Destination Saratoga.......duh, we know!

It seems every year, the Saratoga Racing season starts earlier and earlier. It hasn't been the "August to Be" in years! With the approach of the racing season, comes the yearly press conference unveiling the goings on of the historical track on Union Avenue. Every year it's something new, but the bottom line in my opinion is the racing product. That is first and foremost in my opinion, we all know that Saratoga Springs has been and always will be a destination vacation place, so it doesn't need the track to exist. So when the powers to be start talking about everything else besides the racing product at the Spa, I start to "zone out".

As I've stated many times, I'm all about tradition when it comes to summer thoroughbred racing in New York. We get 40 days of it, less than 40 miles from our front door. There have been many changes the past twenty years since the meet has expanded. Some good, others not so good. But, with new NYRA racing secretary; Martin Panza in charge, I see a change. And that change is a good one in my opinion.

First off, we have less racing than last summer. To this I say, thank god! There will be 15 to 20 fewer races, from the record 420 run last year. As a public handicapper for the last 16 years and handicapping the Saratoga meet overall since 1988, the 40 days at Saratoga has become very watered down. We have nine race cards on Monday's only and ten race cards on both Wednesday and Thursday. Those days include steeplechase racing start at 12:25 and there will be 12 races for the jumpers during the 40 day meet. A little more than I prefer, but at least on those days, the final race will be run at 5:15 (like on Mondays) . I agree with Martin Panza's assessment that, no one needs to be at the track 7 to 8 hours a day.

I also like the stakes schedule and the way it's set up this year. Everyday there is a stakes race and on week days, a new overnight stake. Putting the graded stakes together on the weekends and creating a "super card" much like on Belmont Stakes day is the way to go also. The creation of a N.Y. bred Showcase Day on the Sunday after the Travers is a great idea. Those races that were spread out during the meet, are better condensed for this one day event. The Whitney Handicap has become the equal to the Travers Stakes this year in purse and stature. The older handicap ranks is stronger than ever. The "win and your in" Breeder's Cup program has enhanced this race and many others. Tradition has stayed well with the Saratoga stakes schedule throughout the years and this is a good thing.

Other than the racing product, the upheaval at NYRA over the last decade has continued to hurt the organization. The constant changing of the guard with people in charge never gives stability to the company. This is a product of being run by N.Y. state and like most things regarding to that are never good! The Saratoga region has ALWAYS been a vacation destination spot. The popularity of the racecourse increased 30 years ago with the expansion of the backyard picnic area. The fusion-in of all the N.Y. "stuff" with the racetrack means little to me. I know all about the New York business products and don't need a day at the track to realize that stuff. The marketing of NYRA has gone beyond horse racing and this could be troubling in the future. A very well known business called the United States Postal Service, went that same route a few years ago with their marketing and see where they are at now. I hate to see the best thoroughbred racing in the world be overshadowed by other things can be showcased in other venues other at the track.

"Just the facts, ma'am" ~ save the sensationalism ...... PLEASE!

Everybody that knows me, knows I like to vent about things every so often. Sometimes more than others about certain subjects. But when it comes down to things I appreciate and follow, I'm a traditionalist. Since I've been around now fifty years on this earth, things have change and some of those "changes" haven't been for the better in my opinion. As a traditionalist, I'm also very conservative in my views about most everything. This tends to rub some people the wrong way in our ever changing world we live in now. Needless to say; if it isn't broken, it doesn't need fixing. Also, stick to the subject at hand and don't stray to the non-subjects that surround it. This brings me to the national coverage that was done during this year's Triple Crown trail, before and up to it's ending.

Too often today, the national media is all forms (print, television, socially) makes a bigger deal about subjects that really have little impact on the event they are covering. I guess it's the sensationalism that the modern day writer or reporter wants to bring to the table and wants the public to be aware of. This is so prevalent in today's society. We tend to make a big deal over something that has little impact on the subject being discussed. In many cases, news is not news anymore. Just a means to create a stir or buzz around the story and sometimes not for the better. It's off topic and shifts the attention away from the real story at hand.

The controversial "story" about trainer; Steve Asmussen just before this year's Kentucky Derby is the first example. A lot was made by a certain "special interest" controversial group in itself about his barn's treatment of the thoroughbreds in his care. A ten minute video filmed under false pretenses by a undercover "mole" took sounds bites of his assistant trainer, using foul language and candid statements about the goings on during a typical day at the barn. It was sensationalize when edited and presented by this group to the public. The outcries began about how cruel Mr. Asmussen was to his horses and the call for him beginning banned from the sport. Perfect timing just before a big day of racing and his nomination to the Racing Hall of Fame. The video did do enough to have the committee withdraw his Hall of Fame status, get his assistant trainer fired and give the sport another "black eye" just before it's biggest day. Nothing more was accomplished with this story as a result and was just the typical non-story
surrounding the events at hand.

Flash forward to right after the finish of the Belmont Stakes, when the next non-story raised it ugly head during the sports spotlight time on a national stage. The interview with the losing owner of Triple Crown hopeful; California Chrome. A out spoken, colorful new gentleman to the sport, one could cut him some slack for being a bit upset after failing to win the Belmont Stakes. This was understandable, but NBC took it upon themselves to create a bigger issue with his comments (which made no sense in how traditionally the Triple Crown races are run) and made a firestorm on a day when the focus should have been on the race itself. Even the "professional" Bob Costas question to the winning owner of the race after the fact, made no sense in the scheme of things. Instead of giving credit to the winning horse and his connections of the race and also giving credit to the valiant failed attempt of the horse who didn't accomplish the feat; we get the sound bite of a owner who was over-the-top, irate and sounded like a sore loser who made flawed logic statements which were viewed over and over again for the next few days on television. That interview took a little away from what California Chrome had accomplished in the first two legs of the Triple Crown unfortunately.

Once again, this is a product of today's media which cannot just focus on the story at hand and feels the need to bring attention the other non-stories surrounding the event. It's disheartening in my opinion that such a big deal is made about little things like this. Unfortunately, that is what the public will remember about this year's Triple Crown and not the things done on the track.

102,199 people can't be wrong ~ BELMONT Supercard & Stakes day 2014

One week ago, I did something probably that I've haven't done in at least 25 years. I was awake for 24 hours straight from 3:30am Saturday morning until 3:30am Sunday morning anticipating the excitement of Belmont Stakes day and Super card 2014. It was without doubt, the best 10 race stakes card ever assembled by NYRA in the 28 years that I've been playing the ponies. I decided right after this super card was announced last winter that I would be attending, because it was closest to a Breeder's Cup event in New York since the last one in 2005. So, my plans to go were made long before there was any thought of a three year old possibly racing for the Triple Crown. Needless to say, I was quite psyched to heading to New York the past few weeks.

You couldn't ask for a better weather day also, with no humidity and temperatures in the low 80's. I arrived via bus at Belmont Park about an hour before the first race at 11:35am and had nice seats right at the eighth pole in the grandstand. The crowd early on in the day wasn't that bad and wagering was quite easy to place with under 10 minutes to post each race. In the first stake of the day, Kid Cruz rebounded from his non-Preakness effort to a off the pace victory in the Easy Goer Stakes. He'll be a force to be reckon with this summer in three year old stakes and possible start in the Travers at Saratoga this summer. He was the first of several good three year old runners who were on the stakes undercard. Three races later, another sharp sophomore bounced back from a bad Preakness effort and stamped himself as a top three year old sprinter. Bayern, trainer by Bob Baffert donned blinkers-on and romped in the seven furlong Woody Stephens Stakes in near track recorded time. This was an improved effort from his previous two-turn effort and may either stay sprinting or stretch back out as the racing season continues.

Fillies shined both in the Acorn Stakes & Ogden Phipps, as Sweet Reason returned to her winning ways and Close Hatches held off Princess of Sylmar in a blanket finish of older Distaff runners. It was about this time that the crowds were getting bigger and tougher to wager on the races. An added element for me was the new wagering machines at Belmont Park. It took a little getting used to, plus the fact that many patrons were wagering ahead of time for the Belmont Stakes which was two hours later. One of the main reasons for my attendance for the days races was the addition of the Metropolitan Handicap at one mile. My favorite race of all time, it was switched to the Belmont Stakes undercard from the traditional Memorial Day running. It also featured the best horse (my opinion) in training; Palace Malice. Once again he was brilliant in victory with his fourth straight graded stakes victory.

As the Belmont Stakes approached, the 102 thousand in attendance beginning to rock! I finally made it back to my seat as the post parade went pass the eighth pole. My top selection; Wicked Strong was acting up a bit with the roar of the crowd, but the others were well behaved. As the horses broke, it was plain to see the California Chrome didn't get a clean getaway. From the inside he struggled and it was beginning to look from my advantage point that he wasn't getting that perfect trip he had in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. Switching from the inside to the outside on the far turn, Chrome had his work cut out for him. I knew by this time, he wasn't winning. The finish was a close one with Tonalist winning by a head over the popular longshot; Commissioner. The 28-1 Todd Pletcher trainee was a dedication play by several DSS workers who pooled their money together for a $20 WPS wager in honor of their late boss, DSS Commissioner - William "Bill" Cranker. It was a pleasure for me to return $364 in remembrance of him.

It made up for a rather disappointing day of wagering and also not seeing a Triple Crown winner for the 36 straight year. Now was the fun battle to make it back to the bus, before the last race at 8:12 with 102, 199 people trying to leave the facility. That was a trip in itself and the only negative of the day for me when I had to nearly walk from one side of the track, to the parking lot (Blue) behind the training track by the mile and an eighth chute. I really felt bad for the older folks who had to walk so far, NYRA needs to address this situation for the future. The bus got back on Cross Island Parkway at 10:15pm and the long ride home was finally on after a very long day. I enjoyed it, although it would have been nice to cash a few more tickets and see history made. But, I've learned my lesson in hoping for a Triple Crown winner and will sit out another trip to see it in person. I'll leave that to the younger folks, they can deal with the crowds and disappointing history results.

Perfection ........ with the last three Triple Crown winners

We have discussed ad nauseum, the last eleven three year old colts since the last Triple Crown winner in 1978 that attempted to become number twelve and sweep the three races that define thoroughbred racing. While the focus has been on those who came up short in the past 36 years, much can be said of the last three horses who were successful during the five year span in the mid seventies.

It was twenty five years between Citation in 1948 and Secretariat in 1973 that a horse won thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown. During the span, seven horses failed their bids to become horse racing's elite. The great Northern Dancer was one of those five in the 60's and who would have thought that not only would the streak be broken in the next decade, but by three different horses in such a short time.

It was a magical season in 1973, when all eyes were on the thoroughbred world. The horse they called "Big Red" - Secretariat became the greatest thoroughbred since Man o' War when he set three track records and won the Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths. I was nine years old, but can still remember the excitement that was played out on CBS that summer day at Belmont Park. His victory in the 'Test of the Champions' still sends chills up my spine when track announcer Chic Anderson said; "Secretariat was moving like a tremendous machine". He was a fitting runner to become the 11th Triple Crown winner and stamp his part in thoroughbred history.

It would be only four short year's later when a undefeated colt would set the racing world on fire with his Triple Crown victories of 1977. Seattle Slew was the first three year old colt to win the Triple Crown as a undefeated runner. He like Secretariat would find the Belmont Stakes as his easiest in victory of the three races. He became the biggest horse since Big Red to capture the hearts of the racing world. He would race again as a four year old in 1978 and defeat the Triple Crown of that year; Affirmed in the Marlboro Cup at Belmont Park marking the only time that Triple Crown race winners, faced each other.

Less than 12 months later, the thoroughbred world enjoyed a classic match-up rivalry between two three year olds that ran throughout the Triple Crown and came to an unlikely conclusion at Saratoga late in the summer. Probably the greatest rivalry in the sport to date, Affirmed and Alydar hooked up for a memorable Triple Crown of 1978. Running one / two in all three races, Affirmed bested his rival Alydar until the '78 Travers were Affirmed impeded Alydar and was disqualified and placed second. Alydar finally got his victory over Affirmed, but it came via a technically .

Three horses who became legends of the sport in a five year span. Household names who not only won the Triple Crown, but were the best of their generation. These were the last Triple Crown winners of thoroughbred racing. It's been 36 years, I was 14 when it last happened. It took 25 years until Secretariat and today we'll see if California Chrome can make history and become number 12. He may match up to the above three horses or become another footnote in history like Alysheba, Silver Charm, Real Quiet or Smarty Jones. Only time will tell.

Mark Hoffman's 2014 graded BELMONT STAKES selections

Wicked Strong (#9) Maragh / Jerkens (6-1)

the 2nd betting choice in the Kentucky Derby had a very rough trip from far outside post, rallied well late with inside trip to finish 4th, has a victory here over Big Sandy in maiden breaker last Fall going a mile, this grinder could pull the upset if he reproduces his Wood Memorial effort.


California Chrome (#2) Espinoza / Sherman (3-5)

trying to become the 12th Triple Crown winner in 95 years, nothing but perfect in his graded stakes this year and especially his last two, we've been down this road many times before and disappointed, I won't jinx him by picking him "on top" BUT would be very happy to see history made in person!


Ride On Curlin (#5) Velazquez / Gowan (12-1)

rallied late in the Preakness BUT was not catching the winner as this son of Curlin continues to show his consistency this year along the Triple Crown trail, ran an even 3rd here last Fall in the Champagne Stakes, doubt he can turn the tables on California Chrome and win here, but figures in the mix again, gets seventh different jock in 11 career starts.


Tonalist (#11) Rosario / Clement (8-1)

winner of the Peter Pan Stakes (prep for this) on a sloppy sealed track, well thought of early this spring in Florida but came up with a few issues preventing him from making the Derby, could show speed from far outside post, always like his trainer BUT not quite as high on him!


Samraat (#7) Jose Ortiz / Violette (20-1)

had a very good effort in the Kentucky Derby pressing the pace and fading to 5th late, not sure if he wants anything to do with this marathon distance BUT may be in the mix late with a stalking trip, a live longshot that was also a winner over the track last year.


General A Rod (#10) Napravnik / Maker (20-1)

ran an even race in the Preakness but with no real impact, late entrant to the race just within the last week, one of three that has danced all the Triple Crown races, can't see him be a factor today either.


Commissioner (#8) Castellano / Pletcher (20-1)

held 2nd last time out in the Peter Pan Stakes, has yet to notch a graded stakes victory in his career, maybe a dedication longshot play in honor of the late Commissioner of Montgomery County DSS and fellow horse player; Bill Cranker, rest in peace my friend.


Commanding Curve (#4) Bridgmohan / Stewart (15-1)

came flying from the back of the pack to get the runner-up spot in the Kentucky Derby at 37-1, these deep closer types don't fair well going a mile & a half distance, could clunk up for a piece.


Medal Count (#1) Albarado / Romans (20-1)

only claim to fame on a natural dirt course was a off-the-turf maiden win in his debut at Ellis Park, not quite sure why he is here?


Matterhorn (#3) Bravo / Pletcher (30-1)

no factor 4th in the Peter Pan, no factor today either in this grade I event.


Matuszak (#6) Smith / Mott (30-1)

only victory was in maiden debut in off-the-turf race, maybe Mott should try him on the weeds

Belmont Stakes undercard selections....... the BEST card ever assembled by NYRA!

Easy Goer Stakes (2nd)

Kid Cruz (#4) - was overmatched and no factor in the Preakness never showing his late closing kick, gets class relief today & major jockey switch for this overnight stake.

Life in Shambles (#1) - got nailed at the wire in Sir Barton Stakes; the other 3 yr.old stake on the Preakness under card, could be a BIG day for Frenchman; Christophe Clement with this runner who outworked his Belmont Stakes stable mate.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Misconnect (#5) - Pass the Coffee (#8)


Brooklyn Invitational Stakes (3rd)

Ground Transport (#2) - went wire to wire in the mile & a quarter Drosselmeyer Stakes, the overnight stake prep race for this, pointed for this race since shipping in from out of town.

Ever Rider (#5) - rallied just missing behind top pick in last start, jockey Victor Espinoza gets an opportunity to negotiate the Belmont Stakes distance in this race!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Micromanage (#3) - Norumbega (#8)


Jaipur Invitational Stakes (4th)

Ben's Cat (#8) - this eight year old gelding is 33 for 39 lifetime with 26 lifetime wins, ships to Belmont for this race & is the class of this field.

Salto (#11) - turns back to a turf sprint after consistent route racing this past year, has to get the trip from the far outside post.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Upgrade (#4) - Marchman (#10)


Woody Stephens Stakes (5th)

Embellishing Bob (#6) - placed 1st via disqualification in the Derby Trial going a mile at Churchill Downs over Bayern, another shipper who will be pointing for the King's Bishop this summer at the Spa.

Coup de Grace (#5) - won the Bay Shore Stakes at Aqueduct going this distance on the Wood Memorial under card, overlooked in that race at 7-1 winning by a nose closing late, maybe overlooked again?

Exotic & multi-race runners : Havana (#3) - Tonito M. (#7)


TVG Acorn Stakes (6th)

House Rules (#2) - hasn't raced since her runner up effort in the Gulfstream Park Oaks going a eighth of a mile longer, the "Chief" skipped the Kentucky Oaks for this spot.

My Miss Sophia (#8) - held 2nd behind top 3 yr.old filly; Untapable in the Kentucky Oaks, may encounter more speed than she expected in this race.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Fiftyshadesofgold (#3) - Fashion Plate (#1)


Ogden Phipps Stakes (7th)

Princess of Sylmar (#6) - returned to the races this spring with a solid victory in a overnight stake at Aqueduct, can sit behind the speed of his top two challengers.

Close Hatches (#1) - had two wire to wire victories at Oaklawn Park this spring, goes from the rail & is the better alternative price-wise of the two speeds here.


Exotic & multi-race runners : Beholder (#5) - Antipathy (#2)


Longines Just a Game Stakes (8th)

Discreet Marq (#9) - just missed in Keeneland stake last time out, this high class N.Y. bred loves the turf & this mile distance.

Waterway Run (#8) - closed last time out for victory on a good turf course here at Belmont going a bit longer, razor sharp since shipping stateside.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Stephanie's Kitten (#6) - Better Lucky (#10)


Metropolitan Handicap (9th)


Palace Malice (#1) - last year's Belmont Stakes winner has been razor sharp since returning as a four year old this year, goes from the rail & hasn't scared off any competition in this field of 13 runners.

Normandy Invasion (#9) - hasn't been seen since finishing behind top pick in the New Orleans Handicap late in March, a fitting horse to play on the 70th anniversary of the infamous World War II battle.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Shakin It Up (#13) - Goldencents (#4)


Knob Creek Manhattan Stakes (10th)

Seek Again (#6) - just missed going shorter versus two-time Horse of the Year; Wise Dan last time out, won at this distance as three year old two starts back, this colt could have a big year ahead of him.

Imagining (#1) - went wire to wire in the Man 'o War Stakes last time out going a bit longer here, dangerous from inside post with his speed.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Rookie Sensation (#3) - Chamois (#10)

The road to the Triple Crown has it share of bumps!

Well, we’ve seen this scenario played out before. The big favorite wins on the “first Saturday in May” and returns as the horse to beat in the Preakness Stakes and dusts his rivals. Since the last Triple Crown winner in 1978 (Affirmed) eleven three year old runners have attempted to gain the Holy Grail of the Triple Crown; the Belmont Stakes and all 11 have failed. Two years ago, I’ll Have Another was attempting to be the 12 horse to try this feat. But an injury thwarted his bid less than 36 hours before the race. He was one of only three horses who won the first two legs of the Triple Crown and were unable to race in the final leg. Before the last Triple Crown winning horse in 1978, eight horses were unsuccessful after winning the first two legs. That was in a span of 59 years; compare 36 years with the current eleven. While everyone talks about how today’s current horses do not match up those runners of yesteryear with the process of racing back in two week’s time, contending for history seems a bit easier for these modern day thoroughbreds.



In most cases, those trying to win the Belmont Stakes usually run a good race in defeat. Only three have been out of the money (Alysheba ’87 – War Emblem ’02 – Big Brown ’08). So when trying for the Triple Crown, the horse in question is an honest and worthy candidate. This year we have California Chrome, an exciting runner with the credentials much like Funny Cide or Smarty Jones and their connections. He’s simple humble runner, whose trainer who wasn’t a household name before the Triple Crown quest. With flamboyant owners that have a flair for the excitement on the big stage. This has all the ingredients for a memorable three weeks leading up to the biggest day in New York racing. But as usual, the road to this feat has its detractors.

He passed the test as the lukewarm favorite in the Derby, even though he earned the lowest Beyer speed in the history of this race. There were people who thought that his quick turnaround in two weeks and racing in the Preakness would be his undoing, once again “they” were wrong. Not even 24 hours after winning the second leg, controversy surrounded him in the name of a “breathing Band-Aid”. Yes, even some media pundits had him possibly bypassing the final leg of the Triple Crown. It seems like the deck is stacked against him in many ways, but taking credit away from the horse is just wrong.



Funny Cide wasn’t fashionable as a gelding or N.Y. bred by some during his bid, War Emblem was a speed ball who got lucky as a member of a weak crop in 2002 and Big Brown really got the chance of a lifetime, only to be “pulled up” and in my opinion showed his true colors. California Chrome may not be a Spectacular Bid or even a Smarty Jones, but there is every indication that this colt matches up with recent Triple Crown contenders and not any lesser of a horse.