Australis Princess - multiple winner at the Spa the last two years, gutsy statebred

Caixa Electronia - hard hitting runner from the Repole / Pletcher barn, watch sprinting or route races in stakes company.

Union Rags - won last year here in the slop, Travers main goal for the Belmont Stakes winner.

Compliance Officer - just missed in graded stake on the weeds at Belmont, hard hitter!

Gitchee Goomie - statebred older turf mare, always a danger in grass races to finish ITM

La Reine Lionne - sharp turf filly from the Chad Brown barn, watch in grass stakes

Those Wer the Days - the little known half-brother to Kentucky Derby winner; I'll Have Another, watch on grass or dirt.

W.W.'s Lady's Man - hard hitting claimer won in slop here last season and has been a multiple winner over the track.

Hungry Island - graded stakes winner on the weeds for Shug McGaughey & the Phipps barn, possibly pointed for the Diana Handicap.

Cease - marathon runner from the Kentucky circuit, watch in route races here

Mabou - claimed from jump race here last summer, recently prep on the weeds at Belmont .

To Honor and Serve - graded stakes winner hasn't bounced back yet this year, may get overlooked at the Spa.

Fizzano - multiple statebred winner here last year, watch in those optional claimers here!

Stay Thirsty - will be making third start off a layoff next time he races, most likely here!

Kid Kate - Chad Brown's hard hitting dirt sprinter, won here the past two years.

Risky Rachel - was favored last time out over above horse in overnight stake at Belmont .

Jackson Bend - classic sprinter / mile from the Zito barn, may stretch back out to a route also.

Saratoga Snacks - lightly raced runner from the Sciacca barn, ONE that will be bet!

Grace Hall - top notch two year old filly last year, hasn't been seen since the Kentucky Oaks though.

There was Fourstardave before, Funny Cide later..... but, in between; Thunder Rumble!

It's hard to believe that it has been 20 years since I had one of my most successful and fun race meets at Saratoga . 1992 was quite a year in thoroughbred racing for myself. That year I tabbed the horse that would eventually win the Breeder's Cup Classic (AP Indy), I was starting my 2nd year with Nick Kling on our public access show the "original" Down the Stretch and was doing quite well with my "horses to watch "list and that summer, marked the first year that I took my new family; Karen, Joshua and Nicole to Saratoga during August.

We first went to what was called; the Wait Trials at the Saratoga training track, this was the prelude to what is now, the Saratoga Open House before the meet starts. It was the first time I went and enjoyed the day with my family and hospitably that then trainer; Billy Sise showed us at his barn. The kids really loved it and in a few weeks, we would go to see the ponies do their thing in the afternoons. Now, going to the track for a nine year old and seven year old could prove interesting! But, we picked the first Sunday of the meet and went with my parents.

It happened to be the day of the Jim Dandy Stakes, which was a prep for the Travers. The class of '92 three year olds had some very good runners like; Dixie Brass, Pine Bluff , Alydeed and a little N.Y. bred named; Thunder Rumble. He had a decent spring that year and was going to be pointed toward the Kentucky Derby . But, much like AP Indy, a injury caused a change of plans for him. So, his trainer; the late Richie O'Connell got him ready for the big two three year old races at the Spa. Coming into Saratoga off the layoff and being a statebred racing in graded stakes company, he got overlooked in the wagering.

Now up to this point in the day, I had my most successful day of wagering at Saratoga in the six years that I had been going. My bankroll was up over $300 my the mid-race card and the smart bettor I am, decided to quit while I was ahead that day. But, my stepson wanted me to play him a horse in the Jim Dandy field. That horse was Thunder Rumble and the reason was, he liked the name! Well, I put $2.00 across the board for Joshua and the N.Y. bred won the race and paid over $50 to win! That made a little boy, VERY happy! For the first time at the track as a family, was quite an experience and still 20 years later, we make at least one trip as a group there.

That year, Thunder Rumble would go on to archieve the elusive Jim Dandy / Travers victory double by also winning the Mid-Summer Derby at 7-1. He became in a short time one of the most popular N.Y. breds, right up there with the likes of the"Sultan of Saratoga "; Fourstardave. He would go on in the Fall and race in the Breeder's Cup Classic and return the following year to Saratoga and capture the Saratoga Cup Stakes. After his racing career, he went to the farm and now resides just a few miles from the racetrack at Old Friends Farm, in Middle Grove off of route 29. I got to see him two years ago in his own paddock and he looked lively as ever at the age of 21.

We've had a lot of great N.Y. bred horses throughout the years. Whether it was Fourstardave or later the 2003 Kentucky Derby winner; Funny Cide, that day nearly 20 years ago, a N.Y. bred named Thunder Rumble made a kid from Fonda N.Y. very happy! That's what going to the racetrack does; gives us lasting, wonderful memories.

With the leaders gone..... it's Baffert leading the way!

Earlier this spring, I was so looking forward to this year's sophomore, three year old crop. With no clear cut leader of the group and many worthy horses to be the top three year old going into the Triple Crown races, we had a chance to see something special in 2012. After the first two legs of this year's Triple Crown, I'll Have Another was the "clear cut" leader of this group. But, on the eve of the Belmont Stakes; the dual Triple Crown race winner came up with an injury and could not only race in the final leg of the series.....but would never race again! Disappointment soon turned into a sigh of relief nearly 24 hours later when, Union Rags the 2nd choice in the Kentucky Derby redeemed himself by his gutsy victory in the Belmont Stakes. But, Union Rags suffered an injury and is now on the shelf too the rest of the year. Now, just over a month later; the two horses who won ALL the Triple Crown races are no longer racing this season.

We head into the second season for the three year old runners without either of their class leaders. How does this bode for the upcoming stakes at Saratoga and other premier tracks across the country? The three major three year old races on the east coast are; the Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga on July 28th, the million dollar Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park the next day July 29th and the Mid-Summer's Derby at Saratoga on August 25th. These are the three key races next up for the sophomore runners until they faced older foes this Fall. With the leaders of the class, not racing.....who will fill the void in these three major events and who will go to the head of the class?

The three horses that come to mind are ALL trained by Hall of Fame trainer; Bob Baffert. They include; the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes runner-up; Bodemeister, the 2nd place finisher in the Belmont Stakes; Paynter and recent Swaps Stakes winner at Hollywood Park ; Blueskiesnrainbows. While Mr. Baffert was second fiddle in the Triple Crown, he looks to have the inside track for the next few three year old races. All three of the above mention horses are nominated for the Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park . Most likely, Bodemiester will represent team Baffert in the million dollar race on the Jersey shore. Paynter will go in the Jim Dandy Stakes, the day before and the "other" Baffert 3rd stringer will go in the overnight, Curlin Stakes at the Party at the Spa first late post race card, the day before the Jim Dandy Stakes. Even with horses like; Dullahan, Hansen and Alpha, the west coast trainer of champions holds the edge.

We'll get to see a lot of other three year old runners who have "fallen through the cracks" this spring like; Teeth of the Dog, Atigun, Street Life and Fast Falcon, but Baffert holds the winning hand at this point. The top three year old championship could be on the line if Bodemeister runs the table. But, if the above mention horses make an impact, I'll Have Another gets the honors because of his Derby and Preakness heroics. With Union Rags injured, he is out of consideration for any year end honors. So, the races the next few weeks and months will be good betting events, IF you don't like any three of Baffert's militia.

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) will host it's 32nd annual open house at historic Saratoga Race Track tomorrow between 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The events scheduled are; live music, food from local non-profit organizations , pony rides, behind-the-scenes tours, handicapping seminars and the ninth-annual mascot race. Plus, four hurdle races and one turf race on the Saratoga turf course. Admission is free and it's a family day with a sneak preview for the upcoming Saratoga race meet.

Dee Tee Stables fires a shot - pre 4th of July!

"It's been a long time since I rock and rolled, It's been a long time since I did the stroll." The first line from this classic Led Zeppelin song reminds me of the long, overdue obstacles that the stable I'm involved with (Dee Tee Stables) finally overcame one week ago. It had been since October 30. 2010 exactly 18 months to the day since one of our flag bearers graced the winner's circle. There had been a lot of "strolls" down the stretches of racetracks since that last win, some close calls like on New Year's Day this year at Aqueduct with Ausable Chasm and other bitter disappointments with some strange twists. A year ago, I gave my annual update on Dee Tee Stables right before the start of the Saratoga season. To be honest, not much changed since then.......until the 3rd race a week ago at Belmont Park.

Since we last discuss the partnership that I've been involved with for over five years, the gelding I had a share in; Lloydobler has been retired. He made his last start almost a year ago, opening weekend at Saratoga. Last Fall he was switched to trainer Chuck Simon, but was unable to make it back to the track because of chronic leg issues. It was very bitter sweet, since he showed so much promise in his first few starts. But in thoroughbred racing, things can go wrong very quickly. The filly we won with at the Spa, late in the meet in 2010; Ausable Chasm, returned later in the meet last year and making her first appearance on the turf. She ran some decent efforts over the winter on the Aqueduct Inner-track at a nice price, finishing 2nd and 3rd. But, has been a "in and outer" since that glorious August Sunday in 2010. On closing day last year in the rain and sloppy track; My Pal of Pals, made his racing debut in a off-the-turf event. He really doesn't care for the dirt or sloppy track and has showed speed on the weeds. He'll be pointed toward N.Y. bred maiden races on the grass during the Saratoga meet and may have Maylan Studart in the irons.

But, last Saturday we got to see the long awaited 2nd start of the namesake of legendary Houston Astros slugger; Jim Wynn and his name is Toy Cannon. I talked about him a year ago, before he actually had a published workout. This N.Y. bred son of Thunder Gulch is 50% co-owned with Paul Pompa (of Big Brown fame) and trained by our 4th different trainer; Bill Mott. He made his debut last Fall on a sloppy, off-the-turf event at Belmont, also like My Pal of Pals did at Saratoga. After that debut, small problems cropped up with him and went to the sidelines. He was back on the workout tab this winter at Belmont and later in the spring at Saratoga when the training track opened. His workouts weren't that impressive, but steady toward his return to the races and back on the grass. He was entered in 25k maiden claimer on the weeds, going a mile on the widener turf course. Set off at 9-1 under Junior Alvarado, he settled down mid pack in the running and when asked, rallied on the outside driving under brisk urging to win by 4 lengths. It was quite an impressive effort coming off the layoff and switching to a different surface. He went off at a nice square price and best of all, he WASN'T claimed for 25,000. He raced under Paul Pompa's silks this time and hopefully will be in the lime green & slate blue silks next time out! This victory may signal big things for this runner and our stable this summer at Saratoga. As well as Toy Cannon at Saratoga; we'll try to get both Spondulix (Rockport Harbor) and Corybant (Johannesburg) make their belated debuts, trained by Gary Sciacca. Excitement is gaining as we get closer to Saratoga and it's also in the Dee Tee Stables barn!