"At the Post" on the Sand Flats

NYRA Holidayfest selections ....... the ATP finale for 2011

2011-11-24T18:59:00.000-08:00

With this being the last "big" graded stakes weekend in New York and the last "At the Post" column for 2011, we are going to do a old fashioned handicapping selections for the four stake races on the Aqueduct card. We have two evenly matched stake races for the two year old colts and fillies, plus a three year old stake for fillies and the last grade I on the NYRA circuit for 2011. The four stake races comprise the popular "Grand Slam" wager at NYRA, where you choose a horse to finish "in-the-money" the first three legs of the wager (6th, 7th, 8th) and in the final leg (9th) your selection must win to complete the bet. I give out my top two selections in each race, horses to use in exotic & multi-race wagers and a Grand Slam play.

The first of the four stake races is for the two year old fillies; the Demoiselle at the route distance of a mile and a eighth. A field of 10 are entered with a entry and the group assembled has no standout runner. All of these runners are trying this distance for the first time in their career and breeding may play a big part in the outcome of this race. With that said, I'm selecting on top a runner who is bred to get the added distance of ground. Captivating Lass (#2) draws the rail and this is her second career start after breaking her maiden in debut at PARX going two turns. Her sire was AP Indy and dam was Folk, both were winners going two turns and this distance. Plus the Darley Stable connections mean business with future stakes runners. For 2nd, I'm going with another offspring of AP Indy racing from the far outside post; Indyniable (#9). She recently broke her maiden in a second career start at Keeneland going seven furlongs on the polytrack track surface. She tries dirt for the first time and stretches out. Disposablepleasure (#8) and Lady Cohiba (#1) are your exotic & multi-race runners.

The boys are up next in the Remsen Stakes; same distance, same number of runners and just as wide open. Again I'm going with a AP Indy runner who is a half brother to Preakness Stakes winner; Shackleford. Stephanoatsee (#6) after stumbling at the start, broke his maiden in his 2nd career start in a one mile off-the-turf event. His trainer knows how to get them to the winners circle with winning this year's Kentucky Derby with Animal Kingdom. In the runner-up spot, I'm selecting a horse who has already won at this distance. Speightscity (#9) was no factor in the Breeder's Cup Juvenile at 42-1, but broke his maiden at Saratoga in a rare mile and a eighth race. Managed Account (#7) and Our Entourage (#4) are the runners to use underneath.

The final grade I stake in New York is the Cigar Mile and this year we have a short elite field of seven entered with an entry that was scratched from Thanksgiving day's Fall Highweight race (Calibrachoa & Caixa Eletronica ). I'm going with the horse I picked just a few week's ago in the Breeder's Cup Classic; To Honor and Serve (#5). He tired at 10-1 with a good effort forwardly placed and has two victories over the Aqueduct main track. Haynesfield (#3) is the "horse to beat" and my 2nd choice. Second best in this race last year, he won the state bred Empire Classic in his last start.

The last of the four stake races is Gazelle Stakes for three year old fillies at the same distance as the Demoiselle and Remsen Stakes (mile & a eighth). Awesome Feather (#7) is my top selection coming off a return to the races victory at Belmont in a overnight stake. It was her first start of the year and first for new trainer Chad Brown. Draw It (#5) is my second pick and has finished as the runner-up four straight times, the logical place horse! Horses for exotic and multi-race runners are; R Gypsy Gold (#2) and Love and Pride (#8).

The Grand Slam ($1.00 plays) for the four stake races are the following; 2/9 - 4/6/7/9 - 5 -7 : ($8.00) 1/8 - 4/9 - 3/5 - 7 : ($8.00) 2 - 9 - 3/5 - 2/8 : ($4.00) total : ($20)

My thoughts of 2011 ........ and what could be improved for the future of racing!

2011-11-19T05:18:00.000-08:00

With this being the second to last column for "At the Post" in 2011, I just want to give my "two cents" about the racing year to this point and direction it may be heading into 2011. I've been following the sport as you all well know, for 25 years. I missed the "heyday" of the mid 70's and started getting involved in a era of change. One of the major "changes" was the focus from "on track" attendance to the simulcast era. As I told you before, I can remember when there was just a "blue & white" screen at home from OTB and delayed race calls. Now, there are upwards of 30 tracks a day to choose from starting at noontime until the wee hours of the morning from Australia . At the branches, it's changed too. Many have closed or become "self-service" and the focus is on more online accounts through the computer. I got no problem with this wave. Everything you need is online, information is available from many places and it's much more easier with a click of a box to put in your wager and have the amount in your account. This direction is just fine with me.

The "on track" racing in general, must focus on less for the future. We have way too many racing dates, which makes small betting pools with the horse population down. The main focus should be in New York , March until the end of November. The racing dates after Thanksgiving weekend, should decrease. Personally, I think racing at NYRA during the winter months should only race three days a week (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) with ten race cards. In this day in age, the are plenty of opportunities for the low level, claiming trainers at places like PARX and other east coast tracks to race their runners. I don't usually play "day to day" from here until spring arrives. I know with the VLT's in place at Aqueduct, this will never happen. But, playing the same horses at the same level two or three times in a few weeks, it's my type of wagering excitement.

My biggest pet peeve this year is the way trainers bring their horses along the Triple Crown trail. It's gotten to the point that the Kentucky Derby is no different than an entry level non-winners of one race. In the past, solid two year old form meant something leading into next year. These days, it means nothing. A perfect example was this year's Triple Crown races and the horses that won them. Three different runners and the ONLY one three year old horse this year to win two grade I races; Caleb's Posse (King's Bishop & BC mile). No other horse could string two winning races in stakes all year long. Stay Twisty came the closet to that, but some say he's "just" a New York loving horse. At one time, the Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown races meant something. Today, that is another story.

Another thing that bothers me is the negative light on the sport from it's "high profile" players and not the horses. Whether it's Rick Dutrow or the stewards at Churchill Downs , these important individuals have to give a good light to our sport. If someone didn't known anything about thoroughbred racing and saw what goes on with said individuals, those people may steer clear of it. I know horse racing is not immune to controversy. But, people may think twice about investing their hard earned money into something they may think is shady.

But, all is not bad. We have the best race meet in the world for 40 days each year here in our own backyard; Saratoga. We get new people involved in the sport through partnership and owning horses. We have the BEST organization in wagering with Capital OTB. And most of all, we get to see the most exciting animals performance on track in giving us thrills each time they are in the spotlight. Other than those few things, I STILL love this sport!

Another exciting Breeder's Cup weekend!

2011-11-12T05:31:00.000-08:00

This year’s Breeder’s Cup World Championships lived up to all the expectations and drama. The two day event had its share of stories, many quite surprising. What was “billed” as a showcase for the ladies and “over hyped” three year old colt, fell somewhat short of expectations. Even my prediction of a “euro” sweep in the turf races was a little bit off. But, one thing is for sure…..if you had the “right” horse on either day, you were quite well rewarded.

The six races on Friday, started out very good in the recently added “new” race; the Juvenile Sprint with an “odds-on” favorite winning from well known connections. One of three “cold” exactas chosen by me came out with Secret Circle at 2-5, dusting a field of young runners sprinting. I tabbed the European filly for second; Shumoos at 15-1. It was a modest $28 exacta and got the day off to a good start. After the next two races with longshots that I didn’t figure, we saw great performance from the two year old filly star; My Miss Aurelia. She remained undefeated with a score over another classy two year old filly; Grace Hall. It look’s like again next year that the “girls” will be the highlight makers with this performance. We ended Friday with an impossible longshot winning and a champion three year old filly that could make a slight case for Horse of the Year honors. In the Filly and Mare Turf, once again this year we had a longshot in Perfect Shirl victorious. Winless in 2011, she was one of two Woodbine shippers to do well during the weekend. In the “Ladies” Classic, it was another “cold” exacta picked by myself when Royal Delta bested fellow three year old; It’s Tricky ($32). With that victory, Royal Delta wrapped up top three year & older filly and mare championship honors.

The card on Saturday was a lesson of the “hard to come up with” horses with a parade of longshot winners. It started with the Marathon , were another “winless” horse for 2011 won the race. Rank outsider; Afleet Again paid $85 to win and was the first of many high price runners to score on the second championship day. My top pick in the Juvenile Turf (Wrote $25.20) got the Europeans finally in the win column. If you told me that the winner of the Turf Sprint would have been the ONLY winning favorite on the card Saturday, I wouldn’t have believed you. But, Regally Ready got the job done at just over 2-1.

My big score of the day was in the Dirt Mile, where the two three year olds that I picked ran one/ two for a $112.80 exacta. Caleb’s Posse, the only two-time grade I three year old winner this year, defeated Preakness longshot; Shackleford going away in the stretch. His effort was the most impressive of any on the 15 race Breeder’s Cup card either day. It was quite the “feel good” story with St. Nicholas Abbey won the Turf with trainer Aidan O’Brien’s eighteen year old son; Joseph aboard. Upset in the Juvenile was in order when the nearly “white” colt; Hansen ran away from the field and held off the very wide late charge of the even money favorite; Union Rags.

But, the “out of left field” or no chance in my book winner of the day was in the Turf Mile. With Goldikova and Gio Ponti the headliners, it was 64-1 longshot; Court Vision scoring with the second biggest upset in Breeder’s Cup history. I wrote about this horse in my first column of 2009 and said that he would be a “future” champion on grass. He never panned out that year or last year and saved the “future” prediction for today, long after I gave up on him and scored at this monster price. The parade of longshots lead up to the main event; the Breeder’s Cup Classic. Here it was to be a showdown of Havre de Grace and Uncle Mo. Instead it was between former jockeys in a relationship. Drosselmeyer who won the 2010 Belmont Stakes ran down Game On Dude at the wire and gave Mike Smith the victory over his former girlfriend; Chantal Sutherland. Once again, I had the wrong Bill Mott horse, as I liked To Honor and Serve in the race. It was a fitting end to a very pricey racing day where the "illogical "longshots won the championship races.

Mark Hoffman's 2011 Breeder's Cup selections - day #2 "Championship day" (11/5)

2011-11-05T05:02:00.000-07:00

Breeder's Cup Marathon

Cease (#9) - lightly raced gelding broken his maiden at Saratoga by daylight in the mud, followed that up with a sloppy track win there and just missed in a grade II test at Hawthorne Park, taking a shot with him since he can lay close to the pace.

Harrison's Cove (#7) - European invader from the O'Brien barn tries natural dirt for the first time, shows he can get the distance after winning his last start going a marathon distance in a field of 18.

Exotic and multi-race runners : Brigantin - Eldaafer - A.U. Miner

Breeder's Cup Juvenile Turf

Wrote (#5) - European invader finished 3rd last time out in grade II event with a bit of trouble, morning line price is right & breeding with connections has got it!

State of Play (#14) - perfect 2 for 2 in career at Saratoga , hasn't raced in two months and far outside post is a bit of concern.

Exotic and multi-race runners : Lucky Chappy - Finale - Animal Spirits

Breeder's Cup Sprint

Euroears (#1) - throw out Vosburgh effort after poor start and no factor in the race, had a monster work at Santa Anita last Sunday (57.4) best of 67 at 5 furlongs, alert start this time he'll be tough to beat!

Jackson Bend (#5) - shows up here after deciding to skip the Dirt Mile, chased Uncle Mo last time out in the Kelso going a mile at Belmont, I'm not sure turning back to six panels is his best distance.....but is in razor sharp form.

Exotic and multi-race runners : Big Drama - Amazombie - Aikenite

Breeder's Cup Turf Sprint

Caracortado (#13) - this west coast runner turns back to this five furlong sprint distance today after closing in route turf races, with a quick dash in this race......his closing kick from the outside may run them down late.

Broken Dreams (#3) - this 5 yr.old mare comes into this race off a victory going slightly longer on the Santa Anita downhill turf course, she has closing kick too & is a "live" longshot in this wide open event.

Exotic and multi-race runners : Regally Ready - Havelock - Hoofit

Breeder's Dirt Mile

Caleb's Posse (#8) - even 3rd last time out in the Indiana Derby stretching back out after two sprint victories, faces older horses for the first time, timid selection here.

Shackleford (#2) - finished in front of top pick in same race, also faces older for the first time and should set the perfect trip behind the speed, dangerous here.

Exotic and multi-race runners : Trappe Shot - Jersey Town - Tapizar

Breeder's Cup Turf

Sea Moon (#7) - this lightly raced 3 yr.old recently finished 3rd in a group I event with a troubled trip, relishes a distance of ground & should be tough with clean trip.

Await the Dawn (#6) - distant 3rd behind some of Europe 's best turf runners (Twice Over & Midday), won previous four starts before that effort.

Exotic and multi-race runners : Sarafina - Midday - St. Nicholas Abbey

Breeder's Cup Juvenile

Union Rags (#10) - monster effort winning the Champagne Stakes going one turn at Belmont Park, this undefeated son of Dixie Union has been spectacular in his last two starts and is my BEST BET on today's Breeder's Cup card.

Daddy Long Legs (#11) - this European runner has dirt breeding on both sides and opts this spot over the Juvenile Turf one, price in this spot much like the other European runners in the Juvenile races.

Exotic and multi-race runners : Alpha - Crusade - Speightscity

Breeder's Cup Mile

Goldikova (#1) - the darling of the Breeder's Cup mares, is three for three stateside with three Breeder's Cup Mile victories, this will be her final career start and should go out a winner!

Courageous Cat (#3) - just missed last time out in the Woodbine Mile caught at the wire, lightly raced this year, he's been pointed to this race and should be a square price.

Exotic and multi-race runners : Gio Ponti - Byword - Strong Suit

Breeder's Cup Classic

To Honor and Serve (#13) - well thought of as a two year old and early into his 3 yr.old season, he got hurt and missed the Triple Crown races, he returned to the races at Saratoga and needed his first start back and then won for fun next out, recently won the Pennsylvania Derby and draws the far outside post today, may get overlooked here & certain to be a price!

Havre de Grace (#10) - the darling "filly" of the Breeder's Cup tries to emulate what Zenyatta did two years ago and become the third straight filly & mare possibly to win Horse of the Year with a victory in the Classic today, she should be right there......but, I question whether she can get the mile and a quarter distance. I will be rooting for her though!

Exotic and multi-race runners : Uncle Mo - Stay Thirsty - Flat Out

The 27th Breeder's Cup World Championships ...... one man's opinion!

2011-11-05T04:58:00.000-07:00

Today is the World Series and Super Bowl of thoroughbred racing; the Breeder's Cup. Nine championship races today with 105 horses running on both dirt and grass going seven different distances. A lot to comprehend, a lot of days going over the pre-entries. With many horses cross entered, it just makes things even tougher. It's work going over each of the fields, but well rewarded even if you hit one race with payoffs. This is what we wait for all season and here it is.

The "ladies" had their day yesterday, unfortunately the filly and mares are regulated to the first day of the championships. This was mostly likely for when Zenyatta was racing and we had the Rachel Alexandra craze. Time to put the "Ladies Classic" back on the Saturday card and return the name of the race to the "distaff". We also have to get ALL the races shown "live" The first race of today; the Breeder's Cup Marathon, will not be shown on either ESPN or ABC. Instead, it will be shown on TVG which is only available by satellite. Hopefully, locally that Capital OTB television will show the race "live" since the major networks won't.

It's my opinion that the Europeans will make a BIG impact on this year's Breeder's Cup. They have a good chance in five of the nine races today. With trainer Aidan O'Brien having more starters in this year's Cup than Todd Pletcher, this should tell you something. The "Euros" are not afraid to run in the marathon, all the Juvenile races and are "head and shoulders" the best in the grass races. Even in the dirt races, many of their runners have "dirt" breeding. It wouldn't surprise me if the horses "across the pond" win possibly a half a dozen of the championship races.

We will see some new exciting faces for sure this weekend. Young runners like; Secret Circle, Elusive Kate, Grace Hall and My Miss Aurelia (from yesterday) and State of Play , Union Rags and Creative Cause today. Renaissance runners like; Jackson Bend, Get Stormy and the NY bred; Compliance Officer lead the way of horses who have gotten better this year. But, it's the different story lines with horses and people who capture the imagination every year at Breeder's Cup time.

Can Big Drama defend his Breeder's Cup Sprint title after being lightly raced this year and missing his last prep race before today? Just how big will be the payouts in the Turf Sprint race, since there is no clear cut favorite. My guess is a exacta half a grand with a double digit payout for the winner. Just who will get the lead in the Dirt Mile which is another evenly matched race for the middle distance horses. It would not surprise me if the Europeans cover the first four spots in the Breeder's Cup Turf. The lack of North American turf runners the past few years has moved this race from the second to last, to mid-card. But, the highlight today will come down between the two female runners in the two last races.

Goldikova and Havre de Grace are looking to make history today. In the Breeder's Cup Mile, Goldikova seeks her fourth straight victory in this race. No other horse has won this many Breeder's Cup races. She still is the "horse to beat" in that race and it will be her final career start. The Breeder's Cup Classic once again will have a "ladies" flavor for a third year in a row. It's Havre de Grace, won has already beaten the boys this year. She tries to beat them again and lock up Horse of the Year honors. We have many things and angles to choose from this year and most certainly we'll get exciting results.

Mark Hoffman's 2011 Breeder's Cup selections - day #1 "Ladies day" (11/4)

2011-11-04T02:38:00.000-07:00

Breeder's Cup Juvenile Sprint

Secret Circle (#6) - this son of Eddington is two for two winning both starts by a combined 12 and a half lengths, the Bob Baffert trainee towers over the field and is my BEST BET on Friday's BC schedule.

Shumoos (#5) - a European import, this "dirt" bred runner tries the surface for the first time, trainer does well with these types and will be a price underneath the logical favorite in this race.

Exotic and multi-race runners : Seeker - Vexor - Trinninberg

Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf

Elusive Kate (#10) - this European runner seeks fifth straight win today, has won on "firm" ground in France and is the "horse to beat" here in this spot.

Dayatthespa (#2) - lightly raced NY bred trained by Chad Brown recently set the pace in Woodbine turf stake at this distance while yielding late, has tremendous upside at 12-1 morning line odds.

Exotic and multi-race runners :
Dear Lavinia - Somali Lemonade - Stopshoppingmaria

Breeder's Cup Filly & Mare Sprint

Switch (#6) - California based runner just missed in Keeneland sprint last time out, was 2nd in this same race last year, lukewarm choice in this evenly matched field.

Pomeroy's Pistol (#12) - ran career best last time out at Belmont Park, only concern here is her poor performance over the track this spring in the Eight Belles Stakes, only one of two out-of-the-money efforts.

Exotic and multi-race runners : Turbulent Descent - Her Smile - Tanda

Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies

Grace Hall (#5) - this undefeated daughter of Empire Maker won the grade I - Spinaway at Saratoga and most recently a two-turn stake at Delaware Park, definitely the "horse to beat" here in this spot.

Questioning (#1) - another European import with dirt breeding; Hard Spun out of a Seeking the Gold mare, once again looking for a price underneath one of the logical top three picks.

Exotic and multi-race runners :
My Miss Aurelia - Say A Novena - Weemissfrankie

Breeder's Cup Filly & Mare Turf

Announce (#6) - Juddmonte English bred is eight for ten lifetime and just missed last time out in France going a similar route distance, connections make the choice here.

Nahrain (#5) - undefeated three year old filly beat top selection last time out, European shippers have the edge over the stateside grass runners here.

Exotic and multi-race runners : Stacelita - Aruna - Misty for Me

Breeder's Cup Ladies Classic

Royal Delta (#6) - chased Havre de Grace last time out first time versus older runners, her best effort today puts her in the winners circle.

It's Tricky (#3) - runner up in last two races as the post time favorite, faces older for the first time today, when she fires her best shot...... is tough to beat.

Exotic and multi-race runners : Plum Pretty - Miss Match - Ultra Blend

The direction of Breeder's Cup - one man's opinion

2011-10-29T05:35:00.000-07:00

I believe there used to be a commercial that said; "you've come a long way baby". That could apply to the Breeder's Cup World Championship races. Created in 1984, this year marks the 27th edition of thoroughbred racing's greatest day. For many years, the day consisted of seven grade I races at different racetracks across the country. Though the years, we've seen many great thoroughbreds win on this championship day. But like many things today, the traditions of the past change and evolve throughout the years.

It also mark's my 25th anniversary of playing these championship races. Back in 1986, there were seven races at Santa Anita Park and at Capital OTB, we were only able to wager on four of the races because of simulcast restrictions at the time. Back then the concept was new and exciting. But, as the year's have moved on, the races have increased, the event has become two days and the race sites have decreased. The Breeder's Cup of today is nothing like what was presented back in 1984.

This year the Breeder's Cup World Championships are now 15 races more than doubling since the first year. The increase of races also has made the cup a two day event. But, the day of championships has been held at only two venues the past four years. This is a trend that many have been questioning and raises the answer whether the Breeder's Cup is losing it's luster for it was really created all those years ago.

Almost every category in racing is covered by the 15 races. With just two races for the two year old runners at one time, it has now increased to five and covering dirt, turf for both sexes and this year a sprint race. The number of pre-entries was a record this year and with the amount of races, also comes many horses that are crossed entered in different events. What once was a chosen few group of horses for seven races, has become a huge event for anybody who nominates their runners to the cup.

It's has made the "event" into a wagering smorgasbord with a lot of ways to stretch your wagering dollar. It's become a nine race daily card of the stars, but does it really show the "true" champions of the sport with so many options. I can live with all the races and with 25 years experience in wagering strategy, I know where and when to pick my spots. The thing that really bothers me though is the lack of racing venues that the Breeder's Cup appears at in recent times. I am sorry, but just racing at Santa Anita and Churchill Downs just doesn't cut in for me.

The event was made to showcase the best horses in a calendar year. Of course there are many different categories and also many different racetracks. But, all the "powers to be" focus on are two, when in year's past the event was spread all across the country. They raced in New York at Belmont and Aqueduct in 1985. Racing came from Gulfstream on several occasions. Even tracks like; Arlington , Monmouth Park , Lone Star Park and Woodbine had a shot to host the event. But, the last few years have ONLY focused on the west coast (Santa Anita) and Churchill Downs where the event will be held this year for the third time in five years. It's time to get back to the revolving host racetracks like the past, to generate interest other than these two spots.

I will be playing next weekend the 15 championship races because I love the sport. It's my opinion in the long term that the Breeder's Cup World Championships should hold the line at 15 races and start getting back to the various different tracks throughout the country. Watering down the sport's biggest day should'nt be done by the people in charge of bring new fans into the sport. So, let's stop with all the races and showcase all the "other" great racetracks throughout the country.

Charismatic & Chris.......rewind and remembering

2011-10-22T05:22:00.000-07:00

This past Tuesday evening, I watched the ESPN special about Charismatic, his jockey; Chris Antley and their story. It's been over 12 years since the D.Wayne Lukas trained colt had the "fairytale" story during the 1999 Triple Crown season. A horse who ran for a claiming tag early in his three year old season and then winning two-thirds of the Triple Crown (Kentucky Derby & Preakness). The whole story was two-fold though, about this horse who many thought wasn't good enough to win a grade I race and his jockey; Chris Antley, a talented jockey with "personal" demons that haunted him.

A week after Chris died nearly 11 years ago, I wrote a column about the tragedy. It chronicled his rise to stardom, billed as the "next" Steve Cauthen and his success racing in New York which all came in his early 20's. Talent, success and exposure made it very rough on this young man in this sport. Unfortunately like many others who achieve this stature, sometimes all of it can be trying on an individual. Turning to drug use in 1988 became his downfall, but he battled back and soon regain that top form as a jockey by winning the 1991 Kentucky Derby aboard; Strike the Gold. His career as jockey had it's "ups and downs" during this time period, but Antley stayed "clean". It would be weight issues that plagued him in the late 90's. But once again, he conquered them and was blessed with getting the mount on Charismatic in the spring of 1999.

The ESPN depiction of the story was done quite well. Interviews with the trainers around Charismatic, horse racing people who followed the story and Chris Antley's friends who could give insight on how Chris handled this fame once again in his life. I found the discussions with former jockey; Gary Stevens quite interesting. He brought out the "zest" that Chris had for being so fortunate on riding Charismatic in the Triple Crown races. It was truly a "fairytale" story in every sense. A Hall of Fame trainer, who had his share of winning championship races. A colt who didn't show the caliber of Lukas' previous thoroughbreds, but out ran that form. A jockey, who his was a champion and with a world of talent. But, had his own problems personally which unfortunately overshadowed his great talent. That spring of 1999, they were both on top of the world. But soon like a thoroughbred race it's self, it ended with the results no one wanted to see.

Watching the presentation was very bitter sweet for myself. Of course knowing the outcome is what made it very tough. Tying into the story, the "highs and lows" of our sport unfortunately go hand in hand. The older I get, these sad stories of real life affect me. I never thought at the time, that Charismatic had ANY shot of winning the Kentucky Derby, let alone being a Triple Crown contender. I was a huge fan of Chris Antley as a jockey, right at the time I began showing interest in the sport. The Chris Antley going in that Triple Crown season of 1999 wasn't the same Chris I remembered in the late 80's. But, seeing the story again this past Tuesday night put it all into perspective once again.

We all go though tough times in our life and sometimes we even hit "rock bottom". The key is to always try and pick up yourself and do your best to overcome these things. For some it's easy and others, not so. But for a brief moment in time, a horse with "little" talent and a jockey with a "world" of talent got together and were successful. We were very lucky to see this happened and on the flip side, unfortunately see what real life brings. Life is never easy and this story
showed us both sides, the good and the bad.

Time has run OUT for Mr. Dutrow.....

2011-10-15T05:12:00.000-07:00

Usually when I write my weekly column, I like to keep the subject matter "upbeat" and I try to shy away from controversial stories pertaining to our sport. This has been the route I always tried to go, looking at the positive in the world of thoroughbred racing. I tried to stay away from subjects like the plight of NYRA the past decade and direction of racing in regards to legal and illegal drug use. I handled the NYRA situation as kindly and diplomatically as possible. Today, I'll attempt the same in regards to racing and drug usage by one it's leading trainers.

It was announced this past Wednesday, that thoroughbred trainer; Richard "Rick" Dutrow Jr. will be banned in the state of New York as a trainer for ten years with his license revoked. A three member board of the state wagering commission voted unanimously against him and barred him from reapplying during the ten year period. A lifetime ban was considered, but this was the ruling instead. The board ruled that Dutrow was "inconsistent with the best interests of racing" with his activities as trainer.

An appeal has already been put forward by his attorneys in regards to this finding and a motion has been filed seeking a stay in the ruling. Another part of the ruling has Dutrow barred from any racing facilities in New York for 10 years. His attorney; Michael Koenig said the panel ruling was "vindictive and heavy-handed" "contrary to the facts, contrary to the evidence and contrary to any notion of fundamental fairness or due process." This current ruling may put an end to his training days that have been marked by 64 rule violations throughout the years. They varied from minor issues to major medication violations. His past record and the way he has handled it publicly hasn't helped him out either. He is known for his defiance when he was accused of such violations and not afraid to speak out about it to the media. He has had personal problems also, that put a "bad light" on himself as a trainer.

His "ban" in New York state isn't the first state that has done this. Last year, Dutrow was not allowed to race in Kentucky and he has been the "poster child" for what is wrong with thoroughbred racing nationwide. It been said, until the "powers to be" in racing come down hard on him, racing will continue to have a "black eye" and the integrity of the game will be in question. The "straw" the broke the camel's back was on positive violation of a horse last Fall for butorphanol, a powerful painkiller in the post race sample and the discovery of a hypodermic needle in his barn. This got the process rolling in NY for him and may have ended his trainer career permanently.

A lot can be said for his track record to date, the violations, the arrogance when confronted with them. His record with improving horses under strange circumstances. He's NOT the only trainer with questions surrounding his runners, but they way it's been handle by himself has hurt him in many ways. We have a sport that has been under a microscope for many years. Unfortunately, more bad comes out, than good all the time. I like reporting on the good and try to do that most of the time. This is one of the "bad" and don't take pleasure in talking about it. I think time has run out on Rick Dutrow. Too many things have happened and now he has to "face the music". The sport needs to more forward and it should be without Mr. Dutrow.

Can HAVRE de GRACE make it 4 fillies in a row????

2011-10-08T05:50:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday afternoon, another filly took a big step toward achieving greatness in the thoroughbred racing world and following the path of two great filly and mares the past two years. Havre de Grace, the four year old daughter of Saint Liam (2005 Breeder's Cup Classic winner) and trained by Larry Jones won the Beldame Handicap and is now headed to this year's Breeder's Cup Classic at Churchill Downs on November 5th. She defeated four other foes on a muddy sealed track by eight and a quarter lengths going the mile and an eighth stakes distance. It was one of the most impressive efforts on the Super Saturday card and now raises the question whether Havre de Grace will be soon mention in the same breath as Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta. Possibly becoming the third straight filly and mare to win Horse of the Year honors.

With her victory Saturday, she has won five out of her six starts this year, with her only defeat to Blind Luck in the mile and a quarter Delaware Handicap in which she was 2nd by a nose. She defeated older colts and geldings at Saratoga in the grade I - Woodward Stakes (the same race Rachel Alexandra won in 2009). Last year, she played second fiddle to Blind Luck in two of three starts against each other when trained by Anthony Dutrow. This year they were one for one against each other, but won't face each other again this year. Because, Blind Luck was no factor last Saturday in a stake at Santa Anita and will miss the Breeder's Cup Distaff because of that effort. So, now Havre de Grace is the top filly in the land and also the leading Horse of the Year contender. But, how does she rate against the last two filly and mares who won this top award?

Let's first look at their campaigns leading toward this year end honor. Rachel Alexandra had a stellar three year old campaign which she was eight for eight and defeated the "boys" three times in 2009. While some thought the undefeated Zenyatta deserved Horse of the Year honors that year, the stretch of eight tough races in a row far eclipse the west coast mare that year. She did return in 2010 for four starts, but wasn't the same horse and that three year old campaign must have taken a toll on her.

It's pretty clear what Zenyatta accomplished last year enroute to her 2010 Horse of the Year honors. She had won 14 straight races and still undefeated going into the year. But, it was her narrow lost in the Breeder's Cup Classic to Blame that vaulted her to year end honors. It just goes to show that, not going out on a winning note and just missing the year before as the best horse when winning the year's biggest race is "payback".

This brings us to Havre de Grace and her year so far in 2011. Last year she played 2nd fiddle to Blind Luck in three year old filly of the year honors. This year, with the three year old colts being average at best and the old male handicap horses being virtually non-existent, she has inherited a good position to win this year's award. She's been on a roll since stepping away from her home base at Delaware Park , found an easy spot versus males (much like Rachel Alexandra did in 2009) by racing in the Woodward Stakes. She won that race and just like the two previous fillies who were champion, defeated males in her quest. Two years ago, Rachel had Zenyatta as her foe and last year, Zenyatta had Blame. This year, Havre de Grace has.......who???? If she can win the Classic, Havre de Grace belongs right up there with the great Rachel and Zenyatta!

SUPER SATURDAY @ Belmont Park

2011-10-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

Today is Super Saturday at Belmont Park , the "big" graded stakes day with races that may have implications for the Breeder's Cup coming up in a few weeks at Churchill Downs . Five grade I races and one grade II make up the lineup which may have runners for six different Breeder's Cup races. Even though some of the races have short fields, we get some of the locally based top stakes runners and some new faces from across the country. This is the biggest event at Belmont Park this Fall and we get to see the best older horses in the country.

The first two legs of this day start on the turf going a route distance for the girls and boys. The 5th race is for the filly & mares going a mile and a quarter on grass in the Flower Bowl Invitational. A field of eight are assembled with runners who have raced at Saratoga this past summer with the exception of the outside horse and morning line favorite; Stacelita #8. She was the grade I winner of the Beverly D. Stakes in her last start at Arlington Park . She will be tough to beat again versus her seven foes off that effort and gets top billing here. For second, I'll be using the rail horse; Deluxe #1 trained by Bill Mott. She was a fast closing 2nd in her U.S. debut going a mile in a overnight stakes at Saratoga . Today she stretches out in distance and should improve off that effort. Superfecta and multi-race runners are; Emerald Beech #3 and the state bred Gitchee Goomie #5. In the 6th race we have the male equalant going a mile and a half on the weeds; the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational. A small field is assembled, again with a prohibited favorite in Cape Blanco #1. The morning line odds-on favorite comes off winning efforts in grade I competition since coming stateside. Again, the favorite is my top selection here and for second and third I'll use both Christophe Clement runners; Winchester #5 & Grassy #6.

Up next are two races for the sprinters and milers who are quite not up to the Breeder's Cup Classic distance. The 7th race is the Vosburgh Stakes for sprinters going six furlongs. A field of seven are entered with an entry and is the biggest field of the day. Not to sound like a "broken" record, but my top pick is (again) the possible favorite for the race. Trappe Shot #8 just missed last time out in AG Vanderbilt Stakes at Saratoga . Today with a better set up, he should be able to handle this group. His two main opponents, my selections for 2nd and 3rd are a seasoned veteran making his first NY appearance; Euroears #4 and last year's Breeder's Cup Sprint champion; Big Drama #6 who makes only his third start of the year. Next up is an interesting race going a flat mile; the Kelso Stakes (8th). Formally raced on grass, we get a short field of only five and the return of Uncle Mo #3 making his first start versus older horses. This time around, I'll try to beat him at the 4-5 morning line odds and go with the rail horse; Jersey Town #1. The winner of last year's Cigar Mile at Aqueduct, he gets the call here as the "price" in the race. For 2nd and 3rd, I'll use Uncle Mo and the "renaissance" horse Jackson Bend #2.

The final two races showcase horses for the Distaff and Classic. In the 9th race; the Beldame Invitational which is a mile and an eighth, the prohibited favorite is Havre de Grace #5 and should be. She beat the "boys" last time out in the Woodward Stakes at Saratoga and after today, should have a date (again) versus the "boys" in the Breeder's Cup Classic. For 2nd, I'll use the three year old filly; Royal Delta #2. In the finale, the premier race for the older males at Belmont is the Jockey Club Gold Cup at a mile and a quarter. The leading three year old colt; Stay Thirsty #4 takes on his elders for the first time. He has become the top three year this past summer and with the weight allowance here, he gets the call for me. The "horse to beat" and my 2nd choice is part of the entry; Flat Out #1 who rallied last time out versus Havre de Grace in the Woodward Stakes. Drosselmeyer #5 can round out your trifecta.

Exciting news for the future...and a exciting horse "on track"

2011-09-23T18:58:00.001-07:00

The importance of thoroughbred racing on television has been on the decline in recent years. In racing's "heyday" the sport was widely televised on the major networks. But, early on in this decade the sport has faded even with all the stations available on cable today. But through the MSG network in 2010, the races during Saratoga were televised and with this brought an renewed interest in a major network covering the sport of kings.

The past Saratoga meet, the VERSUS network (on cable and owned by NBC) partnered up with NBC in covering each of the Saturday stake races from the Spa. With the success of this past season, there is a new two year agreement between NYRA and NBC sports for racing at Saratoga through the 2013 season with the most added "live" coverage ever. It will include three hour long shows on NBC and five on VERSUS spanning seven weekends in total.

The "tentative" schedule released by NBC and what will be called; the NBC Sports Network next year (formally known as VERSUS) is the following for August dates; August 11th - 6pm to 7pm (NBC Sports Network) August 12th - 4pm to 6pm (NBC Sports Network) August 18th - 5pm to 6pm (NBC Sports Network) August 25th - 4pm to 6pm (NBC) and September 1st - 5pm to 6pm (NBC) earlier dates in the meet will be announced later.

Every so often, an exciting thoroughbred comes along. Usually, such a horse is one that has the spotlight like during the Triple Crown races, is an older handicap runner that has made a name for himself or like in recent years, a exciting filly or mare the captured the hearts of the sport (Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta). In this case, it's a filly that races on the "proper" surface and is well bred with a famous father and mother. This "gray" streak as NYRA race caller; Tom Durkin called her this past weekend, likes to win and in dramatic fashion.

Winter Memories, the daughter of El Prado and the dam of Memories of Silver has become one of the most exciting runners on the NYRA circuit. She has had an excellent record on grass the past two years and one of her highlights was a race this past summer at Saratoga . Coming into the Saratoga meet, this three year old runner had finished no worst than 2nd in her five lifetime starts. When she was entered in the grade II - Lake George Stakes on the grass going a mile and a sixteenth, she was the odds-on favorite. This filly likes to race from the back of pack and she did not disappoint with a furious late charge and drawing off late by over four lengths. It was an "eye opening" effort that visually was one of the best during the 2011 Saratoga meet.

Her next start a few weeks later at the Spa, wasn't as good. She got a "yielding" turf course and was caught behind horses and didn't show her usual late charge. So, going into her race this past Saturday there were question marks whether her form was tailing off. In the grade I - Garden City Stakes at Belmont , again she was the favorite and this time we saw the "real" Winter Memories. Rating in the back of the pack, she sat chilly almost to the eighth pole and then unleashed her charge from behind horses while tipping out wide in the stretch. She motored past her rivals and like a "gray streak" won in style. When a horse like this who makes that "monster move" like Winter Memories does and rallies from the clouds, it brings excitement to the sport. She's not a household name, but she should be. You gotta see her to believe it!

North.....to Woodbine!

2011-09-17T06:08:00.000-07:00

This weekend we turn our racing attention, north of the border at Woodbine Race course just outside of Toronto and the three stakes they have carded for tomorrow on grass. These races will play a pivotal role for the upcoming Breeder's Cup Turf races at Churchill Downs on November 4th & 5th. The Woodbine turf course is one of the finest in North America . Today's races are for filly and mares going a mile an a eighth, a mile and a half for older horses and a mile on grass; the Woodbine Mile which is sponsored this year by Ricoh.

The first of the stake races is in the 5th; the grade II - Canadian Handicap for fillies and mares going a mile and an eighth. The winner of the Diana Handicap at Saratoga is my top pick from post #13; Zargora. She comes off that victory in fine form for trainer; Chad Brown and should have no problem negotiating the same distance she won at in her last start. Woodbine based trainer; Mark Frostad has three runners entered here and one is my second selection; #3 - Magic Broomstick. She has only one start this year and it was a eight and half length victory in allowance company going a mile on yielding turf. You may get a square price on her in this field of 14. Horses to use underneath and in your exotic plays are; #6 - Bay to Bay, #8 - Shared Account & #9 - Never Retreat.

Older colts go in the 8th race; the grade I - Northern Dancer Stakes at a mile and a half. This is a prep race for the Canadian International on October 16th. My top selection here is #4 - Wigmore Hall. This European import recently raced in the Arlington Million where he rallied for 4th going a mile and a quarter. Today he stretches out a quarter of a mile more and faces a little softer field here. For second, I'm going with the California invader; #2 - Bourbon Bay . This consistent runner has six victories in 12 starts the past two years and in the money four other times. Exotic and multi-race runners are; #6 - Seaside Retreat and #8 - Al Khali.

The feature race of the day is the 10th; the Ricoh Woodbine Mile going the classic distance on the grass. My top selection here is coming off a grade I win at Hollywood Park and has been pointing to this race. Courageous Cat #4 - trained by Bill Mott has only made two starts this year, but won both as the odds-on favorite. Today a victory puts him the "horse to beat" possibly for the Breeder's Cup Mile. For 2nd, I'm going with the "classic" turf miler from Europe , #9 - Side Glance. This consistent runner has finished no worst the 3rd in his last nine starts. Horses to use underneath my top two selections are; #5 - Right One, #10 - Kara's Orientation and #12 - Court Vision, last year's winner and goes out first time for new trainer; Dale Romans.

The 2011 SARATOGA MEET ....... in the books!

2011-09-10T07:32:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Saratoga race meet is in the books and for a second straight year it was very successful one on all fronts. It was another 40 day meet (39 really because of Hurricane Irene) and with the extra days added, the handle and attendance was not hurt. Also, the quality of racing was much better than at the Belmont summer meet or Monmouth Park this summer. Mostly full fields (especially on grass and in the claiming races) was the rule of thumb. This year there was a plethora of two year old races, since there seems to be a limited amount carded at Belmont Park and the juveniles get started later every year. With the closing of New York City OTB, on track attendance has increased at Belmont Park this year. With the meet moving to Saratoga for six weeks, those numbers continued to go up with simulcast wagering at Belmont Park . The New York Racing Association and their leaders can be very proud once again for the product they put "on track" during the "Summer Place to Be" at the Spa.

We saw some exciting horses racing the last 39 days also at Saratoga . Older handicap runners, top turf horses and those young two year old horses were all a part of an exciting stakes schedule that PJ Campo put together for the race meet. The gritty, sometimes wacky It's Tricky showed she would win at any cost in the Coaching Club American Oaks, a few week's later; Royal Delta would turn the tables on her with a late explosive winning move in the Alabama Stakes. But, maybe the "best" three year old filly could have been; Turbulent Descent, who bounced back to her winning ways in the Test Stakes for sprinting fillies. On the three year old boys side, there was just one word to say my friends; Stay Thirsty. He captured BOTH the Jim Dandy Stakes and Travers Stakes and most likely locked up three year old championship honors. Don't forget either; Caleb's Posse, who also had a three year old sprinter double with victories in the Amsterdam Stakes & King's Bishop Stakes.

The older filly and mares had an surprising star in the front-running; Ask the Moon, who also captured both major stake races (the Ruffian Handicap & Personal Ensign) for the Distaff division. Turf runners like; Winchester , Winter Memories, Emerald Beech were the stars on the "proper surface" winning key turf stakes at the Spa this season. For the older handicap runners saw two horses have a "renaissance" turn in their careers. Both Tiznow and Jackson Bend both came back to the races with great wins and now possible contenders for Breeder's Cup race championships. The "babies" are always in the spotlight and this year is no different. We saw exciting "future" stars like; Overdriven, My Miss Aurelia, Union Rags, Grace Hall and Currency Swap show their wares in winning stakes at Saratoga this meet. But, it was a filly that captured the hearts of Saratoga racing season and SHE is the best horse in training at the moment. Havre de Grace took on the "boys" in the Woodward Stakes and just like Rachel Alexandra did two year's ago, she beat them!

It was also another good year for myself with my Saratoga daily selections for the RECORDER. We broke the hundred win barrier for a second straight year with 101 winners and a $700 ROI for those winners picked. Plus, on the radio-side; we had 10 winners from my "Horse to Beat" play of the day for WCSS 1490am each week day. But, most of all personally for me; it was a "winning" season nearly from start to finish with my "personal" bankroll. I was only down $3.00 at any point for the 39 day meet and showed a profit at the end. When you can say that you; finished "in the black" during a race meet, you've really accomplished something!

The TRAVERS aftermath and how REAL life changes everything

2011-09-04T07:01:00.000-07:00

This past week was one of mixed emotions to say the least for me and many others. It was nearly 10 years ago, when I wrote about the events of September 11th, 2001 and how they affected me and the thoroughbred world. This past week, it hit near home with the onslaught of Hurricane Irene and it's effects on our surrounding area. It was especially telling that it happened during Saratoga 's biggest weekend of the meet; the Travers. It was one of "highs" and then "lows" and it all happened in a 48 hour period.

NYRA had a great Travers day card with full fields and great horses entered. We saw some very impressive efforts and crowned a three year old champion named; Stay Thirsty. The weather for the day was fabulous and the crowd came out to see the best three year old horses in training race for the prize. In the end, the "underdog" horse; Stay Thirsty was the winner and everybody got the effort they wanted. The 2011 Travers lived up to expectations and everybody was happy. But, things would change in less than 24 hours for many in our area and that short lived excitement came to an abrupt end.

NYRA President and CEO, Charlie Haywood along with other officials decided to cancel the Sunday race card because of the impending storm. It was a good choice, because during the night, Irene's wrath made the capital region it's target with wind and lots of rain. This hurricane was everything the meteorologists had predicted. While the wind and rain wasn't too bad where I live on the "Sand Flats" just outside Fonda, to east and south the conditions were quite dangerous. It was only the beginning though of a nightmare week for the people of Montgomery County and beyond.

My internet cut out around noon on Sunday, just after I completed Monday's Saratoga selections. With the internet not working, I stopped at my place of employment to fax my selections to the RECORDER. Just before I left my department, I got everything off my office floor JUST in case there was a threat of flooding like in 2006. That summer flood destroyed everything in it's path on Park Street in Fonda, including most items in my office (mail room). That year, quick thinking got me to remove one of the most important things in the job I do. That was the mail processing machine. This time around though, I wasn't so lucky!

I gave a look at the machine and thought; this couldn't happen again. How wrong was I. Early Monday, I drove down Hickory Hill Road and when I reached the peak that overlooked Fonda, I saw the worst. The banks of the Mohawk River had overflowed again and when I reached the stoplight by Stewarts, it was deja vu all over again! The water surrounded the county public works building and all of Park Street for a second time in just over five years. It was something I thought I would never see again, but I was wrong. The next three days gave some of the people from Fonda and to the east a nightmare that will live forever in their minds. Flooding all along the Mohawk, destroying everything in it's path and a traffic tie-up never seen before on nearly every road for miles. When this happened five years ago, everybody pulled together and we got back on our feet again and survived. I'm sure the same will happen again, but it's really tough when it happens again so soon! In thoroughbred racing we have "up's and down's" and in life the same is true. This hurdle we will clear and the good life will return.

The 2011 TRAVERS STAKES....and other 3 year old stuff!

2011-08-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the three year old campaign in January, there was only one colt that was on everybody's mind. His name was Uncle Mo, and many thought that he would be the superstar of 2011 and quite possibly be the "next" Triple Crown champion. His juvenile campaign was the best in years and no other two year old matched up to him. But, like how the racing game changes......so do horses going from one year to another.

Uncle Mo's three year old season came to a screeching halt. A liver aliment right after his dull Wood Memorial effort took him off the Derby Trail and put on the shelf for the entire spring into the summer. The overall class of this year's three year old group took a major hit when he was gone. Wide open; horses like Animal Kingdom, Shackleford and Ruler On Ice came to the forefront with victories in the Triple Crown races. All these horses were longshot winners and after the Belmont Stakes, many thought the class of 2011 was mediocre at best.

But, new faces like Coil came on to the seen and the sprinter three year old group showed promise and overshadowed the classic distance runners. While in most year's the attrition from the Triple Crown trail takes a toll on the sophomore runners, this year many have made it this far and even though no one has taking a leadership role, the group assembled here for today two three year old races is quite good.

Between today's King's Bishop Stakes for the three year old sprinters going seven furlongs and the Travers Stakes for horses with Breeder's Cup Classic aspirations, we get the "cream of the crop" of best three year old runners. Only lacking; Animal Kingdom, Nehro and The Factor (who is racing on the west coast this weekend) we get all the major players.

In the King's Bishop Stakes, horses that didn't fare well stretching out in route distances along the Triple Crown trail have turned back in distance today and some have had success in doing so. Flashpoint, Caleb's Posse, Dominus and now possibly Runflatout have become better horses since finding their best distance. These horses today now face, Uncle Mo; who himself is on the comeback trail and returning sprinting for bigger things down the road. These horses didn't pan out on the Triple Crown trail, but found their niche here.

While Uncle Mo will try to prove himself again, another ten three year old colts will try to make their mark "going the distance" and look for possible year end honors. The usual suspects have made it this far, only lacking the Kentucky Derby winner; Animal Kingdom, Shackleford (Preakness winner) Rule On Ice (Belmont Stakes winner) Stay Thristy (Jim Dandy winner) and Coil (Haskell Stakes winner) are all here for this year's Mid-Summer's Derby. There are six "new shooters" trying to make a name for themselves too in the race today. Once what was thought to be a lack luster group has become quite an intriguing bunch of horses.

With the return of Uncle Mo and a three year old championship most liking on the line today in the Travers, all is forgiven by me when I stated that this group of three year old wasn't very good right after the Belmont Stakes. They have come together and hopefully will stick around the remainder of this year and more importantly, next year as older horses. Saratoga brings out the best in racing and this year brings together a pretty good bunch of three year old horses!

THE SELECTIONS......

Stay Thirsty (#9) Castellano / Pletcher (5-2)

Here is the Repole Stables runner.....who; broke his maiden "before" his much heralded stablemate here at Saratoga, who.....won a graded early season stake "before" that well touted stablemate, who.....raced and placed in a Triple Crown race unlike his better know stablemate and today; steps out of the "shadow" of the before mention; Uncle Mo and becomes the leading three year old of 2011!

Raison d' Etat (#6) Castro / Mott (10-1)

Recently chased runaway Pletcher runner (Turbo Compressor) in overnight stake here going a route distance, this well bred son of AP Indy out of the dam; Sightseek may have his "coming out" party today, bullet work for his graded stakes debut.

Shackleford (#10) Castanon / Romans (9-2)

The speedy son of Forestry tries again to take them wire-to-wire coming from the far outside post today, just missing in the Haskell Stakes.....a victory here could give him votes for top 3 year old colt of 2011.

Malibu Glow (#5) Maragh / Weaver (20-1)

Sharp allowance race win here going a route distance, a "live" longshot to play in a race that is wide open.....after you get past the four "usual" suspects!

Coil (#7) Garcia / Baffert (3-1)

The Haskell Stakes winner and Bob Baffert runner who has had a shroud of controversy surrounding him whether he would start in this race, answered the question of "natural" dirt in last start at Monmouth and now, tries to become the top dog of this year's three year old group, trainer uncertainty bothers me.....

Ruler On Ice (#4) Valdivia / Breen (6-1)

Ran an even race last time out in the Haskell Stakes at Monmouth, I'm STILL in the belief that the "sloppy" track for the Belmont Stakes moved him WAY up for that race, until he can reproduce that effort on a fast track......I'll pass!

Bowman's Causeway (#1) Dominguez / Brown (12-1)

Recent runner-up in Canada's 2nd leg of their Triple Crown; the Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie racetrack, local boy from my mom's hometown of Mechanicville N.Y. tries to upset here......unfortunately, he doesn't match up well here!

Rattlesnake Ridge (#2) Velazquez / McLaughlin (8-1)

Just got up late in the Long Branch Stakes at Monmouth which is a prep race for the Haskell, faces toughest field yet and is an "underlay" at his morning line odds.

Moonshine Mullin (#3) Wilson / Baker (20-1)

Was a no factor 2nd behind Stay Thirsty in the Jim Dandy Stakes at 37-1, nothing special in that effort and today REALLY gets tested versus the best 3 yr.old runners.

JW Blue (#8) C.Velasquez / Dutrow (20-1)

Beaten a head & neck at Delaware Park in last two starts, only shows a allowance & maiden victory, blinkers OFF today.

The ALABAMA Stakes......just as equal to the TRAVERS!

2011-08-20T04:23:00.000-07:00

Today is the top three year old race for the fillies; the Alabama Stakes. A race rich in tradition, today is the 131st running going a mile and a quarter over the Saratoga oval. I've gone to quite a few stakes races at Saratoga , but this was the first grade I that I attended in 1987. That year, a horse named; Up the Apalachee won the race and I believe one of the owners lived here locally in the Capital District area. I got my first taste of "big" Saratoga crowds that day! Three year's later in 1990, we saw a tour de force by one of the most talented three year old fillies ever in Go For Wand. The next few years, we saw a "who's who" of great fillies captured this historic race.

Trainer Shug McGaughey, who was pretty good with three year old fillies got Versailles Treaty and Heavenly Prize to win this race three years apart. In between those two horses, legendary trainer; "The Chief" H. Allen Jerkens won this race with November Snow and Sky Beauty. The latter, was quite an sensation in New York winning races. You could say she was the female version of Easy Goer at NYRA tracks. There have been major "upsets" in this race also. Pretty Discreet; the mother of both Discreet Cat and Discreetly Mine, won this stake in 1995 at odds of 42-1. But, the Alabama I recalled the best was just one year after I started writing for the Recorder. It was an "off" track that day and Silverbulletday crushed her rivals as I watched high a top the Saratoga spires on the roof. That was one of my defining moments at Saratoga through the years.

The list since then has gone on and on, so the Alabama Stakes is a highly regarded to the colts version of this race; the Travers. Today is no exception! Six runners are entered today and coming from different directions throughout the country. Royal Delta (#1) recently ran third in the Coaching Club American Oaks here at Saratoga going a mile & an eighth. She really was no factor in that race and seems to be a enigma of sorts. Pinch Pie (#2) will be the "rank" outsider in this race. All three victories for her have been on the grass, but her trainer; Anthony Dutrow is batting 44% at Saratoga and 34 % overall for the year. Plum Pretty (#3) should be the pace setter again today. She couldn't hold off the horse just outside of her (It's Tricky) last time out in the CCA Oaks and today goes an extra eighth of a mile. Will she control the pace slower today and enhance her chances? It's Tricky (#4) has come into her own in the last two starts and could be considered the modern day version of Sky Beauty, because of her liking of the NYRA tracks. St. John's River (#5) is a intriguing horse of sorts. She has the "mile and a quarter" distance written all over her. She got up in the last jump her most recent start in the Delaware Oaks at a mile and sixteenth. The field is rounded out by Canada 's, Queen's Plate winner; Inglorious (#6). While she defeated the "boys" last time out, all her victories have been on a synthetic surface. Her other two races were at the Fairgrounds and weren't that bad.

While we have a short field, it is full of many different facets. Proven horses over the course and new shooters trying to gain that "black" type - grade I victory. We may or may not get our next, Sky Beauty or Pretty Discreet. But, the Alabama Stakes is the rich tradition that doesn't take a back seat to the Travers Stakes.

Arlington Million day selections 2011

2011-08-13T05:47:00.000-07:00

Today, we're going to give a look at the stake races card for Arlington Park and their Million day races. There are four stakes races on the "proper surface" (turf) and I'll be giving my four selections in each race. It's an added bonus to my usual Saratoga fare for this time of the year.

The first race (7th) is for three year old fillies going a mile on the turf; the Hatoof Stakes. A full field is assembled with no clear cut favorite entered. Since I am a big fan of trainer Christophe Clement, I'll pick on top the #1 - Race to Urga. With only two lifetime starts; a win and a second, she has the best upside of this group of runners. For 2nd, the Eddie Kenneally second time U.S. runner; Lily Again #12 looks like she can improve back on grass off of her main track try last time out. For your "exotic & multi-race" plays use #7 - Holidayonthefarm and #11 - Notassharpasuouthink.

The 8th race is the Secretariat Stakes for the three year old males going a mile and a quarter on the turf. Top pick here is, #9 - Wilcox Inn, the recent winner of the American Derby , the mile & three sixteenths prep for this event. Winning by four lengths, he looks to have the advantage over the European shipper; #3 - Treasure Beach who is my 2nd selection. Use in your plays also; #2 - Ziyarid & #7 - Banned.

The Beverly D. (9th) is one of the premier races for filly and mares on grass. Eleven runners are assembled here with no clear cut favorite. My top pick is #3 - Fantasia, trained by Jonathan Sheppard. Winner of a recent stake race at Arlington , she has kept good company and has the nice juicy morning line price of 6-1. For 2nd, #5 - Dubawi Heights has reeled off four straight victories in a row on the west coast at shorter distances. At 10-1 morning line odds, she provides good value. For your "exotic & multi-race runners": #1 - Stacelita and # 7 - Cheetah.

The Arlington Million, a race rich with tradition is the 10th race for horses going the mile and a quarter distance. Here, Gio Ponti (#5) is the morning line favorite. He has tons of "back class" and deserves this morning line odds. But, with only two victories in his last 10 starts, he's worth a shot against in the "top" spot. My pick here is, #7 - Cape Blanco, who is the horse that defeated him last time out in the Man 'O War Stakes at Belmont Park . I'll "box" him with Gio Ponti and use underneath these two runners; #1 - Rahystrada and #4 - Zack Hall , the European invader.
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Stay Thirsty......the "racehorse" my friends!

2011-08-06T03:47:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, the traditional prep race for the three year old males was run at the Spa. The prep race; the Jim Dandy Stakes, named for the 100-1 longshot who defeated Triple Crown winner; Gallant Fox in the 1930 running of the Travers Stakes. This year, the Triple Crown trail had a "standout" leader just a few weeks before the running of the Kentucky Derby . His named was Uncle Mo, who was trained by Todd Pletcher for Repole Stable. He WAS head and shoulders over all other three year old runners at the time. Even though there was "another" three year old in the same barn, named; Stay Thirsty, he was only second fiddle behind his well known and well met stablemate. That would soon change.....well, maybe it took a few months!

Now, with a few weeks before the "Mid-Summer's Derby ", the Travers Stakes, Uncle Mo is NOT the most interesting three year old horse in the world. That title goes to the appropriately named; Stay Thirsty. Now, HE is the most interesting three year old in the world! He broke his maiden at Saratoga , just like his better known stablemate.....but, not in the same style! He ran second behind the horse that Uncle Mo beat a few weeks later at Belmont Park in the Champagne Stakes; Boys from Tosconova. He would win the Gotham Stakes on the Aqueduct "Inner-track", while his "better" stablemate, Uncle Mo would fail to win a stakes prep race. He was starting to show interest as possibly the "most interesting three year old" in the world.

While questions arose whether Uncle Mo would make the Kentucky Derby , Stay Thirsty would compete in the Florida Derby and then be the stable bearer at the Kentucky Derby for Repole Stable. The stage was set for Stay Thirsty to come out of the shadows of Uncle Mo. Interesting to say the least, but there was a bump in the road. Shipping from the "dead of weather" in the northeast to sunny and warm Florida meant a not so good effort in the Florida Derby . With "Mo" not making it to Louisville , Stay Thirsty (my friends) would be his replacement.

I even gave him a chance to run well going the mile and a quarter distance the first Saturday in May. I thought he was a good "longshot" play, but he was no factor in the "Run for the Roses" and it looked to be back to the drawing board for him. But this most interesting journey returned in the final leg of racing's Triple Crown. Five weeks later, Stay Thirsty returned in the Belmont Stakes, the "Test of Champions". Who would have thought that THIS Repole runner would be representing the stable in this race. But, Stay Thirsty became the "most interesting horse" in the race with a narrow defeat at 17-1 in the Belmont Stakes. Now, who is the most.....well, you know what!

This past Saturday, Stay Thirsty stamped himself as the "leading" three year old male when he won the Jim Dandy Stakes in convincingly style. Stakes placed as a two year old, stakes winner as a three year old with a grade I placing, Stay Thirsty has become the "most interesting horse" in the three year old category. His "bigger" stablemate has a lot of catching up to do. On the road to recovery, Uncle Mo in my opinion is second fiddle behind his stablemate now. The rolls have reversed and Stay Thirsty is the leader. He is the new version of Cat Thief, another runner from the past who wasn't really thought of until he won the Breeder's Cup Classic in upset fashion. Stay Thirsty is the leader in the clubhouse going into this year's Travers and the spotlight is him. Out of the shadows and into the light, he is the "most interesting horse .....in the world!" Remember, STAY THIRSTY ......my friends!

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

2011-07-29T21:09:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

2011-07-23T04:53:00.000-07:00

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

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

The anticipation for SARATOGA is at a fever pitch!

2011-07-16T03:47:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

Dee Tee's "summer at Saratoga" '11

2011-07-09T05:35:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2011-07-02T05:42:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

WANTED: Filly & Mares stepping up to the NEXT level!

2011-06-25T06:02:00.000-07:00

The just released NTRA Thoroughbred Poll for this week, has two fillies listed at the top of their rankings. Four year old fillies; Havre de Grace (#1) and Blind Luck (#2) lead the top in thoroughbred world and two other female runners; Awesome Maria (#7) and Goldikova (#8) also are in the top ten. Nearly half are females runners and the trend of the "opposite sex" that horses like; Rachel Alexandra & Zenyatta lead the way the past few years, continues again right now. The focus this past weekend was on these Distaff runners across the country. The top two horses were coming off nice victories. also the Pletcher runner; Awesome Maria has been on a roll. Goldikova was gallant in defeat across the ocean and looks to defend her Breeder's Cup Mile championship for a three year in a row. These top females runners have proven a lot against own kind and with a rather weak older handicap division, the pickings look ripe for doing some damage!

We had been very fortunate the past few years with exciting female runners who have step up versus the males on several occasions. In 2007, Rags to Riches won the Belmont Stakes and was the first filly to do so in 90 years. Next, along came Zenyatta and her undefeated reign lasted four seasons with a Breeder's Cup Classic championship in 2009 and runner up versus the boys the next year in 2010. A three year old filly captured the hearts of many during the summer of 2009. Rachel Alexandra defeated the "boys" three times, in a Triple Crown race (Preakness) the top race at Monmouth Park (Haskell) and against older handicap runners at Saratoga in the Woodward Stakes. She was the first filly to do so in that race in over a hundred years. So, the foundation has been set for the fillies to take the next step against the handicap ranks this year.

Harve de Grace has never been out-of-the-money in her 11 lifetime starts. She recently beat up on suspect competition at Delaware Park and will be pointing to the Saratoga meet most likely next. The Ruffian Handicap on July 31st at a mile and an eighth should be the logical next spot start. But, six days later is the Whitney Handicap for older horses. With her status as the current top horse in the nation, it's only right that she faces the boys in a possible easy grade I spot and she'll get weight versus her foes.

Blind Luck is an mirror image of Harve de Grace. Never out-of-the-money either, she has been a cross country traveler racing in California , Kentucky , Arkansas , Philadelphia and Saratoga . Being a very good shipper, she could go anywhere or stay on the west coast and face the boys in the Pacific Classic on a synthetic surface she loves. Awesome Maria has won four races in a row. She could benefit from the top two choosing spots against the males and spice up her resume in the filly and mare ranks.

We have a great group of filly and mare runners once again, two of them could rival past runners like Rags to Riches and Rachel Alexandra. There's Goldikova, who could make history this fall by winning her third straight Breeder's Cup race. The older handicap horses aren't world beaters. Both, Harve de Grace and Blind Luck are one/two now and may stay that way if they choose to face the boys and are successful.

Another BELMONT STAKES debacle

2011-06-18T03:44:00.000-07:00

The great equalizer in thoroughbred racing is the elements and the ability of the thoroughbred getting a distance of ground. These two factors along with the talent of the field, plays out at post time. Anytime a racing surface is effected by weather, strange things come into play. When a unproven group of horses entertain races at a new distance, the outcome can be also interesting. All these factors came into play last Saturday during the running of the Belmont Stakes.

The weather for the final leg of racing's Triple Crown was anything but good. Rain showers turned "Big Sandy " into an "off track" surface by post time. When ever a race track becomes anything but "fast", this changes the complexion of the race. In the field of 12 runners, only 5 had "off track" experience. Only one (Ruler on Ice) had a victory on it. When a group of three year old colts in a race like this, haven't had experience on such a racing surface, results can happen like they did on Saturday evening. Not, to "redboard" the result; but many people who cashed with Ruler on Ice said the reason they did was because of that one sloppy surface victory. With little or no other runner with "off" track experience, this was a smart play. At the odds he won at to (24-1) it meant even more sense.

The other major factor was the distance. None of the group ever remotely raced at this distance and may never do again. This crop of three year old horses have been thought of as a "cut below" the best. At the beginning of the year, only Uncle Mo was thought of as a "standout" in the Triple Crown contender group. With him gone and two different longshot winners of the first two legs, it wasn't surprising that another different face would win the race and at a big price. Being the longest race of the three; stamina and pedigree looked the way to go in the Belmont Stakes. The sire of Ruler on Ice; Roman Ruler, was good runner as a juvenile and was out of Fusaichi Pegasus (2000 Kentucky Derby winner). His grand dam ( Saratoga Six) was out of Alydar who was proven at classic distance races.

The past few years (since Afleet Alex in 2005) the winner's of this race have done little after winning the "Test Of Champions". Last year's winner; Drosselmeyer, recent won an overnight stake at Belmont and ran 2nd this past Friday in a race going the Belmont Stakes distance of a mile and a half. But runners like; Jazil, Rags to Riches and Da Tara had little success after winning this race. Only Summer Bird succeed in grade I success after his Belmont Stakes win. None of the last six winners were under 4-1 in odds winning this race either. So, is this final leg of the Triple Crown, a "crap shoot" with young horses going this marathon distance? The results would say so the past few years. Also with the mediocre talent of the sophomore classes the past few years make longshots worth a play. With the announcement of Animal Kingdom on the shelf with a injury the next few months, it will take a "new" face to emerge in this three year old class. So, as we head into the summer racing, the three year old class of 2011 is much the same as it's been the past six years. Hopefully, a new exciting three year old colt will take center stage before the fall classic races. If not, the Belmont Stakes of this year will be another footnote as "just another race" much like it's history has been the last few years.

Mark Hoffman's 2011 graded Belmont Stakes selections

2011-06-10T19:15:00.000-07:00

Master of Hounds (#1) Gomez / O'Brien (10-1)

Since this year's Belmont Stakes is "wide open" with no clear cut favorite... I'm looking for a price horse and a different winner from the first two legs, this son of Kingmambo had a sneaky good race in the Kentucky Derby rallying late on the inside, pointed for this race.... if he can handle his second cross Atlantic trip & "Big Sandy" the Belmont surface, he'll be tough to beat and a decent price!

Animal Kingdom (#9) Velazquez / Motion (2-1)

Rallied late in the Preakness.....but, wasn't catching the speedy Shackleford. The Belmont mile & an a half distance is right up his alley and he may be a bit closer to the pace today, I'm convinced that he is the real goods and I won't be surprise if he makes amends for his close Preakness lost.

Nehro (#6) Nakatani / Asmussen (4-1)

He was the "wise guy" horse in the Kentucky Derby and after skipping the Preakness, he is the "wise guy" horse again! Some say that he moved too soon in the Kentucky Derby while holding the place spot safe, pointed to this race.... he could go off the favorite, he should just LOVE the distance!

Santiva (#4) Bridgmohan / Kenneally (15-1)

Another runner who had a sneaky good effort in the Kentucky Derby, bred to get the distance and will be a big price, if you're looking for a longshot to use with the probable favorites..... this is your horse!

Shackleford (#12) Castanon / Romans (9/2)

After an interesting pre-race start, he put away his rival and lead the way to victory in the Preakness, once again he could be the main speed and could put them asleep on the lead, I wouldn't be surprise if it happens..... but, you'll be taking a "short" price this time!

Brilliant Speed (#5) Rosario / Albertrani (15-1)

Made up ground late in the Kentucky Derby with a wide trip, can't see him winning the race.... but, wouldn't be surprised to see him suck up in the exotics.

Prime Cut (#8) Prado / Howard (15-1)

Recently tired for 3rd in the Peter Pan Stakes here at Belmont, looks like he could press Shackleford on the lead, don't know if he stacks up good versus these runners.... but, I do like his trainer.

Mucho Macho Man (#10) Dominguez / Ritvo (10-1)

Disappointed in the Preakness with a non-effort after losing a shoe again during the race, gets a major jockey switch today to the top NY rider, his backers hopefully will get 10-1 or better, I think he's "over the top"..... just my opinion!

Stay Thirsty (#2) Castellano / Pletcher (20-1)

No factor in the derby, I question whether he wants this distance of ground and he seems a cut below these runners...... which isn't saying much!

Ruler on Ice (#3) Valdivia / Breen (20-1)

Second best in a prep stake for the Preakness.... but, chooses this spot, not much more to recommend here!

Monzon (#7) Lezcano / Correas (30-1)

Was an upset winner on New Year's Day over the Aqueduct Inner-track in the Count Fleet Stakes, no factor in either stake races since then, monster longshot here with his connections.

Isn't He Perfect (#11) Maragh / Shivmangel (30-1)

Got his doors blown out in each of his graded stakes appearances, his trainer reminds me of a modern day; Murray Garren......putting his horses in races that are WAY over their head!

BELMONT STAKES - undercard stakes selections

2011-06-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

The final leg of racing's Triple Crown is today at Belmont Park . We have concluded five weeks of races at three different venues; Churchill Downs, Pimlico and Belmont Park . On all three of these race days, the racing secretaries at each track put together a good undercard of stake races leading up to their big event. Through the years, it's the New York Racing Association (NYRA) that has done the best job with their races on the big event days. This year is no exception and the six stakes races on the Belmont Stakes card comprise the "pick 6" and this is what I'll look at in my column today, handicapping the Belmont day card of stake races.

The Acorn Stakes (6th race) at mile is consider by some as the second best three year old filly race of the season (at this moment). A short field of six are assembled with a prohibited favorite in Turbulent Descent at 3-5 morning line. While the favorite is five out of six with a second place finish, I'll try to beat her at those odds with a horse that showed promise at Aqueduct until an ill-fated trip to Gulfstream Park. It's Tricky, (#4) trained by Kiaran McLaughlin showed promise in her first three starts until shipped to Florida and her bad effort in the Gulfstream Park Oaks. She returns off a short layoff and should improve at this one mile distance. I'll use both Turbulent Descent (#2) and Her Smile (#1) underneath in my exotics.

The True North Handicap (7th) is up next for older horses sprinting. Trappe Shot (#3) came back after a long layoff to score in a overnight six furlong stake. It looks like "sprinting" will be his game from now on and tough to beat here. For 2nd I'll be going with Rule by Night (#4) a favorite of mine since he broke his maiden versus our Lloydobler a year and a half ago.

Three year old sprinting colts go in the Woody Stephens Stakes (8th). Here I'll go with the most consistent three year old sprinter; J J's Lucky Train (#7). After finishing 3rd in the one mile Derby Trail, he returns sprinting and is 2 for 2 at the seven furlong distance. Travelin' Man (#1) is my 2nd choice and he comes out of the same race as my top pick.

It's back on grass with the fillies & mares in the one mile; Just A Game Stakes (9th). I'll be "boxing" the first and third place finishers in the recent Churchill Distaff Turf Mile. Aviate (#2) and Fantasia (#6) look like the best two here off their last races. In my superfecta plays I'll use underneath these runners; Strike the Bell (#5), Gypsy's Warning (#1) and Cherokee Queen (#8).

The last race before the Belmont Stakes is the Woodford Reserve Manhattan Stakes (#10) at a mile and a quarter on grass. The solid pick here is Gio Ponti (#4) coming off his try in the Dubai World Cup in March. Back on grass and at his maximum distance, he has a big class edge over this group. A longshot to use in this race with all the speed entered is Bold Hawk (#2) trained by Jimmy Toner. Making his second start off a layoff, he should have no problem with the distance and will be closing late. At 12-1 morning line odds, he look's like the one to use underneath favorite; Gio Ponti. Others to use in your superfecta plays are; Windward Islands (#3) , Viscount Nelson (#6) and Prince Will I Am (#7). My "pick 6" play will be; 2/4 with 3 with 1/7 with 2/6 with 4 with 1/6/9/12 total play cost - $64.00

Saratoga merchandise marketing & a legendary high school coach!

2011-06-03T20:18:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest components of major league sports today is marketing. The driving success of those marketing groups is to promote their product to the public and make known what they have to offer. One of the most lucrative avenues of sports marketing is merchandising. The biggest angle for major league sports other than their attendance of events is merchandising. For years, professional sports didn't tap into this resource until around 20 years ago. Now, the marketing of individual sports teams through merchandising has become a multi-million dollar business. If it's the New York Yankees or Dallas Cowboys; these teams hats, jerseys or any items with their logos on it, bring in much revenue to their organizations. Now the sport of thoroughbred racing specifically, Saratoga has jumped on board the merchandising bandwagon and hooked up with a area retail supermarket to promote their items.

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) along with Hannaford Supermarkets announced an exclusive partnership that will offer racing fans "official" Saratoga Race Course merchandise. Now through Labor Day weekend, Hannaford Supermarkets across the Capital Region will have available for purchase Saratoga Race Course merchandise like; hats, visors, water bottles and thermo coffee mugs. This marks the first time that people will be able to purchase official Saratoga merchandise through a major retail partner other than at NYRA. Over two dozen Hannaford stores in the Capital Region, North Country and Adirondacks will be exclusive partners with NYRA to offer these selection items to the public, "off track".

The timing couldn't be better with this new endeavor by NYRA just a few weeks before the start of the Saratoga race meet. For years, "official" items were only available at the track from the "NYRA Store"or on-line. These four items are basic, in the traditional red and white Saratoga colors with their famous logo. It is hoped that making these items available to the general public at so many outlets will draw more people to the track for it's 40 day meet. It's a marketing "arm" that NYRA hasn't used in the past, but one that has been highly successful throughout the major league sports world. The sport of thoroughbred racing has had it's share of up and downs. Other than the Triple Crown series and Breeder's Cup races, Saratoga is the premier racing venue in the world. Why not gain more promotion through merchandising and make the "red & white" Saratoga logo as big as the Yankees interlocking NY logo!

Several years ago, I wrote a column comparing Hall of Fame trainer; D.Wayne Lukas to legendary Fort Plain High School baseball coach; Craig Phillips. In that article, I made comparisons to their style in getting winning results and how sometimes it wasn't the most popular, but was very successful. Well, another milestone for Coach Phillips was reached this past week when the Hilltoppers captured their 9th section II baseball title. Thirty years since that first championship and 659 career victories, Craig Phillips has been an "icon" in high school sports for the area. Growing up in Fort Plain and a proud graduate, it's an honor to congratulate Coach Phillips on another championship. He is the "Secretariat" of high school baseball and never will be duplicated.

Giving the "Shack" his due!

2011-05-28T04:59:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday evening after Shackleford crossed the wire first and holding off Kentucky Derby winner; Animal Kingdom, a winning streak of eight consecutive Preakness tickets cashed by "yours truly" ended. The most predictable jewel of racing Triple Crown had a double digit "longshot" winner for the first time since 2006. All good things came to end for my luck in wagering on this race and once again, Shackleford had it his own way stalking nearly on the lead. This time, they didn't catch him!

I have to admit, I didn't like Shackleford in the Kentucky at all. Since he seemed to "hit a wall" at the eighth pole at Churchill Downs and tired to fourth, I figured like most handicappers that he would get mixed up in a speed duel with other front running horses. He did stick like glue to the pace setter; Flashpoint and in the stretch, put that runner away. He sure did put Flashpoint away. Because between the seven furlong mark and a mile, Flashpoint went from leading by a half length to eleventh and at the finish; dead last! Now, the question was would Shackleford hold off the late charge of the Kentucky Derby winner?

As the field of 14 were coming down the stretch, my second choice; Astrology at 15-1 looked like he had the perfect trip up the rail. The horse I predicted a few weeks ago (on Capital District radio to win this year's Travers) looked like he had a chance to win and a big payday for myself. But, he hung on the inside and tired, now only one horse had a shot at the "shack". That was the longshot Derby hero and the hopes of a "possible" Triple Crown try with a victory.

Now, Shackleford was quite the handful in the paddock, post parade and leading into the starting gate. Sweating, lathering and quite worked up; Shackleford looked like anything but a winner. If I had a ticket on him before the race, I would have raced back to the windows to get a refund! This information provided by NBC was out there for all to hear, if they watched the "live" telecast. What the viewing public didn't know (until after the race) was that Shackleford got this way often before his races. This tidbit of information was told after the race by his trainer; Dale Romans. So much for seeing is believing the way horses behave before the race!

The clever ride that his jockey; Jesus Castanon gave Shackleford was the real reason because of his victory. After close to a quick pace early in the race, he slowed it down enough to keep Animal Kingdom at bay near the finish. Even I could tell that Animal Kingdom wasn't catching him on this day, even with a late rush. I'll have to admit (again) I wasn't fond of him in the Preakness and even more coming down the lane late. But, he really showed a gusty performance in winning at 12-1. His victory, ended my streak and proved that both his efforts in the first two legs of the Triple Crown were all his own on or near the lead. No speed horse or pace presser could overcome his ability to run these route races. Are the rest of this group (besides Animal Kingdom) not so great? Will Shackleford be able to once again, get the ultimate marathon distance of the Belmont Stakes when no one runs with him? Or will what I originally thought of this horse, come true on the third try and disappoint his fans? We shall see in two weeks, I didn't like him in the last two races. But, unless someone else shows up, the "shack" may pull it off again!

Mark Hoffman's 2011 graded Preakness selections

2011-05-21T03:48:00.000-07:00

Dialed In (#10) Leparoux / Zito (9/2)

The "lukewarm" Kentucky Derby favorite rallied late after lagging behind early in the derby, hopefully closer to the pace today in a race where he'll be eligible for a 5 million dollar bonus with a victory, this race traditionally bodes well for Kentucky Derby "also-rans" and especially failed favorites in that race.

Astrology (#1) Smith / Asmussen (15-1)

Recent runner-up in the one mile Jerome Handicap at Aqueduct, this son of AP Indy has been one of my favorites since he debut at Saratoga last summer, he skipped the Kentucky Derby for this spot and makes his third start off a layoff, I went on record a few weeks ago and stated that this horse would win the Travers this summer, today he is a major player as the "new" face in the race.

Animal Kingdom (#11) Velazquez / Motion (2-1)

The upset winner of the Kentucky Derby proved that first time "real" dirt doesn't mean a thing with this colt, ran a professional and trouble-free race, a duplication of that effort could send him to N.Y. with Triple Crown aspirations, if you caught him at 20-1 you were lucky and won't see those odds again!

Midnight Interlude (#7) Garcia / Baffert (15-1)

My top selection in the Kentucky Derby was a bust with his effort two weeks ago, racing somewhat greenly and was no factor disappointing me greatly, wheels right back off that non-effort and hopefully improves this time out, I'm thinking a "Hansel" like improvement twenty years later.

Mucho Man Man (#9) Maragh / Ritvo (6-1)

Ran an even race in the Kentucky Derby to gain the 3rd spot late, this hard hitter should enjoy the Pimlico surface and always runs his race, once again.....a must use in ALL your exotic plays!

Sway Away (#6) Gomez / Bonde (15-1)

Missed the Derby on earnings and would have gotten into the race if there was an also-eligible list, had an interesting trip in the Arkansas Derby after having the lead in the stretch and then tiring late, his sire; Afleet Alex was very courageous in winning this race six years ago, longshot chance here.

Dance City (#8) Dominguez / Pletcher (12-1)

Comes out of the Arkansas Derby also with an even effort pressing the pace throughout, adds speed to the mix which this race has a lot of, Pletcher at a price!

Shackleford (#5) Castanon / Romans (12-1)

The longshot pace setter in the Kentucky Derby hit his "wall" in deep stretch, I sure he'll be sent again and will get company this time on the front end, I'll pass on him again!

Flashpoint (#4) Cornelio Velasquez / Ward (20-1)

Races today under new trainer and hasn't started since the Florida Derby where he was rated into submission first time going two-turns, has the look of a sprinter and his trainer does better at those conditions, would be a surprise here.

Mr. Commons (#14) Espinoza / Shirreffs (20-1)

Race evenly in his last start on the west coast in the Santa Anita Derby, draws the impossible far outside post here at Pimlico, another one questionable at this distance.

Concealed Identity (#13) Russell / Gaudet (30-1)

The locally based "house horse", won the prep race for this event last time out, is two for two over the track, but is all or nothing in eight starts with four wins and no runner-up finishes.

King Congie (#3) Albarado / Albertrani (20-1)

Another pure turf / polytrack runner with his two "real" dirt races horrible, nice story how this horse was named......that's all I can recommend about this runner.

Norman Asbjornson (#2) Pimental / Grove (30-1)

Longshot bomber was respectable in both N.Y. Kentucky Derby preps (Gotham & Wood) but the waters get REAL deep in this race, a good friend of mine likes his chances.....I'll take his wager!

Isn't He Perfect (#12) Prado / Shivmangal (30-1)

Has been no factor in his three stakes efforts.......same result today also!

Preakness Stakes facts and my streak.......

2011-05-21T03:46:00.000-07:00

The 2nd leg of racing's Triple Crown; the Preakness Stakes takes center stage today. While the Kentucky Derby is one of the toughest races to gauge, this race is one of the easiest. I've been lucky enough to select the winner of this race, six times in the last eight years. That includes the exacta or triple in the last four straight runnings. There are a lot of misconceptions of the Preakness Stakes throughout the years and many myths.

The Pimlico racetrack has been chronicled as a track with "tight turns". When in fact, the Pimlico racetrack is no different than the typical one mile oval. It is thought that the track favors "speed" because of it's design. Once again, there is no notable favoritism toward speed horses or closers on it's racing strip. Many people think that "fresh horses" have a better chance of winning the Preakness Stakes than Derby runners or also rans in that race. In the last thirty years, only five winners (Aloma's Ruler, Deputed Testimony, Red Bullet, Bernardini & Rachel Alexandra) did not race in the Kentucky Derby and were "new" shooters to the race.

So, the myths and misconceptions about horses winning the Kentucky Derby are parallel to the same myths and misconceptions of Pimlico and the Preakness Stakes. Thus, the five Kentucky Derby runners here in this race, have a shot in winning this race. Meanwhile, the other nine "new" shooters chances are a little less because they didn't race in the first leg of the Triple Crown.

It doesn't help that the Kentucky Derby winner; Animal Kingdom was 20-1 in his victory. But, when Charismatic won the Derby at 31-1, he had no problem repeating that effort in the Preakness. This bodes well for Animal Kingdom's chances to win two thirds of the Triple Crown. Troubled trip favorites and "also rans" have bounced back in the Preakness Stakes. Runners like; Snow Chief, Hansel, Prairie Bayou, Timber Country and Point Given were beaten favorites in the Kentucky Derby and bounced back to win the Preakness. This gives Dialed In a good shot today in winning also.

So, the 2nd leg of the Triple Crown is a lot easier to decipher than the cavalry charge of 20 runners in the Kentucky Derby . But, the group this year of three year old colts is as evenly matched as ever. Plus, we get a full field of 14 runners with all the above things mention. That makes a good betting event, with the hope of a Triple Crown contender in Animal Kingdom come Belmont Stakes time in three weeks after this race. Dialed In, hoping to bounce back from a disappointing effort in the Derby and winning a five million dollar bonus with a Preakness victory because of the Magna challenge that included his wins in the Holy Bull Stakes and Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. Or a possible "new" shooters like; Astrology or Sway Away (who just missed the Derby because of earnings) becoming only the sixth "non-derby" horse winning this race since 1980. We get all these possibilities today in a race that I've been pretty lucky in getting the "right" winners with the "right" horses underneath. Again this year, there's a lot on the line with my selections. Let's hope the streak continues!

A "Animal" tale in the "Kingdom" of thoroughbred racing!

2011-05-14T04:37:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday evening after 20-1 longshot; Animal Kingdom crossed the finish line in the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby , another one of many " Kentucky Derby myths" had been erased. Unfortunately though, it wasn't the one that I was counting out. With my selection of Midnight Interlude, I was counting on him to win the race and erase the "myth" of no horse without a start as a two year old, finally being victorious after 129 years of history. He finished "up the track", but Animal Kingdom, who had NEVER raced on "real" dirt, won the Run for the Roses. Both he and Master of Hounds had never raced on a pure dirt surface and both were at square odds. Even though I preferred Master of Hounds over Animal Kingdom with this angle, I placed a small wager on both at their price. In a 19 horse field where there was a few "underlays" like; Pants on Fire (8-1) and Twice the Appeal (11-1) because of the Calvin Borel "syndrome", there were other plays in the field worth a deuce or two. So, Animal Kingdom at these generous odds, was my "saver play" last Saturday evening.

It was quite a story on Saturday evening with this son of Leroidesanimaux; who was a stakes winner on grass up to a mile and an eighth and with German distance turf pedigree underneath on his dam's side, gave us an impressive winning effort on a new surface for a very classy veteran trainer. H. Graham Motion, English born trainer who is more noted for his thoroughbred runner's on grass like; Better Talk Now and Film Maker, endured quite a Kentucky Derby week. He had originally two horses entered for the Kentucky Derby , Animal Kingdom and Toby's Corner. The latter had won the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct and was consider a better prospect to win the Derby , than the eventual winner. But, a physical problem came up with Toby's Corner just a few days before the race and was forced to scratch. This was devastating to connections and left his trainer with a "longshot" that many gave little chance.

This was not the only twist going into last weekend's Derby . About the same time that Toby's Corner was being declared from the race, the regular rider of Animal Kingdom; Robby Albardo was seriously injured during a race at Churchill Downs . With the possibility of not being able to ride Animal Kingdom on Saturday and not riding any mounts the day before on the Kentucky Oaks card, the connections of Animal Kingdom had to look for another jockey. This paved the way for John Velazquez, who lost his mount when Uncle Mo scratched from the race on Friday morning. So, one of the leading jockeys in the country and without a Kentucky Derby victory after many mounts, gets a second chance which proves to be a winning one.

Animal Kingdom's victory was one of many stories and for a trainer and jockey who endured quite a eventful derby week. The owners of the colt; Team Valor International, a partnership of around 20 members is headed by Barry Irwin who has been involved in the sport many years, in different roles from turf writer to blood stock agent to the title he holds now for the past 23 years. He also had eventful appearance on national television shortly after his horse won the Derby , with comments he made about former trainers for his stable. But, that "over blown" issue will be left for the racing bogs and internet to discuss. That shouldn't take anything away for Animal Kingdom's Derby victory and making his trainer; Graham Motion, now an household name and getting John Velazquez his first Kentucky Derby win . It's onward to the Preakness in one week for these interesting connections.

All Kentucky Derby myths......should soon, PASS! ......129 years later!

2011-05-06T18:45:00.000-07:00

As I write this column on Thursday evening like I usually do, the field for 137th Kentucky Derby is set at this point. But, questions remain whether the possible favorite for the race and last year's two year old champion will be in the starting gate at 6:24pm this Saturday evening. Rumors were swirling mid-day Thursday that Uncle Mo could possibly scratch as late as Saturday afternoon and a team of veterinarians would keep tabs on his condition. Cryptic words from his owner; Mike Repole and no comment from his trainer; Todd Pletcher made lots of internet fodder on blogs and horse racing message boards. So, as I type this column, Uncle Mo staying in the race was a mystery.

But, there are 19 other runners in the race and I honestly can say almost half of them have more reasons not to win the race than they do to win it. First off, there is not one runner who has had a triple digit Beyer speed figure as a three year old. Only one horse has won more than one Derby trail prep race this year (Dialed In - Holy Bull Stakes and Florida Derby ). Two horses (Master of Hounds & Animal Kingdom) have NEVER raced on "real" dirt, thus their debut on it will be in the Kentucky Derby . Others like; Comma To The Top, Brilliant Speed, Twinspired and Derby Kitten are winless on the main track also. This could be a product of the synthetic track craze. The runners entered this year have been taking turns beating each other in the prep races. While horses like; Nehro, Santiva, Decisive Moment and Shackleford have yet to win stake race this year as a three year old. So here is half the field listed with more question marks, than things going for them today.

On a paper, both Uncle Mo and Dialed In are the "class" of the field. They'll vive for favoritism and most likely be close to each other in the wagering. So the other eight remaining had have a stake victory along the Derby Trail, they'll get a bit of credit for that. Both Watch Me Go and Twice The Appeal won stakes race at huge odds. In the biggest race of their careers, both will be huge odds again and long odds to repeat their winning performances. Soldat and Stay Thirsty won their earlier preps, but in their last race were off-the-board finishers. It's been awhile since a horse who finished worst than fourth in their final prep race, came back to win the Kentucky Derby . Mucho Macho Man, Pants on Fire and Archarcharch are logical contenders winning prep races along the trail and not doing well in other preps. That leaves one horse, that doesn't quite fit in any of these categories. But, he has one "major" hurdle to clear. One that has remained through the years of time.

The trend that this three year old will be bucking has remain steadfast for nearly 130 years. Midnight Interlude won the Santa Anita Derby coming off his maiden win in his previous start. That isn't the big deal, the thing that is; Midnight Interlude made his on track debut January 29.......of this year! That's right, he did not race as a two year old. The last horse to win the Kentucky Derby that didn't race as a two year was; Apollo......in 1882! It's a mighty hill to climb, but with so many question marks among the other runners, including one of the favorites......he's worth a shot here and is lightly raced, improving horse. It doesn't hurt either that he is trained by Bob Baffert, who has won a Kentucky Derby or two! In a year as confusing as this, something strange is going to happen. I'll take a chance with Midnight Interlude to rewrite history, 129 years later!

Mark Hoffman's 2011 graded Kentucky Derby selections

2011-05-06T18:42:00.000-07:00

Midnight Interlude (#15) Espinoza / Baffert (10-1)

Came off his maiden win to score in the grade I - Santa Anita Derby, this improving son of War Chant is on the up swing and is worth a shot at a price versus this group of three year olds, the ONLY strike against him is; he was unraced as a two year old, maybe this year the streak that has lasted for 129 years could be broken like the other Kentucky Derby myths.....the time is now for this angle to fall.

Dialed In (#8) Leparoux / Zito (4-1)

The only two time prep winner in this year's Derby field, this son of Mineshaft has a powerful late close which he's shown in all four career starts, his trainer ran 2nd in this race last year (Ice Box) and has won two Kentucky Derby's in the past (Strike the Gold & Go for Gin), the "horse to beat" in my opinion.

Stay Thirsty (#4) Dominguez / Pletcher (20-1)

The stablemate and lesser thought runner to my above selection, he looked real winning the Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct and then shipped to Gulfstream Park for the Florida Derby and was "up the track", that looked like a "non effort" to me and I still can't figured out why he shipped from New York to Florida for that race, if Uncle Mo falters......"my friends, Stay Thirsty" may surprise us all!

Master of Hounds (#11) Gomez / O'Brien (30-1)

This well bred European runner tries the dirt main track for the first time in this spot, ran gamely for 2nd in the UAE Derby on a synthetic surface in his last start, whether he run a lick on the main track remains a question......but, has got the breeding to get the distance and will be a price!

Mucho Macho Man (#13) Maragh / Ritvo (12-1)

One of the more consistent runners along the Derby trail this spring, hasn't raced since the end of March which is a slight concern, has the running style to be right there at the finish, maybe not a winner....but, a must use in ALL your exotic plays!

Nehro (#19) Nakatani / Asmussen (6-1)

Has become the "wise guy" horse off his last two closing efforts leading up to today's race, seems like he'll enjoy the mile & a quarter distance and will make his presence felt late, he'll be "overbet" in my opinion and I need 10-1 on him or better in the win slot before I wager on him.

Soldat (#17) Garcia / McLaughlin (12-1)

His wire to wire victory two starts back in the Fountain of Youth Stakes shows he'll be a pace factor (hopefully) in today's race, as the favorite in the Florida Derby, he was rated off the front end, this did not work and he'll have to be free running to have a chance today, moves up if the track is wet.

Archarcharch (#1) Court / Fires (10-1)

The 25-1 winner of the Arkansas Derby has veteran trainer; William "Jinks" Fires & jockey Jon Court in their first Kentucky Derby , his bandwagon has picked up steam.....but, draws the tough inside post at Churchill Downs , needs a alert start and trouble free trip to have a chance today.

Animal Kingdom (#16) Albarado / Motion (30-1)

Trainer Graham Motion lost his other runner (Toby's Corner) earlier in the week because of injury and is left with this runner trying "real" dirt for the first time, had a decent work over the surface here and like Master of Hounds; will be a price with really nothing to lose.

Shackleford (#14) Castanon / Romans (12-1)

He set the pace in the Florida Derby and just missed at 69-1, he's another horse that now has a "bandwagon" to jump on off that effort, I'm sure he'll be on the "engine" again today, but he couldn't last at nine furlongs.....will he get the extra distance day???

Pants on Fire (#7) Napravnik / Breen (20-1)

Was considered the "weaker" part of the entry when he won the Louisiana Derby at the Fairgrounds, should be forwardly placed once again, this young trainer does well with his two year old stock and his jockey was the first woman to win the Fairgrounds riding title.

Comma To The Top (#6) Valenzuela / Miller (30-1)

Just before his start in the Santa Anita Derby, his connections were going to skip the "big" race, but after just missing at the wire in that prep race.....they changed they're mind, looks like one of the "speedsters"and I question whether he'll get the distance.

Santiva (#12) Bridgemohan / Kenneally (30-1)

He was an even 2nd two starts back in the Risen Star Stakes and then wheeled back in the Bluegrass Stakes where he was no factor as the lukewarm favorite, his ONE bright spot was that he won a two turn stake race here at Churchill Downs as a two year old, could be the "monster" price you're looking for in the superfecta.

Twice The Appeal (#3) Borel / Bonde (20-1)

This winner of the Sunland Derby at 25-1 broke his maiden for a 30k claming tag and now is in the Kentucky Derby , with the addition of Calvin Borel in the irons....he'll be ridiculously over bet, his odds should be closer to 50-1 than what they'll be!

Decisive Moment (#5) Clark / Arias (30-1)

This longshot has stayed in the Derby picture since early January, some pundits say that this horse may make the lead, because of connections he may be one of the longest prices on the board in the end.

Brilliant Speed (#2) Rosario / Albertrani (30-1)

Closed like a rocket to get a nose on the wire at 19-1 in the Bluegrass Stakes, his two dirt races as a two year old sprinting were horrible, doubt he'll be too effective on "real" dirt with his running style.

Twinspired (#10) Smith / Maker (30-1)

got nailed at the wire by top pick, his only dirt race wasn't good either, another you can firmly toss!

Derby Kitten (#9) Castellano / Maker (30-1)

Only got into the race with his Lexington Stakes victory and Toby's Corner not making the race, looks like just a turf / polytrack horse to me!

Watch Me Go Bejarano / O'Connell (50-1)

Longshot winner at 43-1 in the Tampa Bay Derby, came back to show nothing as the favorite in the Illinois Derby versus grade III field, putting him below the synthetic horses really shows my opinion of him!

My KENTUCKY DERBY top 10 with less than a week to go!

2011-05-01T09:21:00.000-07:00

1) DIALED IN - has taken the more "traditional" route leading up to the race, getting the trip will be the key!

2) UNCLE MO - not ready to bail on him just yet.......his Wood lost really wasn't that bad, most talented

3) MUCHO MACHO MAN - consistent as they come, may get overlook because of others, figures in the mix

4) ARCHARCHARCH - another hard hitter this spring, connections make great Derby story, square price threat

5) TOBY'S CORNER - with DIALED IN, only Kentucky horse with TWO victories this year, like MUCHO MACHO MAN....should be right there

6) NEHRO - the "NOW" horse, coming up to a big effort off of his last two closing efforts, will be OVERBET off those races

7) MIDNIGHT INTERLUDE - came from nowhere with impressive SA Derby win, one knock; didn't race as a 2 yr.old

8) SOLDAT - the "rating" experiment didn't work last time out, should be on the "engine" in the Derby, loves an "off" track

9) MASTER OF HOUNDS - the "unknown" factor this year, great on turf & polytrack.....unknown on the "real" stuff

10) STAY THIRSTY - last race was just horrible...but, has talent and may be the "forgotten" stablemate to Mo!

Calvin Borel......the jock for the race!

2011-04-30T06:39:00.000-07:00

With the Kentucky Derby one week away, it took until just a few days ago for one of the leading Kentucky Derby heroes from the past five years to get a mount for the big race. In less than five years, this jockey has graced the winner’s circle under the twin spheres three times. He won with a two year old champion in 2007 (Street Sense) something that hadn’t been done in over 25 years. He came back two years later with an impossible longshot that shock the racing world (Mine That Bird). Last he benefited from a sloppy track and had one of the best trainers in racing to win his third blanket of roses (Super Saver). He is now a household name and one of the finalists for the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame. His name is; Calvin Borel and his Kentucky Derby lore make him one of the top jockeys in the sport. The question I ask is; is Calvin that good of a jockey or just very lucky in the sports biggest race?

Calvin has been a fixture in thoroughbred racing for years and won his share of stake races. But, his national success has come on the “big” stage. There’s no taking away from that success in what some say as the biggest event in thoroughbred racing. These three Kentucky Derby victories do a lot for public attention. But, in the grand body of work; is Calvin Borel just an average jockey and is he really worthy to be finalists for the Hall of Fame? When Calvin has been to Saratoga is recent years since his Derby success, he’s been little more than an average jockey. The year he won his first Kentucky Derby , he rode at Saratoga and had the mount on our own stables; Sumwonlovesyou. Now grant it, she wasn’t a stakes caliber horse. But, his ride on her wasn’t a “stakes” caliber trip either. He struggled at the Spa with his mounts and even though he’s been the “King of the Derby ” in recent years, he’s little more than an average jockey outside that race.

With the voting system that the National Museum of Thoroughbred Racing has, when you see the name; Calvin Borel on the ballot first time, will the voters chose him off his “body of work” or his three Kentucky Derby victories in four years? I see Calvin as a Peyton Manning in reverse. What I mean by this is, with Manning; he was a superior regular season quarterback with great numbers. But, during playoff time, Peyton only garnered one Super Bowl victory. In Calvin’s case, he has had a journeyman like career as a jockey outside the Kentucky Derby . Nothing really spectacular in number of victories, but when the spotlight is on in the “biggest race”, Calvin shines brightly.

This year, he’ll be on another “Mine That Bird” like runner. Twice the Appeal broke his maiden in a 30k claimer and now is entered into the Kentucky Derby . On paper, this horse should be between 30-1 and 50-1. But, now with Calvin aboard and his Kentucky Derby success rate, Twice the Appeal will be around 20-1 or less. A bad bet in my opinion; but then again, Mine That Bird wasn’t than appealing either and he won at longshot odds. It’s likely that if Calvin wins his four Kentucky Derby this year, he’ll be a “shoe in” for the Hall of Fame first time on the ballot. But, there are other jockeys with a better “full resume” of work more deserving that Calvin this year. I’m not knocking Calvin Borel, but if you take away his three Kentucky Derby victories. Everybody would be saying; Calvin “who”? Big race jockey, run of the mill the rest of the time. Calvin may have to wait his turn to be enshrined.

RUN FOR THE ROSES '11 - It's NOT like your dad's Kentucky Derby

2011-04-22T18:32:00.000-07:00

Usually the final two weeks of major Kentucky Derby prep races solidify the top contenders for the big race the first Saturday in May. Occasionally a new face or longshot may pop up in one of the races. But, rarely after the Wood Memorial, Santa Anita Derby , Bluegrass Stakes or Arkansas Derby does the Kentucky Derby picture get more muddled. This year is the year where the current form of the major contenders and favorites got turned upside down. The trends of the past few years along the Kentucky Derby prep trail may have been a major part of this. The year’s biggest race has turned into the non-winners of two “crap shoot”possibly.

It was injury that knocked out both Premier Pegasus and Jaycito out of the Santa Anita Derby . A well known trainer; Bob Baffert emerged with a new face longshot in Midnight Interlude. The mighty Uncle Mo , went down in flames as one of the biggest upsets in Kentucky Derby prep race history. But, the one/two finishers of the Wood Memorial (Toby’s Corner & Arthur’s Tale) did figure though for a $158 exacta. The Bluegrass Stakes has been an after thought in recent years and especially now that it’s run on the polytrack surface. Again this year, it was “longshot” city with Brilliant Speed (19-1) and Twinspired (24-1) for $655 exacta, $6,000 triple and $129,000 superfecta. And the Arkansas Derby that was to showcase the “speedy” The Factor, had become another victim to a price horse in Archarcharch (25-1). Throw in one of Todd Pletcher’s “third” stringers in the Illinois Derby (Joe Vann) and we have the biggest overall prep race mess for the favorites in years!

Is this outcome from the Kentucky Derby prep races a result of lack of trainers pushing their horses as two year olds with limited races this year? Or is the crop of three year olds much like what we’ve seen the past few years with a rather weak group? Or even more, have we overestimated the talent of horses like; Uncle Mo and The Factor? It could be a little of each of these things.

Uncle Mo is a good horse, his races as a two year old were outstanding and nobody in the group so far has matched his talent. But, the road he took this year as a three year old raised “white flags” and the result was the third place finish in the Wood Memorial. Now with an excuse because he suffered an intestinal sickness after the race, the question whether he’ll be anywhere near 100% in two weeks may keep him out of the race. The Factor wasn’t thought of as a “derby contender” early in the season. But when he stretched out in the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park and won much the best, the Derby “fever” caught hold. But, his ride in the Arkansas Derby wasn’t the best of trips and trying to “rate” him off the front end was a complete disaster. It looks like now; he may not run at all also.

Only Dialed In, trained by Nick Zito has weathered this storm. He and Toby’s Corner (along with the The Factor) are the only three year olds to win two prep races along the Derby Trail. Comma to the Top has been consistent as they come, but has yet to win a race on a “natural” dirt track. Look’s like he’ll have distance limitations too. Soldat, Stay Thirsty and Santiva were solid contenders, but now have shown “chinks” in their armor too and their last starts. Toby’s Corner, Macho Mucho Man, Archarcharch and Pants on Fire are solid runners who may play a role off their recent victories. Maybe it will be the “new” faces like Midnight Interlude, Nehro or Master of Hounds that could upset the apple cart at big odds. But with what has happened this year leading up to the first Saturday in May, the grade I – Kentucky Derby may be no different than a run-of-the-mill; non-winners of two allowance race. Today’s Kentucky Derby isn’t your dad’s Kentucky Derby !

Will THE FACTOR, be one or another disppointment?

2011-04-16T03:52:00.000-07:00

The results of last weekend's two major Kentucky Derby prep races usually bode well for horses that are key contenders for the first Saturday in May. But this year with the stunning defeat of Uncle Mo in the Wood Memorial and the defection of the two favorites in the Santa Anita Derby (Premier Pegasus and Jaycito), the role of favoritism for the "Run for the Roses" is now wide open. It's beginning to look like the role of "super horse" by Uncle Mo has revealed chinks in his armor.

Undefeated going into the grade I stake race in New York , it looked like he would have his way versus this group of runners he faced. But, the racing gods of upset prevailed again and his third place finish may now have an excuse. Numerous blood test were taken earlier this week and a gastrointestinal tract infection was found which may impact his chances in running at Churchill Downs . At this point, he'll continue to train and ship to Kentucky on April 18th. A week ago, he was the "horse to beat" and now may not make the race. Funny how things change overnight in the sport of thoroughbred racing.

Things became more complicated also on the west coast when the two leading contenders for the race were early post time scratches. This left the door wide open and it was Bob Baffert who took advantage of it. His recent maiden breaker; Midnight Interlude was the upset winner and this outcome was a similar result with no clear cut west coast leading contender. We thought that the two winners from last weekend's prep races would join Dialed In as top contenders the first Saturday in May. As of now, Nick Zito's runner is STILL the leader of the group. Today, we have two more major prep races at Oaklawn Park and Keeneland. There may be one runner though that may come to the forefront if he runs the same race as he did in his last start.

There are 13 runners entered in the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park this afternoon, but one is "head and shoulders" above the rest. The Factor (#3), who is also trained by Bob Baffert is the morning line favorite and quite speedy. After winning two straight sprinting at Santa Anita Park, he shipped to Oaklawn and stretched out in the Rebel Stakes last time out. There he was a "wire to wire" winner and his comment line was "unopposed; accelerated". If he runs the same race today going a mile and an eighth, he just may supplant Dialed In as the early Kentucky Derby favorite. Two of his main opponents are drawn just inside of him in the starting gate. Nehro (#1) and Elite Alex (#2) both were running late most recently in the Louisiana Derby . They may have the best shot with their running style behind the front running speed of The Factor. I see the race between these three horses (#1-2-3) and throw in longshot and newly trained Nick Zito runner; Truman's Commander (#7) and you might some decent bucks in this very good betting race.

The Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland is contended on a synthetic racing surface. Twelve runners are entered here in this wide open event. But since this stake has had a change of surface the past few years, the winners have had little bearing on the Kentucky Derby . In fact, you have to go back 20 years for the last winner of this race to win the Derby (Strike the Gold - 1991). Nevertheless, there should be a runner or two coming out of this race and heading to Louisville in a few weeks. I'll chose a few longshots in this race with my top selection; Crimson China (#11). In his last start, he closed late in the Rushaway Stakes at Turfway Park as the favorite. Today, he stretches out a little more and at 10-1 morning line is a nice price. The two Canadian based horses I'll also use and both are trained by Todd Pletcher. Sensational Slam (#6) and Queen'splatekitten (#12) have the experience on polytrack and both sport good morning line prices (10 & 12-1). Throw in the morning favorite; Santiva (#3) and there is your "possible" superfecta box!

Uncle Mo and the other assorted cast of characters

2011-04-09T05:26:00.000-07:00

Less than a month away is the first Saturday in May and with the results of last Sunday's Florida Derby , the Nick Zito trained; Dialed In has stamped his ticket to Churchill Downs with his nose on the wire victory in that race. He caught 69-1 longshot Shackleford who nearly stole the race on the front end. Now, Nick Zito who has won back-to-back Florida Derbies will most likely have the 2nd choice in the Kentucky Derby wagering in a few weeks. Today we have three more prep races today and two others next week. This week is the coast to coast battle with Uncle Mo in the Wood Memorial and what was to be Premier Pegasus in the Santa Anita Derby . But on Thursday afternoon, it was announced that Premier Pegasus suffered a hairline fracture of his cannon bone and will miss today's race. That leaves an wide open field and with the Illinois Derby at Hawthorne Park added in for good measure, we will sending a few more runners along with Dialed In to the "big" race.

The leading contender for favoritism the first Saturday in May is racing at Aqueduct in the Wood Memorial and his name is Uncle Mo. We all know his story; undefeated, the media darling of NYRA and the best three year old to come along since Eskendereya. Today he faces nine foes with the morning line odds of 1-5. I was really surprised that NYRA stakes coordinator got that many runners to face him, so what was thought to be a unbetable race has now worth another look. It's looks like there are only three runners to use with Uncle Mo (#5) in the wagering; Arthur's Tale (#4) , Duca (#7) and Toby's Corner (#2). For Uncle Mo , this may be just another "public workout" and SHOULD handle this group. But to be on the safe side, I'd mix the three runners I stated with Uncle Mo and not just "single" him.

There are ten runners also in the Santa Anita Derby after the withdrawal of the morning line favorite; Premier Pegasus. This field though is a little more evenly matched. It comes down to three contenders which all should be around the same odds. Silver Medallion (#4) , Anthony's Cross (#9) and Jaycito (#11) are the ones who will battle for favoritism in my opinion. My main interest is in Silver Medallion who has won at the mile and an eighth distance, but on a synthetic track at Golden Gate Fields last time out. The "wildcard" here is Midnight Interlude (#6) who broke his maiden for Bob Baffert last time out. Like in the Wood Memorial, mix it up and I'll be playing a 4-6-9-11 superfecta box.

A even dozen will be racing at Hawthorne Park in the grade III - Illinois Derby . This group looks like the 2nd stringers for the Derby , but a good betting race which includes four maiden runners! The most notable runner is the 43-1 longshot winner of the Tampa Bay Derby ; Watch Me Go (#4). I'll try to beat him with Al Stall trainee; Sour (#6) who looks like he has the best up side. Along with these two runners, I'll include; the speedy The Fed Eased (#7) shipping in from New York and another Todd Plecther runner; Joe Vann (#3). Not a lot of pricy horse here, but the field as a whole lacks graded stakes quality. It's my opinion that this edition of the Illinois Derby WON'T be entertaining any Kentucky Derby runners. But, then again if Uncle Mo stumbles.......who knows!

Never on a Sunday???? Not anymore! - Florida Derby day

2011-04-02T05:42:00.000-07:00

As I was looking over the racing entries for Saturday's Gulfstream Park card on Wednesday evening, I started to get confused because I could not find a certain race. I knew that the grade I - Florida Derby was scheduled to be contested this weekend, but nowhere on Saturday's Gulfstream entries could I find the race. Since I've been playing the races, this race was the standout feature of the Gulfstream Park season and although the race has changed dates when it was contested, it was always run on the Saturday card. But, this year the Gulfstream Park racing office threw us a "curve ball" and placed this year's event on Sunday. With the ever changing Florida thoroughbred racing schedule, this can be a confusing thing for both player and horseman.

The biggest racing day in south Florida has five stakes races on the card which is topped off by the major prep race for three year old colts that are pointing for the Kentucky Derby . Also on this card is a sprint race for the three year olds also named for the 1984 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner, the Swale Stakes contested at seven furlongs. Six horses are assembled here with one runner missing for a bigger date later on in the card. Flashpoint winner of the Hutcheson Stakes wire to wire, would have been the odds-on favorite here in this sprint. But the Rick Dutrow trainee decided to stretch out in the Florida Derby , a much tougher spot than here. This leaves the door wide open for the Todd Pletcher trainee; Travelin' Man (#6) who was the runner-up last out versus Flashpoint. For 2nd, I'm going with the "eased last race" angle and picking Black N' Beauty (#1) won had all kinds of trouble last time out after turning back from a route distance.

The 6th race - going six and a half furlongs, the Sir Shackleton Stakes has a neat field of familiar names entered. Layoffs and turnbacks rule this race with my top pick; Capt. Candyman Can (#8). After a 15 month layoff, he returned to his winning ways in a seven furlong race at Tampa Bay Downs , just getting up in time. I'm also choosing a old favorite for 2nd in Regal Ransom (#3) who returns to a sprint after facing graded stakes competition going route distances the past few years.

Turf runners race a flat mile in race #8 - the Emirates Airlines Appleton Handicap. In this wide open event, my top selection is the rail horse; Little Man (#1) winner of the Canadian Turf Handicap last out. For 2nd, I'll be using the turnback from the west coast and now under the training of Kiaran McLaughlin; Riviera Cocktail (#6). Older handicap runners are next up in the 9th race - the Skip Away Stakes. Last year's Belmont Stakes winner; Drosselmeyer (#1) gets the call here in his second start off the layoff. Nick Zito has an interesting runner I'm placing for 2nd in S.S. Stone who steps up in class and seeks his third straight victory.

Now we're up to the aforementioned, Florida Derby . Here eight runners are assembled; the speedy Flashpoint (#8), the Fountain of Youth winner and also speedy Soldat (#1) and To Honor and Serve (#2) making his second start off a layoff are just a few of the notable names here. These three runners I'll be using underneath my top two selections; Dialed In (#7) impressive winner of the Holy Bull Stakes and recent Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct; Stay Thirsty (#6). The winner of this race will punch his ticket to Louisville for the "first Saturday in May" and be the "top dog"coming from the Florida route for the Kentucky Derby.

2011 Dubai World Cup selections

2011-03-26T03:59:00.000-07:00

It's Dubai World Cup day, the richest day thoroughbred racing and one of my favorite first big racing days on the calendar. Six stakes races, on the Meydan synthetic and turf racecourse at distances from a straight six furlong dash to a mile and a half on the grass. As usual, we have a large United States contingent that made the trip to the desert to contest these million dollar races. After watching the "Super Thursday" prep card on March 3rd, we see several horses return today with hopes of winning these group races versus some of the best in the world. We'll take a look at these six races and give my selections for each.

The first is the Godolphin Mile which goes as the 3rd race. My top selection here is a Kentucky Derby runner from last year. Conveyance (#2) was the pace setter on the sloppy Churchill surface and trained by Bob Baffert at the time. He made his return to the races this year on Super Thursday in a six furlong sprint where he tired after setting the pace for 2nd. Today with that return race under his belt and stretching out to the mile distance, he will be tough from his inside post. We'll go to the outside for my 2nd pick; Skysurfers (#13) who won in his first start of the year at this distance and was 3rd in this same race last year. Horses to use underneath my exacta box selection are; Zafeen Speed (#8) I Want Revenge (#10) Rileyskeepingthefaith (#12).

The Dubai version of the Kentucky Derby is next up with the UAE Derby . A race that has both males and females, plus Southern Hemisphere horses. Here I'm taking a longshot filly who defeated males in the prep race for this last time out. Reem (#1) has enjoyed the Meydan racecourse when two wins and two second place finishes this past winter. Her 10-1 morning line odds look very good off her blowout victory last time out. Splash Point (#3) won the UAE 2000 Guineas another prep race for this event and is my second choice. There's a lot to choose underneath my top two selections with no clear cut favorite. Here I'll use; Xin Xu Lin (#13) Master of Hounds (#9) Zanzamar (#8).

Sprinters are up next in the six furlong Dubai Golden Shaheen. A seven year old horse (not gelding) is my pick here and a favorite of many. Euroears (#7) won first time out for new trainer Bob Baffert and makes the trip across the ocean to find his "fountain of youth". The logical 2nd choice is last year's winner; Kinsale King (#1) and runner up Rocket Man (#5) with longshot Dynamic Blitz (#9) underneath.

The first of two grass races comes up with the mile and eighth; Dubai Duty Free. I'm going to the far outside post and to a mare again. Raihana (#16) was good here last year on the main track and this year has reproduced that form on the "proper surface" - grass. The post position is my only concern here. For 2nd, the Godolphin connections decided to put their runner; Mendip (#7) in this spot, instead of the World Cup field. He'll be making his first career start on the weeds after six career starts never out-of-the-money on the main track. Underneath these two.....use; the consistent Bankable (#9) Better Than Ever (#12) who sports 15 career victories in 16 lifetime starts and Victor's Cry (#14) who should be closing late.

The Dubai Sheema Classic comes up a little more clear cut with the two California shippers. Champ Pegasus (#7) and Bourbon Bay (#9) are my top two choices. It's tough to separate these two and underneath I'll use; Redwood (#5) Dangerous Midge (#12) last year's Breeder's Cup Turf winner making his first start of 2011 and Chinchon (#3). I think all the shippers from stateside have a edge over the rest of the field.

The big event of the day is of course, the Dubai World Cup with a ten million purse going a mile and a quarter. Twice Over (#12) will most likely be the favorite off his prep victory here on Super Thursday. But, he'll be my 2nd choice today. The well thought of and last year's UAE Derby winner ; Musir (#7) is my top pick and recent runner-up behind Twice Over last time out. Never worst than second in eight career starts, he's making his third start off a layoff and that's a dangerous angle. With these two runners, I'll be using underneath; Gio Ponti (#5) which I STILL question at the mile & a quarter distance, Fly Down (#1) my favorite "underachiever" making his first career start on a synthetic surface and old reliable; Gitano Hernando (#8) who always makes a good account of himself.

Derby contenders bracket.....solid top seed

2011-03-19T07:11:00.000-07:00

This week began "March Madness" for NCAA college basketball tournament where the expanded field of teams now totals 68. It seems that the thought is; more is better. But like with anything; when more is added to the mix, the product can be diluted. The mix of prep races along the triple crown trail has increased throughout the years and now includes special written races. We have seen this with the top two of it's major contenders this year. Two of the "quote", number one seeds; Uncle Mo and Dialed In both raced in specially written races for them the past few weeks.

Uncle Mo made his seasonal debut last weekend in a newly written race; the Timely Writer Stakes. Facing only marginally good runners, his return was a little more than a public workout and done in easy fashion. A few weeks back, Dialed In returned off his Holy Bull Stakes victory to a two-turn test at Gulfstream Park in a race written for him. There he finished a good second (behind his stablemate) and now has two starts under his belt this year. These two races for these two colts were no more than "play in" games and the real competition will come in a few weeks, the April 3rd Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park for Dialed In and the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 9th.

The "second seeds" are the up and coming runners who have already shown talent with derby prep victories. Mucho Macho Man needed his first race back when he tired as the lukewarm favorite in the Holy Bull Stakes. He then shipped to Louisiana where he bounced back to win the Risen Star Stakes at the Fairgrounds. This son of Macho Uno has raced at six tracks and will stay at the Fairgrounds to race next in the Louisiana Derby on March 26th. Then we have Sodat, trained by Kiaran McLaughlin. This son of War Front raced twice at Saratoga on "off track" surfaces and then was switched to grass for his next three starts. He returned for his three year old season at Gulfstream and won an off-the-turf event by over ten lengths. He recently came back in the Fountain of Youth Stakes and went wire to wire in victory.

The next group could be considered "Cinderella" type runners the are currently longshots, but with improvement could move up the ladder very quickly. A few of these are west coast runners to keep in mind. Silver Medallion, Anthony's Cross and Premier Pegasus. The latter was a recent impressive winner of the mile and a sixteenth; San Felipe Stakes. A Bob Baffert runner named; The Factor will ship to Oaklawn Park and will stretch out to contest the Rebel Stakes this weekend. His three year old debut was a victory in the San Vicente Stakes at seven furlongs. To Honor and Serve, ran an even 3rd in his three year old stakes debut versus Mucho Macho Man. There's also the consistent types like; Gourmet Dinner, Santiva and Stay Thirsty who won the recent Gotham Stakes going on a route on the Aqueduct Inner-track.

Then there are the horses that need to show more, but they can lay claim as realistic Derby contenders. These guys are the "high" double digits seeds. Jaycito, Brethren , Comma to the Top, Machen. They all need to step it up in their next prep races to really be considered as dangerous horses. But with good efforts, they too could pull off an upset and rise to the top. These are the "Sweet Sixteen" of the current Derby trail runners. And much like during the "March Madness" tournament, things can change quickly and the mighty can fall.

Uncle Mo is back in town!

2011-03-10T17:12:00.000-08:00

The 2001 Triple Crown trail gets into full swing this weekend with it's two year old star from last year making his sophomore debut. The Todd Pletcher sensation from last summer and Fall, Uncle Mo returns to the races today in Florida. The question is; will he race at Gulfstream Park in a race written for him or venture north to Tampa Bay and race in the Tampa Bay Derby? The jury is still out in which direction he might go, but one is for sure that this effort where ever he goes will mean a lot on how the rest of this year's three year old crop will stack up.

The connections of this undefeated son of Indian Charlie originally penciled in the Tampa Bay Derby as his first start in 2011. But, when Gulfstream Park decided to write a race for him with a $100,000 overnight purse, the connections thought maybe a change. This race called; The Timely Writer Stakes would be at one mile, a perfect distance for him to return to the races. But, there may be a question whether the Gulfstream Park racing secretary can get this race to fill. As of the writing of this column, there weren't many horseman willing to place their runners in this race versus Uncle Mo.

Basically, the same thing happened this past Sunday with the Nick Zito trained three year old; Dialed In. A optional claiming allowance was written for Dialed In which he faced four other runners including his stablemate. In this case, it was the stablemate of Dialed In (Equestrio) winning the race and Dialed In finishing second. This race was by design for Nick Zito since he did not want go straight from his victory in the Holy Bull Stakes (1/30) to the Florida Derby on April 3rd. That would have been nine weeks in between races and since Zito hadn't had luck in the Tampa Bay Derby in the past, this was his only option.

In the Uncle Mo case, a race is need soon for him to get to the first Saturday in May. The trend the past few years is for horses to get only three starts before the Kentucky Derby. With the Wind-Star runner; Brethren, trained by Pletcher pointed to the Tampa Bay Derby off his prep race win over the course, Todd Pletcher did not want his two trainees from different barns facing each other just yet. So, logically it would be fitting if Uncle Mo would return in the Gulfstream race and Brethren race in the Tampa Bay Derby. One other twist is if the race does not full and Uncle Mo races at Tampa Bay, Brethren would then ship to Oaklawn Park for the Rebel Stakes one week from now. Are you as confused yet as I am?

It's seems that the Triple crown trail of prep races always revolve around the Pletcher's and Zito's of the racing world and where their top horses are pointing for. Thus we have these "overnight" written races which seem easier for their runners. It does make things a bit better for the trainers with only one runner pointed toward the Derby. But, with the huge onslaught of prep races all over the country and new way of race preparation by the trainers, one has to check each day where their Kentucky Derby contenders heading. This makes things even more interesting leading up to the first Saturday in May.

Mark Hoffman's 2011 Kentucky Derby Dozen - list #1

2011-02-20T06:04:00.000-08:00

1) UNCLE MO 4-1
2) DIALED IN 9-1
3) MUCHO MACHO MAN 12-1
4) TO HONOR AND SERVE 15-1
5) BRETHREN 15-1
6) ANTHONY'S CROSS 20-1
7) SILVER MEDALLION 25-1
8) SANTIVA 25-1
9) ROGUE ROMANCE 30-1
10) SWEET DUCKY 40-1
11) GOURMET DINNER 50-1
12) COMMA TO THE TOP 50-1

Knocking at the door

Clubhouse Ride
The Factor
Machen

NYRA "Holidayfest" & ATP "season finale" for 2010

2010-11-27T04:52:00.000-08:00

The major stakes racing in New York comes to a seasonal end today with the last grade I stakes of 2010. This will also begin the "winter hiatus" of my thoroughbred racing column; AT THE POST for two months until the three year old action begins at Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park around the beginning of February. So, for the final column of ATP in 2010 it will be selections for today's graded stakes at Aqueduct that wrap up the last big weekend of thoroughbred action.

There are four stakes today which included the last of the two year old races that are stretching out both males and females toward next season. Also there is two route races for our older horses which wrap up the last major races run on Aqueduct's main track before the transition to the "Inner-track" begins on December 1st. I guess this weekend is like a seasonal closing for both major racing with NYRA and myself talking about for a few months.

The stakes action begins in the 6th with the two year old fillies racing in Demoiselle Stakes (gr.II) going a mile in an eighth. The Rick Dutrow runner (#5) Believe in A.P. gets the call here. She closed well in the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies race for fourth at 16-1. I pegged her as my "longshot" play in that race and if she had captured the show money, I would have cashed the triple. For 2nd, I'm going with the longer price of Dutrow brothers horses, the Tony Dutrow trained; (#4) Light Your World. At 12-1 on the morning line, this filly has won two straight route races at Delaware Park and is the value in this short six horse field.

Two year old colts are featured next in the 7th race - the Remsen Stakes going the same route distance as the girls. Here, I'm going against the 6/5 morning line favorite; To Honor and Serve with the (#4) Bandbox. This NY bred stumbled at the start in his last race, the Sleepy Hollow Stakes going seven furlongs and recovered with a wide sweeping victory as the favorite. Today he tries a route distance and has plenty of speed in front of him to set up his close nicely. I'll use the favorite (#5) To Honor and Serve for 2nd off his wire-to-wire Nashua Stakes victory going a mile.

The Gazelle Stakes (8th) is next for the three year old fillies going the route distance. The race used to be part the Belmont Fall meet schedule, but now has found this late season spot. I'm going with the shipper and outside horse here (#8) No Such Word. In this wide open event, she has been a gem of consistency all this season with victories at four different tracks. Her last victory in the Remington Park Oaks was a commanding one and gets my slight edge here. For 2nd, the Kiaran McLaughlin trained; Dubai Dancer (#5) comes in to this contest with a three race win streak and is lightly raced. Both Quiet Temper (#3) and longshot - Joanie's Catch (#6) must be used in your exotic plays.

The 8th race and final grade I race in N.Y. for 2010 is the Hill 'N' Dale Cigar Mile. A nice field of seven runners are assembled (with an entry) and this year's edition is evenly matched with some very familiar names. My top selection here and lukewarm choice is the horse who finished 2nd in the race last year; (#3) Bribon. Exclusively sprinting his last four starts, today he races at his favorite distance and should be primed for a top effort. For 2nd, I'll be giving my old friend (#7) Musket Man one last shot. He's been very disappointing since his only victory this year when he returned to the races at Tampa Bay Downs in February. For exotic plays, I'll include; the Godolphin entry (#1) Girolamo and Vineyard Haven with (#5) Jersey Town underneath.

Zenyatta.....comes up short again

2010-11-20T07:37:00.000-08:00

Unlike the countless times that Brett Favre was going to retire and then decided not to, the connections of the "super" mare; Zenyatta announced on Wednesday afternoon that her career on the track was finished and she would be going to the shed row. After last year's triumph in the Breeder's Cup Classic, it was thought that it would have been her last race. But, the continued training weeks after her last victory was a indication that she was going to defend her title and make more history. So, Zenyatta returned this year to continue her undefeated quest and try to garner the award she came up short with in 2009.

In 2009, Zenyatta remained on the west coast for the entire season with the Breeder's Cup being contested at Santa Anita Park on the polytrack surface. Meanwhile, another filly (Rachel Alexandra) one year younger than Zenyatta was defeating colts and older runners throughout the country at several different race tracks. Even with Zenyatta extending her undefeated streak with winning the 2009 Breeder's Cup Classic and the first female horse ever to win the Classic, it wasn't enough for her to win the eclipse award for Horse of the Year. That went to Rachel Alexandra for her victories versus males in the Preakness Stakes, Haskell Invitational and defeating older males in the Woodward Stakes at Saratoga . For Zenyatta the chance would come again this year, if she would remain undefeated and get to the Classic again. Part of this quest she would fulfill.

For her connections, she would have to maintain her undefeated status and venture outside California and their restricted synthetic racing surfaces. Once again, half the bargain would remain with 19 straight victories including her second career win outside California at Oaklawn Park in the Apple Blossom Handicap on "real" dirt. But, her victories this year were against basically the same filly and mares that she defeated in 2009 and not once took on the males or traveled to Kentucky or the east coast to take on her other distaff rivals. This will hurt her once again when the voting for Horse of the Years honors are tabulated in January.

She did make it to Churchill Downs to defend her title as Classic champion. Unlike Rachel Alexandra, her racing form did not tail off and she remained in training. It was hoped that her 2010 racing schedule would include more "real" dirt races, but nevertheless Zenyatta would try to make history in so many ways by finishing her career undefeated with a perfect 20 for 20 record. She came so close, but a head difference under the lights at Churchill Downs was the final disappointment for all her fans and may be her undoing once again this year.

No female thoroughbred has accomplished what Zenyatta has in the last two years, but it was a "super" filly last year and a photo finish this year that will cost her the ultimate award for any horse; Horse of the Year honors. This year, Blame was hands down the best older thoroughbred in the country winning grade I races in Kentucky and New York . He won the biggest race of the year, which usually determines year end honors; the Breeder's Cup Classic. Meanwhile, Zenyatta does her thing all year and gives a courageous account of herself while coming up just a head short. But, it will be the "photo finish" that prevents the great Zenyatta in getting what her connections wanted so bad this year; their mare winning Horse of the Year honors. It's the disappointment felt around the world, but nothing to be ashamed of. A record of 19-1 for a career some only dream of, it's not winning Horse of the Year honors again this year that will be the nightmare.

It lived up to all the hype.......and more!

2010-11-13T07:19:00.000-08:00

The return of the Breeder’s Cup World Championships to “real” dirt and Churchill Downs lived up to every expectation last Friday and Saturday. If you said it lack color or excitement, you need to find another sport to follow. It was a blend of great racing with exciting finishes, tremendous efforts, controversy and a little extracurricular activities.

First was the “fist-a-cuffs” right after the finish of the first Breeder’s Cup race, the marathon. Jockey Javier Castellano aboard; Prince Will I Am took a sharp right turn at the top of the stretch and interfered with Romp nearly putting jockey Martin Garcia down on the track. This action also affected A.U. Miner with jockey Calvin Borel aboard. After the race in the winner’s circle, both Castellano and Borel exchanged words. That accelerated to more than just words and nearly a brawl! Jockey Borel was restrained by several other people in the paddock and there was a rage in his eyes. This was all caught on camera by the ESPN television footage, including the “sucker punch” that Castellano gave Borel. It was really like a scene from the WWE and got the Breeder’s Cup race schedule off to quite an interesting start!

The first day ended under the lights in the Ladies Classic and here was the second big event of the Cup, this was the controversial one. As the field was in the post parade and making there way to the starting gate, the second choice in the wagering; Life At Ten seemed not to be warming up well for the race. What was not known to the people “on track” was the conversation that jockey John Velazquez aboard Life At Ten had with former jockey Jerry Bailey on the ESPN television coverage. Velazquez told Bailey that his horse wasn’t warming up well on the track and wasn’t acting herself in the paddock prior to saddling. Even her trainer, Todd Pletcher said that Life At Ten was not on her toes when he saddled her and seemed listless on the track. When the gates open, Life At Ten walked out of the gate and just lagged behind the field throughout the mile and an eighth event. Basically “distanced” in the running of the race, questions arose whether the stewards at Churchill Downs knew the condition of the horse and what was said on ESPN prior to the running. The horse was not a late scratch, no action was taken against Velazquez or Pletcher because of their comments and millions of dollars was wagered on this horse that was never ridden at any point during the race. This is a “black eye” for the sport again with the wagering integrity part and how the bettor took it on the chin with a horse that SHOULD have been scratched.

Day two on Saturday was less controversial and without fighting, but did have that great element of excitement our sport produces “on track”. We saw the great European mare; Goldikova win her third straight Breeder’s Cup Turf Mile with ease again. Just before her triumph, a future superstar; Uncle Mo dominated his field of two year old runners with a bold victory and served early notice for next year’s Triple Crown races. But, the biggest race of the two days came at the end in the Breeder’s Cup Classic. This highlighted the great Zenyatta going for a perfect 20 for 20 in her career and second straight victory in the Breeder’s Cup Classic versus the boys. As the gates open, our heroine lagged far behind her rivals as she usually does and lost contact with the field. Then on the far turn she got into gear and was making up ground slowly, but surely. As they came down the Churchill Downs stretch, she was gobbling up ground and the question was would see get there in time? In the shadow of the wire, the great Zenyatta came up a head short to Blame and tasted defeat for the first time in her career. It was not the finish many wanted to see, but Zenyatta’s effort in defeat was one of the greatest I have ever seen. All in all, the 2010 Breeder’s Cup lived up to the hype and even more!

The Breeder's Cup comes back home to "real" dirt

2010-11-06T07:09:00.000-07:00

After a two year hiatus, the thoroughbred world championships have returned to the “real” proper surface; dirt. The Breeder’s Cup has come home to Churchill Downs and the excitement has already begun. A record amount of entries have been racing since yesterday and the anticipated finale today will see if history can be made. It’s a return to a racing surface that most people feel is and always has been the best. With the return to Kentucky , the European contingent has made its way stateside and the east coast horses stock once again has risen. There are many stories to unfold today and the winners today will be considered “true” championship horses.

I’ll be honest, the past two years when the races were at Santa Anita on the polytrack, I did well. It was easy to throw out the east coast dirt form and just use the runners who were capable on the synthetic surfaces. The Europeans who ventured westward, did well in main track events. But this year, its back to what the Breeder’s Cup is really all about.

The winners of today’s and yesterday’s races all want a future after their racing years as a sire or breeder if possible. When this concept was introduced in 1984, it was to showcase the best horses in training and give them a stepping stone for the future with their victories. The “poltyrack” syndrome that has taken over the state of thoroughbred racing the past few years has had a negative view on the future of great sires in our sport. When animals of our sport have excelled on the dirt surface for centuries,we now have certain people wanting to change to a quote “safer surface". This changes the whole picture of thoroughbred racing.

While safety issues were the main reason for these changes, not all synthetics have been cooperated. One such track is Santa Anita, with its racing surface recently removed and replace back to natural dirt. So now we return to the track and surface that made the Breeder’s Cup Championship day the event it was; a spotlight on the sport's best athletes.

We’ll see a European invasion on the turf surfaces with the Juveniles, the older marathon runners and one special mare that is out to make history. Goldikova is trying to win three straight Breeder’s Cup Turf Mile races. No horse has ever done that and she’ll attempt to be a perfect “3 for 3”racing in North America . A future star in the making is also showcased today in the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile. Uncle Mo is two for two and comes into this year’s two year old race as the best young runner in training. But, the real spotlight and main focus on the events of today come in the last race. Zenyatta will attempt to be the first filly and mare to win two Breeder’s Cup Classic races, both back to back and retired undefeated a perfect 20 for 20 in her career. She’ll be facing her toughest field yet and making her first start at Churchill Downs, only her third start on a natural dirt surface. Will the trip away from her native California and their polytrack, hurt her? Will the competition this year be much stronger than the field she beat last year? And will the long Churchill Downs stretch, hinder her come from behind, late closing kick? The answers will be answered today and the outcome could be a great one or not. Either way, the Breeder’s Cup has returned to what made it best in the past. Natural dirt, full fields from around the world and the “crown jewel” horse of racing trying to make history.

Mark Hoffman’s 2010 Breeder’s Cup Selections – day #2 Saturday (11/6)

2010-11-05T18:09:00.000-07:00

Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Turf

Mantoba (#3) – one of many Europeans invaders, this one was supplement to the race and comes off a one mile score on the weeds in Britain , trainer very crafty when shipping stateside.

Master of Hounds (#5) – accomplished well bred two year old runner may have a class edge over his opponents here, tough to separate this two picks.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Banned – Pluck – Dux Scholar

Breeder’s Cup Sprint

Girolamo (#2) – makes third start off layoff after winning at Belmont Park last time out, not the most “sound” of animals…..but, lives up to his breeding when he runs, a favorite of mine!

Wise Dan (#3) – lightly raced three year old gelding brings three race win streak into this event, could be any kind and is a price here!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Big Drama – Atta Boy Roy - Pashito the Che

Breeder’s Cup Turf Sprint

Grand Adventure (#11) even effort in last start at Woodbine going six furlongs on the turf, wheels right back and shortens up a bit, love his morning line odds & hope to get near that in wide open event.

Rose Catherine (#9) – brilliant 3 yr.old filly seeks fourth straight turf sprinting, has a lot of talent and takes on the older boys today, can you say Very Subtle on the grass????

Exotic & multi-race runners : Silver Timber – Chamberlain Bridge – Bridgetown

Breeder’s Cup Juvenile

Uncle Mo (#7) - the talk of the two year old crop off his first two starts, one at Saratoga and the in the Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park, for now…..he’s the best juvenile and the “horse to beat” today at short odds.

Rogue Romance (#9) – if I’m taking the “chalk” on top here, then I’m this longshot that is racing first time dirt underneath him, interesting spot for this son of Smarty Jones from connections who do well in Kentucky .

Exotic & multi-race runners : Boys At Tosconova – Stay Thirsty – Biondetti

Breeder’s Cup Mile

Goldikova (#10) – the European “Queen” is trying to make history by winning this race for the third straight year in a row, she’s better than ever & may upstage our own “Queen” today in victory.

Gio Ponti (#3) – runner-up in last year’s BC Classic, stays on the grass this year and goes a flat mile, this spot is better than the Classic this year & has only one obstacle in his way…..

Exotic & multi-race runners : Sidney ’s Candy – Proviso – Paco Boy

Breeder’s Cup Dirt Mile

Here Comes Ben (#5) – stretches out to the mile distance after three straight wins going seven furlongs, this runner likes Churchill Downs and I’m dedicating this Ben to the late Ben Johnson who lost his brave battle with cancer this past week.

Crown of Thorns (#8) – polytrack sprinter makes his third start off layoff after just missing in last years Breeder’s Cup Sprint, bullet work for this and is very dangerous if he takes to the Churchill Downs surface.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Vineyard Haven – Morning Line – Thiskyhasnolimit

Breeder’s Cup Turf

Workforce (#6) – lightly raced three year old won France’s biggest race; the Arc last time out, wheels right back and faces less opponents totaled today by half than he did in his last start.

Champ Pegasus (#1) – California based turf marathon runner has been consistent since breaking his maiden in April, lightly raced & continues to improve, price here???

Exotic & multi-race runners : Winchester – Behkabad – Al Khali

Breeder’s Cup Classic

Blame (#5) – winner of this year’s Whitney Stakes at Saratoga, he returns to his hometown track for his final career start, I’ve been a big fan of this horse this year and have gone on record saying he’ll win this race, he stops the streak……

Zenyatta (#8) – so here it goes…..history can be made today if this mare wins her 20th straight victory, it will be a tough road racing on a surface she has never been on before and a field that is her toughest yet, with that said; I’ll pick her 2nd……but, will be rooting for her if she is charging down the stretch late, she is OUR queen!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Musket Man – Quality Road – Lookin At Lucky

Mark Hoffman’s 2010 Breeder’s Cup Selections – day #1 “Ladies Day” (11/5)

2010-11-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

Breeder’s Cup Marathon

Bright Horizon (#9) – the Euros have won the first two runnings of this race and this trainer won it last year, longshots are the key here with the favorites vulnerable, I’ve got the first two runnings right…..hoping to extend the streak to three!

Alcomo (#10) – this Brazilian bred shows two good efforts going this marathon distance, can sit the perfect stalking trip, a must use in exotics.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Atoned – Awesome Gem – Eldaafer

Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf

Winter Memories (#7) – this regally bred turf runner has been explosive in her two lifetime starts, has the makings of a future superstar.

Kathmanblu (#4) – won impressively last time out at Keeneland in overnight stake, another with great potential.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Together – More Than Real – New Normal

Breeder’s Cup Filly & Mare Sprint

Sara Louise (#2) – this Godolphin runner returned to the races after a ten month layoff with a sharp closing move for third, this lightly raced filly may get overlooked in the wagering at a price.

Rightly So (#13) – this hard hitting NY bred has finished no worst than 3rd in 11 lifetime starts, has speed and is perfect at this seven furlong distance.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Evening Jewel – Champagne d’Oro – Secret Gypsy

Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Fillies

R Heat Lightning (#3) – closed ground as the favorite in the one mile Frizette at Belmont Park last time out, the sixteenth of a mile more should be no problem.

Awesome Feather (#4) – undefeated & a perfect 5 for 5 at Calder, an eight length winner at this distance last time out, gets the “acid” test today, but these type Calder runners do well this time of the year.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Indian Gracey – Believe in A.P. – AZ Warrior

Breeder’s Cup Filly & Mare Turf

Midday (#7) – winner of this race last year has held her form well since then, trying to become the first back-to-back winner in this event.

Miss Keller (#3) – I’ve had a “love / hate” affair with this filly since she came stateside at Saratoga last summer, couldn’t win with her last year & she has beaten me this year, her current form makes her contender in this race and we’ll see if I can catch her this time!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Keertana – Shared Account – Together Forever

Breeder’s Cup Ladies Classic

Blind Luck (#10) – this superstar three year old filly is my BEST BET on today’s card and has been brilliant all across the country this year, won over the course in the Kentucky Oaks at the wire, the faster the pace….the better!

Life At Ten (#1) – bounced back in her last start after a dull effort at Saratoga versus Rachel Alexandra, the best older mare this year figures to be right there again.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Harve de Grace – Unrivaled Belle – Acting Happy

184 probables to go and "history in the waiting!"

2010-10-30T05:46:00.000-07:00

The Breeder’s Cup returns back to the natural “real” dirt surface for the first time in two year’s as racing’s championship day is back at Churchill Downs . It may be the first time also it’s contested on a “fair” racing surface. Because the last time it was on a true dirt surface at Monmouth Park in 2007, the track condition was very sloppy. We have a record amount of 184 horses entered for the two day event on November 5th and 6th. The pre-entries were released this past Wednesday and the fields look pretty interesting.

Friday will be the traditional “Ladies” day with racing for the first time in Breeder’s Cup history, extending into the night time hours. Since Churchill Downs installed lights a few year’s ago, this is the first time that the Cup races have been contested "under the lights". With the exception of the Breeder’s Cup Marathon , the entire Friday schedule will be for the filly and mares. The Friday card starts just after the 4 o’clock hour and finishes with the Breeder’s Cup Ladies Classic at 7:30pm. It’s very interesting that two of the biggest mares in the world will not be highlighted on Friday’s festivities. The reigning “Horse of the Year” – Zenyatta and European sensation & former Breeder’s Cup winner; Goldikova will race on Saturday and are out to make history. Runners like; Winter Memories, the N.Y. bred; Rightly So, defending BC filly & mare Turf Champion; Midday and Blind Luck, highlight the first day card. Money is to be made this first day with full, competitive fields.

Saturday’s action starts at 1:50pm with the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Turf. The first three races are wide open and then we come to the Juvenile dirt where the race may come down to Uncle Mo and Boys from Tosconova. We have this year’s Mile (on turf) with a short field because of the presence of the mare; Goldikova. In fact, both the Mile and Turf races have short fields this year. The European presence in the mile & a half Turf have especially limited the number of runners. We wrap things up around dusk once again at 6:50pm with the Breeder’s Cup Classic. The wonder horse; Zenyatta will try to complete a perfect 20 for 20 record and win back-to-back Breeder’s Cup Classic victories. It will be a little different this year since she will be racing on “natural” dirt and versus much tougher company than the past two years at Santa Anita Park.

I was very fortunate the past two years to make some money on the Breeder’s Cup races at Santa Anita. The handicapping on the synthetic surface was easier to separate horses that ran well on it and toss out the east coast and Kentucky based “real” dirt runners. This year it will be a bit harder and the “polytrack” runners may get a closer look going to the natural dirt surface for the first time in some cases. As always, only one score with the Breeder’s Cup full fields is needed to make a lot of cash. I started it off the past two year’s on Friday in the Breeder’s Cup Marathon and I’m two for two in its only two runnings.

I’ll be making selections for both Breeder’s Cup racing days next week in Friday’s and Saturday’s RECORDER and will talking about the races; Friday morning at 8:05 am on 1490 WCSS am on the “Bec and Mike” Show. It’s a much anticipated Breeder’s Cup this year with the return to a traditional racing surface and Zenyatta, trying to make history in her final career start.

2010 New York bred Showcase day selections - presented by NYRA

2010-10-23T04:56:00.000-07:00

Today, New York bred thoroughbreds are on "showcase" with the 17th edition of New York Showcase Day at Belmont Park . It's a weekend of celebration everything New York by NYRA with events for one and all. Today, statebreds take center stage with a ten race card exclusively for N.Y. breds and seven stake races in all categories. We'll look at the stakes part of the card and a very special interest for yours truly in this year's edition.

Things kick off in race 2nd - the Hudson Stakes for males sprinting 6 furlongs. It's a field of "stand out" runners and longshot participants. The race comes down between; Driven by Success #3 and Endless Circle #7. It's tough to separate these two, so I'll use both of them with Be Bullish #8. Race #4 is the Maid of the Mist for two year old fillies, here is where my connection to this card is. The stable that I'm part of (Dee Tee Stables) has entered Ausable Chasm #5 to today's event. Our heroine from Saratoga , makes her second straight N.Y. bred stakes race appearance. She's in real tough today and is at 30-1 morning line odds with Eddie Castro up. She'll get the usual "win, place, show" and keyed first and second in my exacta plays, but I always do that with ALL of our stable runners. For handicapping purposes, my selections are; Lady Vi #8 and Saltamontes #7 with Social Statement #10, Queen's Harbor #4 and Hessonite #9 underneath in triples & superfecta plays.

Races 6 through 10 are all stake races and make up part of the late pick 4. The Mohawk Stakes is the first of two turf stake races for the statebred and this one is for the males. Again, it's tough to separate the two favorites; Straight Story #3 and Uncle T Seven #1a. They will be in my top two spots with Pocket Cowboys #4, Johannesburg Smile #5 and Spa City Fever #8 underneath. The two year old males are next up going seven furlongs in the Sleepy Hollow Stakes. Never Right Joey #5 is two for two and trained by Todd Pletcher for Repole Stable.....enough said. It's pretty wide open after that, so I'll use; Crea's Law #1 (the other Pletcher runner at 12-1 ml), Luxury Appeal #4, Bandbox #6 and Hysterical Cat #9 (other Pletcher runner 6-1).

Filly and mares are sprinting in race #8 - the Iroquois Stakes going seven furlongs. I'm singling Meese Rocks #10 on top in another tough event. She's been the most consistent of this group and with the 9-2 morning line odds, looks like a real good bet! Underneath will be; Sapphire Sky #6, Lovely Lil #11 and Shine Upon #1. The usual feature race is the Empire Classic for older males going a route distance. This year it's race #9 and without last year's winner Haynesfield (who is heading to the Breeder's Cup Classic). Another consistent runner gets the call here in Wishful Tomcat #4. Parts of the two entries; Ibboyee #1a and Friend or Foe #2 will be in my second spot with Stormy's Majesty #7 and Giant Moon #8 in the triples and superfecta plays. We wind up New York Showcase day with the Ticonderoga Stakes on the turf for the gals. A tough wide open event; Meriwether Jessica #4 is my timid top choice back versus statebred competition. Must use underneath are; You Go West Girl #1, Chestoria #2 with Exclusive Scheme #3, Crazy Catlady #7 and Akilina #10 rounding out triple and superfecta wagers.

Secretariat....the movie and my review

2010-10-16T06:06:00.000-07:00

This week, I take off my handicapping cap and put on my movie critic cap and give my review of the new motion picture; Secretariat. I move into a field that my late father; Bill Hoffman enjoyed, films from the wide screen. This subject I know a little about and this particular movie I’m well versed in the background story. So the anticipated opening last weekend got me out to the theatre and here’s my assessment of this new Disney movie about the greatest thoroughbred of all time.

I was nine years old the year Secretariat won the Triple Crown. The event was big enough for me to remember and through the years, I learn about the people behind the story of his success. Besides the horse, the main character was a woman and at that time period in history this was significant. The portrayal of Penny Chenery Tweedy by actress Diane Lane was very good. It showed how a married woman and mother of four children could go from a housewife in the 70’s to a business-wise woman, cast into the man dominated world of thoroughbred racing. The sport of kings was led by the famous names in the early 70’s and this was not your typical owner or trainer. Her family farm; Meadow Stable had fallen on hard times early in that decade. But did have a champion horse before Secretariat. This part was omitted from the film, but her family campaign champion; Riva Ridge in 1972 and 1973 along with Secretariat.

The portrayal of her trainer Lucien Laurin was excellently done by John Malkovich. It showed his quirkiness and flamboyant style. The French-Canadian trainer with his wildly colored suits wasn’t your typical trainer in thoroughbred racing during this time period. He wasn't like the Kentucky “bluebloods”, Laurin was one of a kind and played an important role in the story. His counterparts were portrayed as hard-nosed no nonsense horse people. The accurate portrayal of Ogden Phipps, Bull Hancock and Frank “Pancho” Martin as the owners and trainer that led the sport during this time period was well depicted.

The blending of Penny Chenery Tweedy’s family life and the story of this great race horse makes the perfect movie. Secretariat was a one of a kind animal with great bloodlines, the will to win and the talent that no horse since then has shown. His magical season of 1973 has not been duplicated since and may never be. The racetrack scenes could have been better depicted though, especially the final scene of his greatest achievement. While his races at Aqueduct, Saratoga and Churchill Downs were close to accurate, the portrayal of Belmont Park was not quite the same. For the film, the scenes from the Belmont Stakes were shot at Keeneland racetrack in Kentucky . Belmont Park is a unique track because of its mile and an half circumference. Watching the scene of his race in the Belmont Stakes really did not do justice in his overwhelming victory in history. The scene portrayed for his Preakness Stakes victory in the movie with original footage would have been much better used for the final scene of the movie and his 31 length victory. The new movie scene incorporated with original footage would have brought out the real essence of that historic achievement. This is the only thing I would have changed in the movie. Other than that, Secretariat was a thoroughly enjoyable movie with a great story for all to see, presented in a way that even the non-horse racing could enjoy. It blended in all the elements that made Secretariat, the legend that he is. It's a four-star movie and I highly recommend to all.

19 for 19 .........one step away from immortality, right?

2010-10-09T05:07:00.000-07:00

This year’s Breeder’s Cup is what I like to call; “back to the basics” races. After two years in California on Santa Anita’s polytrack racing surface, the Cup races return to Kentucky and Churchill Downs . Nothing could be better than thoroughbred racing’s championship races determined on a natural dirt surface. It’s been a long time since we had the best horses in the world; compete on a dry dirt surface. Hopefully, unlike in 2007 the last time the Breeder’s Cup was competed on a “real” dirt race track at Monmouth when the two day event was raced on an “off track” surface. But, we all know just how a late Fall day can be in Louisville. B ut for the sport to return the “basics” we know and love, the conditions will hopefully be perfect and dry.

This will be a major key for all the horses, but especially for a certain runner hopefully making history on November 6th. This gal will be defending her Breeder’s Cup Classic championship that she earned last year at Santa Anita on its polytrack surface. Zenyatta looks to keep in tact her undefeated streak and retire an undefeated champion in retaining her title as the best horse in the world. Even with winning this same race last year, she might have been the “best horse” in the world at that time. But, “Horse of the Year” honors went to Rachel Alexandra. This year; Rachel has been retired, Zenyatta is STILL undefeated and the great equalizer, natural dirt is standing in her way for a repeat. But, what if the real stuff comes up as an “off track” on that Saturday afternoon?

Like many questioned last week when Rachel Alexandra was retired coming off two bullet workouts, people have question now if it’s wise to continue on with Zenyatta anymore if the Churchill Downs racing surface comes up anything but “fast” in the Breeder’s Cup Classic. Is there worth the chance of injury for this one last time running her on what could be a surface she had never raced on before. While we won’t know just what the track will be like then, the question comes up if it’s worth this last time out to take the risk on injury just for history to be made again?

A year and a half ago during Kentucky Derby week, Zenyatta was scheduled to race on an undercard stake over the Churchill Downs strip. She never made the trip to Louisville and the track on Derby weekend did come up sloppy. It won’t be the “non-off track” racing surface she is used to in California on their synthetic products. It will be the only third time ever that Zenyatta has set foot on a racing surface other than a synthetic one. While she is two for two over the Oaklawn dirt surface, Churchill Downs is much different and even more so if the surface is “off”.

This mare has thrilled us throughout her career with her dramatic “off the pace” late closing running style. She puts us on the edge of our seat everytime she races. Now, she tries to duplicate something again, but under different circumstances this year. But, unlike what occurred with Rachel Alexandra leaving us with an empty; unfulfilled feeling with her somewhat surprising retirement, Zenyatta will go forward. Take a chance in making history once again, going into the race on a surface that she has never raced on before. Trying to gain something that slightly eluded her last year. The “Horse of the Year” honors she narrowly missed. If she chooses to go (and she should) and win once again this year; Zenyatta will be that "horse of the decade" and no one will be able to take that title away from her this year. She will have closed the deal!

SUPER SATURDAY @ Belmont Park today......final prep races for this year's Breeder's Cup

2010-10-02T04:23:00.000-07:00

One of the last "big" days in New York racing is today at Belmont Park . What used to be called “Breeder’s Cup Preview day” is now just called “Super Saturday”. Nevertheless, there are six stakes races scheduled with five grade races. The week’s column looks at these races and gives my selections for each one. The “dirt” prep races at Belmont will be important this year since the Breeder's Cup will be at Churchill Downs on a “real” dirt surface.

Race #3 is one of the last three year old restricted races in New York for the male runners (if not the last). Although, it’s highly unlikely that any of the horses will go to the “Classic” there is still a chance that this race could produce a “Cup” runner or two. Brother Bird is my top selection here with the Nick Zito entry of Our Dark Knight & Jackson Bend for second. The main stake races start in the 6th race; the Vosburgh Stakes at six furlongs which is a prep for the B.C. Sprint. The interesting runner here in #2 Girolamo and he is my top selection. Making only his second start of 2010, he was the beaten favorite in the Forego Stakes at Saratoga in his last start. I’ll use him with Monmouth Park shipper; #9 Wildcat Brief in the second spot. Throw in both; #5 Temecula Creek & #8 Riley Tucker in your superfectas and #1 Driven by Success (if he doesn’t race on Friday).

The Flower Bowl Invitational Stakes is race #7 and the first leg of the “all stakes” pick 4. Although she has never been this distance (mile & a quarter) my top selection is #7 Shared Account. She closed fast the second weekend at Saratoga in the Diana Handicap at 11-1 going slightly shorter. For second, I’ll use the improving #3 Changing Skies for Bill Mott. Superfecta runners to include are; #6 Forever Together and #9 Keertana. Even though the Beldame Stakes (8th) lost Rachel Alexandra to retirement, we get the other two runners from this year’s Personal Ensign Stakes. The pick here is #1 Life At Ten, who Rachel got the better of last time out. #4 Unrivaled Belle is the logical second place runner with 21-1 winner of the Personal Ensign Stakes; Persistently rounding out the trifecta.

The Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes (9th) comes up with a decent field of the usual New York turf suspects. Today we finally get to see the best three year old turf male in the country facing older horses for the first time. #9 Paddy O’Prado gets my top selection here versus older foes that are just average at best. #10 Winchester (Gio Ponti stablemate) is the “horse to beat” for second place. Add #2 Never On Sunday, #5 Al Khali and #6 Bearpath “underneath” in your exotic plays and superfectas.

The last major prep race in New York for the Breeder’s Cup Classic is race #10 – The Jockey Club Gold Cup at the distance of a mile and a quarter. Eight horses are entered with the morning line favorite being #2 Blame. The winner of the Whitney Stakes at a mile & an eighth at Saratoga , he’ll be making his first try at this distance. With his sights on the bigger prize at Churchill Downs on November 6th, I’ll put him 2nd today. My top selection will be #7 Hold Me Back, trained by Bill Mott. At 15-1 morning line odds, he’ll be trying for his first career victory on a “real” dirt surface. I’m willingly to take a chance with him in this spot at those odds. Underneath these two runners, I’ll use; #1 Fly Down, #6 Haynesfield & #8 Rail Trip, who is making his debut on a “non” polytrack surface.

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

2010-09-25T06:13:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

2010-09-18T06:22:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

2010-09-11T05:30:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

2010-09-05T17:56:00.000-07:00

Race #1

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

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

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

Race #2

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

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

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

Race #3

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

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

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

Race #4

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

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

Exotic & multi-race runners : Ravalo – Mitigation

Race #5

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

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

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

Race #6

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

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

Exotic & multi-race runners : Rogue Romance – Associate

Race #7

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

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

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

Race #8

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

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

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

Race #9

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

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

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

Race #10

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

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

Exotic & multi-race runners : Casablanca Smile – Keertana

Race #11

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

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

Exotic & multi-race runners : Shadow Wood – Iwannaiwannaiwanna

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

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

2010-09-05T05:46:00.000-07:00

Race #1

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

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

Exotic & multi-race runners : Karakorum Legend - Stevil

Race #2

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

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

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

Race #3

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

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

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

Race #4

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

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

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

Race #5

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

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

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

Race #6

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

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

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

Race #7

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

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

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

Race #8

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

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

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

Race #9

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

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

Exotic & multi-race runner : Lethal Combination

Race #10

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

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

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

Race #11

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

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

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

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

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

2010-09-03T16:34:00.000-07:00

Race #1

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

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

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

Race #2

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

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

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

Race #3

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

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

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

Race #4

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

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

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

Race #5

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

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

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

Race #6

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

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

Exotic & multi-race runners : Economic Summit - Paretereo

Race #7

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

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

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

Race #8

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

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

Exotic & multi-race runners : Abilio - JL Bernstein

Race #9

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

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

Exotic & multi-race runners : Omniscient - Big Drama

Race #10

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

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

Exotic & multi-race runners : Convocation - Tranquil Manner

Race #11

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

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

Exotic & multi-race runners : Roaring Conquest - Writethatdown

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

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

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

2010-09-03T16:30:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

2010-09-02T23:59:00.000-07:00

Race #1

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

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

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

Race #2

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

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

Exotic & multi-race runners : Nolita - Forest Whip

Race #3

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

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

Exotic & multi-race selection : Big Brownie

Race #4

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

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

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

Race #5

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

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

Exotic & multi-race runners : Trufast - Indian Lilly

Race #6

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

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

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

Race #7

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

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

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

Race #8

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

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

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

Race #9

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

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

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

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

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

2010-09-01T18:45:00.000-07:00

Race #1

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

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

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

Race #2

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

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

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

Race #3

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

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

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

Race #4

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

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

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

Race #5

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

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

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

Race #6

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

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

Exotic & multi-race runners : Dyani - Muhaawra

Race #7

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

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

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

Race #8

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

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

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

Race #9

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

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

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

Race #10

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

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

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

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

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #35 (9/1) : Record 97-332 $685.70

2010-08-31T17:22:00.000-07:00

Race #1

King Andrew - just missed last time out at this level, a preview race of things to come when NYRA heads back downstate.

Ramsgate - just got up in time last start in non-winners of 1 in a year condition, back to straight claimers today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Surfing Ian - Felinefelon

Race #2

Pletcher (entry) - two for the price of one in this 35k claimer both for Repole Stable as Todd tries to wrap up the 2010 Saratoga training title.

Major Molly - But meanwhile, Linda Rice makes a late charge to catch him in defending her title from last year with this runner.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Salsa Bullet - Blessed Moon

Race #3

Flourish - rallied going shorter in last start, looks like graduation day in this marathon event.

Deceive - even effort racing 2nd all the way around the track last time out, famous trainer was a longshot winner on Sunday afternoon!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Up in Lights - Mitigate

Race #4

Regal Ransom - my Kentucky Derby selection from 2009 makes second start of a layoff, has the speed to take these wire to wire.

Cool Coal Man - consistent as they come for Nick Zito, has bullet work for today's start.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Giant Moon - Bad Action

Race #5

Peat Bay - 2nd best turf sprinting as the lukewarm favorite in last start, stretches out to a mile today.

Naughty You - rallied for 2nd also in last start going this distance, tough to separate these two picks.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Arr Pirates Booty - Stroke

Race #6

Run to Grand Ave. - sharp winner in N2L / 10k claimer last time out, fits well in this beaten claimers spot.

Talk to Nick - drops in class after showing speed versus slightly richer in last, dangerous from the rail.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Dance Floor Maniac - Devilish Due

Race #7

Obviously Tuesday - obviously a day late with this one.......but, it is Linda Rice with a first time, statebred on the grass!

Really Boring - a Matz first time starter from the outside, watch the board.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Precious Metal - Power Dreams

Race #8

Lauren Byrd - was flying late while breaking maiden in turf sprint downstate, should love the added distance today.

Arch Support - wire to wire as the favorite first time turf route in maiden breaker, the one to catch here?

Exotic & multi-race runners : Kathmanblu - Dos Luna

Race #9

Winthrop House - rallied in last start at same distance & class, turns the tables today versus same group.

Matt's a Giant - defeated top pick at 13-1 last time out with a better trip, won't see that price on him today!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Crowned General - Sly

Race #10

Eldokori - nearly stole the race last time out getting caught late, can wire this group today.

The Roundhouse - disappointed in last start, my old friend tries the weeds today & I MUST pick him :)

Exotic & multi-race runners : Stream of Gold - Sharps Island

Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day -
10 cent superfecta box special (9th) : 2/3/4/10

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #34 (8/30) : Record 95 -322 ($668.40)

2010-08-29T18:43:00.000-07:00

Race #1

Insightful - basically is the top selection here by default in simply dreadful race, blinkers on versus easiest group he'll ever face!

We Get It - turf to dirt coming off short layoff, best of the "rest" ? here.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Rotten to the Core / Smooth Transition (entry)

Race #2

Grand Terror - 2nd best again on a muddy sealed surface last time out, just may get there today!

Dare to Love - improved a bit when switched to dirt in last start, blinkers off & key jockey switch today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Hasten to Be King - Corrao

Race #3

Bandit Lady - a first time starter from Rick Dutrow, watch the board.

Salty Little Sis - another debut runner, the Barclay Tagg barn has been a bit "cold" this meet.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Turn the Paige - Sultrysilver

Race #4

Harmonizer - got outfinished in last start at this level by last to first winner, has lots of speed to chase down today!

D' bigcat - stepping up seeks third straight victory in a row here at the Spa, will be leading from tricky inside post.

Exotic & multi-race runners : In Just We Trust - Fastus Cactus

Race #5

Deanaallen'skitten - caught late going a sixteenth of a mile shorter last time out at this level, maybe today?

National Gallery - set the pace versus slightly richer in last start here, drops again.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Truth Will Tell - Cranberry Queen

Race #6

Avenging Spirit - pace setter in last two starts on the weeds at Belmont going longer, bullet turf work here & turns back to a sprint today.

Inspired - no factor in debut for Mott, improves with 2nd career go around today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Total Package - Ready's Vision

Race #7

Keith's Kitten - much like stablemate in the 5th race......got caught late in 25k maiden level, only this is older filly & mares.

Atavistique - drops into maiden claimer and tries the weeds for trainer who has good stats with this type move.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Chantilly G. - Clap Hands

Race #8

Strong Impact - just missed last time out at this level, slight edge versus group of hard hitting statebred runners.

Mighty Tuff - impressive last close winning versus straight allowance NW1 statebreds in last start, logical next step here.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Mor Chances - Mustang Island

Race #9

Masala - even efforts going a mile downstate at this level, should get good stalking trip.

National Pride - coming off March layoff last seen setting the pace in the Stymie Handicap, drops to this optional claimer today and will be tough if ready!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Glenwood Canyon - Ruffino

Race #10

Mystic City - weakened late at this level last time out, back with Maragh in the irons today.

Loyal Shadow - turns back to a turf sprint after taking the overland route going a distance in restricted statebred stake last time out, may surprise at a price today!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Bobity Boo - We Need VLT's

Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day (12-30) - Harmonizer (4th)

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #33 (8/29) : Record 94-311 ($646.20)

2010-08-28T20:04:00.000-07:00

Race #1

Cinco de Mayo Mio - just missed in similar condition earlier in the meet to good looking filly, won't be 17-1 today!

Devil's Humor - wire to wired in debut impressively at the Fairgrounds, but that was in March & must of had physical problems because of long return to the races.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Beautician - Zermatt

Race #2

Ausable Chasm - no factor on a good racing surface in debut, the "lime green & slate blue" of Dee Tee Stables will be in full attendance today to see our fourth start at historic Saratoga !

Millie Money - distant 2nd to runaway winner in debut, I'm sure the "sign shop" guy will have a few bucks on this one.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Lady Vi - Social Statement

Race #3

Flying Zee Stables (entry) - three for the price of one, don't see this much often anymore & they're all first time starters.

Bound by Honor - 2nd best behind runaway winner also, experience edge here.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Dream Drop Kid - Eminent Tale

Race #4

Much Fanfare - broke maiden in last jump and claimed out of that event, can not see why this horse is 12-1 on the morning line?

Deputy's Citizen - chased the pace last time out at this level, taking a major stand against the favorites in this race!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Jazzy Moves - Proven Right

Race #5

De Price - just missed in race over the track, goes from inside post today.

Bank Heist - set the pace in last start weakening late as lukewarm favorite, looks like the one to catch again.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Bakhoor - Dominant Jeannes

Race #6

Midnight Mass - this statebred drops into open company claimer and stretches out in distance, should be a price in this wide open event.

Wow Wow Wow - just held on in last start versus cheaper, that was a wake-up effort for this Triple Crown Trail contender.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Tapit's Brew - Ticondero

Race #7

Recharged - broke maiden at this distance here in last start, logical next step.

Doast - tries the grass today after wire to wire debut winner in March at Aqueduct, this is Linda Rice "double trouble" in my opinion.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Scorper - Luigi P

Race #8

Oatkadestinyschild - just missed in turf debut sprinting, stretches out and goes for new trainer today.

Considerate - lots of chances for this runner, figures to get a piece......but, win???

Exotic & multi-race runners : Moneigh - She's for Real

Race #9

Ziegfeld - tries the grass and stretches back out for Dogwood Stable & Neil Howard, interesting spot and worth a flier versus this group.

Bigshot - broke maiden in 10th try going this route distance here, consistent one of sorts on the weeds.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Missinglisalewis - Leipzig

Race #10

Rachel Alexandra - she's here.....the excited has been building......she will NOT disappoint!

Life At Ten - the "now" older east coast mare, comes into this race much like the way Rachel did last year with a six race win streak, it should be a classic battle today!

Race #11

Papaw Bodie - drops slightly coming off Gulfstream layoff, adds blinkers today most likely to him closer to the pace.

Empire State - just missed turf sprinting downstate, logical contender in this group.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Implied Odds - Evenforever

Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day (12-29) - Much Fanfare (4th)

Double Dippin'......the TRAVERS & the Rachel Show - part II

2010-08-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

If you are a fan of thoroughbred racing, this weekend is Christmas Day and your own birthday wrapped into one! Like the excitement of opening day at Yankee Stadium or Super Bowl Sunday, Saratoga Springs and the surrounding area today and tomorrow will be the “place to be” for our sports best. It’s been dubbed the “double dip” of thoroughbred excitement and NYRA with its premier racetrack has taken center stage.

The “Mid Summer’s Derby ”; the Travers Stakes and highlight of the 40 day Saratoga meet is on tap today. Even though the “leader” of the three year old division; Lookin’ For Lucky, will not be in attendance today, 11 other three year old colts have signed out for this mile and an quarter test. We couldn’t get the Belmont Stakes winner; Drosselmeyer do to a career ending injury, but we do have the 2010 Kentucky Derby winner; Super Saver. He is trained by the top horse conditioner in the country; Todd Pletcher and will be ridden by one of the most recognized jockey’s of the past five years; Calvin Borel. We have the fixture New York based trainer; Nick Zito here with three horses entered and a collection of eight other equally matched three year old runners all vying for a shot at a three year old Eclipse honors, if Lookin’ For Lucky should stub his toe the rest of the year. The weather couldn’t be more ideal today and the Travers day undercard, superb as usual. This just goes to show that the sport of thoroughbred racing is NOT dead and the crowds that will be filing in this morning to see the races will prove that.

Most year’s, it gets a little anti-climatic after the Travers Stakes and some say it’s all “down hill” after the meets biggest race. Well, that’s not so anymore. Last year on the closing Saturday of the meet, the Woodward Stakes had its most historic running when Rachel Alexandra defeated older colts in that handicap race. It was a scene that I’ll always remember and to hear the crowd roar after she returned to the winners circle, sent chills up and down my spine! Some thought it would be tough to ever duplicate such a scene like that one again at Saratoga . But, tomorrow the east coast “Queen” of our sport makes her return to the Spa and once again will try to make the Saratoga fans “electric” with her style and grace. Although she hasn’t been as sharp like last year when she won eight straight graded races and beat the “boys” on three different occasions, Rachel Alexandra will try to cap off a wonderful weekend at beautiful and historic Saratoga racecourse.

When the world today is troubled and most of the time seeming “out of wack” and the sport of thoroughbred racing sinks to new lows, weekends like the one we have now make ALL those problems disappear at least for 48 hours. We can sit back and relax in seeing some of the best three year old runners race in a contest that is about as historical as it gets. Just when you thought it couldn’t get better than that, we come back the next day and see a wonderful filly return to her biggest triumph and get back on track to greatness that garnered her “Horse of the Year” honors one year ago. I cannot think of a better weekend to enjoy and if you love horse racing like I do, you will look to the “racing gods” and say; thank you!

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #32 TRAVERS Day (8/28) : Record 89-298 ($608.90)

2010-08-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

Race #1

Cocalero - after having impressive debut on my birthday (5/8) versus the likes of Dee Tee Stables own; Lloydobler, endured a wide trip next start stretching out to a mile, returns to sprint today & races in Godolphin blue for this start.

Aspire - no factor on a sloppy sealed racing surface opening day as the favorite, makes third start off layoff in this spot.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Maximus Ruler - Litigation Risk

Race #2

Blazing Along - California shipper set the pace tiring late to hold 3rd in debut, at least Bob Baffert thought enough of this one to bring her to Saratoga !

Promise Me a Cat - rallied late at a juicy price (12-1) in career debut, steady works since then.

Exotic & multi-race runners : With the Current - Malibu Cougar

Race #3

Forum - just missed in turf debut last time out as the lukewarm favorite, gets the slight call here.

Film Making - a son of Storm Cat out of the mare; Film Maker making his career debut, my dad would have bet this one for sure!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Peb Hughes - Big Bentley

Race #4

Dos Hombres - taking a shot with this new face here at 8-1 morning line odds, races well in the non-winners claiming ranks, but has problems getting over the statebred straight allowance condition, his 4 wins stick out here!

The Noz - broke maiden in wire to wire fashion in second career start, lightly raced is the key here with this group!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Talk Therapy - New Pais

Race #5

Uncle Mo - one of 10 first time 2 yr.old starters here, the connections here are the pick "on top".

Research Report - Violette firster, this race is your typical high class baby maiden race carded each year on Travers Day.

Exotic & multi-race runners : King Congie - Risk Drag

Race #6

City Train - chased around the track for 2nd last time out here, although needs to draw into the race today.

Chingachgook - 2nd best as beaten favorite again in last two starts, 0 for 5 and counting......

Exotic & multi-race runners : Treasure Trunk - Headingtothecity

Race #7

War Hoot - just missed last time out versus similar on a yielding turf course, gets the timid choice here.

En Fuego - rallied at this distance last start here, barn has had a "cold"meet.

Exotic & multi-race runners : More Than Willing - Premium Gold

Race #8

Maram - weakened late versus grade I competition last time out, this distance suits her better today.

Phola - no factor last time out after recent good efforts this spring, should bounce back today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Mekong Melody - Dynaslew

Race #9

Katy Now - turns back from a route distance and returns sprinting today, equally matched group assembled here.

Touching Beauty - last seen winning the grade III Comely at Aqueduct going a mile, good spot for her return today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Kid Kate - Beyondallboundarys

Race #10

Jessica Is Back - hard hitting mare comes off grade I victory at Calder last time out, consistent as they come (17) 7-6-2 the last 2 years.

Warbling - had a rough start last time out in the Honorable Miss prep race for this event, needs alert getaway with her speed.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Informed Decision - Rightly So

Race #11

Discreetly Mine - ran a "hole in the wind" last start in the Amsterdam Stakes prep for today, sprinting is his game and right now he is at the top of it!

Hurricane Ike - sharp win at Churchill on a muddy sealed track in the one mile Derby Trial this spring, shows bullet works at Del Mar for today's start.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Bulldogger - D'Funnybone

Race #12

Ice Box - will the Ice Box that ran so good in the Kentucky Derby show up? or will he not make his presence felt again???? looking at all the speed signed on to this race, his late closing kick should be felt , gets jockey change also to Julian Leparoux for today.

Fly Down - somewhat troubled trip last time out in the Jim Dandy Stakes as the lukewarm favorite, gets one more chance with me today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Afleet Express - First Dude - Trappe Shot

Race #13

Pretty Cozzy - drops N2L 25k claimer today after even efforts versus statebred allowance company, gets the slight call here.

Glory Chaser - 2nd best at this level last time out, this race wraps up a VERY long and hopefully profitable day!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Moonwalk Beauty - Z Cats Meow

Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day (11-28) - Discreetly Mine (11th)

Mark Hoffman’s 2010 graded Travers Stakes selections

2010-08-27T19:42:00.000-07:00

Ice Box (#6) Leparoux / Zito (10-1)

This game is all about second chances…..right? and when there is an opportunity for that 2nd chance plus it could be at a “square” price, I’m jumping back on the bandwagon. The electric closing kick that this horse had in the Kentucky Derby was eye catching, while his Belmont Stakes & Haskell efforts look a little “flat”…..all things today point for a good set up with his late closing style. Gets a jockey switch to the premier upcoming star of the future in Julian Leparoux, today Ice Box gets one more shot with me!

Fly Down (#8) Lezcano / Zito (8-1)

Had a rather even / no factor effort in the Jim Dandy Stakes while incurring some trouble as the lukewarm favorite, another Zito runner that tends to have in & out efforts, the race scenario may also set up well for him, sticking with my Belmont Stakes exacta play one more time!

Afleet Express (#7) Castellano / Jerkens (6-1)

Made up some ground late in the stretch last time out in the Jim Dandy Stakes, I think this son of Afleet Alex can move forward off that effort more than the first two finishers in that race.

First Dude (#4) Dominguez / Romans (8-1)

Has been the leader of the pack when it comes to setting the pace in his last three starts in grade I company, gets blinkers on today to sharpen his focus and possibly get his first victory going two turns, he’ll have plenty of company on the front end today!

Trappe Shot (#2) Garcia / McLaughlin (4-1)

Quite possibly the “now” horse of this group, has run two good route races at Monmouth Park and looks to be on the upswing, at 4-1 or better…..he’s a good win bet, anything less…..I’ll pass!

A Little Warm (#5) Velazquez / Dutrow (7-2)

The “lukewarm” morning line favorite for this race isn’t getting much “love” from me, his Jim Dandy victory over pace setter Miner’s Reserve was a “merry-go-around” effort of sorts going one/ two around the track, today; the same scenario seems highly unlikely!

Super Saver (#11) Borel / Pletcher (6-1)

Unfortunately too, I don’t have much “love” for this year’s Kentucky Derby winner here in this spot also, the “stars & planets” were aligned the first Saturday in May for his victory, but…..the ONLY chance he would have today is if there was a monsoon on Saturday afternoon.

Miner’s Reserve (#1) Cohen / Zito (12-1)

Led the way in the Jim Dandy Stakes weakening late, gets plenty of company today on the front end, may set up for his stablemate nicely.

Admiral Alex (#3) Desormeaux / Blusiewicz (12-1)

Just broke maiden in debut here going the route; a mile & an eighth distance, highly ambitious spot for second lifetime start……ya think?

Friend or Foe (#9) Maragh / Kimmel (15-1)

Even effort first time two turns in the Jim Dandy, would have been better placed in the Albany Stakes for statebred three year olds this past Wednesday.

Afleet Again (#10) C. Velasquez / Reid (30-1)

Rank outsider longshot is a step below the company he faces today.

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #31 (8/27) : Record 88-288 ($599.10)

2010-08-26T16:34:00.000-07:00

Race #1

Uncle T Seven - this very versatile NY bred comes into this dirt sprint off of a sharp try on grass last time out, should be closing late.

Driven by Success - 2nd best in statebred overnight stake here last time on a sloppy track, the "class" and possible speed of this race.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Law Enforcement - Groomedforvictory

Race #2

Roderick - splashed home in the slop as the odds-on favorite breaking maiden here, should handle first try versus winners.

One Turn Eddie - comes off short layoff after being claimed in last race, shows bullet work & trainer has 50% success first time off-the-claim.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Julie's Ina Frenzy - Reading Group

Race #3

Pawleys Porch - just missed in maiden claimer debut here earlier in the meet, steps up slightly.......but, can handle theses off that effort.

Grand Strategy - drops into maiden claimer after two dull efforts recently, these same connections have a runner entered in tomorrow's Travers Stakes.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Systemic Risk - Honour the Deputy

Race #4

Modern Cowboy - game effort last time out at Monmouth, late bloomer chooses this easier spot than tomorrow's "big" 3yr.old race.

Trickmeister - races first time for IEAH Stables & Rick Dutrow, speedy three year old is undefeated and will be the "odds-on / horse to beat" in this short field.

Exotic & multi-race runner : Our Dark Knight

Race #5

Excited - scratched from Wednesday's spot for this start, regally bred first time starter goes for crafty connections looking to the future.

Tiz My Time - returns to the maiden ranks after trying stakes company overseas in last start, can't take this one at a really short price though!

Exotic & multi-race runners : System Ready - Parting Words

Race #6

Tall Poppi - just missed last time out at this level with late close, gets the call here.

Billy Bear - statebred goes from turf to dirt and tries open company condition today, fits well here.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Not for Money - Mr. Madison

Race #7

Upgrade - just broken maiden at Monmouth in last start, rock solid on the weeds with only one off-the-board finish.

Quick Delivery - came from the clouds in last start to just get up for victory in N2L claimer over the course, his late kick should be felt again today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Targhee Pass - Freshman Dorm

Race #8

Counterspy - even effort last time out at this distance & level here, key jockey switch today to great grass rider.

Hear the Footsteps - this statebred just broke maiden for Linda Rice in last start here at this distance, must draw into the body of the race though.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Scorper - Overlap

Race #9

Sudden War - scratched from a easier spot on Wednesday for this grade II event, turns back in distance a bit, can sit the perfect stalking trip plus.....will be a price!

Get Stormy - got on a roll here last summer did this son of Stormy Atlantic & only been off the board once since then, will set the fractions as the pace setter and is the "one to catch".

Exotic & multi-race runners : Whatsthescript - Rogue Victory

Race #10

Fandangle - set the pace first time out on the weeds in last start here, gets tricky outside post....IF she draws into the race from the AE list.

Holy Place - pressed the pace running 2nd going a route distance on the weeds here in last start, turns back to a sprint today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Brampton - Lady Chesterfield

Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day (11-27) - Pawleys Porch (3rd)

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day#30 (8/26) : Record 84-279 ($577.30)

2010-08-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

Race #1

Arcadius - the "uncoupled" part of three Jonathan Sheppard entries, sharp effort in the AP Smithwick prep race for this grade I hurdles event.

Sermon of Love / Divine Fortune (entry) - the other two Sheppard runners, both are winners over the steeplechase course this summer here.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Virginia Minstrel - Slip Away

Race #2

El Real Madrid - Rick Dutrow's 2010 version of Golden Man, ran 2nd on the grass a week ago.....then wheeled right back in Monday's finale to win on the dirt, tries a "hat trick" of sorts today!

Stargleam - won over the track at this distance & claimed versus slightly cheaper last start, Finger Lakes based trainer having good Spa meet.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Chris Got Even - Critical Acclaim

Race #3

Hysterical Cat - wired to wired in maiden breaker here first time out as favorite, goes another panel today.

Never Right Joey - similar effort as top choice.....but, on a muddy sealed surface, very tough separating these two Pletcher runners.

Exotic & multi-race runner : Private Cat

Race #4

Soinlovewithuam I - a Linda Rice firster from the rail with a cute name, gets the call in tough race!

Blond Halo - closed late turf sprinting in debut here at 39-1, switches from dad trainer to son for second start.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Hessonite - J's Way

Race #5

My Two Cents - just missed last start & doesn't get a softer spot than this, one more chance today!

Mardi Belle - really no factor in each start basically at this level, gets blinkers on today for possible improvement.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Lady Alma - Hear Her Roar

Race #6

Playa Bonita - won a non-winners of two lifetime race in last start at Belmont , drops to this beaten claimers spot from tough outside post.

Exiled Princess - stretches out after tough trip in last Friday's opener, back to Chop-Chop today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Kaleigh Rose - Judicial Leader

Race #7

Electra's Ego - weakened last time out in off-turf-event, back to the weeds today.

Royal Rhetoric - turns back to a sprint after showing speed going a route distance over the inner-turf course here, winner of that maiden race returned to run well in next start.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Mississippi Too - Fee On Legs

Race #8

Holy Moment - beaten favorite in last race & claimed, steps back up today for new connections that like to win!

EZ Passer - wired to wired last start versus claiming company, may get company on the front end today with my third selection.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Princess Maura - Zapparition

Race #9

Antrim Shield - even effort in debut going a marathon distance, connections good in these spots.

Yankee Scholar - no factor in even off-the-turf effort last time out here, back to weeds today for historic farm connections.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Macedonian - Call You in Ten

Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day : "Double Special" -
My Two Cents & Playa Bonita (5th & 6th)

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #29 (8/25) : Record 80-270 ($560.50)

2010-08-24T18:40:00.000-07:00

Race #1

Remark - failed after leading in the stretch last two starts at Belmont going a mile, gets one more chance today!.

Super Expresso - goes from turf to dirt and gets a trainer change today to Todd Pletcher for world renowned chef ; Bobby Flay.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Arena Elvira - Click Your Heels

Race #2

Cheeky Mama - ran OK at this level first time out versus males, back against her own kind today & will be tough!

In Her Hey Day - even 2nd in her debut, should move forward off that effort.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Status Pending - Private Escort

Race #3

Yawkey Way - solid victory here in her debut on the opening Sunday of the meet, saw this effort first hand against our stable runner.

Queen's Harbor - winner for 50k tag in debut here, best of the rest.

Exotic & multi-race runner : Rosa Salvaje

Race #4

Peb Hughes - showed speed in weeds debut and weakened late, has that experience edge over this group.

Pervis - a Chad Brown firster......... watch the board.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Iwannaiwannaiwanna - Love That Dude

Race #5

Doast - gets the call here strictly because of the connections & field he is facing, no problem for him if race comes off the grass either!

Tidal Slam - new stablemate of top pick, throw out last effort in off-the-turf event, wire to wire maiden breaker on the weeds downstate sprinting two starts back.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Lunar Puzzle - Parkinson Field

Race #6

Drumette - a first time starter from George Weaver on the grass, watch the board.

High Velocity - another first time runner that is bred for grass on both sides.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Drink of the Day - Rochitta

Race #7

No Inflation - even efforts in last two grass starts at Churchill Downs going this level, class edge over this group.

Moon Town - looked like a world beater in his last three starts in Kentucky last Fall, comes off that layoff & has tough post to negotiate from today, may need a race too!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Pleasant Strike - Skipadate

Race #8

Stormy's Majesty - in VERY tough last time out racing in the Jim Dandy Stakes, back versus statebreds today and has bullet work for this.

Ibboyee - winner of the New York Derby at Finger Lakes in last start, class of the field here.

Exotic & multi-race runner : Johannesburg Smile

Race #9

Mayday Maria - gets the call here if draws into the body of the race, just missed in debut.

Excited - the "other" Pletcher runner that is very well bred, entered in Friday's 5th race......so may scratch here.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Wear Red - Too Clever by Half

Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day - 9-25 ($57.80) : YAWKEY WAY (3rd)

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #28 (8/23) : Record 74-261 ($520.80)

2010-08-22T17:39:00.000-07:00

Race #1

Bernie's Pal - wire to wire in maiden breaker off-the-turf event, gets the call here.

Spirit of Rose - the "other" Linda Rice runner, tired in last as favorite, her dirt form seems better.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Mystic City - Catchapenny K.

Race #2

Arrr Pirates Booty / Black Pen (entry) - first Repole Stable runner ran well on the weeds when dropped in class last start, entrymate drops again as MTO horse.

Sea of Liquidity - finds an easy spot if draws into the race, 429 Tomlinson wet track number.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Ready's Vision - Papaw Bodie

Race #3

Karen's Joy - even effort at this level last time out, one more chance today!

Shaker Lakes - out-of-town invader drops into good spot with blinkers "off" today, another with a big Tomlinson wet track number.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Forever Tango - Royalstraightflush

Race #4

Cody Samora - gets the call here if switched to the "wet" main track, shown a lot of talent in his only two starts.

Starjetta - came off the pace to win last start on the weeds, two back showed speed in a off-the-turf event, handles any type surface.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Wicked Diva - Big Brownie

Race #5

Fenway Faithful - has really disappointed (much like his namesake) this year, moves up though on a "off" track surface.

Stormin Bolt - looks like he'll blaze the way on the front end here, has never done anything wrong in his five career starts.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Vose the Host - That's Rich

Race #6

Sugar Trade - tries the weeds for the first time, broke her maiden impressively in her career debut on a sloppy track, I really like her chances today!

Speed Dating - even third at this level last start in off-the-turf event, one for one on a wet track.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Sorority Sister - Rock Hall Honey

Race #7

La Concerto - won a statebred stake at Finger Lakes in last start, handles the "off" going & may show speed from the inside.

Meese Rocks - got caught late going a panel longer in restricted statebred stake here last time out, will be tough again in this spot.

Exotic & multi-race runners : City Board - R Betty Graybull

Race #8

Rose Catherine - has this group "over a barrel" if the race stays on the grass, her total grass wins is as many as this whole group combined!

Decelerator - has a major class edge over this group, interesting to see if this runner gets bet in this spot.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Hilda's Passion - Malibu Moon Dance

Race #9

El Real Madrid - wheels back on short rest after just missing on the weeds five days ago, Dutrow very sweet with this move!

Tommasi - tries open company today and drops in class, runs well at Saratoga going this route distance.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Lofty Banner - Stopbluffing

Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day (8-24) - Sugar Trade (6th)

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #27 (8/22) : Record 72-251 ($510.80)

2010-08-22T05:25:00.000-07:00

Race #1

Vicarious - goes from turf to dirt for the "Chief", 7 for 9 on a "off track" surface.

Kaffiend - could be the "main" speed turning back in distance today, handles "off" going as well!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Rumors of Glory & A Smart Judge

Race #2

Scale - throw out last two races on the weeds, drops in class for Linda Rice & looks well spotted here.

Bricklayer - another dropping to find the right spot, well thought of as a 2yr.old last season.....but never pan out.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Jim's Applemartini - Smooth Transition

Race #3

Hillswick - 2nd best in the slop on opening day finale, steps up in class for trainer looking to get his first victory here at the Spa this meet.

Kid Tornado - drops from straight allowance company to the N2L 35k, broke maiden in first try at Philly Park on a sloppy track by over 12 lengths.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Indian Bob - W.W.'s Lady's Man

Race #4

Check the Label - comes into this race off of three straight graded stakes victories, found a soft spot here.

No Explaining - rallied in the Lake George Stakes prep for this event, handles turf with a little "give" in it.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Hatheer - It's Tea Time

Race #5

Fiddler's Chaparito - broke his maiden last time out in a "off-the-turf" event on a "good" track, right back here on EITHER surface!

Fight for VLT's - the challenger for top selection if race comes off the turf.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Hear the Footsteps - Midnight Mass

Race #6

Accredit - shipper drops in class while facing much better early this year and last, shows 5 wins in 6 starts on a wet surface.

Rocketing Returns - turns back from a route distance to a sprint today, faces slightly better today & handles the "off" going.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Belo Sorte - Cave's Valley

Race #7

Lion Knight - in for a tag debuting for George Weaver, gets a 415 Tomlinson wet track number.

I Waited Patiently - Linda Rice firster may come out running.

Exotic & multi-race runners : For Wes - Disco Capote

Race #8

Close to the Vest - last seen with a even effort in the mud last Fall, finds good spot for return today.

Aquino - gets the top selection here if race is switched to the main track, look for jockey switch though if running.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Big Push - Pygmalion

Race #9

My Honey Laurie - trainer would be very happy if this race comes off-the-turf, 2nd best in the mud on off-the-turf event three starts back.

Fastish - two even efforts on dirt, stretches out & tries grass today....... maybe!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Considerate - Poppy Day

Race #10

Fancy Point - rough trip in debut, gets key jockey switch today and shows bullet work for possible grass try today.

Empress of Gold - rates a look if gets into race, big wet track breeding!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Street Chimes & Tapit Dancer

Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day (23) 8-9-1 : Accredit (6th)

Once again......"Girls Rule" the thoroughbred spotlight!

2010-08-21T04:52:00.000-07:00

In case anybody hasn’t noticed out there or you have been living underneath a rock the last year, the dominant thoroughbred that gets ALL the publicity in the media is no longer the male species. All that changed a little over a year ago when Rachel Alexandra went on her "tear" in the thoroughbred world by beating males not just once, but twice! Along with her antics, Zenyatta continued her undefeated streak and won the Breeder’s Cup Classic last Fall against the males. This brought the “distaff” equine runners to the forefront of our sport and laid the ground work for other filly and mares to also step into the spotlight. That “spotlight” will be shining brightly today at Saratoga Racecourse where the three year old fillies race in the historic Alabama Stakes. We get to see the two top fillies and there is a lot on the line today.

While this year’s Travers Stakes will be missing two-thirds of the Triple Crown race winning horses (Lookin’ for Lucky and Drosselmeyer) this year’s edition of the Alabama Stakes has the best two three year old fillies in training entered. The west coast invader; Blind Luck comes to the east coast for the first time and returns back on “real” dirt where she is a perfect 3 for 3. Not many chinks in her armor with eight victories in 12 lifetime starts, never finishing out-of-the-money. This late closing daughter of Pollard’s Vision is currently the top rated three year old filly in the country off these efforts. There was no doubt that her connections want to wrap up the divisional honors and knew coming to Saratoga and the Alabama Stakes would be the way to go. There is NO scare from this California based trainer to come east and quite possibly wrap up her title as best three year old filly of 2010. This I give a lot of credit to her connections. But, it won’t be an easy task because of her running style and the number #2 three year old filly standing in her way.

The connections of Devil May Care thought enough of this three year old filly to skip the Kentucky Oaks (the race Blind Luck won) and face the boys the following day in the Kentucky Derby . Although the result from the Derby wasn’t a good one for Devil May Care, she bounced back quite well out of the race and return to beat her own sex solidly in her last two starts. Now with a victory over the track in the Coaching Club America Oaks last time out, she faces the top three year old filly for “all the marbles” in the Alabama Stakes showdown. Where the three year old colts continue to disappoint and not show up together, we get the top two in the opposite sex to put on a show today for us.

A championship is on the line today for either one of these fillies. It’s highly likely that when these two fillies race again, it will be versus older filly and mares. Maybe against Rachel Alexandra or Zenyatta, but the talent that both Blind Luck and Devil May Care has shown gives them every right to be mention with those two older filly and mares. They may have not reached the peak of their older counterparts yet, but as three year old fillies……they are the best! So, a week before the Mid-Summer’s Derby, we are treated to see the BEST two three year old fillies in the country strut their stuff at the Spa with everything on the line. Maybe today’s Alabama could be the top “highlight” of the 2010 Saratoga race meet? The reason being; BOTH the best were willing to take a shot; together and “Girls Rule” once again in the sport of kings!

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #26 (8/21) : Record 70 - 240 ($501.00)

2010-08-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

Race #1

Good Prospect - gets the slimmest pick here in wide open race, sharp effort with big speed figure in last start.

Pretty Boy Freud - similar effort and figure as top selection last time out in same company, distance.....but on "firm" turf.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Wrtingonthewall - Longboarder

Race #2

Brilliant Speed - second time out for trainer who improves runners with this angle, also adds lasix today, square price selection.

Joe Vann - scratched from Thursday's spot for here, also should improve with addition of blinkers today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Curlinello - Striding Ahead

Race #3

Good to be Me - back versus maidens after showing pace in statebred stake last time out, tough here today.

Elsie's Warrior - last seen over a year ago here in the same spot just coming up short, may need a race off that "double bar" layoff!

Exotic & multi-race runners : We Need V L T's - Dirt Track Demon

Race #4

Callide Valley - drops to this bottom level after showing speed off Fall layoff in last start, this colt was well thought of last year as a juvenile.

Talk to Nick - goes out first time for "super trainer" R.R. , let's see what he can do with this one!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Jimmy Vegas - Show Trial

Race #5

Thunder Perfect - no factor on the weeds in Saratoga debut, two starts back was right behind; Fly Down & First Dude.......two Travers contenders!

Morning Line - 2nd best in similar conditions last time out as the lukewarm favorite, Zito finally got "off the duck" on Thursday with a winner!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Keep me Informed - African Diamond

Race #6

Igoturback - gets the call here in head scratcher of statebred baby race, favorite may pay double digits here....it's that wide open!

Pin Number - uncoupled stablemate of top selection, your guess is as good as mine in this spot!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Tall Tale Teller - Seek to Destroy

Race #7

Bold Vindication - taking a shot with our man "Sciacca" here with runner that occasionally puts in a good effort, looking at some "pricey" ones today!

Into My Soul - the class dropper here, gets a group here he can handle.....if he remembers!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Kijo - Budget

Race #8

Mr. Tribute - even effort last time out as the very lukewarm favorite over the course, gets the edge off that effort.

Legend of Navarone - no factor in debut......but, should improve today from that first effort.

Exotic & multi-race runners : East of Danzig - Beachcombing

Race #9

Mystic Fever - gets the call here off that maiden victory in last start over the course, meets a rather easy group here.

Peace Fire - rallied at Colonial Downs in last start, gets blinkers on today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Don Balcazio - Zapster

Race #10

Blind Luck - the top 3 yr.old filly in the country makes her east coast debut today and tries to wrap up her divisional honors with a win today, the question is; what kind of pace will she have to close into with her late kick?

Devil May Care - has bounce back well after her race against the boys in the Kentucky Derby with two straight grade I victories, win over the track & her running style MAY be a edge over my top selection.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Harve de Grace - Connie and Michael

Race #11

Peat Bay - just missed with good try turf sprinting downstate, bullet work for this start today.

Strolldownbroadway - even effort as the favorite last time out, one more chance today!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Recharged - Well Suited

Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day (22) 8-8-1 : PEAT BAY (11th)

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #25 (8/20) : Record 68-231 ($493.30)

2010-08-19T15:53:00.000-07:00

Race #1

Exiled Princess - got caught late going a mile downstate at this level & claimed out of that event, turns back to a sprint for new connections today.

Corey's Coming - drops to this beaten claimer level for new trainer today, has a win & 3rd place finish at this distance over the course.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Lights Out Lisa - Peaches

Race #2

Cadazzle - first time starter from Todd & Johnny V.......you know the drill!

Miss Dora - even third in trip over the course in last start, turns back a panel today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Alseera - Tap for Luck

Race #3

Southern Accents - 2nd best in overnight stake going this distance here, gets the call in short field

Gemswick Park - returns off eight month layoff for second start of the year, even 2nd in career debut last summer at 42-1 right here.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Sneaky Girl - Moontune Missy

Race #4

Miss Marla - switches trainer today after setting the pace in last start at Finger Lakes, trainer shows good numbers with such move.

Millie Money - first time starter from another automatic; Linda Rice.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Hardwicke Hall - Copious Notes

Race #5

Frances Gardner - goes for Ralph Nicks today after non-effort in the Virginia Oaks last time out, should get the trip in race void of speed.

Storm Showers - broke maiden turf sprinting in last start at Belmont , stretches out for the unusual combination owner / trainer combo of Farish & McGaughey.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Kathern's Kitten - Colour the Wind

Race #6

Rani Baba - a victim of off the track circumstance when finishing 2nd to the "notorious" Pelican Lake last time out, maybe karma will work out for this filly today.

Officer Flirt - this one has the beginnings of looking like "you know what!" with three straight in-the-money finishes at the beaten favorite, tread lightly.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Glass Path - Marie's Babe

Race #7

Jacky Juice - even effort last time out at this level as the favorite, gets the call again!

Miss Odette - goes from turf to dirt and drops into maiden claimer, could spell "all or nothing" today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Sister Berta - Glance My Way

Race #8

Great Gracie Dane - just got up at the wire versus cheaper last time out going slightly shorter, taken to upset this group of older statebred filly & mares.

Chestoria - the old hard hitting mare just missed as the favorite last time out, just may have another one in her today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : You Go West Girl - Paraiba

Race #9

Conspicuous - just missed at this level in last, clean trip needed today.

Orbiston Parva - just missed breaking last time out in off-the-turf event at Arlington Park , interesting mid-west shipper going into this spot.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Kiss of Fire - Keith's Kitten

Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day (8-21) - Rani Baba (6th)

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #24 (8/19) : Record 64-221 ($466.80)

2010-08-18T16:29:00.000-07:00

Race #1

Go Go Pink - liked this Todd Pletcher runner last time.... but was scratched when the race came off-the-turf, meets a even "softer" field today than on August 4th.

Opera Heroine - ships in from out-of-town for trainer; "Doc" Fisher, fits very well in this spot.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Bella Attrice - Blue Hill Bay

Race #2

Zayat Stables (entry) - a firster from Asmussen (Justin Phillip) & Joe Vann 2nd time out for Pletcher with blinkers on today.

Rock Hard Nicky - a Rock Hard Ten debut runner for Nick Zito, who is "winless" with 20 starters for the meet at the half way point.

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

Race #3

McVictory - one of two Pletcher runners in this race, most consistent of this group and could wrap up an ALL Todd Pletcher early pick 3.

Floating Heart - the "other" Pletcher trainee who goes from polytrack to dirt today, also as consistent as top choice.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Manitoba Miss - Million Seller

Race #4

Dance Floor Maniac - 2nd behind D'bigcat (two time winner here) & then shipped to Finger Lakes to win an allowance race, sharp right now!

Fuzzy's Story - 6 out of 10 in-the-money this year and has been doing very well at Finger Lakes , good spot here.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Lion's Lair - Always On the Move

Race #5

It's My Party - ran an odd race in debut when moved wide for the stretch drive and settled for the runner-up position, steps up slightly today.

Dawly - first time starter from Shadwell Stable, watch the board.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Thankfulness - Wicky Jones

Race #6

In Trust We Trust - steps up off the claim for trainer with 33% mark with this move, gets the slight call here.

Star of New York - tired late as the lukewarm favorite last time out at this level, will be there again....as usual.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Six Flings - W.W.'s Lady's Man

Race #7

Medieval Sword - a first time starter from former turf star; Artie Schiller, a very wide open 2yr.old turf maiden event.

Deciphering Dreams - no factor in debut on the grass, stretches out for second go around.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Pin - Hard Two Imagine

Race #8

Straight Story - changed racing tactics last time out in grade I event taking back off the front end, may be back on the lead this time versus statebreds.

Banrock - hard knocking statebred just missed versus open company at Monmouth Park in last start, winner of this event last year & no worst than 2nd in six lifetime starts on the Spa weeds.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Spa City Fever - Minnie Punt

Race #9

I've Got Speed - narrowly missed downstate turf sprinting last time out, his late kick will be felt if the speed collapses.

Never Content - even effort in restricted turf sprint here in last start, fits well in this spot.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Delano - Lawdy Me

Race #10

Such Time as This - this Delaware shipper drops to this 25k N2L condition, crafty trainer may have found good spot.

Mythical Yarn - no factor at this level last time out while "rank" & tight quarters early on, willing to throw out that effort.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Pretty Cozzy - Wise Choice

Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day (7-20) - Go Go Pink (1st)

Mark Hofman's Saratoga selections - day #23 (8/18) Record 62-212 ($454.30)

2010-08-18T04:51:00.000-07:00

Race #1

Bea Bet - drops into this non-winners of two lifetime claimer off the trainer change R.R. , fits well in this bottom level group.

Money's Sweet - just missed at this level last time out here, should be right there again.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Sudden Silver - Brianna Zianna

Race #2

Lady Maureen - 2nd best after chasing the winner in last start, maybe gets "over the hump" today third time out.

Spa City Lover - runner-up in maiden claimer debut here, tries maiden special weights today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Brownsteins - Floating Alone

Race #3

Conga Bella - turns back to a sprint & tries this starter allowance group, raced well three starts back in similar company.

Stanford Dolly - another west coast shipper for Valente & Levine, won with this move in Sunday's 1st race.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Flask - Annual Appeal

Race #4

Intercoastal - drops to 25k and stretches out today, fits here......is winless at the Spa, but has a 2nd with two 3rds in four starts.

Doctor Cal - interesting shipper from Delaware Park comes in with bullet work for this, I know nothing about the trainer, but gets J.J. in the irons!

Exotic & multi-race runners : One Starry Night - Eldoktori

Race #5

Quebrada Shiner - 2nd best as the "chalk" at Philly Park in last start, gets the slightest of edge here.

Atrea - rallied versus tougher in last, rider switch today & blinkers on makes her dangerous in this spot.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Diamond Dina - Crazy Catlady

Race #6

Crescent Moon Dr - showed life on a muddy sealed track at Belmont going a mile, finds a good spot here for Dee Tee Stable 's friend; Dr. Paul G.

Backslider - turf to dirt & maiden special weights to claimer for Mr. Clement, why do I ALWAYS lean toward his runners??? (9% at the Spa this year).

Exotic & multi-race runners : Diablo's Fire - Classroom Legend

Race #7

Pico Dinero - just missed slightly going longer as the lukewarm favorite here in last start, graduates today.

King Prada - rallied turf sprinting in last, has had a LOT of chances though!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Highlight - Naughty You

Race #8

Silver Timber - the definite class of the field, 11 for 15 at the distance & two victories with a 2nd & 3rd here in six lifetime starts.

Awakino Cat - winner of this race last year for guess who?..... Linda Rice! a winner in off-the-grass event at Suffolk in last start.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Ahvee's Destiny - Yield Bogey

Race #9

Lion under Oath - just missed behind repeat winner; Bishop of Nola in last race, slight edge here.

Nacho Corona - rallied in last for tough connections, good spot here in VERY tough race.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Aspire to Silver - Rigby

Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day (7-19) - Crescent Moon Dr (6th)

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #22 (8/16) Record 59-204 ($440.90)

2010-08-15T16:30:00.000-07:00

Race #1

Firey Red - just missed with late kick last time out going this distance & level over the course as the lukewarm favorite, one more chance today.

Paracaidas - lightly raced five year old mare hasn't been seen since last Fall at Aqueduct, steady works at Delaware Park for this.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Consequence - Weekend Fantasy

Race #2

Status Pending - a IEAH / Dutrow first time starter in for a tag, watch the board on this one.

Tea Party Gal - debuts for Kiaran McLaughlin, wide opwn event.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Nolita - Hurricane Barb

Race #3

Kantharos - has won first two starts (including a stake) by over 20 lengths, the leading male juvenile at present time.

Bail Out the Cat (entry) - had an excuse in the Sanford Stakes losing all chance at start, stablemate Sovereign Default was a sharp maiden winner downstate in debut, runner behind him won here on Saturday (Stay Thirsty)

Exotic & multi-race runner : Wetzel

Race #4

Stylish Fella - weakened late for 3rd versus cheap statebred maidens in last start here, going with the "connections" here.

D' argento - another NY bred that tries open company today, not much to go by in this event.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Grand Terror - Dare to Live

Race #5

Gitchee Goomie - two sharp tries turf sprinting downstate, stretches out to the distance she broke in her maiden here last summer.

Grace and Courage - nearly stole the race at 50-1 last time out, showed new found speed in that effort.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Justify - Tutti Va Bene

Race #6

Thunder Way - Kentucky shipper drops into this optional N2L claimer in third career start, trainer scored at a monster price in Thursday's 2nd race.

Lemon Tiger - sharp maiden victory in statebred competition, tries open company winners today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Goodgollymissmolly - The Flats

Race #7

Papa Frita - in about the same level at Gulfstream last time out in March for 2nd, goes for new connections today in good spot for return.

Renewed Hope - 2nd best versus slightly tougher last time out over the track, should be there again.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Eli's Comin - Run to Grand Ave.

Race #8

Tahitian Warrior - the "whispers" were out and about after this colt broke his maiden at Gulfstream this past winter, scooped up by Goldolphin and they may use this race as a prep for the King's Bishop Stakes later on in the meet.

Great Attack - speedy sort comes off short layoff with bullet work here best of 59 at the distance for today's race.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Starforaday - Speight of Hand

Race #9

Targhee Pass - drops back into claimer after nice allowance try turf sprinting in last start, this colt gets "the Chief" off the "duck" today.

City Sneakers - statebred drops to open company today and turns back to a sprint, has a win & 3rd place finish on the Spa turf.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Mississippi Hippie - Coronation Day

Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day (6-7-1) - Tahitian Warrior (9th)

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #20 (8/14) Record 57-194 ($431.80)

2010-08-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

Race #1

Kissa Melissa - gets the choice here in wide open event off her two good efforts over the track last summer, 19 for 21 in-the-money the last two years.

Malibu Artiste - west coast invader ships in for Roddy Valente & Bruce Levine, tries "real" dirt for the first time.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Verse Choir - Poovey

Race #2

Solutionfinders - gets the slight call here off his last two efforts, trainer has good turf numbers (39%)

Brunelli - even effort first time weeds at 15-1 over the course, "007" is having slow meet so far!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Writethatdown - Up for Love

Race #3

Payout - even effort last Fall in only start of his career, Chad Brown should have him ready today!

Swinging At Siro - returns to the races with new trainer today after being no factor in only start almost a year ago, watch the board.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Marsh Haven - Runaway Jim

Race #4

Happy Week - no factor in overnight stake last time out at Monmouth Park , fits very well in this spot.

Vaughndidit - statebred filly is consistent as they come, tries open company today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Phantom Rising - Obey the Rules

Race #5

Seaside Run - gets the VERY timid call here in a race just FULL of speed, her drop to maiden claimer is the key here!

Tropical Jetset - narrowly missed in last two starts versus statebred company, may benefit the best with her late closing kick.

Exotic & mutli-race runners : Deanaallen'skitten - To the Point

Race #6

Motion Play - sharp effort last start over the turf course just missing after attending the pace, drops slightly today.

Golly Day - this statebred has done well in open company his last two starts at this level, looks like the best of the rest!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Cockram Rock - El Corriente

Race #7

Networking - 2nd best behind Stopspendingmaria in her debut, gets the call here off that effort!

Barn Diva - a first time starter from the Asmussen barn & Stonestreet Stables, a Storm Cat filly out of a AP Indy mare......breeding doesn't get better than that!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Dance Quietly - Cold Hearted Babe

Race #8

Sterling Silver - rallied after rough trip going slightly shorter downstate, should get the job done today......hopefully!

Codetta - came from the back of the pack in debut at 13-1, will get bet today off that effort.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Smart Farming - Prize Catch

Race #9

Position Limit - sharp maiden win in the mud at Belmont in only start, half that effort wins here!

Tristanme - just missed at 25-1 in Churchill Downs 2yr.old stake in last start, had no problem handling "real" dirt for the first time.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Silvislip - Coax Liberty

Race #10

Nehru - this Ohio bred has run in statebred company out-of-town, drops to good spot here in non-winners of two claiming company today, interesting runner.

Epicurus - just broke maiden in claimer at Delaware turf sprinting, next logical step here.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Medaglia's Express - Cops Fever

Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day - Motion Play (6th)

BLAME is the "Game"!

2010-08-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

Move over Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra; also my friend Quality Road , you too! Because there’s a “new” sheriff in town for the 2010 Horse of the Year honors and there is only one colt to “Blame”. That’s right, last Saturday evening the four year old son of Arch; Blame, moved to the top of the class as the best thoroughbred in training with his hard fought over current division leader; Quality Road. He was the “now” horse coming into the Whitney Handicap with four straight grade stake victories and a ton of talent that has been overlooked by many throughout the country.

I can never take anything away from Quality Road . He was last year “head and shoulders” the BEST three year old colt with raw talent. He got over looked with his fragmented schedule, but was able to return as a four year old colt (unlike last year’s three year old champion; Summer Bird) and continue to show his brilliance on track with three overwhelming victories. The path that this horse takes is a calculated one by his connections and sometimes looks as if he is treated with “kid gloves”. The questions have always been abounding that Quality Road is good up to distances under a mile and an eighth. Quite possibly that question has arose again with his narrow defeat to Blame last Saturday. He’ll live to fight another day and most likely in the Woodward Stakes on closing weekend. But, on Saturday a “new face” made his presence felt and opened some eyes.

Blame was making his 11 career start, the same as Quality Road . They both came into the race with nearly identical records (7 victories with three other finishes in the money). Although Quality Road had slightly better Beyer speed figures, Blame’s running style was a big advantage last Saturday afternoon. There was enough speed in the race from Haynesfield, to soften up Quality Road . This route distance seem to be Quality Road ’s best, but nearing the wire with that pressure which Haynesfield applied to Quality Road turned out to be the difference. The current top handicap horse was game in defeat, but finally the talent of Blame was shown to the whole racing world.

As we move forward to the fall races, Blame should continue to be a force and the Breeder’s Cup Classic his ultimate goal at Churchill Downs this Fall. He should have no problem getting the mile and a quarter distance, although the 3-1 odds we got with him in the Whitney Stakes won’t be seen again. It’s nice to be right about a horse and since Blame’s Stephen Foster Handicap victory at Churchill Downs , I have been touting this horse. He did not disappoint and now is the leader of the pack. So while they argue who’s better; Rachel or Zenyatta, right now we know that Blame leads the scoring over Quality Road; one to nothing. That could change down the road, but for now; there’s no one but......Blame!

Today is the midway point of the 2010 Saratoga race meeting. As of the writing of this column on Thursday night, I have set personal best mark in the 12 years of handicapping for the Amsterdam Recorder. 54 winners have been tabbed “on top” with a money return of $414 for 18 days into the meet. Although many of the top selections could be considered on the “chalky” side (average 2-1 win mutual) in the 2nd race on Thursday I selected 30-1 shot, Valiant Passion for a $63.00 win payout. This horse was my highest price “top selection” winner chosen in the 12 years of handicapping for the Recorder by far. If I can continue the “three winners a day” and still come up with decent prices and exotic payouts, this year will be my crowning achievement in 25 years of following thoroughbred racing.

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #20 (8/14) Record (55-183) $417.50

2010-08-13T18:14:00.000-07:00

Race #1

Spanish Art - was victorious in allowance company last start, now drops into this optional claimer, barn has been a bit "cold" this meet so far.

Raging Wit - won last start turf sprinting downstate, this play is for "Big Dubya"!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Compliance Officer - Z Fortune

Race #2

D'Sauvage - 2nd best in the mud last time out as the favorite, blinkers on today.

Super Angelo - a firster from barn that usually has them ready, watch the board.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Exley - Private Rules

Race #3

Bulldogger - well meant three year old hasn't been seen since March at Santa Anita, broke maiden impressively here last summer, tough if ready.

Footcandles - sharp effort in the slop on opening day, that same effort puts him in the mix.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Ziegfeld - Not Macho Anymore

Race #4

Sudden Silver - gave a good account of himself versus slightly easier in last start, key jockey switch for today's start.

Toy Indian - sharp effort in off-the-turf try last time out, drops a notch today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Maid to Win - Buddy's Dream

Race #5

Night Spirit - throw out last start on turf, two back had a monster effort in off grass event, drops to good spot today.

Capitalism At Risk - has had two straight victories at this level out-of-town in last two starts, figures in the mix versus this group.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Every Little Thing - Lorraine in Spain

Race #6

Dynamic Holiday - from synthetics to turf for crafty Mid-Atlantic trainer, conditioner shows good numbers with this move.

High Strider - a Pletcher first time starter......need more not be said!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Sunlight Sonata - Gulch's Way

Race #7

Chairman Now - just missed two back on the weeds in sharp effort, graduates today.

Ritual - even effort first time weeds sprinting, should improve with the stretch out.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Baatesh - Fu Pegs Baby

Race #8

Heisman - this two year old runner has been highly touted by several prominent industry people, watch the board to see if he gets play......or not.

Stay Thirsty - the "uncoupled" part of the Pletcher entry that will most likely take all the money, improves today off that Belmont 2nd place debut as the "chalk".

Exotic & multi-race runners : Brock - Orsonian

Race #9

Billy Bear - trainer shows BIG numbers first time turf & going dirt to turf, should be a square price.

Writingonthewall - speed sort may be the "horse to beat" while facing better company recently, nice works for this spot.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Silenced - Onzain

Race #10

Marlang - ships in from the west coast for a reason and the season for Neal Drysdale, recently won a grade II event at Holywood Park going this marathon distance as the lukewarm favorite, may get overlooked here!

Al Khali - wire to wire in optional claimer last start at Monmouth, sharp victory here last summer going slightly shorter.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Expansion - Grassy

Race #11

Bishop of Nola - nice win last time out over the track, claimed and is back versus straight allowance foes today.

Kuggerand - back versus statebreds after even effort at Delaware in last start, fits well here.

Exotic & multi-race runners : John Wyatt - Runweiser

Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day - D' Sauvage (2nd)