2014 Empire Showcase Day @ Belmont Park - 20th edition

Sleepy Hollow (2nd) 2-5-3-1
Maid of the Mist(3rd) 5-9-7-6
Mohawk (4th) 3-9-8-1
Iroquois (5th) 8-4-2-7
Empire Distaff (7th) 5-4-1-10
Empire Classic (8th) 8-2-3-5
Ticonderoga (9th) 5-9-10-7
Hudson (10th) 10-4-5-7

"The unconquerable, invincible, unbeatable ...... Cigar"

We are very fortunate and blessed to have so many stars in the sport of thoroughbred racing. After all, they are what make the sport what it is. Today we have Wise Dan and he's showed this past weekend why he's is the reining two-time Horse of the Year. In recent years, fillies like; Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra captured the sport with their brilliance. When I started following the sport nearly 30 years ago, the "heyday" of the fantastic 70's with runners like; Secretariat, Seattle Slew and Spectacular Bid were a distant memory. While the Breeder's Cup was created to showcase thoroughbreds in the mid 80's, there wasn't just one horse to capture the sport of kings attention. That was until Fall of 1994.

There was a very mediocre turf runner from the west coast, who changed trainers and shipped to New York trying to find an identity. It was apparent that grass wasn't his game with only one victory in eleven starts. So, his new trainer Bill Mott decided to switch him to dirt for the first time since his two year old season. That was October 28, 1994 at Aqueduct in a non-winners of two allowance test at a mile. That was the birth of a superstar and his name was Cigar.

This past Tuesday, the two-time Horse of the Year - Cigar past away at the age of 24 after complications from neck surgery. The scope and impact this son of Palace Music had on the sport in a time when it needed a superstar was just the shot in the arm thoroughbred racing needed. That surface switch started an incredible journey that lasted through the summer of 1996 and a streak of 16 straight victories. Cigar along with Bill Mott and Jerry Bailey became a household name.

After winning on dirt for the first time since his two year old season, he ran next in the 1994 NYRA Mile (a race which is named for him now) and that would be the last time he ever paid over $10 to win. He took the torch from Holy Bull by winning the 1995 Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park and only ran in grade I events after that expect his two Massachusetts Handicap wins at Suffolk Downs, who closed down for good also this past weekend. His 1995 season was one for the record books, 10 straight wins at six different tracks. Beside the Donn Handicap, he won the Gulfstream Park Handicap, Oaklawn Handicap, Pimlico Special, Mass Cap, Hollywood Gold Cup, Woodward Stakes and Jockey Club Gold Cup. Quite a resume for any horse. The wonder year of '95 was topped off by his victory in the Breeder's Cup Classic at Belmont Park. I was there in person to see the "the unconquerable, invincible, unbeatable Cigar" as Tom Durkin called it, complete an undefeated racing season. That streak would continue four races into the summer of '96 with aim to break Citation's consecutive race win streak from 1948. But in the Pacific Classic, Dare and Go defeated him and stopped the streak at 16. After racing 13 of the last 17 months, Cigar would only race three more times after the streak ending defeat. He ended his career with two straight loss and 19 victories in 33 lifetime starts, earning just under 10 millions for his career.

He would retire to stud in 1997, only unable to successful cover any mares. He spent his remaining years at the Kentucky Horse Park's Hall of Champion until his death. Cigar was a horse that truly saved thoroughbred racing during a time the sport was trying to find a identity. He became a household name and transcended the sport. Even though he never had any offspring to carry on his legacy, Cigar was a champion both on and off the track. Cigar captured the mines of the fans with his will to win. Cigar brought the sport of thoroughbred to many people, Cigar saved racing.

Juvenile two year old action - gearing up for the Breeder's Cup in less than a month

It's all about the two year old runners this weekend as we march toward the Breeder's Cup which is less than one month away. Last weekend, the west coast juveniles cemented their spots with victories at Santa Anita, who plays host to the championship days once again. In both races, it was the favorites prevailing with the Bob Baffert runner; American Pharoah going wire to wire in the mile and a sixteenth, FrontRunner Stakes and Angela Renee (trained by Todd Pletcher) in the Chandelier Stakes for the girls as the second choice stalking the pace. Today and tomorrow both at Belmont and Keeneland, these young lightly raced runners will try to punch their ticket to California.

The Fall Keeneland meet opened yesterday with a new main track surface. After trying polytrack the past few years, the Kentucky boutique meet returned to a "real" dirt surface in preparation of hosting next year's Breeder's Cup Championships. The mile and a sixteenth Claiborne Breeder's Futurity (8th) assembles a evenly matched field of 12 runners. Lots of speed is signed on here and in the past Keeneland always tended to favor front end horses. Last time out in the Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs, Bold Conquest (#6) made the lead in mid stretch just to be beaten at the wire going this distance. It was his first time going two turns and he'll be my top pick here today. Selections for the Keeneland (8th)

6-5-10-1.

Belmont Park hosts four two year old races the next two days. Today, are the major preps for the Juvenile Breeder's Cup races with the Frizette Stakes for the girls and Champagne Stakes for the boys both races at a one turn mile. The ladies are first up in the Frizette (6th) with a field of seven nice looking runners. My top pick here, Cavorting (#1) was flattered with Angela Renee's victory last weekend. She looked good winning the Adirondack Stakes at Saratoga sprinting and should have no problem stretching out to the mile distance. Picks for the Belmont (6th) 1-4-6-5.

In the colts division, the Champagne Stakes (8th) Churchill Downs recent maiden breaker; Holy Boss (#5) was impressive in his debut winning by 10 lengths. With Competitive Edge on the sidelines until next year, this runner is nicely spotted here and my top selection at a decent price. Selections for the Belmont (8th) 5-3-1-6.

Tomorrow, the more sprinter oriented runners will be on showcase in the Futurity Stakes for the colts and Matron Stakes for the gals going six furlongs. The Futurity (4th) has only five colts entered and Cinco Charlie (#1) looks tough to go past here with the experience of five career starts under his belt including three victories. PARX undefeated shipper; Hebbronville (#5) is my second choice in this short field. The Matron Stakes (10th) is a little more wide open with eight entered. Empressive Humor (#7) was no factor in the Adirondack Stakes with a rough trip. I'm taking a price with her and hoping she'll improve off that effort. Picks for the Matron Stakes (10th) 7-4-3-2.

Also on Sunday at Keeneland on the turf, nine two year old colts are entered on the grass in the Bourbon Stakes (8th) going also a mile and a sixteenth. Conquest Tsunami (#7) is a Woodbine shipper who is undefeated in four lifetime starts and is a major speedster. He's the one to catch and top pick here. Selections for the grassy Bourbon Stakes (Keeneland 8th) 7-8-9-3.

Belmont Super Saturday '14 & "live" wager challange

Today is TVG Super Saturday at Belmont Park, the five grade I races and one grade II event bring together many of the nation’s top thoroughbreds for a spectacular day of racing. The centerpiece of the card is the grade I - one million Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational at a mile & quarter, a race that has produced winners like; Man o’ War, who won the second running in 1920, Kelso, who won it five straight times from 1960-64, and Curlin, whose back-to-back victories in 2007 and 2008 won him consecutive Horse of the Year honors. All six graded stakes races serving as “Win and You’re In” events for the Breeders’ Cup in November at Santa Anita Park.

Along with today's races, Capital OTB has a special contest consisting of the stakes races. A "live" money handicapping contest, much like the Monday events at Saratoga this past summer with a $80 entry fee which $60 of it are "live" wagering plays of $5.00 win / place in each of the stakes race events. I'll give my selections for each of the races and my "live" money play of $10 for the contest which will be a price horse outside my top selections.

The grade II - Kelso Invitational Handicap (4th) at a mile on dirt is the first stake of the day. A field of seven are entered with the winner gaining a place in the starting gate for the Breeder's Cup Dirt Mile. My selections here are : It'smyluckyday (#7) - Bradester (#5) - River Rocks (#4). The contest play is : Vyjack (#3) who drops from sprints and stretches out to a mile, 12-1 morning line seems best choice of runners with a chance entered here.

The grade I - Beldame Invitational Stakes (5th) is for older filly and mares going a mile & a eighth. Seven are in here too for a birth in the Breeder's Cup Distaff. My picks here are : Stopchargingmaria (#3) - Endless Chatter (#1) - Toasting (#2). For my contest play, it came down between Endless Chatter & my choice; Fiftyshadesofhay (#5) who has a victory over the course in the Ruffian Handicap at a mile coming off the pace back in May.

The grade I - Flower Bowl Invitational Stakes (7th) is for the girls going a mile & a quarter over the Belmont Inner turf course. A win here gets the lady in the Breeder's Cup Filly and Mare Turf. My top three choices here are : Stephanie's Kitten (#9) - Viva Rafaela (#3) - Abaco (#1). It came down between two runners here also for the contest win / play wager. I went with Watsdachances (#6) over Alterite (#7). This Irish bred filly is making her third start off a layoff and may have a chance with her closing kick, IF fractions are quick up front.

The grade I - Vosburgh Invitational Stakes (8th) at six furlongs gathers the best sprinters on the east coast. Once you get past the morning line favorite; Palace (#1) my top choice, it's wide open. The two runners I'll use underneath him are; Salutos Amigos (#4) and Coup de Grace (#2). For the contest play, I'm going with a 20-1 morning line, first time Belmont runner; Ribo Bobo (#8). It's all about a price play here, with a consistent sprinter who is as hard hitting as they come!

The grade I - Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes (9th) has the boys going the marathon distance of a mile & a half on the weeds. Top pick here is a runner who has done me no wrong in his starts here stateside; Main Sequence (#5) winner of back to back grade I races going this long distance. For second is the Kenneth Ramsey / Chad Brown duo entry of Big Blue Kitten & Real Solution (#1) and round out the top three ; Twilight Eclipse (#2). The "live" money wager here goes to the outside and Medal Count (#7) who was out finished in his last race at Kentucky Downs, price once again rules here again in this short wagering field.

The grade I - Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational Stakes (10th) at a mile & quarter wraps up the day with a full field of 12 in a wide open betting event. Entered here are a Jim Dandy winner, a Suburban Handicap winner, a Belmont Stakes winner, a Travers Stakes winner and Whitney Handicap winner. Here I'm going with a Belmont loving runner; Tonalist (#8) as my top selection, Wicked Strong (#3) as the runner up and speedster Moreno (#11) holding on for third. When looking for a play here to round out my live plays, I couldn't really with any of the double digit odds horses. None were consistent enough for me, so it came down to me with the two single odds horses I didn't use in my top three selections. V.E. Day came into his own at Saratoga with two victories and a big one in the Travers Stakes. But, we're back at Belmont and there's a N.Y. bred who just loves the Belmont Park strip. Zivo (#4) who won the Suburban at 13-1 back in July, gets the call here. Honest as they come, he'll be flying down the lane late.

Derby winner...... Oaks winner ...... PARX winner!

A familiar theme every September the past few years is the exciting day of racing at a track that races year round and isn't one that gets much press..... expect this weekend. Philadelphia Park or better known as PARX racetrack in Bensalem PA, host two very big races for both sexes of the three year old class. The Cotillion Handicap for fillies and the Pennsylvania Derby for the males are the feature races of the day and since these races have moved away their traditional Labor Day date, they have attracted the best of their class in preparation for the Breeder's Cup in a little over a month from now.

This year both races have assembled the top runners in their respective classes. The Cotillion Handicap (11th) is a mile and a sixteenth and has produced winners five Eclipse award winners since it's first running in 1969. Great fillies like; Susan's Girl, Jostle, Ashado and most recently, Havre de Grace and Close Hatches. Today a field of nine is assembled with a Kentucky Oaks winner and Alabama Stakes heroine.

Untapable (#8) returns versus her own sex after a non-effort against the boys in the Haskell Invitational as the favorite. Up until that race, she was unbeatable this year. A strong candidate for three year old Eclipse filly honors, she's been working well and may prove tough to beat today if she bounces back to her winning form. Stopchargingmaria (#9) has taken over the reins as the best three year old filly off her three straight graded stake victories. She draws the far outside post with her rival just inside of her. Sweet Reason (#2) ranks just behind the top two fillies mention. She has won two grade I races at a mile and seven furlongs and today tries a route versus the best. Add with these three the Alabama longshot runner up; Joint Return (#4), graded stakes California invader; Jojo Warrior (#7) and "now horse" Cassatt (#1) from the rail and you have the makings of the best three year old filly race of the year. My selections here are : 1) Joint Return (#4) running down the leaders late. 2) Untapable (#8) bouncing back, but getting caught late after fending off the challengers. 3) Sweet Reason (#4) showing that she can run with the big girls, but coming up a little short.

The Pennsylvania Derby (12th) marks the return of Kentucky Derby winner and Preakness champion; California Chrome (#1). He draws the rail and has been working up a storm ever since his Belmont Stakes flop. He meets second tier runners here, but the main goal is the Breeder's Cup Classic. Once again, Bayern (#4) tries two turns after his flop as the favorite in the Travers Stakes. Not sure if he's a two turn horse, I'll gladly pass with him here! Tapiture (#7) was well thought of along the Derby prep trail early last spring. He has won two minor three year old stakes and returns again versus the big boys. Candy Boy (#2) rounds out the list of contenders here with two runner up finishes and hasn't came back to his early three year old and two year old form. My selections here are : 1) California Chrome (#1) he finds a good spot for his return and hopefully he handles the sometimes quirky PARX surface. 2) CJ's Awesome (#8) the much improved three year old, who looks like a nice price horse to use underneath the "chalk". 3) Candy Boy (#2) he runs his usual race and will get a piece. 4) Tapiture (#7) rounds out your superfecta plays!

The Incredible WISE DAN!

“To horses, everyday is a new day to survive. It's a natural instinct. They don't think of the past or the future, only the present." Survival of the fittest takes a special being; one who has a heart of a champion, over comes life threatening obstacles and comes back with grit and determination to win again. These are the attributes of a champion racehorse, one who we've known very well the past three years. He is the two time defending Horse of the Year ~ Wise Dan.

This gelded son of Wiseman's Ferry harkens back to the time of other great gelding runners like; Forego, John Henry and more recently Lava Man. Starting out his career in somewhat obscurity for little known trainer; Charlie Lopresti, he broke his maiden as a three year old at Turfway Park in the dead of winter sprinting on their polytrack. Lightly raced, he attempted the Breeder's Cup Sprint off of just four career starts. Unsuccessful then and in his next four starts after that, he made a career switch to turf on July 4th 2011 and the legend was born.

Since winning the Firecracker Handicap, he has been nearly unbeatable winning all but one of his grass starts with 14 victories! In addition with these graded stakes victories on the weeds, he's excelled on polytrack with a first & second on dirt in the Clark Handicap and Stephen Foster. Since his off the board effort on October 11th 2011 in the Shadwell Turf Mile, Wise Dan has started 18 times running no worst than 2nd with 16 victories. An amazing record for a gutsy chestnut who has been nearly unbeatable for almost four years. For his near perfection, he has been the best horse in training and won two straight Horse of the Year titles. Everything has been going this horse's way until mid May when something went drastically wrong.

His trainer Charlie Lopresti noticed something wrong with Wise Dan after his gutsy win in the Woodford Reserve on the Kentucky Derby undercard. One of the worst things imaginable next to a leg injury is colic in a thoroughbred, which Wise Dan had developed. A life threatening issue for horses, Wise Dan was taken to Rood and Riddle equine hospital for emergency surgery. On May 16th a procedure was done to correct the flip portion of his small intestine. Miraculously, the flip part returned back to normal and the surgery was very simple. Now, was the recovery time and how long it would take for Wise Dan to get back in training and hopefully make it back to the races.

He returned to training in less than two months and would be pointed to return to the track sometime during the Saratoga meet. Unable to defend his Fourstardave Handicap title, it was in the Bernard Baruch Handicap on the final weekend of the meet. With the world watching, how would he be after his three month ordeal away from the races. Well, the old timer showed he didn't miss a step, like he was never away or a horse that had major surgery. He was victorious in the only style he knows, game as ever! Now, once again he is in the picture to defend his Horse of the Year title. If he can win the upcoming Shadwell Mile at Keeneland and repeat in the Breeder's Cup Mile, his connections could return to dirt in the Clark Handicap and cap an unbelievable season. This with either of the three year old runners faltering (California Chrome & Shared Belief) and Wise Dan would be a shoe in for a hat trick with top horse honors. Anyway you look at it though, Wise Dan is a champion on track and a champion with a big heart under all circumstances.

Another year in the books ......... bright days ahead????

The 151st season of Saratoga Race Course is now in the books. Another 40 days of "world class" thoroughbred action has flown right by as most of the meets do when you have handicapped the races for as long as I've have. It's been 26 straight years of daily handicapping between 9 and 14 races a day. The meet was the "August Place to Be" right up until the early 90's. But for nearly twenty years, the Saratoga thoroughbred meet has gone through many changes. The racing days of the meet went from 24 to 40, the daily cards are never usually under nine races and the "cheaper" events that are present at Aqueduct and Belmont, now fill the race cards at the Spa. Lots of changes throughout these years I've been following the "Summer Place to Be" and most of you know how I feel about it.

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has gone through itself many changes the past fourteen years. The powers to be at NYRA say they have "turned the corner" and made the organization a better company with the newest implications they have made. But, watching racing on the New York circuit as long as I've have, it may look good on paper with all the changes. But, the revenue that the state gets from wagering is only as good, when people playing it.

If you listen to NYRA CEO - Chris Kay, all is well with the organization under his guidance. NYRA is now in the "black" financially and the state of New York seems happy that they have gone in this direction. Finally, after over a decade it seems that thoroughbred racing in New York has stabilize. Racing cards have gotten better this summer with big day events grouping together several stakes races. Fans have gone back to the races "on track" both at Belmont and Saratoga. The daily handle rose this past Saratoga meet on track, a good sign for NYRA with their changes the past year. So, I guess the new man in charge has learned a lot the past year and deserves credit. But, for someone like myself who has been around the sport for over 25 years, things can change in a hurry. Especially if this sudden success wears off!

Ever since the State of New York has gotten deeply involved with thoroughbred racing, the bottom line is how much money NYRA can return to the state coffers. And at this time, the state is happy with NYRA and the people in charge of running it. But, like most things the state of New York does, it becomes a contest of what have you done for me lately. It's also a contest on how you bring those things to the powers in Albany. Money is the main objective and when they produce, all is well. But, we live in a gambling environment today that has it's ups and downs. While on track handle was up just a bit, overall all sources handle was down quite a bit. A sign that people are not wagering as much in a bad economy. We all know the story with the Atlantic City casinos and New York's big rush to place casinos in this state. But, the reality is that there is just so much gambling money to go around. Thoroughbred racing during the Triple Crown, Saratoga and Breeder's Cup does well with the public and their gambling dollar. Maybe that's enough for NYRA to survive with favoritism from state. But, as we know in the past, that can all change quickly. Stay tuned my friends.....