Santa Anita 2015-16 ~ opening day winter meet stakes selections

Daytona Stakes ~ Santa Anita (4th) six & half furlongs downhill turf course

No Silent (#12) - last seen a no factor 6th in the Breeder's Cup Turf Sprint going a bit shorter, won the Eddie D. in previous start at this distance, class factor.
Richard's Boy (#1) - sharp in last three starts going shorter, also won over this course & draws inside post.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Big Cazanova (#2) - Alert Bay (#7) - Bench Warrant (#8)


Mathis Brothers Mile ~ Santa Anita (6th) one mile turf

Vigilante (#9) - this stone cold closer rallied going longer in last two starts in winning efforts, steps up to stakes action today, square price.
OM (#10) - weakened in the Hollywood Derby in game effort last start, the horse to beat & has victory over American Pharoah earlier in his career.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Perfectly Majestic (#3) - Mr. Brightstone (#6) - Soul Driver (#5)


La Brea Stakes ~ Santa Anita (7th) seven furlongs dirt (three yr.old fillies)

Cavorting (#3) - rallied as the lukewarm favorite in the Breeder's Filly & Mare Sprint going this distance, horse to beat in this return spot.
Hot City Girl (#2) - razor sharp NY bred filly seeks fourth victory in row, the controlling speed here.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Birdatthewire (#1) - Ben's Dutchess (#6) - Maybellene (#5)


Malibu Stakes ~ Santa Antia (8th) seven furlongs dirt (three year olds)

Marking (#2) - two for two in short career with impressive victories, scratched from the Cigar Mile a month ago at Aqueduct for this spot, acid test today.
Watershed (#3) - return to his winning ways at Keeneland versus allowance company, he mirrors stablemate top selection here in many ways, Godolphin value exacta box!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Runhappy (#4) - El Kabeir (#6) - Lord Nelson (#7)

American Pharoah & Saratoga success highlight the 2015 season ........ hard act to follow for next year

With this being the second to last column of 2015, I thought we would look back at this banner year for the sport and if the year can be duplicated in 2016. Needless to say, the world of thoroughbred racing in 2015 was one for the record books. We had the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. The excitement started in March when the two year old champion of 2014; American Pharoah made his three year old debut at Oaklawn Park. It began a journey that would have the racing world mesmerized straight through the end of summer.

Winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes was one thing that several other horses had accomplished since the last Triple Crown winner. But, none had done the "hat trick" of winning all three. The first leg was the toughest and most impressive of his quest for the crown, the Kentucky Derby. In this race, he proved to be the goods with a workman like victory in the toughest of the Triple Crown races. In Preakness, he got the sloppy track he loves and relished it with a impressive victory. Two down, one to go and thirty seven years in the waiting!

The Belmont Stakes , the "test of champions" was just that with a tour de force and a unchallenged victory. It couldn't be easier for this son of Pioneer of the Nile, completing the three race test. After a minor hiccup at Saratoga in the Travers Stakes, he ended his racing career much like he won the Triple Crown. A uncontested win in the Breeder's Cup Classic and becoming the first "Grand Slam" winner of thoroughbred racing.

American Pharoah will be a very tough act to follow for this year and years to come. There isn't a stick out two year old so far this season and a runner will need to get on a roll to match American Pharoah. But then again, American Pharoah had it easy from early Fall to late winter and still pulled off history. It will take a lot to capture the masses who do not follow thoroughbred racing if the Kentucky Derby winner of 2016, doesn't win the second leg of the Triple Crown. I think it's a longshot if any horse comes even close to what American Pharoah accomplished in 2015, this upcoming year.

With what American Pharoah achieved on track and his appearance at the greatest racing venue in the world; Saratoga, it made it a banner season for NYRA's crown jewel track. The 40 days of Saratoga in 2015 may have been the best ever. The anticipation of a Triple Crown winner appearing there and great stakes racing were just two of the keys in Saratoga being the place to be this summer. But more so, the beautiful summer weather we endured here in upstate New York played a huge part. This was the biggest factor of success that may put the association in the "black" this year.

But, this year's home run for NYRA may not be duplicated if the weather and lack of any real thoroughbred superstar doesn't materialize in 2016. The golden goose is always the Saratoga meet. But the numbers from 2015 may be a once in a lifetime thing. Racing needed a year like this year for the sport. Whether it brought new fans to the sport or not is debatable. I wonder sometimes if thoroughbred racing didn't have the story of American Pharoah this year, would we just go through a year where the sport was carried by the hardcore, everyday players. After all, from now until early spring, horse racing will be regulated to just that; the everyday, hardcore players. I know I'll be doing my part in supporting the sport until the Triple Crown races this spring...... will you?

On top of the world, one moment ...... out the door the next.

Next to American Pharoah, the biggest story from this year's Breeder's Cup was the feel good story of trainer Maria Borell and her horse; Runhappy. The story began in mid August and the colt's rise to prominence two weeks ago was tempered only 24 hours later, when the fairytale story took an abrupt change.

When handicapping the Travers day race card during Saratoga, I saw an entry in the grade I - King's Bishop Stakes that got my attention. This three year old sprint race was loaded with many interesting runners and while going over the past performances, I recognized a name. There was a lightly raced colt who ran two huge races at Indiana Downs and Ellis Park and he earned two monster Beyer speed figures. I saw the name of the trainer and it rang a bell with me. Six year's ago when I first joined Facebook, I received a friend request from racing fan from the Syracuse area, who was also involved breeding horses and training them. That person was Maria Borell, the trainer of this impressive runner.

While stepping up in class, Runhappy showed his brilliant speed and was victorious in the grade I race at 11-1. Not only did his win give Maria her first stakes victory, it was the only runner in her barn. Maria, who has been a licensed trainer since 2013 had never had a victory, that was until Runhappy. This son of Super Saver has been everything to Maria, which has been chronicled on her Facebook page and throughout the thoroughbred world on the internet. After winning the King's Bishop, he followed that up at Keeneland with another sprint stakes victory and it was on to the Breeder's Cup Sprint.

Maria had made the "big time" with this horse and even was highlighted with an interview piece on NBC just before the race. In the race, Runhappy was made the favorite and he did not disappoint. While not showing his usual front end speed, he came slightly off the pace and found the winner's circle and giving Maria Borell the biggest day of her life. This thirty two year old naive of Syracuse, that relocated to Kentucky did something few trainers have ever achieved, take one horse and become a household name.

Happy smiles were all in the winner's circle from the connections, especially Maria. But there was one face that didn't look that joyful. That was from the sister in-law and former trainer of Runhappy; Laura Wohlers. Wohlers trained Runhappy in his first two career starts and then the horse was transferred to Maria. It was Maria who took this horse to the top of his game. But less than 24 hours later, Runhappy was no longer under the care of Maria Borell.

Owner James McIngvale informed Maria that Runhappy would be turned over to Wohlers immediately and the joy of less than 24 hours would turn into sadness. No reason was given for the change in trainers and rumors were abound. The racing world was shocked as much as Maria, having Runhappy taken away from her. A few days later, Maria made a statement to the press and at first echoed the sentiments that McIingvale said; it was a mutual agreement that she would part ways with the horse. But, soon the truth would come out and it was anything but mutual.

She has filed a lawsuit against McIngvales's stable for money owed to her from Runhappy's victory in the Sprint, breach of contract and defamation of character. As of the writing of this column, she has not been paid any of the money from Runhappy's Breeder's Cup victory. The feel good story of Runhappy and Maria Borell didn't have a happy ending. The racing world has embraced Maria Borell and defended her, while the villains are the McIngvales for their actions. This story is far from over and the unfortunate thing is that the bond between Runhappy and Maria Borell is no more. This is the sad result of owners who don't know when they have it good, with winning results. Unfortunately, blood is thicker than water.

The perfect Hollywood script ........ and can't make this stuff up!

Some may call it a "fairytale ending", a glimpse of greatness we have not seen in decades. A thoroughbred who captured the minds and hearts of the American public. One horse who accomplished something no other has done since the heyday of the sport over 35+ years ago. Yes, it's been that type of season for one, American Pharoah. And the masses have been pumped up!

I cannot added much more than what this horse has done the past six months. Revitalizing horse racing to new levels. Other than his little "hiccup" in the Travers at Saratoga, he did everything right. All the people around him, also did everything right with campaign of this animal. But most of all, the racing gods were on this horse's side in two of his "life alternating" races that changed the face of the sport. Those were the Belmont Stakes and Breeder's Cup Classic. There is no doubt in my mind that, these two races had a perfect scripted Hollywood ending.

You can't deny what this horse has done on the track, his efforts and results speak for them self. But, you also can't deny that American Pharoah had it his own way not once, but twice in the two biggest races of his career. He worked hard to earn his Kentucky Derby win, he relished the "off going" in the Preakness Stakes and was victorious. But in the Travers Stakes, he was pushed and came up short. The key word here is; "pushed", made to work in his effort that day. But, when it came to completing his Triple Crown bid in the Belmont Stakes, everything went his way. Once again this past Saturday afternoon in the Breeder's Cup Classic, it was " Deja Vu all over again!"

If a horse with the talent of American Pharoah is allowed to set his own race fractions and not be pushed by other runners, 99% of the time that horse will win! There is no denying that in the Belmont Stakes, he had everything his way going the marathon distance of a mile and a half. No other three year old male has been in the same class as he this year. In the Travers though, Frosted made him work just a wee bit and the results showed it was just enough for him to be defeated.

But, in the Breeder's Cup Classic it wasn't going to happen again. The whole completion of the race, set up for him to show his greatness. Here are the examples; the choice of the speedy Liam's Map to race in the Breeder's Cup Mile the day before. Yes, this older more seasoned runner at the top of his game would have given American Pharoah a target to chase and just may have made him work more going the mile and quarter. The mare; Beholder who has a similar racing style to American Pharoah, would have added to the mix if she didn't declare from the race a few days before. These two major defections from this race, gave the green light for American Pharoah to do his thing without any competition.

And we know, the rest is history and the fairytale ending is completed. But, I truly believe that if things were different in both races and the competition engaged Pharaoh like he was in the Travers, this great horse possibly would not be dubbed the "greatest" horse in our lifetime. Only speculation on my part and I've taken a lot of heat for my stance. American Pharoah came along at the right time and was the right horse. His talents showed that on the track. But we as handicappers and students of the sport, tend to analysis things more. We do it with horses that win races. American Pharaoh is no different in my opinion. While I agree that he changed the sport in 2015, it would have been interesting if his two biggest races of his career, which altered history, were more like his Travers race and he had to work for that victory. That we'll never know!

N.Y. bred Showcase Day III ~ Belmont Park

Today is New York bred Showcase Day at Belmont Park, the third of these race cards solely for registered N.Y. bred horses. This event has been hosted for over twenty years and was the catalyst for many other exclusive state bred racing days throughout the country. Many of the horses entered today are well known at NYRA and may have raced in the two other showcase days that were held at Belmont in late May and Saratoga in August.

Nine two year old colts racing a flat mile on dirt are going in the Sleepy Hollow Stakes (2nd) to start the stakes action off. The two morning line favorites seem to stick out in this group; Get Jets (#4) and Sudden Surprise (#6) have running one/two in a seven furlong stakes race for statebreds here on September 27th. We'll key these two in the top spots and use underneath in triples and superfectas : Forever in Love (#1) - Celtic Chaos (#3) - Inside Straight (#5).

Older statebred sprinters goes six and a half furlongs in the Hudson Handicap (3rd). Once again, a full field is assembled with the morning line favorite; Palace (#9) possibly scratching for next week's Breeder's Cup Sprint at Keeneland. With that said, I'll past on him in today's play and not include him in my selections. The Mike Hushion trained uncoupled entry are my top two selections; Loki's Vengeance (#1) and Captain Serious (#2) , both have shown capability in these statebred sprint stakes and are a juicy 6-1 & 8-1 on the morning line. I'll boxed these two and use underneath in my exotics : Ostrolenka (#5) - Noble Cornerstone (#7) - John's Island (#8).

It's the filly and mares turn next up in the Iroquois Stakes (4th) going the same distance. Once again here, the morning line favorite; La Verdad (#9) is pre-entered in the Breeder's Cup Filly & Mare Sprint next week. She is the best in here at 3-5, but again I'll leave her out, on the assumption she races next weekend. Just like in the Hudson Handicap, the race is wide open without these major players. Willet (#5) and Tricky Zippy (#8) both drop from open company stakes and have run well in the past versus statebred stakes company, they are my top two picks. The triple and superfecta players will be : Women Win (#2) - Isabelle (#3) - Hot City Girl (#7).

The formerly featured race of the today, the Empire Classic (#5) is now midway through the card and ends the early pick 4 stakes play. This route race for older males has been the staple for showcasing the top NY bred runners of the year. We have a wide open field with questions who will get the mile and eighth distance over the Belmont racing surface of one turn. The lukewarm morning line favorite; Saratoga Snacks (#3) and out-of-town "new face"; Warrioroftheroses (#9) are my top two selections. Underneath these two, I'll be using : Beyond Empire (#3) - Good Luck Gus (#4) - Royal Posse (#5).

We head to the turf for the first of two grass races on today's stakes card, the Mohawk Stakes (7th) going a mile and a sixteenth on the weeds with the usual cast of characters in these type races. Kharafa (#3) was a solid winner of the Ashley T. Cole Handicap going a bit longer for these state breds and the favorite in that same race; Lubash (#6) who disappointed, are my top two picks today again. Underneath players are Runaway Posse (#1) - Iron Power (#2) - Notacatbutallama (#5).

The late pick three finishes off the stakes action today (races #9 thru #11) with the filly two year old counterpart to the Sleepy Hollow Stakes, the Maid of the Mist Stakes (#9) going the same distance with an overflow field of 12 runners. She's All Ready (#10) drops back to statebred company and has a solid class edge over this group. She's my top pick along with Trappe Play (#1) who broke her maiden first out at 13-1 and draws the rail. Underneath my top two picks : Frosty Margarita (#3) - Melodic (#5) - Super Surprise (#7) the beaten favorite in the Joseph Gimma prep race for this.

The Empire Distaff (10th) are the gals equivalent to the Empire Classic, going a sixteenth of a mile less though. Hot Stones (#8) tired versus grade I open company in last start, back versus statebreds which she had dominated in her two previous starts. She gets the top pick, along with Wonder Gal (#9) who returns versus NY breds for the first time since her last victory as a two year old in July of 2014. With these two, I'll be using : Tahoe Tigeress (#1) - Temper Mint Patty (#5) - Jc's Shooting Star (#7).

The day wraps up on the grass with the ladies in the Ticonderoga Stakes (#11). Discreet Marq (#5) failed as the favorite last time out at the Saratoga NY bred showcase day, makes amends today on class alone with the "in form" Neck of the Moon (#2) who's on a roll and faces stakes company for the first time. Wide open underneath as most all these races are today ; Selenite (#3) - Swear By It (#8) - The Tea Cups (#10) are the runners I'll use in triple and superfecta slots. Today, is a good day to pad your phone-a-bet account for next week's championship day in racing at Keeneland. Good luck!

The Breeder's Cup & NYRA

We mention last week that this year's Breeder's Cup World Championships would be at a new, different venue. For the first time since Monmouth Park in 2007, the two day event was being held somewhere else other than Santa Anita Park or Churchill Downs. It's the first time for Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington Kentucky and in 2017, the event will be held at Del Mar Racecourse in California. But, conspicuously by it's absence for over a decade is the event being held in New York.

The original rotation from 1984 to 1995, the Breeder's Cup was held at California, New York and Florida based tracks only. In 1996, it was held at the first new venue other than the three original states. Also, it was the first and only time held outside the Untied States at Woodbine Racetrack in Canada. During that next ten year span, courses like Arlington Park, Lone Star Park and Monmouth Park were added. But, it has been ten years since the two day festival of championship races has appeared at a NYRA based track.

There were five year internals where the Breeder's Cup was conducted in New York. The first was in year two of the event, at Aqueduct in 1985. Then five years later, the first time at Belmont Park in 1990. That was twenty five years ago this month and it was the first Breeder's Cup I attended. One word could sum up that day, COLD! It would be every five years after that (1995, 2001, 2005) with the exception of 2001 that the race would be on this rotation of sites. But since 2005 the last time it was here, the Breeder's Cup World Championships organization has ignored the NYRA racing venue.

There are two factors that stick out why the event is no longer conducted here in New York. The first is a lame excuse that has out lived it's usefulness, in my opinion. The upheaval within the racing organization the last several years This has been a excuse used by Breeder's Cup Ltd. in the past why they overlook having the event here in New York. It's gotten to the point in the last few years that NYRA hasn't even applied to be considered hosting the two day event. Whatever transpired a decade ago with NYRA is done and over with and the Breeder's Cup should give a shot having the event here in New York. But, the main and biggest reason that it's not here anymore is because of the weather.

It was a damp dreary day in 1985 with the temperature at 54 degrees when the event was held at Aqueduct on November 2nd in it's second running. Five years later in 1990, it was sunny with a brisk wind and a cold 43 degrees on October 27, a week early than 1985. In 1995, the post times were earlier because of a conflict with the NBC broadcast and Notre Dame football. It was 66 degrees that day, but it had rained the night before and there was moisture in the track. The 2001 edition was surreal because it was held only a few weeks removed from the September 11 attacks at the World Trade Center. It was a cool crisp 50 degrees that day and I spent most of it inside the Belmont Park grandstand with my father. The last time the event was held there in 2005, the weather conditions were the same as four years before; 46 degrees and windy. With Belmont Park being an open-air facility, weather conditions play a big factor the last weekend of October. This is the main reason the Breeder's Cup isn't held in New York anymore.

With all this said, the purpose of having this event was to showcase championship caliber thoroughbreds across the many racetracks in this country. I guess the Breeder's Cup World Championship seems fit that New York does not fall under that criteria anymore. To me, this has taken away the flavor and usefulness of their mantra, "World Championships".

Breeder's Cup latest venue ...... KEENELAND

The 2015 edition of the Breeder's Cup World Championships deviates from the norm this year. After three straight years at Santa Anita Park and five of the last seven, the two day event is at Keeneland Racecourse for the first time. It will be a whole new ball game for wagering, not seen since the last time it was held at a new site. That was in 2007, the year it expanded to two days and at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. Those two days were a turning point in where the event was held because of what transpired. After last weekend's weather, the result could be much like it was in 2007 unfortunately, if mother nature doesn't cooperate.

The weather was a major factor the first time it was held at this new east coast site eight year's ago. Late Fall weather in the northeast can be tricky and that year it was at Monmouth Park. There was pretty much non-stop rain from Friday afternoon until well into the Saturday card. Not the way Monmouth Park wanted it to be for the first time they were holding the Breeder's Cup. Top that off with it being the inaugural expansion of more races and having two days instead of one. It was a washout and one of the reasons that the move to Santa Anita was put in place. We've seen it too, that weather in Kentucky can be brutal this time of the year also.

When the races were held in Kentucky in the past, there were times that they too had off track conditions. This past weekend at Keeneland and New York, weather wasn't favorable and conditions not the best. With the possibly of inclement weather, the size of the Keeneland Racecourse facility for the attending fans, it could be very interesting. Keeneland isn't as large as most host tracks for this event. Much like what NYRA did for the Belmont Stakes and Travers this year, Breeder's Cup is limiting the amount of on-track patrons to the event with a cap on attendance. This is a factor only if you plan on going, but the weather will play a big role on the success of this year's Breeder's Cup Championship day, away from sunny Southern California.

Our handicapping segment this week looks at two turf races that may be affected weather again this week. In New York, the Knickerbocker Handicap (9th) a mile and eighth on the weeds and at Keeneland, the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (9th) for three year old filly turf runners. While the New York is while open, in Kentucky a very sharp three year old filly sticks out over her rivals.

A field of 11 with one (MTO) is scheduled for the route event at Belmont Park which includes the winner from the previous year. I'm leaning toward the two inside horses as my top selections; Middleburg (#1) and Messi (#2) with the later coming off a bad effort going longer at Saratoga in his last start. I'll box these two in my exacta and use underneath; War Dancer (#7) - All Included (#10) - Mr. Speaker (#9). I'm leaving out last year's winner of this race; Legendary (#8).

At Keeneland, a soft turf may be at hand also in their featured event going the same distance as the Knickerbocker in New York. Here the outside filly is head and shoulders best over her competition. Sentiero Italia (#9) is two for two in stakes competition at this level and has been great in winning both those starts. She goes from the outside today and should set a good stalking trip. She's my top pick and underneath I'll use; Olorda (#6) - Blond Me (#7) - Miss Temple City (#3) and longshot - Return to Grace (#5).

SUPER SATURDAY II @ Belmont Park ~ superfectas / pick 4 / pick 6 plays

Today is round #2 of Belmont Park's Super Saturday Stakes action with prep races for the Breeder's Cup at Keeneland on October 30th and 31st. There are six stakes races today that encompass races five through ten. The Saturday pick six at Belmont, starts in the sixth and guaranteed pick four in the 7th race. With the success in two of my five superfecta box plays from Super Saturday I (Turf Classic Day) and three out of four in my stakes pick four play, we'll use the same format on the five stakes today with another pick four play and pick six play.

The Kelso Handicap (5th) starts things off for older males going a mile on dirt. The 3/5 favorite is my old friend; Honor Code (#2) who has become the top older male handicap older with his big effort in the Whitney Handicap. While he is turning back in distance, today in this race is a better spot that in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at a longer distance later on in the card. Hopefully, there will be enough speed leading the way for his late closing kick. My superfecta box play is : 2 with 4/5/6.

It's a battle of stateside versus European runners in the Flower Bowl Handicap (6th) for older filly & mares going a route distance on the turf. The North American runners have taken turns beating each other, so I'll go with the European class runner; Curvy (#8) who has four victories in nine career starts. This three year old faces older America foes for the first time and is a new face among distaff turf runners. She is my top pick and I'll use with her; 8 with 1/5/7.

The first of two races for two year olds is the Frizette Stakes (7th) with an evenly matched field of seven fillies. I'm taking a page from the last race and going with a European runner from a trainer who has done well in the past with first time stateside runners. Nemoralia (#3) is trained by Jeremy Noseda, whose claim to fame was with Wilko, who won at 28-1 over Afleet Alex in the 2004 edition of the Breeder's Cup Juvenile. This horse makes in dirt debut after wins on turf and polytrack across the pond. My superfecta box play is : 3 with 1/2/7.

The boys are up next in the Champagne Stakes (8th) with another evenly matched field. Going with a price here and my man Shug McGaughey who saddles, Sail Ahoy (#4) at 12-1 morning line odds. This regally bred Phipps runner has a victory at this mile distance over the Belmont strip (only one of two with a victory longer than a sprint). With this black & pink runner, I'll be using : 4 and 1/2/5.

Much like last weekend's three year old filly race on the weeds, the Hill Prince Stakes (9th) for the boys is wide open! The Japanese bred from the connections who campaigned Main Sequence to top turf eclipse honors is my top selection; Tale of Life (#11). In his stateside debut, he was victorious at Saratoga and steps up to stakes action today. With him, I'll use : 11 and 4/6/10.

The Jockey Club Gold Cup (10th) is a short, select field that is minus the two best older males on the east coast (Liam's Map & Honor Code) with that said, it's Tonalist (#6) race to lose. I can't go pass him and the superfecta play in this short field is: 6 with 1/3/4.

The all-stakes pick four wager today starts in the (7th) race and is : 1/2/3 (7th) with 4/5 (8th) with 11 (9th) and 6 (10th) = $3.00 for a fifty cent play. The pick six play starting in the (6th) is : 8 with 1/2/3 with 4 with 11 with 6 and ends in the (11th) with Life Imitates Life (#7) = $6.00 pick six wager.

Super Saturday I ~ Turf Classic Day @ Belmont Park

The first of two "Super Saturdays" are being run today at Belmont Park. The road to this year's Breeder's Cup at Keeneland continues this week with Turf Classic Day that includes five stakes races. Of those five, only two are on turf with two other for the sprinters and one for the distaff fillies. All these fields are wide open with no clear cut favorites and many classy graded stakes winners. It will be Super-Box superfectas for my plays in each race, because of the evenly matched fields. The stakes wagering begins in the 5th (3:06) with the Beldame Stakes and then, four straight graded stakes that make up the $500,000 guaranteed all stakes late pick 4.

Six are entered in the mile & sixteenth - Beldame Stakes for older filly & mares. My top selection, is the ultra-consistent 6/5 morning line favorite; Wedding Toast (#2) who has only been out of the money once in 11 career starts. The superfecta box here is : 2 with 1/3/6.

The 7th race (4:16) begins the consecutive stakes action with the Gallant Bloom Handicap for older filly and mares sprinting six & half furlongs. Dame Dorothy (#1) was a huge disappointment as the favorite in the Ballerina Stakes at Saratoga in her last start going a bit longer. She makes amends today and may not be the favorite. The superfecta box here is : 1 with 2/3/5.

The most competitive race of the day is in the 8th (4:51) the Pilgrim Stakes for two year old males going a mile & sixteenth on the weeds. Wide open as they come, any of the ten entered have a shot with the short form they have as baby runners. I go from the rail with my selection; Ray's The Bar (#1) who only career start in England was a winning one sprinting at 20-1. Today this foreign bred goes first time for Chad Brown and gets lasix. Along with this 6-1 morning line, my superfecta box goes : 1 with 2/7/9.

Back to the dirt and sprinting for the 9th (5:26) the Vosburgh Stakes going six furlongs. My top choice is on the far outside, Rock Fall (#7) who has won six in row, ever since his second career start. This Todd Pletcher trainee has been rock solid and carefully placed in his starts. The superfecta box here is : 7 with 1/5/6.

The featured race on Turf Classic day is the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at a mile & a half on the Belmont Widener turf course. It's the usual suspects with no European flavor, which points out for runners who have done well at this marathon distance and course. Big Blue Kitten (#3) fits the mold here with five first or second placing in six starts over the Belmont turf course. His neck second place finish in the Arlington Million last start helps too! The superfecta box play in the feature race is : 3 with 1/4/5.

As an added bonus, here's my late pick 4 play also; 1/2 (7th) with 1/7 (8th) with 7 (9th) with 3 (10th). Next week, Belmont will have another Super Saturday Stakes day with six graded races. Two on turf, two for the young two year old runners and the Jockey Club Gold Cup, which is the final N.Y. prep for the Breeder's Cup Classic.

All eyes are on PARX today ....... the last BIG three year old derby of the season

The road to this year's Breeder's Cup World Championships at Keeneland Racecourse starts this weekend at PARX Racecourse in Bensalem, Pennsylvania with their biggest day of racing today. Five stakes races are on tap and we'll be looking at four of them, including three featuring the sophomore class of 2015. The two feature races of the day may have an impact on three year old Eclipse award winners.

First in the all stakes pick four play, its for older males going a route distance - the Bayern Stakes (7th). This listed stakes race at a mile & a sixteenth is wide open. My top selection is the rail horse; Street Babe (#1) who woke up at the Spa dropping to optional claimer allowance race with a much needed class relief victory. I'll use three horses underneath Street Babe; Ground Transport (#4) making second start off long layoff, last wasn't pretty but has bullet work at Arlington Park for this race, Encryption (#7) another who last few weren't good, but was consistent before that and Classic Giacnroll (#8) 10 for 15 in the top two spots at PARX, horse for the course.

Three year old sprinters highlight the Gallant Bob Stakes (8th) going six furlongs. The outside horse; Bayerd (#8) is my top selection just missing in a 100k allowance race here, makes second start off layoff & had a good winter campagin at Oaklawn Park. For 2nd; Hebbronville (#6) who is a perfect three for three over the PARX strip, also wintered at Oaklawn. Underneath these two runners, I'll be using; Limousine Liberal (#3) - Catalina Red (#5) - Grand Bili (#7).

The three year old fillies are featured in the mile and a sixteenth - Cotillion Stakes (#9) where the top two finishers of this year's Alabama Stakes are featured. This race will play a big part in who may be top sophomore filly of 2015 since it will be one of the last restricted races for these fillies. I think, I'm a Chatterbox (#8) turns the tables on Embellish the Lace (#3) today and these are my top two selections. Underneath these two probable favorites, I'll use; Take Charge Brandi (#5) second start off layoff - Peace and War (#7) with two runner up finishes after a trainer change, Eskenformoney (#10) who was 2nd best as the lukewarm in the Monmouth Oaks.

The marquee race of the day is for the three year old males, the rich Pennsylvania Derby (#10). There's no American Pharoah to worry about today, but a few Travers Stakes runners decided to take their chance for the million dollar purse. I'm looking for consistent form here and a price, not the usual suspects. While Bob Baffert isn't represented by his Triple Crown winner, he has Gimme Da Lute (#6) who's won three in a row on the west coast, will be a square price here facing tougher competition and stretching out. He'll be my top pick with Island Town (#2) who is my second choice having a sharp victory over the track in the Smarty Jones Stakes, which was a prep race for today. At 5-1 & 10-1 these are the two "price" horses I like on top! Underneath them, I'll include; Frosted (#3) the horse that pushed American Pharoah to the limit in the Travers - Madefromlucky (#5) the West Virginia Derby winner who wanted no part of American Pharoah last time out & Upstart (#9) who originally was pointing to this race, but decided to chase American Pharoah at Saratoga instead. The pick 4 play in these four stakes races is : 1 with 6/8 with 3/8 with 2/6 ($4.00 for a 50 cent play).

The "Cheers & Jeers" of Saratoga 2015 ...... in my opinion!

We wrap up the 2015 edition of the Saratoga Race Course meet with my version of "Cheers & Jeers". I'll give my opinion of three things that were very good at this year's meet and three that weren't so good in my opinion. You probably know where I going with the negatives, that's easy to find lately since New York State controls NYRA. The positives speak for themselves, they'll be on the racetrack. Because after all, that's what our sport is all about, what happens on the track!

"Cheer #1" : owner Amad Zayat and trainer; Bob Baffert - everyone who loves thoroughbred racing and especially at Saratoga, owes these two men a debt of gratitude! If it wasn't the sporting attitude of Mr. Zayat in wanting to race his Triple Crown Champion; American Pharoah to race at the greatest racetrack in the world and convincing his trainer to do it, we would have not seen one of the most exciting horses to come along in recent years. Even though he was gallant in defeat, the thrill of all those in attendance for this year's Travers was an exciting memory we will soon not forget!

"Jeer #1" : the commercialization of Saratoga Race Course - I've been beating this drum all summer long. It's great to advertise this wonderful and historic racing facility. But, there is a "price" involved in more ways than one. The betting dollar was stretched this year with many increased prices on track. Although wagering was up and attendance good, the affordability of spending at least one day at Saratoga 2015 was highly increased. Things may have worked out for this year, but this might not be the case in the future. Someday, the "Golden Goose" of Saratoga may get cooked. NYRA and the state depend on it too much.

"Cheer #2" : the fantastic weather during the 40 day meet - I can't remember a single racing season at the Spa in the last 30 years where the weather was almost perfect! With the expectation of maybe three days, the weather was rain free with very little races taken off the turf course. Tempertures were steady in the eighties with relative low humidity. Overall, perfect weather to spend the day at the track.

"Jeer #2" : the number of after race inquiries and jockey objections causing disqualifications. It seems that every little bump and every little movement as horses came down the stretch, whether is was on the main track or dirt was put under a microscope for the first part of the meet. I was on the end of some of these calls, so it may be "sour grapes" on my part. But, the disqualification of Juba and then, I'm a Chatterbox in the Coaching Club American Oaks were both border line calls in my opinion.

"Cheer #3" : the great performances we saw on track, both equine and human - First, the effort we saw from Honor Code in the Whitney Stakes, coming from the clouds to get a nose on the wire for victory. Both the off spring of the great Rachel Alexandra (Rachel Valentina & Jess's Dream) winning their debut races here at the Spa. The best older horse in the country; Liam's Map, who was gallant in defeat just getting beat in the Whitney, but came back and won the Woodward Stakes in record time on the front end. Jockey Javier Castellano, who won all the major graded races at Saratoga this year. No other jockey has EVER won the Whitney, Alabama, Travers, Woodward and Hopeful Stakes in one racing season. Truly, my highlight of this meet.

"Jeer #3" : my wagers on the losing end of photos and the constant problem of not structuring my exotic plays the right way. On opening day, in back to back race my exotic plays couldn't hold 2nd place in one race and couldn't reach the wire 1st in the next race. This cost me dearly and would have clearly put me in the "black" for the remainder of the meet if things turn out different. On closing week, it was not making my exotic plays the right, winning way. This is an on going beef with myself, using the right horses and not scoring on a ticket because they weren't structured the right way. Oh well, I've got 365 day to get it right before next year!

The Pharaoh is but a mere mortal ....... the masses are let down ...... life does go on though.

You could have heard a pin drop ........ that was the sound after Keen Ice went past Triple Crown winner; American Pharoah at the wire in the Travers Stakes one week ago. The air was let out of the balloon, as many of the media pundits stated. The built up excitement of having a Triple Crown champion race at Saratoga, lived up to the hype. But, the result had the masses a bit upset.

Indeed, the crowd reaction and television coverage after the race, was a little bit to be desired. It was clearly put out there that, American Pharoah wasn't going to lose this race. I myself, anointed him Travers champion in this column last week. I also stated in my graded selections that, Keen Ice would "shock me" in he won. Well guess what, we all were wrong!

The "graveyard of favorites" was now being dubbed; "the graveyard of champions". American Pharoah was finally tested by Frosted and it was enough to put a chink in his armor. We've seen this before though. The greatest thoroughbred of all time; Secretariat tasted defeat in the Whitney Stakes (against older horses) to Onion. Affirmed crossed the wire first in the 1978 edition of the Travers, only to be disqualified. So, the last two Triple Crown winners, both lost at Saratoga. These two became all time greats in their career. American Pharoah, as I said before is a great three year old runner. But, the jury is still out whether he'll be an all time great like the other Triple Crown winners.

As I thought, the reaction from the people in attendance was unhappy and rightful so. After all, they wanted to see their Triple Crown hero win. But, you would have thought he did, with the coverage NBC had shortly after the race. Instead of focusing on the winner; Keen Ice, all the attention was on American Pharoah, his jock and trainer. Plain and simple, American Pharoah got beat. He was tested by Frosted and shrugged him off. But, just didn't have enough to hold off the late closing Keen Ice. It was surprising that in their previous races together, American Pharoah had dusted Keen Ice. But thoroughbreds are not machines and American Pharoah had finally met his match. Gallant in defeat, American Pharoah ran a good race. It was just not good enough today.

Lost in the shuffle, was the winning jockey aboard Keen Ice; Javier Castellano. It was his fifth career Travers Stakes victory (an all time record for this race) and he has won at this meet; the Whitney Stakes, Alabama Stakes and now the Travers. A feat that made history and only got in focus after Saturday evening's results. We always here about the "great" jockeys that have race at the Spa; Angel Cordero Jr. , Jerry Bailey and John Velazquez. None of them accomplished what Javier has done this meet! He's my pick for top jockey of 2015 and now can he added to that list of great riders of Saratoga.

It was announced Saturday morning that local media great; Ed Lewi had past away at the age of 81. He was the creator of Ed Lewi Associates, a public relations firm who was key with many events in this area for years. From media director of the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, to lead agency for the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and Saratoga Race Course. That's where I met Ed back in 1998 when I started covering Saratoga for the Recorder. All the new press people got a first hand look at Saratoga by Mr. Lewi. He took the new reporters under his wing and showed them the in's and out's of the track and guided us around the facility. He was a face at the track and coordinated all the events that NYRA had at Saratoga. Ed had a saying; "If it's not fun, don't do it". Well, Ed made working during the meet, fun and if I needed information during the 40 days, I got it from Ed Lewi Associates. He'll be dearly missed on the Saratoga scene.

"The Champ is here!" ~ American Pharoah makes Saratoga, "Pharoahtoga!"

In the immortal words of John Cena, "the champ is here!" Around noon time Sunday afternoon, trainer Bob Baffert gave the ok that Triple Crown champion; American Pharoah would contest the Travers Stakes. The wait was over, the greatest horse in over 35 years confirmed he would race at the greatest racetrack in the world. The hype that surrounded Saratoga Springs the past month had come true! Not since 1978, would a three year old who won the Triple Crown make an appearance in the Mid-Summer's Derby. Everything I thought couldn't come true, has.

Being around this sport for nearly thirty years, I've seen it's share of ups and downs. But one thing was constant. The aura of Saratoga and it's direct correlation with history. A race meet which was short with stature. Where only the best thoroughbreds would come to race. A place deep with history of the sport. The ultimate showcase for the equine runner. Yes, Saratoga Racecourse was the place to be in the middle of summer.

Like I said before, the heyday of racing was at it's peak during the 70's. By the time I got interested in it, those days had faded fast. But, at Saratoga they only got bigger and improved. The addition of the picnic area in 1983, it made the flat track the place to be for families to come. The crowds from downstate now flocked to upstate New York for a month in the sun and a turn back in time. The "Summer Place to Be" it was dubbed. My memories of thirty years have been many, but the events of today are even bigger on a wider scope.

Back in the day, media was just in print or on radio and television. Today, social media is king with the internet. Events happen live and to the second. This makes American Pharoah's presence here at Saratoga even bigger. Something thoroughbred has been lacking for many years. The excitement that this horse has generated since his Kentucky Derby win three months ago has done such good for the sport that is sorely needed. The chances of him winning the Triple Crown were slight, but the potential was there. He proved to be that horse. His most recent victory in the Haskell Stakes showed that he was truly one of the greats.

Now today here, He'll show the world just what kind of an animal he truly is. On a local stage, American Pharoah will not disappoint his legion of fans. No "graveyard of favorites" today, this horse is too good! It's just another stepping stone to immortality. This is script all fans of thoroughbred racing wanted. To see the greatest horse of our time, race at the greatest racetrack in the world. History has already been made, the result will have the masses talking for decades.

If you are one of the lucky ones to be there in person this afternoon, remember all the great horses who stood on track at this historic place. History and making history always rules a sporting event. You will be a part of something special. You can tell your grandkids about it. It's an event, a special time to see a great competitor. While I sometimes tend to down play such things, especially in today's environment. I will not this time! Saturday, August 29th 2015 will be remembered as a once and a lifetime day at the old Spa. A day that racing's greatest athlete made an appearance at racing's greatest venue. Savior the moment, remember the event, you are part of history. No matter what the outcome.

Mark Hoffman's 2015 Travers undercard selections

Personal Ensign Stakes (6th) - mile & eighth / older filly & mares

Stopchargingmaria (#4) - Saratoga "horse for the course" with four victories in five starts here, also five for six at this distance, an overlooked & underrated distaff runner!

Untapable (#6) - runner up to top pick last time out here in the Shuvee Handicap at this distance, consistent this year but without the dominance she had as a three year old.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Got Lucky (#5) - Sheer Drama (#2)
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Ballerina Stakes (7th) - seven furlongs / older filly & mares

Dame Dorothy (#6) - lightly raced four year old filly hasn't finished out of the money in nine career starts, four for four at this seven furlong distance.

Street Story (#8) - consistent filly has been knocking at the door in her last four starts, may get overlooked in the betting here & can set close to the speed up front, square price today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Unbridled Forever (#7) - Room for Me (#4)
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King's Bishop Stakes (8th) - seven furlongs / three year old males

Holy Boss (#7) - winner of four straight and most recently the Amsterdam Stakes here as a prep for today, should have no problem with the extra half panel & is the horse to beat!

Watershed (#4) - impressive maiden winner first time out of the box, wheels back in grade I competition off that victory, could be any kind.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Classy Class (#8) - Competitive Edge (#3) - Mr. Z (#5)
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Forego Stakes (9th) - seven furlongs / older males

Private Zone (#7) - hottest sprinter in training makes his Saratoga debut, speedy runner is as gutsy as they come, they'll have him to run down!

The Big Beast (#5) - lost the whip & lost the bob in the AG Vanderbilt Stakes last time out which a prep race for this, winner of the King's Bishop here last summer at this distance.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Tamarkuz (#6) - Salutos Amigos (#10) - Den's Legacy (#11)
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Sword Dancer Stakes (10th) - mile & half turf / older males

Messi (#6) - sharp winner over the track versus optional claimer company going a bit shorter, first time stakes stateside.

Red Rifle (#4) - career best last time out in the Bowling Green Handicap at 6-1, showed speed in previous starts and came off the pace in that win, versatile runner.

Exotic & multi-race runners : War Dancer (#8) - Twilight Eclipse (#5) - Imagining (#1)
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Ballston Spa Stakes (12th) - mile & sixteenth turf / older filly & mares

Tepin (#1) - just missed in the Diana Handicap going a bit longer, rock solid this year.

Coffee Clique (#8) - won a grade III stake at PARX last time out, bullet works at Belmont for first start at the Spa.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Dacita (#4) - New Providence (#9) - Kitten's Queen (#7)

Mark Hoffman's 2015 graded Travers Stakes selections

American Pharoah (#2) Espinoza / Baffert (1-5)

First, I'll admit that I didn't think he was coming to Saratoga and race in the Mid-Summer's Derby. Second, this colt has generated the most excitement at the Spa since the last time a Triple Crown winner raced here in 1978. His colt made me a believer after his win in Belmont Stakes and his next start in the Haskell at Monmouth, which was little more than a public workout. Today he continues his legacy in front of a capacity crowd and millions watching across the world. Today, Saratoga becomes "Pharoahtoga"!


Smart Transition (#10) Velazquez / Shirreffs (20-1)

Recent winner of the restricted Curlin Stakes going a mile & eighth over the course, this son of Smart Strike drew off to win by nearly five lengths. Improving runner may be value using underneath the prohibited favorite. Lots of upside with the colt.


Frosted (#6) Rosario / McLaughlin (6-1)

Second best in the Jim Dandy Stakes after finishing right behind our Triple Crown winner in the Belmont. Right now he is second fiddle to the champion. Looking for that break through race with him. A must use in all your exotic plays!


Texas Red (#4) K. Desormeaux / J.K. Desormeaux (8-1)

Winner of the Jim Dandy Stakes versus four foes in last start here. Runner-up two year old champion behind the Pharoah. Proved he's back to his two year old form and can still improve in his third start off layoff.

Waiting to hear ........ Alabama Getaway ........ Rachel's family ~ SARATOGA 2015

The most asked question by everyone I meet lately is whether, American Pharoah will be racing in the Travers Stakes one week from today. As we approach the date, it's become much like when Lebron James was making his decision to leave Cleveland as a free agent and go to Miami. A lot of hype has surrounded this through social media and the press. There have been many tweets from the owners, speculation by the press and actions by NYRA to lure him here. The decision has come down to his trainer; Bob Baffert and his next workout on Sunday if he'll make the cross country trip back to the east coast and run in the Mid-Summer Derby. Speaking for myself, I'll be glad when the decision is made. My gut tells me that he won't be coming because of the trip and possibility of staying on the west coast to give his fans there one last race in front of the hometown crowd. Remember, American Pharoah hasn't race this year in California where he is based. So, with all the preparation that NYRA has done expecting him come to Saratoga, I think there will be some disappointed people.

The second biggest three year old race at the Spa is contended today. The Alabama Stakes is the female equivalent of the Travers Stakes. At one time, the Alabama was a bigger race than the Mid-Summer Derby. A short, but equally matched field has been assembled with four graded stakes winners. Today's race may determine this year's three year old filly champion. It will likely come down between the first two finishers in the Coaching Club American Oaks, which was run here on opening weekend. There we saw one of the many disqualifications take placeat this meet. A border line call in my opinion, when the front end leader; I'm a Chatterbox got leg wary late and drifted into the hard charging Curalina. The call to disqualify the winner and place the second place horse first could have gone either way. It was likely that Curalina would have gone past I'm a Chatterbox if the race was a bit longer. Today, Curalina gets that eighth of a mile distance longer and should be just what she ordered for victory.

Speaking of fantastic fillies who raced at the Spa, on Monday we get to see a sister of the great Rachel Alexandra make her stakes debut and the long awaited debut of her second foal, Jess's Dream. In the 6th race, maidens go a mile and an eighth and the field includes the three year old son of Rachel Alexandra making his debut; Jess's Dream(#3). He is the first foal from great filly and second one to race here this summer. His sire was a two time horse of the year - Curlin and is a home bred. It's very interesting that they chose to spot him going long instead of a sprint for his first race. I know he's a late bloomer and there are high expectations of him. It's a tough spot versus more seasoned runners who have already raced in two turn route events. The paddock will be full of people and he'll take money at the windows. He also has the expectation of winning first out just like his younger sister (Rachel Valentina) did earlier in the meet.

Later on Monday's card, Rachel's full sister; Samantha Nicole (#5) makes her first stakes appearance in the Summer Colony Stakes (8th) going the same route distance as her younger nephew. She's been consistent, but not as brilliant as her sister in seven career starts. She meets a field of average filly and mares and fits well in this spot. It's a family affair on Monday afternoon at the Spa as we begin a very busy Travers week and the decision whether we'll see the Triple Crown champion race one week from today in Saratoga's biggest race.

HONOR CODE ....... pegged him from the start!

As the racing world waits with baited breath whether Bob Baffert enters his Triple Crown winner; American Pharoah in the Travers Stakes two weeks from today, we saw first hand last Saturday in the Whitney Stakes, the best older thoroughbred in the country! Many including myself, didn't think that Honor Code would have that same late kick going two turns like he did in his Metropolitan Mile victory. But, he proved us all wrong with the patented late close, just getting up at the wire to beat Liam's Map and catapulted himself to the top of the older horse ranks. This is no surprise to yours truly, I've pegged this son of AP Indy since his debut nearly two years ago at the Spa.

It was a sloppy track on the final Saturday of the meet and in the third race of the day. Shug McGaughey had this first time starter going seven furlongs. Now, Shug is not noted for doing well with his runners first time out. But, this horse just relished the off going and uncharacteristically it was from a come from behind style. Lagging far behind early on, Honor Code rallied up the rail to draw away in the stretch and win by over four lengths. It was a visionally an impressive race, but was it the off track that he excelled on or did this horse have talent?

It was straight to grade I competition in his next start and stretching out to a mile in the Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park where he lost by a neck with his usual late close. He tried his first two turn race in the Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct that Fall and won in a dog fight which he was closer to the pace than usual. It was that race which pointed him to the three year old classics of 2014 and my top pick for the Kentucky Derby. His first race as a three year old at Gulfstream Park, March of 2014 was an eventful one to say the least! He acted up when loaded into the gate and chased a runaway winner finishing a distanced second. After that effort, Honor Code went on the self and never made the Triple Crown races and wouldn't be seen until late in his three year old season.

He came back at Aqueduct and in a sprint, which he returned to his old form and gave hope to his fans as a top handicap horse in the future. At the beginning of this year, redeemed himself at Gulfstream Park, winning the grade II - Gulfstream Park Handicap and once again, coming from the clouds to victory. The Honor Code which I fell in love with at the Spa was back and only good things were yet to come. This is where his running style came into play. Next in the Alysheba Stakes at Churchill Downs going a two turn route, he was compromised by a slow pace. This brought up a big question mark whether Honor Code could get it done in races over a mile.

This did not deter his trainer putting Honor Code back versus grade I competition and his next start would remain at one turn, in the Met Mile. This was his coming out party and with his impressive victory, he was a force in the handicap ranks. Needless to say, I made a lot of money with that victory and his next target would be the Whitney Stakes and a return to two turns. To be honest, I questioned whether he could get the job done and have the same effort going a route as he did going a mile or less. Well, last Saturday he answered that question, in a grade I race versus a stellar field. He stamped himself as the top older handicap horse in the nation with that win.

Honor Code is a horse that has shown that he can; handle any surface either dry or wet, a sprint or a mile and a route test in which the fractions are fast up front. I'm looking forward so much to a match up between the Triple Crown champion; American Pharoah, with his free running style, versus the ultimate closer; Honor Code. It would be something if these two were on a collusion course in the Breeder's Cup Classic at Keeneland this Fall. Only time will tell and you know who I'll be rooting for!

"Seen at Saratoga" ...... you'll never know, who you will run into!

When watching thoroughbred racing "live", there are three things important to me. Number one are the horses, after all that's the reason we are at the track. Number two, the atmosphere and the people. Whenever you gather at a place and your interests are common, that's when you have a good time. And last but not least, success and winning. Nothing is better when your horse finishes first and you win your wager. These are the main elements for me when attending this magnificent sport.

A few years ago, the Recorder ran a column called "Heard on the Street". It was about the columnist thoughts and views with things going on in the city and people he saw and interacted with in his travels. Here's my similar version, only at the track and with the people I met in my past two visits. We'll called it; "Seen at Saratoga", you'll never know who you will run into there!

Last Saturday, I went over for the Jim Dandy Stakes. I decided to hang out by the clubhouse entrance near the paddock area. Around 12:30, I get a text message from Spike, who I grew up with in Fort Plain. He and several other of my friends who I knew were at the track and we decided to spend the day together, reminisce about the good old days and play the ponies. Most of these guys live in the Capital District area still, but my buddy; Scott had traveled from North Carolina to upstate N.Y. and has a camp on Stoner Lake which he spends summer at. He was at the track this day, celebrating his girlfriend's birthday. It was the sixth race when things got interesting for our group. After both Spike and I had singled out the longshot speed horse in the 6th turf race (Almasty) , our focus turned to the 7th race which was also on the grass. Spike had used four horses in this final leg of a pick three which he was alive in to win. I decided myself, to "box" his four runners in a dime superfecta and hopefully not jinx him on his chances to cash the ticket. Our other buddy; Cosmo used runners we need in our bets in a exacta and Scott had the good fortune to get a win ticket on the #5 - Go Around, that somebody had left in the SAM machine. Needless to say, we all walked away winners after that race. Spike had the pick three for around $500, I had the dime superfecta for just under $100, Cosmo had the exacta box ($120) and Scott had an exacta birthday present for his girl, a $10 win ticket on the #5 ($52). Yes, it was a fun and profitable day for the gang from Fort Plain and one that could only happen, at the track!

Monday, I was back there again for the Low Roller Handicapping contest and get the "free" Saratoga cooler bag giveaway. In my travels, I ran into the Monday crew from Ripepi's Restaurant and also saw an old co-worker from the county. It was nice catching up with those guys and discussing the current events, both on and off the track. Shortly after that, I caught up with a group of horse players from the Southside (Port Jackson). These people know how to have fun at the track and went all out with their picnic set up for the day. That's one of the best things about the Spa, you can bring in your own food and drink. Hope it ALWAYS stays that way! It was later in the day and so far in the contest, I hadn't pick winner. The Southside group was doing ok and one of them liked the #6 - Den's Legacy in the 8th race and the longshot. We couldn't figure out why the horse was 21-1, but it didn't matter...... he won! He was one of my $2 WPS plays in the contest (which returned $65 for me) and that guy from the Southside had $40 to win on him ($900) not a bad day for him and myself!

This is just a few examples how things, unplanned can develop into great memories at the track. Even though I do my share of complaining how things are run there now, nothing can take away the pure fun and excitement of friends gathering together with mutual interests. Plus, the winning helps too!

Lots of 3 year olds ........ and all trying to avoid the Pharoah!

It's all about the three year old runners once again in my weekly column. I guess you can say, Triple Crown fever has remain since that epic victory by American Pharoah in the Belmont Stakes. Because, all we have yesterday, today and tomorrow is three year old restricted races to talk about! Things got started early Friday afternoon, when the latest three year old race added to NYRA's Saratoga schedule; the Curlin Stakes with seven runners entered. This was for sophomores who haven't won a stake race this year. Second and third tier horses pointed to this one with the hope of making the Travers field in a few weeks down the road.

But, it's today and tomorrow we'll see no less than 23 thoroughbreds entered in three different races with many of them cross-entered in multiple spots. The question is, who's going where and who's avoiding American Pharoah on Sunday evening at the Jersey shore! Let's "try" to sort things out with who is going where, among the contenders. The cross-entered runners are; Stanford - (Curlin / West Virginia Derby), Tommy Macho (Curlin / West Virginia Derby), Tekton (Curlin / Jim Dandy or West Virginia Derby), Upstart (Jim Dandy / Haskell), Competitive Edge (Jim Dandy / Haskell). Three of these cross-entered horses hail from the Todd Pletcher barn. He has three types in the pecking order; 2nd stringer - Competitive Edge, 3rd stringer - Stanford and "bench warmer" - Tommy Macho. My guess is that, Tommy Macho is better suited to race in the Curlin Stakes (yesterday) because he fits the conditions best. Stanford would be more likely to go in graded stakes competition in the West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer Park. Competitive Edge has committed to the Haskell taking on the Pharoah and going two turns for the first time, dangerous spot for him!

As for the other two of the five cross-entered runners, Tekton is a third stringer at best and will stay at Saratoga racing in either of the stakes there, to avoid the Pharoah. As for Upstart, I believe it's worth a shot for him to face the Triple Crown champion. Not seen since his poor Kentucky Derby effort, Upstart needs to prove he can beat American Pharoah to cement reasoning that he is the 2nd best three year old behind the champion. If not, the current runner-up and 2nd place Belmont Stakes runner; Frosted will stay in that spot. Then again, these two could square off in today's Jim Dandy right here and again in a few weeks down the road in the Travers Stakes. That would be "good for racing" as they say.

So with all this stated, here are my selections for the three, three year old races today and tomorrow. West Virginia Derby (Mountaineer 8th) post time : 5:10 ~ Bent on Bourbon (#8) recent sharp winner of the Iowa Derby, Madefromlucky (#10) no factor 6th in the Belmont Stakes and another of Plecther's second tier runners. With the 8/10 I'll use underneath 11/6/5. Next up the Jim Dandy Stakes (Saratoga 10th) post time : 6:25 ~ Frosted (#7) second best three year old out there at this moment, Japan (#2) late blooming sophomore faces tougher competition today and underneath these two; 3/4/6. As for tomorrow's Haskell Invitational (Monmouth 12th) and the American Pharoah show, I'll take a stab and try to beat him with; Competitive Edge (#2). A good horse racing friend of mine said that this runner may have done well if he raced in the Belmont Stakes versus the champion. Well today, this Pletcher runner who disappointed greatly in the Wood Stephens Stakes at seven furlongs, gets to redeem himself today going two turns for the first time. American Pharoah (#4) will hold 2nd and the runners to use underneath my two top picks will be; 6/7/5.

The almighty BUCK!

Hope springs eternal every opening day, every year that the Saratoga Race course season begins. The finest racing in the world makes it's way less than 30 miles from us. These 40 days during the peak of summer are the focus of the racing world and put Saratoga Springs on the map. It's no denying that this is the biggest sport event for our area, year in and year out. It's always been about the racing, but in the world we live in today sometimes that's just not enough. It becomes about the almighty dollar and how much of it the state can get from it from the track.

I know I sound like a broken record, but Saratoga has changed so much just the last ten years. Many changes were for the good, then there are others that have changed the landscape of this historic track, forever. With these more racial changes, they have came at price and involve a price. None more so than this year. Two glaring major changes trackside have put the Saratoga experience at a more costly one. The need to put a premier price tag on select picnic tables in a special area and the limiting access to the lower level carousel bar area.

Since the New York Racing Association came under charge of the state of New York, it's all been about one thing; making money. If on track attendance and low wagering handle comes into play, there will be a need to make up the money elsewhere. That is what comes into play with these two new Saratoga improvements. You can reserve a picnic table at cost and cut out trying to hunt one down in the wee morning hours. You can sit in an area and not only wager on the ponies, but also watch other sports broadcasted.

For some, this is great. But, when I go to the track, want to play the ponies and nothing else. I guess I've been used to spending my $2 or $3 at the gate, bring some food and drinks with me and spend my money, betting! It's as simple as that. When you're used to something that for many years didn't cost anything, it's sometimes tough to accept that change of a fee. But make one thing clear folks, these changes are for one thing and one thing only..... making money for the state and keep them happy. NYRA's biggest job now and the immediate future is to turn a profit for the state. Don't let anybody tell you anything different. It's a sad, but true fact and we got to get used to it!

While it's true that Triple Crown winner; American Pharoah, may or may not be making an appearance at the Spa this racing season, two of his likely opponents will definitely not. This past week, Tencendur a talented three year old NY bred colt unfortunately fractured a sesamoid in his left front leg and will be sidelined indefinitely. He recently was a sharp 2nd in the Ohio Derby and had set his sights on possibly a Jim Dandy and Travers run. He was locally based on a farm in nearby Galway N.Y. and trained by George Weaver. Also, late Thursday it was announced that Tampa Bay Derby winner; Carpe Diem had been retired due to a knee chip injury. He made a very good impression breaking his maiden at Saratoga last summer and was one of the top Kentucky Derby prospects going into that race. He had a disappointing effort, but was recently freshened up and was also pointing to the Spa. These two three year olds, along with the laminitis issues for the three year old turf filly; Lady Eli, have left a void in the Saratoga stakes schedule for the sophomore runners. Hopefully this trend of racing stars getting hurt mid-season will cease before the Fall championship road starts toward the Breeder's Cup.