Shaken, Not Stirred

Tweet I took this photo on Prince of Wales Day at Fort Erie in the parking lot on my way to the track, when this large horse van from H. James Bond Racing Stables, Saratoga Springs, caught my eyes. On that day his entry Pewter, had the early lead but gave way to Harlem Rocker (who we should see on the fourth Saturday in August at the Spa) at the top of the stretch in the second leg of Canada's triple crown.


So far at the Saratoga meet, Bond has had only one entry so far, but has one going today in the fourth, Prominent, in a 3yo $25K maiden claimer. She is the 3-1 ML second choice behind Mike McDonald's Isn't That Special (5-2). The El Prado filly has done no better than third in three lifetime starts for Bond and looks to break her maiden over 6 furlongs on the main track. Unfortunately Prominent isn't firing out of the 7 hole...but from the rail.



Very funny that I named this post before looking at some youtube entries looking for some of the old Bond vodka martini scenes and discovered there is an actual new 007 movie coming out under the title Quantum of Solace in November 08....here's a fan trailer:





And for you Bond junkies like me...here is what I was really looking for....



I'm looking for Bond to post his first victory at the Spa today and celebrate with a little Grey Goose, shaken not stirred...

Master of the Grand Slam

Tweet The Iron Man, Lou Gehrig is the all-time career leader in grand slams at 23, with Man-Ram of the Bosox close behind (21 by my lousy research skills). Gehrig has held this record since 1939, all hit over the course of his 17-year career with the New York Yankees. Gehrig hit 493 career home runs, including 49 with four grand slams in 1934. Gehrig also had a career .340 batting average.

The Grand Slam in NY Racing is a wager, typically made with the feature being the fourth leg of the wager. The first three legs only require the bettor's selection to hit the board (win, place or show), with the final leg in the day's feature requiring the winnner. So far after one week of the Saratoga meet, the average daily grand slam payout has been $63.75 for a $2 wager. It can be an inexpensive bet should you choose to single the first three legs and play a larger number of horses in the anchor race. The biggest payout so far was this past longshot Monday's at $139.00, and the lowest being on day two at $28.80. It's an interesting bet for the smaller bankroll players to keep an eye on.

The Synthetics Symposium was held yesterday in Saratoga's Fasig-Tipton Sales Arena, as discussed in yesterday's post, check out two excellent entries by symposium attendees Brooklyn Backstretch and Railbird highlighting the day's panel discussions.

Michael Trombetta, who is very good at picking his spots, has three horses entered today at the Spa. I like Sagamoon at 6-1 or higher in the Fleet Indian Stakes (ninth race) going from turf to dirt and based on the route to sprint angle. Glory Gold (3-1 ML) goes in the second and Into the Wind (3-1 ML, blinkers off) goes in the seventh for Trombetta, who has only raced two horses during the meeting so far.

Task Force on Retired Racehorses

Tweet Today at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Arena in Saratoga a New York Task Force on Retired Racehorses will be holding a Synthetic Surface Forum with panelists throughout the industry taking center stage. In 2007 a state law was passed to find uses (other than slaughter) for retired racehorses. Part of the mandate is to investigate synthetic surfaces. Ben Liebman from Albany Law School will be moderating the morning session which includes two panels one made up of management/track officials and one of veternarians. The afternoon panels include one each of trainers jockeys and researchers.

The panelists include the following:

Management/Track Officials: Charlie Hayward (President/CEO - NYRA), Bob Elliston (President/CEO - Turfway Park), Irwin Dreidger (Director of Thoroughbred Racing Services - Woodbine) and Sally Goswell (Manager, Fair Hill Training Center).

Vets: Dr. Mark Cheney (Cheney and Northrop Equine DVM, PSC) and Dr. Rick Arthur (Equine Medical Director - Cal Horse Racing Board)

Trainers: Dale Romans, Nick Zito, Todd Pletcher, Mark Casse

Jockeys: Edgar Prado, Johnny V, Javier Castellano, and the Mig

Researchers: Dr. Sue Stover (Professor, UCal-Davis), Dr. Mick Peterson (Professor - Univ of Maine), Dr. Mark Hurtig (Associate Professor, Ontario Veterinary College)

You may remember Dr. Stover was on Panel II of the Congressional Hearings. It looks like they have assembled various individuals in charge of tracks or monitoring tracks currently with synthetic surfaces (Turfway, Woodbine, Cal Racing, etc.). Hopefully we will hear the results of today's panel session in tomorrow's news. The issue in NY remains as where the money would come from as the estimates to put in synthetic surfaces as the three NYRA tracks could be in the tens of millions.

Week one at Saratoga concluded with my favorite pirate horse (featured here many times) Arrrrr breaking his maiden in stirring fashion (you could even say I called it in yesterday's post). Tom Durkin's call is classic and is featured today by Ruben at Average Horse Player, give it a listen it is worth the time. Of course now that he broke his maiden, the Saratoga Resident has given me a chore to find a magic horse so we can use this week's joke: Magician walks down an alley...turns into a bar! The boy needs some new material. Congrats again to Mike Luzzi and Arrrrr!

Monday Morning Quarterback

Tweet The Jim Dandy unfolded pretty much as projected in many a blog and website as Mint Lane and Da’Tara hooked up in a speed dual in the opening fractions. I thought my main choice Tale of Ekati and second choice Tiz Now Tiz Then would strike exacta gold for me when Ekati made his move on the far turn to take the lead with Tiz Now Tiz Then right there with him. Alas, it was all set up for Macho Again, the Preakness runnerup, and Pyro to pick up the pieces when Ekati tired in the stretch. TNTT ran a dynamite race in his first G2 effort. Sets up an interesting Travers scenario, wherein the past three Dandy winners have finished off the double winning the midsummer’s Derby (Flower Alley, Bernardini and Street Sense). Should Big Brown win on Saturday, he looms as a potential starter as well.

The 11th was a 5 ½ furlong sprint on the softened turf and ended up playing out the route to sprint angle I recently read about in Best of the Bets – Longshots 2 in the chapter on trainer angles. The 16-1 winner Come Close ($33.80) had come off five or six route races shortening up to a turf sprint and appeared to be a closer based on his running lines. Running second was my man Javier Castellano, who continues to ride longshot horses on the turf into the money running on 16-1 Chief Operator to complete a $435 exacta. It goes to show that if you search hard enough you can find value.

Tip of the cap to fellow TBA'er Power Cap who had a nice call on his play of the day, Loaves and Dishes in the 1st yesterday, I played a little W/P on him and he cashed nicely finishing second and paying $13.20 for place. He has been sniffing it with his picks over the past month, keep an eye on his site.

In today’s 5th at the Spa, one of my NYC clients who is part of a Dogwood syndicate, has Barbarillo running in a maiden special weight turf sprint for 2yo fillies. Barbarillo by Rahy (out of Barbed Wire) was purchased at the September Keeneland sale for $160K and has Javier in the irons on the turf (hmmm) and a morning line of 8-1. The favorite is the Unbridled firster Sally’s Song (4-1ML) with the everpresent Pletcher/Johnny V combo.

Hopefully the Spa will go rain-free today as the first week comes to an end. Johnny V leads the jockey colony with 7 wins and $758K in earnings followed closely by Eibar Coa with 6. Steve Asmussen, bolstered by his three opening day winners has the trainer lead with 4, followed by Rick Dutrow and Bobby Frankel with 3 each.

My Bills in Toronto tickets are to arrive this week. I have to admit I bought them with the thoughts of possibly reselling them if demand grows high. But I am also very curious as to the reaction and setting up there in the great white north. I bought the full series (nosebleed seats for $85 each) of eight games over the next five years which includes five regular season games (Miami this year) figuring if I can’t make it up there I should be able to get out pretty reasonably. The Buffalo News reported that the high ticket prices (I had a chance for 50 yd line seats for $400/each (yikes) but passed) and the requirement to buy all eight games has softened sales, with almost 14,000 seats still available (capacity 55,000). I’m not one of those locals who fears the team moving (although it may be inevitable), I’m hoping that they just split the games between Buffalo and Toronto (ala Green Bay/Milwaukee in the 70’s) so we retain some identity.

On the same front, my Brett Favre to Buffalo campaign has not gained much steam.

My pirate horse Arrrrr goes in the 2nd today and is actually at 9-2 in the 6 furlong $35K maiden claimer. Maybe his 13th try will be a lucky one. Mike Luzzi is in the irons. He just missed breaking his maiden on June 26th at Belmont losing by a half length to Yankee Chief, but besting Slick Wheelie (who we saw on opening day) by 8 ½ lengths. I wore my pirate shirt out on opening night eve at Gaffney’s for good luck, maybe today’s the day.

If you haven’t seen the blog site Gathering the Wind yet, it should be added to your favorites, as it is one of my daily reads. Always eloquent, he hits the nail on the head when it comes to the racing fan’s perspective and has me enjoying a daily belly laugh.

Tale of Ekati to the Rescue

Tweet I agree with commenter and handicapping pal JB who thinks Tale of Ekati is sitting on a big race today in the $500K Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) at historic Saratoga Race Course. After suffering a cut caused by Big Brown in the Belmont he faded to sixth in the stretch and was not a factor. Barclay Tagg should have him ready today and with top fan Bo Derek recently being appointed to the California Racing Board and the morning line being 10-1....hmm. Does Bo know horses?

Here she is in the paddock stall (#7) at the Belmont rooting her man on!

Regardless of his entourage, I'm thinking TOE is the value play today at those odds in this key prep race for the $1M Travers Stakes later next month. The other horse that intrigues me today is Tiz Now Tiz Then, the Eoin Harty-trained colt who ran a 1:41 and 3 in the Iowa Derby at a mile and an eighth, better time than any horse at that distance in this race. Underneath I'm thinking Pyro and Mint Lane to round out the first four. It should be a Dandy!

I didn't get to see all of yesterday's big four, but thought Bejarano was the man finding that opening to get Ginger Punch through in the Go For Wand. What a tremendous effort! Once Bustin Stones scratched I changed my $10 Double to Abraaj and hit it to ease the pain inflicted by Forever Together on my Pick 4 selections. Although I didn't play him I was very happy to see one of my favorites and NY-bred Commentator win his second Whitney in four years. I saw him up close at Gulfstream in January where he set a track record and really enjoy watching him race. Based on his last effort in the Met Mile, I thought he would tire in the stretch, but he ended up wiring the field in fine fashion. Good job ole' boy.

I've added the Toga Party! contest standings on the sidebar under Toga Handicapping Contest to view everyone's picks with today's Jim Dandy giving everyone involved a chance at point #2.

Not sure the origination of the Jim Dandy, I'm sure someone will blog about it today, all I can remember is the 45 (rpm) my parents had in the 70's playing "Jim Dandy to the Rescue!" Here are the Black Oak Arkansas playing the song I used to sing while eating Bugles in my underwear...

(Courtesy: myjimdandy - youtube)

Enjoy the day at the Spa.

Saturday Big Four Pick 4

Tweet I remember 2006 Whitney Day which ended up in a long night of flip cup against some younger Elmira College fellow alums in the Saratoga Resident's driveway. Good times. They spanked the old guys pretty good, but we hung in there for a bunch of 40-somethings. But even more so, I remember playing the new NY track bet Grand Slam and was alive in the Whitney to three horses, Invasor, Flower Alley and West Virginia. So I was hoping to sit down tonight and throw together a Grand Slam on the big four graded stakes races tomorrow at Toga for old times sake, but unfortunately found out they will be only taking Pick 4 bets on those races and the Slam is only on races 5 through 8. Oh well, there goes that play for nostalgia purposes. Of course Invasor held off a game Sun King that day by a nose and gave me a nice winner, although I was really rootin' hard for West Virginia which had a will pay north of $500....

So we'll play a little Pick 4 on the major races tomorrow just for fun:

Diana (G1): The Diana sees the return of Wait a While coming off a long lay off since January. GoGo ships in from the Left Coast with Rutherienne who hasn't won since April at Keeneland. As I think we can go with singles in the next two legs I think you have to go deep here with Dynaformer (second off shipping over), Criminologist (2 for 2 at the Spa) and Lady Digby no worse than second in her last five races.

Pick 4 first leg: #2 Dyaformer, #6 Criminologist, #7 Rutherienne and #10 Lady Digby

Vanderbilt (G2): Thor's Echo had a nice return in the True North on Belmont Day finishing fourth but less than two lengths back. But the undefeated Bustin Stones with Edgar Prado aboard is the single here with some backup tickets with Abraaj and Thor's Echo.

Pick 4 second leg: #6 Bustin Stones

Go For Wand (G1): It's all Breeders Cup Distaff champ Ginger Punch as she appears to outclass the rest in here. She is the defending champ and should put these away handily.

Pick 4 third leg: #1 Ginger Punch

Whitney (G1): 07 Derby trail horse Notional takes on one of my favorites 05 Whitney champ Commentator who beat old rival Saint Liam in a speed dual. I think Commentator will burn out as he did in the Met Mile as he will be stretching out another furlong here. My main ticket will feature Student Council who should bounce back after rough go of it in the Hollywood Gold Cup. Grasshopper runs well at the Spa, but just doesn't seem to ever get the win, so I'm laying off him. (Updated 9.37am Saturday after looking again at Solar Flare...like his numbers and Larry Jones firing at 34% in graded stakes)

Pick 4 fourth leg: #2 Solar Flare, #3 Notional, #6 Tasteyville, #10 Student Council

Summary:
$2 Main Ticket: 2,6,7,10/6/1/2,3,6,10 Cost: $32
$1 Backup: 1,4/5,6/1/2,6,10 Cost: $12
$1 Backup: 2,5,7,10/1,6/1/2 Cost: $8
$1 Backup: 6,7,10/1,6/1/3 Cost: $6
$1 Backup 5/6/1/2,6,10 Cost: $3

$61 total bets

Go here for real time horse racing odds.

Gray skies = Gray horse

Tweet As noted in my Gone Fishin' post prior to leaving for Toga, JB's K had given the gray skies = gray horse angle. So what do you know...3 of 4 grays hit yesterday on a rain-soaked opening day! Cognito ($4.60) in the 2nd, Lookin at Her ($11.40) in the 5th and Building New Era ($4.70) in the 7th.


Here are some photos from the opening day monsoon:

Star Player ($11.40) romping home in the opener. G-Money with at $10win bet cashed early in our group!























Tom Durkin getting ready to call the 4th....





















They break from the gate in the 4th, won by the 1A theartofcompromise ($11.60).






















A view of the Turf Terrace where we had a Big Tuna sighting (Bill Parcells - boo Dolphins!)






















Jardin ($25.00), the winner of the Schuylerville in the Post Parade...





















All in all despite the rain, we had a fun day (when is a day at the track not fun). I caught one big exacta for $5 (paying $110) in the 5th with the aforementioned Lookin at Her and Vinnie Van Go (what a stretch run by Vinnie!), a small exacta in the 2nd (2/7 was the combo in both!) and a $3 place bet on Sonny Pajamas in the 10th. The champ of the day was the Puma (the artist formerly known as M-Bug) who nailed the tri and exacta in the last race paying bocco bucks. It was off to The Lodge and Grey Gelding (where else on a gray day) for libations, food and good fun with friends. Many thanks to the Saratoga Resident who always goes the extra mile for his pals.

Gone Fishin'

Tweet Off this morning to Saratoga to do a little fishin' for winners!

First stop, Ballston Spa, for a little golf match with The Saratoga Resident and M-Bug. A East (Capital District) vs. West (Buffalo) grudge match wherein they'll be trying to wrestle the annnual East-West crown away from me and my partner G-Money (G-$$).

Received a funny email yesterday from my pal JB who gave me the idea for the Toga meet contest (last day to pick is tomorrow, the picks are coming in fast and furious). Apparently his fiancee (let's call her JB's K) wanted in on the action but thought the questions were unfair so she posed her own contest for those who wish to participate (her answers first, mine in parenthesis):

1. Most popular shoes not worn by horses - Prada (Jimmy "I Lost My" Choo)
2. Least crowded ladies room - 2nd floor clubhouse, past finish line (no idea)
3. Best place to watch races - 3rd floor clubhouse - Turf Terrace on the finish line (Stewards booth)
4. Most popular drink - Sparkling Saratoga water (Bud Light - shameless client plug)
5. Where to go after the races - The Lodge (Grey Gelding)
6. Where not to go after the races - The Horseshoe (Harness Track)
7. Most popular Travers Day outfit - Ann Taylor sun dress and hat (LOL)
8. Best way to pick a winner - Gray skies = gray horse (Ask Saratoga Resident, avoid choice)

Thanks, JB's K, for your input and hilarity. PS I won't be tracking this contest.

And they're off at Saratoga.......

O for Del Mar

Tweet I remember a college hoop practice or two that my caring teammates would kid me that I was "Ohhh for Monday" or whatever day of the week it was on the rare occasion that I was having an off day shooting the rock. Well, 2007 Eclipse Award winning jock Garret Gomez is Oh for Del Mar through the opening weekend after 17 mounts. After deciding to stay out west for the Del Mar meet after spending his last two summers at the Spa, he is having a rough go of it on the quickened polytrack. Did I really just say "quickened polytrack?"

G-squared (17 0-4-3, 0%) is struggling big time after two tough stakes rides yesterday afternoon where he was on the favorite in the Fleet Treat S. on Spring Awakening,where he finished a disappointing fourth and on 4-1 Spring House in the Eddie Read Hcp (G1), where again he finished fourth. It's probably just a run of bad luck for the top jockey....he is up on two morning line favorites out of his three mounts today to try and break the jinx (Rapid Goose in the 3rd and Lady Schnapps in the 5th). His other mount, Mix in the 1st is a 5-1 ML entry. (Update: GoGo broke the string after finishing fifth with Mix and second with the Goose, finally following them up with a win by even money fav Lady Schnapps to get off the schneid!!)

Just Horsing Around

Tweet With the opening day pilgrimmage to nirvana (toga) just a couple days away, it's amazing that summer is starting to come into full swing and that Bills training camp starts Friday in Rochester. E'gads it's football season already? I thought I would list some wishes and thoughts that have been awash in the far reaches of my cerebrum. Today we'll let the lobster loose...here goes:

- I'm really excited about the Toga opening day card drawn by NYRA yesterday, consisting of five turf and five dirt races including two stakes and there will be a Spooky Mulder sighting in Race 10. One is a non-graded state-bred turf sprint for 3yos and upward and the feature is the Schuylerville (G3) for juvenile (2yo) fillies. Ashado won this race in 2003.

- If you haven't made your progostications for my little Toga contest go here. NYRA listed probables for this weekend's Whitney and Jim Dandy here as well as for Saratoga's other opening week stakes races.

- It's unfortunate that GoGo Garrett Gomez decided to stay out west for the Del Mar meet after having an excellent go (no pun intended) at it the last two summers in Toga. He's one of my favorite jocks and will be missed during the meet. Not that he won't be busy shipping around the country on weekends to ride some top mounts and you're sure to catch a glimpse of him at the Spa.

- The Alabama is looking to shape up as a rematch between Mother Goose and CCA American Oaks champ Music Note and Kentucky Oaks winner Proud Spell. Here's hoping EquiSpace favorites Sweet Vendetta and Bsharpsonata join the fray what should be a nice preview of who will be the main challenger to Zenyatta and Hystericalady in the BC Ladies' Classic.

- I've been pretty quiet on the Curlin front. I voted for him to continue the Turf campaign in the various polls you can find out there nowadays. He is currently stabled and training at Saratoga and it sure would be nice to see him in the Sword Dancer on Alabama Day from a completely selfish standpoint. I just don't think it will happen. His trainer has said in the past that they call it "the graveyard of champions" for a reason and there's more money to be made elsewhere. I don't see them shipping to France for a prep and then having to make the walk of shame if he doesn't deliver and thus bypasses the Arc.

- I've heard so much about Hialeah Park in Miami, which has been dark since 2001. Reports by the Palm Beach Post say that CNet founder Halsey Minor is interested in buying the racetrack from the former owner who shut it down seven years ago. Minor also sold GrandCentral to Google last year (translation: the dude is loaded). If they could structure a meet before Gulfstream's winter meet (hurricanes withstanding) with some slight overlap so they could regenerate the Flamingo Stakes, long a Derby prep, ending in February it might just work.

From the old guy front......

- I'm starting the Brett Favre to Buffalo Campaign. Out of the 25 Hall of Fame quarterbacks only my boyhood idol Johnny U played past age 40. Favre turns 39 in October. Let's take a look at some common sense stuff that only makes it a natural for him to join our beloved Bills: It's cold in Buffalo (check). We have frozen tundra (check). We need a veteran quarterback (check). This town would adore him. (check). We are well under the cap (check). Nice cheese factory less than an hour away (check). Roswell Park, one of nation's largest cancer centers located here, could use a celebrity booster who supports breast cancer research (check). Team is on the rise (check). Brett Favre, come on down to the City of Good Neighbors!

- I followed Greg Norman last month at the Senior PGA (with his new bride Chrissy Evert within spittin distance) and I thought his game looked very sharp. The Shark is battling right now to stay atop the leaderboard at Royal Birkdale and become the oldest winner of a major at the spry age of 53. Hell, I'm rooting for him. He'd also become the first man to win the same major in three different decades. What do ya know....

- The venerable Lava Man takes to the turf today at Del Mar in the Eddie Read Handicap. Hope this former champ has some gas left in the tank. The Norman/Lava Man double sure would make today one of those days for the old guys. Maybe he can take a cue from 10 (!) year old Evening Attire winner of the Greenwood Cup at PHA yesterday setting a track record nonetheless in his eight length win!

Drive for Five

Tweet Bella Cavello Stables' star mare La Chica Rica goes for five in a row on Friday night (8:23pm) under the lights at Penn National in the Day Lilly Stakes (non-graded). This looks to be the toughest test she's faced in 2008 since finishing third behind millionaire Silmaril and the stakes-winning All Giving in the Whatasummer at Laurel Park in January. She's gone off as the even money favorite in three of the last four races and was still at 1.3-1 when she was second choice three races back. She changes venues from her Mountaineer and stretches out a bit to 6 furlongs. All those factors have her as the 7-2 Morning Line second choice behind Jet Away Jane (5-2 ML), who is coming off a second place finish at Presque Isle Downs in a $74K non-graded stakes race behind Mac N Mayo (who won her next race). Look for her to jump out early and duel with Circuit Breaker or My Sister Sue and try to hold off Jet Away Jane who will look to close late.

A win here would extend the winning streak to five and put Chica over the $400K lifetime earnings mark. Eric Camacho gets the ride for trainer Crystal Pickett. La Chica is 10-7-4 in 32 lifetime starts (by Disco Rico out of Colonial Conquest) and was bred by High Five Stables (is that an omen?). You can obtain the past performances for this race at the TBA site located here under non-graded stakes pps for the Day Lilly S - PEN. Good luck Chica! If you want to bet the races online go to this horse betting site.

(Update from the ownership group: "Sorry to report we are going to scratch her tonight. She's a little under the weather and needs to be at 100% for a group like this!" We'll keep you posted regarding where she's pointing to next.) (Update #2: Jet Away Jane closed late to win by 1 3/4 lengths)

Congrats to the Bella Cavello Stables team for Monday's win with Neon Nights ($8.80) at Colonial Downs in a $8,500 claimer turf sprint. It looks like jockey K. Crews rode a beautiful race after angling out six wide in mid stretch and closed steadily while taking command at the sixteenth pole per the chart notes.

3:59

Tweet Jim Ryun has his record-setting sub-four minute mile as a high schooler (inset). Joltin' Joe has his 56-game hitting streak. Secretariat has his 31 1/2 length Belmont victory. Michael Vick owns all of the rushing records on cell block D. Records and performances that live into infamy. The Saratoga Resident and I have our 3:59. It is the magic number. The unattainable. No, it's not a little one mile jog, it's a marathon. It's the sub-four hour trek from Buffalo to Saratoga. Starting point: Main Street, Williamsville. Ending point: A particular driveway in Saratoga Springs on a well-known street. Distance: 278.12 miles in total. Mapquest says 4 hours 41 minutes. The Saratoga Resident claims he has done the reverse 3:59 (Saratoga to Buffalo) on May 24th, 2008, but he failed to register his starting time with me, thus earning him a big fat DQ. I'm sure he'll beg to differ.

How does one achieve the 3:59?

1) For starters, it has to be official. A registered phone call or email marking the start time is always required. The finish is on the honor system typically with a phone call or email to say how many minutes it was missed by. The unofficial record right now is 4:08 (let's say it's not mine).
2) Gassing up pre-drive is a must. I was caught last opening day eve having to make the obligatory 5 minute pit stop for gas that cost me any chance. Rookie mistake.
3) Planets must be aligned.
4) Can't be a holiday weekend....too many cops, too many trucks, too many cars. Meaning traffic must be at a minimum.
5) No pee breaks. Gotta do yo' bizness before the ride commences.
6) Multiple stints over 80. Based on the distance this is a required tactic to achieve the 3:59. Best, also, to be a card-carrying member of the local PBA or police foundation (check).
7) No passengers. a) distracting to the task at hand and b) the Space Gal doesn't find our little game humorous at all.
8) No emailing or texting. Causes unnecessary slow downs.
9) Most importantly the arrival time of day. Getting to Toga any time between 3pm and 6pm and you're stuck on Broadway and it's all over. Too many times have I had it in sight only to be thwarted on Broadway. I once reached the Starbucks at Broadway at 3:58, only to post a 4:10 and receive the following retort "Is Starbucks my driveway?"
10) Lastly, the correct route must be selected. It's either Exit 28 and in on Route 29 (a nightmare two lane road with tons of old ladies going 35 in a 55) or Exit 27 to Route 67 and in on Route 50 to downtown Saratoga. I've been going with Exit 28 for years now based on the Saratoga Resident's astute advice. How does he go when he sets the unofficial reverse 3:59...yep, Exit 27.

Well it's another track season and another go at 3:59. My first try will be Alabama weekend (hopefully the Space Gal sleeps), so I'll be breaking my own rule number 7. We have a little grudge golf match in Ballston Spa next Tuesday so it messes up any attempt during the opening day visit. We will try and run a little unofficial reverse 3:59 on my return on Thursday. The gauntlet has been thrown down.

Forecast: Toga Party!

Tweet One of my handicapping pals, JB, gave me an idea for a post yesterday and I am granting him all credit for this idea, which I have only expanded upon slightly. Let's have a little informal contest forecasting some of the results of the upcoming Toga meet in a couple of different areas. I'll be bold enough to throw mine out there (1 pt per correct answer), winner gets bragging rights (what more is there?). 12 total pts available plus a tie-breaker. Post your picks in my comments section or email them to me and I will maintain a spreadsheet and we'll see who does the best by the end of the meet. Must post in this post's comment section before next Wednesday's meet starts at 1pm EST.

EquiSpace selections:

1) Leading trainer for the meet (based on wins): Pletcher
2) Number of leading trainer wins during the meet: 25
3) Leading jockey for the meet (based on wins): Prado
4) Number of leading jockey wins during the meet: 42
5) Jim Dandy winner: Da'Tara

6) Whitney winner: Commentator

7) Number of wins by the 8 horse on Friday, 08/08/08: 2
8) Alabama winner: Proud Spell
9) Sword Dancer winner: Daytona
10) Travers winner: Harlem Rocker
11) King's Bishop winner: J be K
12) Travers Day attendance: 34,500

Tiebreaker (bonus) Jockey earnings leader: Coa

Final standings will be tabulated Labor Day eve.

Good luck!

Here's something to get you all fired up for the meet (this scene is R rated for those who shouldn't be watching and you know who you are)!



Credit to classyfilms (youtube)

Rockin' the Fort

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After the morning rain subsided and the clouds broke, my driveway doppler was telling me to head up to the Fort for the big race. The $500K Prince of Wales, second leg of the triple crown. I arrived just before the 5th race to a packed parking lot and a beautiful sunny 75 degree day in lovely Southern Ontario. No bridge issues to deal with and customs was a breeze, which it should be when traveling solo in a completely empty car! As it was only my second trip to the Fort, the crowd was very big. I laughed when I saw the James Bond Racing Stables horse van with the 007 jockey silks moniker on the side as I thought it may be a good omen for my boy Pewter, but alas he burned out on the final turn after leading the first six furlongs. I found a nice bench in the sun by the paddock, to read the form, suck down a Blue and take in the sights before the big race. I took a couple pictures of Eibar Coa as he boarded his mount in the 6th, the favorite Sheba (#1 horse below), who was here to ride Harlem Rocker. No Todd Pletcher sightings, as I figure he probably stayed on the Atlantic Coast with Unbridled Belle, scheduled to run in a G2 at Delaware Park.

The lines were long for both beer and betting, but I found a nice tucked away vendor and used my twinspires phone account to avoid the windows, so I was able to take in more of the sights. I hit a small exacta in the 7th, just messing around, and was then all set for the big race. I had thrown out Not Bourbon earlier in the day. That was a pretty easy play, as it was his first time on dirt. I can't understand if you point a horse for the Canadian triple crown and you know that the second leg is on dirt, why you wouldn't give him a try on it before the big race. Harlem Rocker, the morning line second choice, appeared to be taking most of the money at the windows and went off as the favorite at 4/5. He looked terrific in the paddock as did Deputyiformer, who I thought would run a better race than he did.

James Bond's Pewter shot off to the early lead and held it for six furlongs. Not Bourbon was around for a little while, but tired in the stretch and had nothing on this beautiful day. At the top of the stretch, the Rocker made his move and a glorious one it was. He held off a late challenge by 21-1 East End Tap (Jen Morrison of the Toronto Star had him third) and triumphed by nearly four lengths to the roar of the Fort Erie crowd. Pletcher's star showed he is a fast dirt horse and we should see more of him this summer, either in Saratoga at the Travers (where Pletcher will have a full barn) or maybe at the Haskell at Monmouth. Here's hoping he tries the Travers and some of the American classic competition, he seemed to do well with plenty of rest and coming back in three weeks or so for the Haskell may be asking too much. I think everyone at the track saw a pretty good horse win, and should see more good things from him in the future.

In the Spotlight

Tweet It's one of those rare weekends in WNY and Southern Ontario, when the racing world actually focuses on our neck of the woods. There was actually a full page in the Buffalo News sports section devoted to racing today. I can't remember (other than Derby Day) when that's happened. The main reason is that it's Prince of Wales Day at Fort Erie with a seven horse field of Canadian-bred three year olds. The $500K second jewel of Canada's triple crown will be run over the dirt and Plate winner Not Bourbon (7-5 ML) will surely be the favorite when they reach the post sometime around 4:49pm. There's actually plenty going on around here this weekend, as the Yankees have been in Toronto for a weekend series, the second leg of the Big Apple Triple was run yesterday down the thruway in Canandaigua, and the 25th annual Taste of Buffalo is in full force. Congrats to Tin Cup Chalice, love that name, for hitting the second leg of OTB's Big Apple Triple at Finger Lakes. He now goes after a $250K bonus at Saratoga on August 20th in the Albany Stakes.

It rained pretty hard yesterday afternoon and looks like we had some rain last night so the Fort Erie track may be a bit damp today based on what my driveway looks like this morning. It is a good day to play "beat the favorite" as it is NB's first time on the dirt in nine outings and I just like playing against the polytrack to dirt angle. So I'm taking a flyer in this one. Pewter, out of the James Bond barn, should be a big number at the window today, has good off track pedigree (should it stay muddy) and has some very good works on his tab over the Oklahoma training track in Saratoga. Bond is a good trainer and wouldn't put him in here unless he thought he had something. He, like rival Harlem Rocker, failed miserably on the polytrack in his last outing, the Plate Trial. Both he and the Rocker (Coa coming in for the ride) are well rested and should be in great shape entering today. So, I'm going with an $007 exacta box with those two (Pewter/Rocker) and $007 win/place on Pewter today. I'll be watching with martini in hand, shaken not stirred.

Wanna buy a horse?

Tweet If you want to be a horse owner, but not deal with all of the logistics that go along with it, maybe a syndicate is for you. There are all kinds out there if you look in the right places. Remember, Sackatoga Stables was formed by a bunch of friends in Sacketts Harbor, NY that got together to start a “syndicate” that included the classic horse Funny Cide and look what happened?

The United Thoroughbred Racing Syndicate will be run out of Woodbine in Toronto. The advantages for joining a syndicate such as the United Syndicate, is that the cost per share is not too expensive for the racing enthusiast at $1,000/share. In addition to the share, they charge a monthly fee of $160 plus applicable taxes (GST, PST), and promise not to come back to the shareholders asking for additional money. I clarified that the monthly fees do not represent capital contributions, but are treated an expense of the shareholder and revenue for the syndicate in order to cover training and veterinary costs. The initial syndicate is seeking $25K to buy a yearling at a 2008 sale. The first syndicate will not charge a fee, per the founder, as the proceeds will all be spent on the horse. The only profit UTS will make will be a 5% cut of any winnings. If the horse doesn't win, nothing goes to the syndicate. The founder will also be purchasing at least one share in the syndicate as well to demonstrate his commitment to the horse. He also stated that they are “currently working on a program to take a percentage of the winnings out of United’s Share to donate directly to a local thoroughbred retirement facility and our commitment to the well being of the horse will ALWAYS come first, even if we have to sell.”

I asked the founder, David Godin, several questions in an interview after understanding the initial concept:

EquiSpace: Why the trailing monthly fees ($160/mo) for a minimum of 2 years? Why not one price for a share all in so you don't have to chase the money?
UTS: Breaking up the fees quarterly will reduce the initial amount of money someone would need to take out of their pocket. The option is available to pay all the fees in advance if one wishes. I would like to bring new people into the sport at a reasonable cost, requiring it all to be paid in advance may "scare" people away from the idea.

EquiSpace: If the money runs out after two years (the minimum for trailing fees), where will it come from if you say you don't go back to the well...won't you have to make a capital call at that point?
UTS: United Thoroughbreds will be required to cover any fees over and above during the course of the two years. At the end of the two years the syndicate will have the option to renew or sell the horse and/or their shares. If the horse is to be sold it is our obligation to get a "fair market price" for the horse. That being said if the horse is of considerable value the syndicate would be highly likely to renew for another two year term. If not the horse would have either been claimed in a claiming race or it will be retired and sold "off" the racetrack. We have a firm stance regarding the well being of our horses. It is of the utmost concern that none of our horses get sold to an auction or sold for slaughter.

EquiSpace: If a shareholder defaults on the monthly fee, what happens?
UTS: That shareholder will be given every resonable opportunity to make good on his/her dues. If that does not occur their share will be sold for $1 or to the highest bidder already in the syndicate.

EquiSpace: Will your annual financial statements be audited by a CA or CPA?
UTS: Annual reports will be audited by a CA.

EquiSpace: Will there be minimum shares that will be sold per syndicate?
UTS: We will be looking to completely sell all 25 shares. If it does not sell out I will offer the opportunity to the current shareholders with the purchase of a less expensive yearling. However our best efforts are in place to sell all 25 shares.

EquiSpace: How many syndicates do you anticipate in year one?
UTS: Year one will consist of a yearling syndicate and very shortly we will be adding a claiming syndicate. These will more than likely be the only two available in our first year.

EquiSpace: How many horses will be housed in each syndicate?
UTS: One horse per syndicate however I will be looking to manage as many as possible.

Horse ownership is a risky endeavor all on its own. Sharing that risk by joining a syndicate, reduces that risk somewhat and this syndicate appears to be in the modest fan’s wheel house. Their own website comments on risk as follows: “Owning a race horse is a "risky" investment, with many horses racing at a claiming level or yearlings that never make a race at all. Dividing the "risk" will ensure owning a racehorse is a manageable expense that will allow you to learn the ropes before risking it all.”

Calder Trophy Winner Draws Field

Tweet The NHL's Rookie of the Year and most famous living South Buffalonian (RIP Tim Russert) drew the field for Sunday's $500K Prince of Wales Stakes (G1) at Fort Erie Race Track across the border from downtown Buffalo. Patrick Kane, rookie phenom for the Chicago Blackhawks and Calder Trophy winner, was present today to draw the eight post positions for the second leg of Canada's triple crown. Kane led all rookies scoring 72 points, including 21 goals in his initial professional campaign, lifting Chi-town's hopes for future success and bringing the hockey throngs back to the United Center. This is the biggest race held at beautiful Fort Erie, run at a mile and 3/16ths.

Not Bourbon, who will be running on dirt for the first time, drew the 7 post and was made the 7-5 favorite by oddsmaker Jerry Davis. He is trained by the popular Roger Attfield, who last won this race in 2005 with Ablo, and he has won it four times in his career. The Buffalo News' beat racing reporter Bob Summers was on hand and has a nifty video here showing the draw live. "Pletcher's white horse" drew the 4 hole and was made the 2-1 second choice. That white horse being Harlem Rocker, the Withers winner over J Be K (winner of his last two stakes). Their last head to head meeting, Not Bourbon trounced the Rocker in the Plate Trial at Woodbine, in his first effort on sythetics, maybe he'll get to return the favor in the POW on Sunday. The talented Eibar Coa will be in town (will Todd come east?) to ride the Rocker in the big race. Pletcher won his only POW in 1998 with Archers Bay. The last Canadian Triple Crown was won in 2003 by Wando, who was the 7th winner since it's inauguration in 1959.

For even more exciting Prince of Wales news, check out the TBA's two Canadian bloggers, Cangamble and Jen's Thorough Blog where you can find all of the post positions, morning line odds and the Canadian twist on the race. We'll try and handicap here closer to the weekend and keep you posted on the Western New York angle and press it receives on this side of the border.

Curlin gets OK to run in NY

Tweet Jennie Rees of the Courier-Journal is reporting that word out of New York is that Curlin should be able to run in the Man-O-War on Saturday at Belmont Park. My understanding is that the licensing hurdles have been cleared based on a court order in place from last week's trial involving the two attorneys owning the partnership that held 20% of Curlin. The court order now sends all purse monies to the receivership that is now holding the 20% after last week's hung jury. Good news for NY racing fans. This court ruling did not exist prior to the trial, thus the problems on Belmont Day for Midnight Cry's Einstein. Should be interesting to see how he fares on the turf as he most likely points to the Arc.

Dreary Erie?

Tweet When I told the Space Gal that I was taking her up on her ideas to head down the thruway to Erie PA, which has a wonderful waterfront and decent row of bars along State Street...the reply was "Really? Dreary Erie?" At least expectations were set low. She had suggested the overnight trip to break up the holiday weekend and check out the new Presque Isle Downs racetrack, just five miles south of downtown Erie. After a nice lunch on the lakefront and a walk down around Dobbins Landing (very picturesque, if you've never been there), I think I opened her eyes to the fact that it's not so dreary in Erie after all. There were tons of boats out on the water, people fishing off the pier and the weather was picture-perfect. There was a cool waterfront bar called Rum Runners that was packed and it couldn't have been scripted better.

The track, however, to me was disappointing. I probably had higher expectations since it was brand new and I thought it would have great sightlines and plenty of seating to watch outside. Nope and nope. Valerie from Foolish Pleasure had warned me that the only place to get a really good view of the track was down at the rail, where we watched seven of the eight races on the card. There was no grandstand and limited seating outside maybe four rows of bleachers for maybe four or five sections. The infield looked like a swamp, and after seeing Fort Erie's beautiful infield flowers, lakes and landscaping, it really didn't compare visually. I also enjoy turf racing, wherein there is no turf course at PID, but that's the way it went.

On the plus side, I liked the simulcasting room which had plenty of tables and screens. The only downside was the smoke, you understand how lucky we are in New York with non-smoking facilities. We could only stand the smoke inside for a race but I enjoyed the room all the same. I enjoyed the paddock area also (it could use some grass), but it was nice to see the horses up close prior to the race and it was relatively close to the track. The paramutuel clerks were all very friendly and all had a smile on even when I said exacta, instead of perfecta.

The highlight of the racing was being able to see my first dead heat ever. In race three, the favorite Chariots N Calvary and Squaller dead-heated in a three way photo. My horse (the 3) Adore Ye was placed third in the photo. The Space Gal got a pretty good picture of it as we were watching at the finish line.

So, that was a cool experience in person. As for the handicapping, the Tapeta all-weather surface won the battle and the war. It was fun to try and add a few new elements to the normal handicapping cycle (watching for turf form, record on synth, etc.), but not too much fun. Plus the rail has been notoriously dead here since the meet started and the inside post won the first two races and had three seconds on the evening, throwing out that angle early. Ironically, two Finger Lakes shippers won two of the eight races on the card, which did include a couple of $40K allowance races. Not bad. Fields should increase here (the average for the card was probably around eight) with the closing of Ellis Park (update: might not close?). The most disappointing horse of the night was Silver Prospector, who dropped all the way to a $7500 claimer. This horse won a OC$50K/n2x in February at Aqueduct with a 98 Beyer! He came in dead last and has now run out of the money in four straight. Probably the most impressive horse of the evening was the $40K allowance winner Zubani, who is trained by Michael Trombetta. Here is a picture of him coming into the winner's circle, Phil Teator up.

Overall, we had a good time, and everyone there was very friendly. There was a pretty good crowd by the time the fifth race went off and totaled around 3,200, and on-track handle amounted to around $62K. Lessons learned: keep a closer eye out for class drops when at a smaller track, they tended to be the ones in the money and winning consistently and stay small when betting the synthetics (I did) which are still a handicapping novelty for me. Thank God it's only 17 more days til Saratoga!

Off we went to the Quaker Steak and Lube to test their wings against our buffalo-based palates (Buffalo wings rock...sorry Quaker Steak wings fans).

Weekend Tomfoolery

Tweet Love the holiday weekend. Not sure why we don't have one every weekend. Lots of races to keep an eye on, looks to be nice weather on the East Coast and a track visit is in sight. The Space Gal and I are going to head west down the thruway to Presque Isle Downs tomorrow and check out the new track currently in its second meet. Valerie over at Foolish Pleasure was kind enough to email me a ton of tips regarding the venue and some great handicapping tips regarding the Tapeta surface, some track biases and the hot jocks/trainers. All very much appreciated! So much to report come Sunday evening. I'm looking forward to going down to the Erie waterfront, it's been a few years, and see if some of my old haunts are still up and kicking (i.e. The Docksider).

The Tom Fool looks to be a pretty good race out at Belmont (where I am on fire lately hitting the baby race 4 exacta yesterday and hitting a $21 winner on the turf with Javier on Miracle Hill on Wednesday in a classic overlay). I'm going with the McLaughlin horse Lucky Island to win, he appears to be progressing nicely with steady form and Alan Garcia is having a very good meet.

So more to report Sunday night on my PID experience and hope everyone has a great 4th. Here's a non-horse racing video of one hell of a catch. I've watched it a couple times now and it is truly amazing. Enjoy.

"If you have to ask, you probably can't afford it"

Tweet I've been toying about heading out to the Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita for several weeks and have yet to pull the trigger. My uncle lives in Corona del Ray and has always asked me to come visit him on the left coast numerous times. My first Breeders' Cup was at Monmouth in the slop last year, so I think the Space Gal would welcome the SoCal weather over the Jersey Shore in October, so that's not an issue. The fact that it falls annually on my birthday weekend is also a godsend (thank you, thank you). Well, I was surfing tonight and ran across yet the third word this week I had to run by dictionary.com regarding a special seating/viewing area at this year's Cup. The hosts will be providing a "experiential hospitality opportunity" for those fortunate enough to obtain a VIP pass on the infield, a "Champions Village" of such. Not that I am opposed to hob nobbing with the rich and famous, I'm sure I could make those folks a buck or two...but damn, experiential...what the hell is that?

I have to admit, I was still confused after looking it up, but the article gave me the gist of things. I can be Average Joe and I can fake it with the best of them when it comes to high class entertainment. The Saratoga Resident has had me in some nice spots, whether on the turf terrace at Toga or in a clubhouse box at the eighth pole for the Derby, or in the box seats on the finish line for a non-Triple Crown Belmont. Regardless of the location, I can clean up with the best of 'em. However, with all that's going on in the sport, this article just made me throw up in my mouth a little. I was half laughing, half getting sick and half dazed. I know that's one and a half, but the extra half is the part that is confused about this whole thing. I guess I'll see if the Saratoga Resident has some pull or ask my rich uncle if he has some juice, just so I could write about it, but I'd be just as happy sitting in my shorts and a polo catching some SoCal rays making fun of them from afar.

Maybe they should be making sure they have a decent track to run on before announcing crap like this. How much will these seats cost you ask? No word per the press release. "But if you have to ask, you probably can't afford it."

Mid Year Bests and Worsts

Tweet Happy Canada Day for all our Canadian friends to the north!

Two weeks to Del Mar and three weeks to Toga and summer racing. Now that we've reached the midpoint of the 2008 racing year I've listed MY five best and worst moments in horse racing for the first half of 2008.


Best Moments in Racing - YTD 2008

1 – Big Brown Wins Kentucky Derby from Post #20
A ton of doubt existed if he could do it from the far post, and when trainer Dutrow grabbed it with glee at the Post Position Draw on 4th Street in Louisville, it was exactly where he wanted to be. A stunning performance by the big fellah was easily the best moment for me so far this year.

2 – Curlin Wins Dubai World Cup in Romp
The world champion lived up to expectations in overpowering an international field of horses in the world's richest race ($6M). His record setting 7 3/4 length victory at the Nad was not only after a five month layoff since his BC Classic win at Monmouth, but was drug-free to boot.

3 – Tiago Outduels Heatseeker at wire in Oaklawn Handicap
In maybe the year's best race between two terrific rivals, Tiago nipped Heatseeker by a head in the Oaklawn Handicap. They would duel again later in early June with Heatseeker avenging the loss. Unfortunately, Heatseeker has suffered a career ending injury and will be retired.

4 – Pyro’s visually stunning victory in the Louisiana Derby
At the time, one of the leading Derby contenders, Pyro, made a visually impressive move late to win the La Derby at the Fair Grounds by three lengths. In all kinds of traffic, Pyro, ridden by Shaun Bridgmohan, navigated the victory to put him over the $1M mark in career earnings. He recently won the Northern Dancer (G2) on Stephen Foster Day at Churchill. Unfortunately he disappointed his fans on Derby Day, but his performance on that day in early March, makes my top five.

5 – Proud Spell Upsets Indian Blessing in Louisiana Oaks
On the same day as Pyro's La Derby win, Proud Spell shocked BC Juvenile Filly champ Indian Blessing in the La Oaks (G2), with a time that was actually better than Pyro's in the La Derby. It was the second loss for Indian Blessing to Proud Spell, and a rematch in the Kentucky Oaks loomed. Unfortanately, Blessing was rested until Belmont Day and the rematch has still not occurred. Proud Spell went on to win the Ky Oaks, after flirting with entry in the Derby.

Honorable Mention: Big Brown's Florida Derby win from post 12, Student Council's Pimlico Special win in the slop, Sweet Vendetta's win in the Black-Eyed Susan for breeder David Cassidy.

Five Worst Moments in Horse Racing - 2008 YTD

1 – Eight Belles breaks down in gallop out after placing in Derby
Not much more needs to be said here.

2 – Congressional Hearings on June 19, 2008
The sport takes its shots on Capitol Hill with threats of governmental intervention if issues such as steroids/drug use, breakdowns, excessive whip use and centralization are not addressed. Worst moment #1 above, a big driver of the feds getting involved.

3 – Big Brown falters in Triple Crown bid
Whether it was the heat, the loose shoe, the bad ride, the faulty bathroom facilities, the starter or the quarter crack, the Triple Crown has still not been won in 30 years. While it drove up interest in the sport for a few weeks, it also showed the world the ugliness of the connections and the difficulty of the Test of the Champion in front of a huge NY crowd.

4 – Santa Anita track problems due to excessive SoCal rains early in year.
The $11M Cushion Track installed at Santa Anita last summer suffered major drainage problems in January and February, wherein 11 racing days and numerous revenues were lost. Just last week the track announced another overhaul of the surface to start this month with the Australian-based Pro-Ride surface replacing the current surface. With the Breeders' Cup scheduled for October, the installation schedule is very tight and they could be pushing the envelope with the timing.

5 – Jeremy Rose suspended for six month for abusive whip use at Delaware Park
With PETA already on the doorstep after the death of Eight Belles, comes an unfortunate incident wherein Rose struck his mount in the eye. Delaware Park officials immediately suspended Rose for six months. Another black eye.

Honorable Mention: Breeders' Cup moves all five ladies events to Friday and renames the Distaff, Einstein's owners fail to obtain NY license for Manhattan on Belmont Day, Preakness field weakest in years, Mother Goose gains only four runners, Pletcher finishes last in Derby for third straight year, Buffalo CPA starts racing blog :)

I'm sure I missed something feel free to chime in!