Toga Opener: Pyromania

Tweet It's only fitting that the Saratoga Resident's 2007 Derby pick (lock) Pyro is showing up for opening day to take on eight others in the James Marvin Stakes (Race 3). I have to say that's got me pretty juiced and a racing revival is in my veins. Other notable starters for next Wednesday after perusing the entries are Ninth Client (Race 4), Bklyn Backstretch fave Saratoga Russell (Race 8) and another Toga Rez-ism That's How I Roll (Race 9 - G3 Schuylerville Stakes).

We're primed for an early morning romp down the thruway (construction between exits 39 and 40 as well as Timmy Ho's coffee could doom any efforts at a 3:59) on Wednesday morning, a little blogger meetup at Siro's post race, downtown Wednesday evening - Grey Gelding for dinner at the bar, rounded out by an early morning tee time at Ballston Spa CC and top of the stretch track day Thursday has it looking like a nice trip (sweet run-on sentence, eh?). The races carded all look like pretty full fields and a tremendous day of racing (let's hope the weather cooperates) is on tap.

Remember to email me (or leave in the comments) your Toga Party II contest picks, I've been receiving them from as far away as Germany, so don't be left out! Jim Dandy selections are due Friday night by midnight.

If you read my post on Bona Venture Stables, looks like there is some good news regarding It's the Big Cat (named after NBA great and Bona grad Bob Lanier) who is pointing towards a turf sprint at the Spa early in the meet. Keep an eye out for this one.

I've survived another day at Monmouth's Survival at the Shore with a place in the first race today and started the day in 21st place ($796.50, 40/129, 31%)...holy moly. Trying to hang on and crack the front page.....