The Day After...

Tweet There's lots of great commentary out there regarding the hearings. Steve Crist's article has a good take. Lots of folks were upset that horseplayers were not mentioned (ignored actually) within the hearings, but I echo the thought that the hearings were about horse safety.

Interestingly enough, information was requested from such groups as RCI, Churchill Downs, Magna and NYRA in the May 22nd letter from the Subcommittee, but none of these groups were invited as panelists. Magna went so far in their response (located here) that they "would very much look forward to the opportunity to testify...in June." Of the five entities that were requested to supply key information to the subcommittee, only The Jockey Club was asked to testify. The responses, posted on Wednesday, at the Committee on Energy and Commerce website, include vast statistical information at the various tracks, etc.

It looks like the Saratoga bobblehead giveaway has been shelved for a year (at least). Boo!!!!

Lots of reports out there regarding Curlin's status in New York. Of course, it's all hypothetical right now, as he would actually have to apply before being "banned." An attorney in Kentucky says "no problem" for Jess Jackson, while making the point that the receivership holds the 20% interest of Midnight Cry, and thus the court-appointed receiver needs to be the one that is licensed. We'll see.

Jersey-bound Big Brown (don't hold your breath that he'll actually show up) is the most recent star to avoid Saratoga. Over the past four years such greats as Afleet Alex (injury-retired), Rags to Riches (injury-retired), and Curlin (Haskell) have dashed my hopes of seeing all of them at the Spa. It seems to be an annual and more frequent occurrence. As Steve Asmussen most famously said, “I think Graveyard of Champions and the best horse I've ever had shouldn't go in the same sentence. That's how I've always felt about it. I didn't give it that nickname, but we're aware of what happens here.” Boo!

Adoro la cerveza.

The big race Saturday is the Colonial Turf Cup. Court Vision and Kentucky Bear try the grass for the first time, and Adriano returns to the turf as the 3-1 morning line favorite. I like a tri-box with Adriano (Prado), Nistle's Crunch (Albarado) and Boss Lafitte (Leparoux). My big worry is Sporting Art, as Javier is always tough on the lawn...so I may throw him underneath if I decide to play a wheel also. Good luck!