BC Hangover

Tweet I can't seem to get motivated lately...call it Breeders' Cup hangover. The anticipation of some of the best races of the year build up to a crescendo, then come crashing down in a New York minute. Maybe it's because there are other things on my radar these days, but I can't seem to find my mojo...

Even the quadruple Pick Six carryover (which our three man syndicate hit four of six) at Aqueduct last Friday seemed anti-climatic in comparison to the big stage at Churchill the week before.

- It was nice to be at a jam-packed OTB (Buffalo Wehrle Drive) on Filly Friday where it was SRO. You can't beat a bucket of six beers for $10, either. We had a fun crew together to watch the races and pool some dough together while watching the fillies and mares get after it.

- Next up is Triple Crown season which has had me thinking the last few days about the results of the last few years. We really could have had a TC winner each of the last few years....think about this.....

* Curlin (2007) - a third in the Derby, Preakness win and nosed out by Rags in the Belmont...

* Big Brown (2008) - no foot issues after the Preakness and maybe he pulls it off at Big Sandy?
* Mine That Bird (2009) - don't laugh....think about this...Rachel doesn't get purchased by Jess Jackson and Calvin doesn't pull the trigger too early in New York......hmm....he really could have done it.

* Rachel Alexandra (2009) - Jess Jackson buys her before the Derby and she runs on Derby day and blows away the field (she did run very well in the slop) and she's looking at beating Summer Bird, Dunkirk and MTB in New York....possible?

* Lookin at Lucky (2010) - bad draw in the Derby...he was rolling in the slop after he was bounced around early...wins Preakness...and what might have been in the Belmont...maybe I'm reaching here...but one never knows.

* Going back before 2007, you had winners of the first two legs of the Triple Crown in 1997-1999 and 2002-2004.

Moral of the Story: It's still a real possibility and I'm guessing it will happen sooner rather than later. No need to change the format (and this is a change for me) or race spacing, the challenge of accomplishing it over the current five period is not impossible.

- Was thinking that Zenyatta could be the only horse that could be declared the Horse of the Decade without winning a single Horse of the Year vote. No easy feat.

- How about them Bills? Funny what low expectations can do for a person.

- How about those Orangemen? (and not the ones in shorts!)

- Now if only we could get the Braves back...

Westward Ho!

Tweet Off to sunny (smoggy?) Southern California today for the big weekend. To say that I'm a little excited would be an understatement. Excited for my first visit to Santa Anita, a track I've only witnessed on TVG, ESPN or TwinSpires TV. I can't wait to see the mountains in the background on my own, not to mention the sun (something that disappears in these parts for months at a time). I have to say I've been quite fortunate with my track visits this year from Keeneland to Churchill to Belmont to Saratoga to wrap it up at Santa Anita. (With my brother in law settling in Fort Lauderdale, it looks like Gulfstream is next up on the rotation in January).

So what am I looking forward to most?

- By far and away the backdrop of the San Gabriel mountains.
- Enjoying the weekend with a good friend and long time client. (Buckle your seat belt)
- Hangin' at Seabiscuit Court on Friday to check out the Tweeters Cup.
- The potential of hitting a big one (hey, I guy can dream)
- The Classic (even without Rachel and Sea The Stars) looks like a damn good horse race
- The Juvenile....is next year's Derby winner among us? (MTB was there last year!)
- Hearing live for the first time "And Away They Go"
- Seein' my boy (soon to be boys) from Obviously NY Stables and rooting on the NY-bred Canadian Ballet in the Turf Sprint
- Just being around people who love and live for racing.
- Seeing Zenyatta in the flesh.
- Winning the TBA handicapping challenge (just kidding) here's the link to the open contest.

I was at the Sabres game tonight (nice 3-0 win over the Isles) in a suite with the father of Jess Jackson's in-house counsel and he gave me a Curlin hat, so the weekend is already off to a great start. So, we'll be dormant in this space for a few days, look for a recap of the weekend Sunday or Monday so drop me a line or tweet....and don't forget to check out my NTRA blog for my Dirt Mile selections (hint: beat the chalk). And Away We Go.....

Pass the Stuffing...

Tweet As I head to the ‘Cuse tomorrow afternoon for a huge family reunion and the big Virginia game on Friday night, I thought I’d reflect on some things I’m thankful for over the past year:

- I’m thankful for the Space Gal, first and foremost, as she puts up with my crazed obsession and passion for this awesome sport.

- I’m thankful to the Saratoga Resident who always has me in the best seat in the house and in the paddock for the big race. Thanks, my man! (However, you’re going down in our Top Chef Capping Challenge)

- I’m thankful to the Puma for his monthly tips and his always passing by good racing information when he sees it and for his data/news on NY-breds.

- I’m thankful I had the opportunity to see Commentator set the track record at Gulfstream in January.

- I’m thankful for being accepted into the Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance and for the many friends and contacts I have made there. I’m glad I took a chance at starting this hobby (it’s a lot more work than I ever thought it would be) and I’m humbled to be a part of it all.

- I'm thankful for Old Friends and the great work they are doing for retired racehorses and proud that the members of the TBA sponsor this great endeavor.

- I’m thankful that I got to attend the Belmont Stakes to see a potential Triple Crown race, even if it didn’t happen and that I was able to share the weekend with great people like the Toga Rez (his hip hop name), the Puma and handicapper extraordinaire JB.

- I’m thankful I was able to experience Fort Erie Race Track before its potential closing, especially getting to see Harlem Rocker win the Prince of Wales and spending my birthday in the Terrace.

- I’m thankful for the safe trips to Saratoga, while trying for a 3:59.

- I’m thankful for Opening Day at the Spa, despite the deluge this year.

- I’m thankful I had the opportunity to enjoy a Sunday morning workout at the Oklahoma training track, coolest thing ever, the day after the thrilling stretch duel between Proud Spell and Music Note (maybe the best race of the year).

- I’m thankful to DRF Press for continually putting out great books for me to delve into.

- I’m thankful that Mr. Jackson ran Curlin for his 4yo campaign and for giving it a try in the Classic.

- I’m thankful that I was able to compete in a NHC handicapping contest qualifier in Vegas and spend four days in the sports book at the Mirage during my September trip, both experiences were tremendous.

- I’m thankful they all came home safe on Breeders Cup weekend.

- Lastly, I’m thankful for everyone who reads this blog, hopefully it conjures up a smile or belly laugh every once in a while.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone.

Courageous Curlin

Tweet His name is synonymous with courage. Doubted from the start by many pundits during the 2007 Kentucky Derby trail, he endured a dreadful trip and still finished in the money behind Street Sense and Hard Spun. As I'm sure you know by now, Curlin has been retired. Kevin Stafford, Curlin's #1 fan has written an excellent tribute that I encourage you to check out. I wasn't planning on blogging today, as I am readying for a two day strategic planning retreat related to my business, but I wanted to share some thoughts and moments regarding the all-time leading money winner in horse racing history.

During the aforementioned Derby trail in 07, one of my pals and probably the best handicapper I know personally (see 05 Derby trifecta) started turning me on to Curlin. He kept telling me how special he was and how special he was going to be. Of course, I didn't listen and was on the Hard Spun bandwagon throughout the classics and Breeders Cup, but it didn't sway me from admiring his accomplishments during that time. The horse just got better and better as time went on and he matured into the monster runner. The first time I saw him in person, my jaw dropped and all I could say was "Holy S---!" I was with the Saratoga Resident (probably his #2 fan) in the paddock at the 07 Belmont and I couldn't stop marveling at his physique. I still don't know how he lost that day, but it wasn't meant to be and history was made when the filly Rags to Riches nailed him at the wire, right in front of us. But the picture in my mind of him in the paddock that day has forever stayed with me.

Moment #2 that I will never forget was at Monmouth Park last October, sitting at the top of the stretch with the Space Gal in the first row and getting to see the best horses in the world load and break in front of us and then come around for the stretch run. And this part I will never forget. As they came around the turn, he motored past the front-running Hard Spun and made an incredible move that I was lucky to be sitting right in front of. The acceleration at that point was something I had never experienced in person before and will stay with me for a very long time. I watched it again over at Kevin's site this morning. Super cool.

I was fortunate to see one of the all-time greats in person and will miss his competitiveness and courage. We were lucky to have him run at four, regardless if it was due to the legal wranglings of his ownership group or not, as seldom do these days. I look forward with great enthusiasm to his future offspring making their 2yo debuts in 2011.

"Success is largely a matter of holding on, when others have let go." ~Anonymous

Thanks, Curlin, for always holding on.

Picture courtesy: Shoot-it Photography, ruffian

Reports of my demise...

Tweet After reading his own obituary on June 2, 1897, Mark Twain uttered the famous quote, "Reports of my demise are greatly exaggerated." Over the past few days I have been mulling over the future of horse racing and where it stacks up against the mainstream sports and if there is any hope for it resurrecting itself in the near term. I had almost resolved myself (midsentence confession: after doing a google search for a Twain picture, I was pleasantly surprised by pictures of Shania popping up in quadruplicate...now back to our regularly scheduled sentence) to the fact that we are forever to be a tier two sport and that's that.

I was also thinking about the woeful ratings garnered by the most recent Breeders Cup reported by They're in the Gate and that they were dreadful in comparison with other "championships" in other sports. I did a little digging and was actually amazed at what I found. We're not all that bad when it comes to the Classics (especially the Kentucky Derby) when comparing television ratings to the other major sporting events. I obtained the overnight Nielsen ratings for several events that we all know and follow and compared them to the Triple Crown races and the BC. Here's a sampling of the results:



A couple of notable items stuck out above. This year's Belmont obviously had a Triple Crown at stake, thus the increased ratings over Rags to Riches 2007 victory over Curlin. The last Belmont Stakes with a TC possibility (Smarty Jones - 2004) had a 13.1 rating, so the ratings, were somewhat unfavorable compared to that year.

Regardless, the KD and Belmont obtained higher ratings than this year's final round of the Masters (which included Tiger Woods), the French Open Final (which featured Nadal/Federer), count 'em 3 BCS January 08 Bowl games (Orange, Fiesta and Sugar), the 2007 NBA Finals (on average) and the 2008 Final Four Saturday (average of the two semifinal games). That's quite impressive in my book. The Derby ended up behind the Daytona 500 (NASCAR's premiere event), but the Belmont topped it.

Of course, one can hypothesize that interest in horse racing wanes dramatically after the Triple Crown (based on the Breeders Cup numbers), but all the same, racing's majors rank right up there with some pretty big events. What is somewhat odd to me is the lower ratings generated by the Preakness, especially since we had a pretty big name in Big Brown who decimated the Derby field from post 20, as quite a compelling storyline. I still say if they spread out the races to generate more hype, ratings would also increase.

The other thing that drives popularity and ratings is the star factor. Golf, hockey, tennis, etc. all have athletes that compete year in and year out. Racing is faced with only a handful that come back after their 3yo campaigns to race as an older horse (many are geldings). This leads to less of a chance for the star factor. It's definitely important. Tiger drives golf ratings. His absence since the US Open has had a tremendous downward impact on PGA ratings. The final round of The Tour Championship (1.8) in September was down 45% from a 3.3 for last year's event, which Tiger Woods won. I will bet dollars to donuts that if Brown had run in the Classic, the numbers would have improved greatly as he was the drawing card this year, but unfortunately we'll never know.

So, it's not as bad as we may think it is. There's always hope....

When Legends Visit...

Tweet It's Jets week in Buffalo, so it makes it one of those opinionated days.....

- Now that the focus has shifted from the left coast (well, except for Hollywood Park, of course) and Calder, Churchill and Aqueduct are open for bizness, there's still some great racing left. One of my favorite races of the year is the Cigar Mile on Thanksgiving weekend, thanks mostly to a colt named Purge.

- It will be years before enough data is collected related to safety, handicapping and sires of synthetic specialists to provide bonafide conclusions or insight in each of these areas. Of course, when the data comes out, there will be three ways to sunday to spin it. Stay tuned.

- Imagine you live in New York City and they were to close Belmont and Aqueduct, that is what I am feeling right now after falling in love with Fort Erie....here's the latest.

- Looks like the Horse of the Year honors (Curlin v. Zenyatta) is the next great debate in the mainstream and blogosphere. Funny they aren't mentioning that horse that won four G1's including the Derby and the Preakness....what's his name again, oh never mind...

- Speaking of the Big Z, do you think she would have had the headlines that she garnered on Saturday, that she attained through the spotlight of the Filly Friday Feature (datz a lotta F's)? My bet is if she ran on Saturday, which sported double BC winner Midnight Lute, the European domination and the upset of Curlin, her victory would have been buried deep in the hearta. Ya think?

- Some of our TBA'ers were mentioned on LAist yesterday in this blog, as being "some of the most influential bloggers in the sport." Kudos.

- We've redesigned (using "we" very lightly here) the TBA website, check it out, bookmark it and grab the RSS feed (at the top of this blog too!).

- Finally, a living legend visits Ralph Wilson Stadium (f/k/a Rich Stadium) this weekend, my Farve-ian recruiting efforts over the summer were to no avail, and he will be wearing the white and green of the enemy NYJ.....can't remember the last time a living Jets legend visited our environs...was it this guy?

Classic Disappointment

Tweet Well that sucks. Good bye showdown with Curlin, which would have been the first Kentucky Derby winner to face a Classic champion, EVER. Good bye dramatic buildup to Saturday evening's finale. Good bye ratings.

Already receiving the sarcastic e-mails and post
Belmont prediction of retirement from the Saratoga Resident.

Maybe the Euro invasion will pick it up a little.

I'll go back in my hole now.

3,000 Club

Tweet Welcome to the 3,000 club, GoGo! Garrett Gomez' stunning win on Hyperbaric by a neck over Tybalt in yesterday's Oak Tree Mile (G2) was a milestone victory for one of the nation's leading jockeys. Trevor Denman's stretch call was terrific and a must listen if you haven't had the opportunity (race 7, 28Sept OSA). The 36 year old is already bearing down on the next milestone. When asked about the accomplishment he replied, "I've had some bumps in the road, and I think a milestone like this makes you reflect back and appreciate where you are. "I'm a better person because of what I've been through. As long as I keep winning, I hope to get to 4,000 pretty quick." He's always been a favorite of mine and as a handicapper you need to know what horse he's on at all times, especially in the big races. It is icing on the cake that he did it in a graded stakes race (WAYI) to boot.

So while I was watching GoGo's victory on TVG (new sponsor of our Sprint Division) last night, they showed Curlin arriving on the Left Coast via plane. We will soon see how he handles the newly installed Pro-Ride surface at Santa Anita before his connections announce his agenda for the Cup or elsewhere (Japan?). On Saturday, I wasn't in a dome for the big race, but in a restaurant parking lot, urging the Space Gal to give me one more minute to watch the JCGC on my slingmobile. It was worth the few extra minutes and we watched it together in awe of his record breaking performance. Here's hoping he takes on what's shaping up to be a formidable group in the Classic to defend his title.

I finished with a dismal $37.20 in the handicapping tourney this weekend ($1.86 ROI), with 2 winners and 2 places and a bunch of third and fourths in the ten mandatory races. I'm going to keep trying over the next few weeks. What's the worst that can happen?

Just started reading Speed to Spare: Beyer Speed Figures Uncovered, by Joe Cardello, it's been an interesting and pretty easy read so far. Something's gotta stick, right?

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that THE BILLS ARE FOUR AND OH!!!! Was a little nervous at halftime and thought this could be a trap game with the Rams coach basically cornered and throwing out the playbook (yep, he was fired today), but they showed some resilience after a lackluster first half to win ugly.

The TBA has a new RSS feed and you can find it here. Or you can just bookmark this site.

Photo courtesy: Cindy Pierson-Dulay

Did You Know...

Tweet that today in racing history marks the following?

In 1894, Aqueduct Racetrack opened its doors for the first time. It was rebuilt in 1959 and the winter inner track was opened in 1975. Hall of Famer Cigar won the first two races of his magical sixteen race win streak at Aqueduct. Fittingly, it is today's date that Curlin will try and upend Cigar's bankroll record this afternoon in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. It is also the site of the first and only triple dead heat for win in a stakes race. In the 1944 running of the Carter Handicap, Brownie, Bossuet, and Wait A Bit hit the finish line at the same time. (see also a new blog of the same name Triple Dead Heat I have started to follow and the picture of the feat in the men's bathroom of the Grey Gelding in Saratoga!)

Also on today's date in 1924, in the second his three specially staged international races, the French colt Epinard was defeated by a nose to Ladkin at Aqueduct where a crowd in excess of 40,000 (!!) were on hand for the race. What are the chances a quarter of that shows up for today's terrific card at Belmont, weather permitting.

And finally, in 1947, Armed, then the world's leading money-winning thoroughbred (see a pattern here?) met 1946 Kentucky Derby winner Assault in the first $100K winner-take-all match race, held at Belmont Park. Armed earned an easy 8 length victory over an ailing Assault and went on to win 1947 HOY honors.

Why I am no means the history expert in these parts, I found the links to Cigar and Aqueduct interesting with today's race and his record in jeopardy on a date already steeped in racing history. For real history reporting, check out Colin's Ghost, who has a nice entry up on today's Jockey Club Gold Cup race.

MMQB

Tweet - After four straight days in the race book followed by a football-filled weekend, it's back to work and a normal schedule. Vegas sure can do funny things to you.

- I imagine I was the only one of the 45,000 plus patrons at the Carrier Dome watching the Monmouth Stakes during the second quarter of the rout that was taking place over my hometown Orangemen. Of course, my slingmobile went out just before post time, but I made a quick recovery and saw the race in its entirety on my two inch screen. I thought for sure Proudinsky would catch the Brown one in the stretch, but he held on gamely.

- I immediately was bombarded with emails and texts from my crew, half taking a stand against BB, half still on the proverbial bandwagon. I'll admit it, I played against him with an exacta box of the three older horses (and 2-3-4 finishers) and Kiss the Kid (who I also threw a $2WP on). The Puma quickly pointed out it was a weak field. The Saratoga Resident said he beat a bunch of older horses. The good doctor and NJ resident was present and fawning over the victory calling for a Curlin hookup at Oak Tree.

- My initial reaction was "a win is a win" and he held on in the stretch gamely against some decent turf horses. On second thought, however, Proudinsky and Shakis, 5 and 8, respectively, had raced just three weeks prior in the Bernard Baruch on Travers Day in a difficult and hard fought race, and that these probably aren't the best G1 turf horses in the land. Big Brown was pretty well rested and fresh from his Haskell victory early in August. So I agree that it was a fine effort, but I will go back to the drawing board to beat him in the Classic. Colonel John, Go Between, and Casino Drive should provide some decent competition for him on 25OCT on racing's remaining biggest day of the year.

- Tricky Dick overheard in the winner's circle: "Rev up the wienermobile Ivy, Californy is the place we wanna be."

- I watched the race replay last night after a day of NFL watching (yes, my Bills are 2-0, baby) and thought Larry Collmus' call was terrific. Being able to see the race more clearly was nice, the 2 inch screen just didn't do it justice. I guess the result was the best possible one for racing, as now the media ball is in Jess Jackson's court and whether we will get to see a BB-Curlin matchup in the Classic is anyone's guess. The IEAH connections will surely playback Jackson's quote about "you know where we are" regarding the Woodward, in similar fashion regarding the Classic. It would be good for racing and spark television ratings for Men's Day at the Breeders' Cup.

- Saw the new statue of Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy, unveiled on the SU quad to coincide with the premiere showing of "The Express" starring Dennis Quaid (who was honorary captain on Saturday - didn't help). Davis, who hailed from Elmira, NY (where I attended college) died of leukemia in 1963 after being selected by the Cleveland Browns after graduating from the Cuse. I used to see his mom every day (she was the lunch lady at the college) and ask her to tell me stories about the Elmira Express. Can't wait to see the movie.

- So while I was present with SpaceGal and her family and their fawning over State Penn's big win in the Loud House, ten minutes from our home back at UB Stadium, lightning struck with a visit from Hail Mary...watch this amazing finish:

D-Fence

Tweet Nice work by Channing Hill yesterday (I am officially on the band wagon) and congrats for posting his first Grade I victory in First Defence's ($17.80) victory over heavily-favored Lucky Island who stumbled at the gate and couldn't recover, per the Puma's text notes (and confirmed in the DRF charts). I was a shut-out viewer when I discovered in the early afternoon that the HRTV channel was hawking some kind of vacuum cleaner and doesn't show live racing until the evening here in Central PA. Why the Woodward and Forego (both excellent Grade I races) wouldn't be on the national TV schedule is beyond me. A visit to the Self-Appointed Fan Committee is definitely in order (the SpaceGal, collector of foam hands, loves the site's foam hand logo btw). Scheduled to be at an in-law dinner at exactly the time of the Woodward, I was relegated to the Puma supplying me text messages from our usual table to see if my Pick-3 survived (it did, thanks to Channing and Curlin!).

3:59 update: The Saratoga Resident failed in a Toga-Bflo attempt yesterday posting a 4:10, failing to remember the bladder rule and holiday weekend avoidance noted in a past post here. After a tremendous two hour fraction to the Cuse, he flattened out in the stretch, ala Lucky Island.

La Chica Rica ran into her arch nemesis All Giving, yesterday at Timonium, finishing second in the $50K Alda North Stakes. All Giving's impressive gate to wire finish stopped Chica's win streak at five. She picked up a cool $10K for the finish. She made a charge around the top of the stretch, but All Giving was just too much for her yesterday. I missed it live as the DRF entries said it was going off at 4:27pm, when actually it went off at 4:12pm (wtf?) so I watched it on twinspires race replays before heading out to dinner?! How does that happen? We'll keep you posted on Chica's next race to start her next streak.

With three winner yesterday, Edgar Prado is craftily edging his way into the race with a strong close for the jockey title. He currently sits in third, one behind Johnny V and four behind leader Alan Garcia who reneged on his commitment to Zayat Stables' Alaazo in the Pennsylvania Derby in his attempt to stave off JV and Edgar in the Toga jockey race. Two days remain at the meet and my Toga contest, it looks like it might come down to the tie-breaker (who will have the best jockey earnings of those tied). Here's rooting for some late charges by the Toddster and Prado.

Today's feature, the Grade 3 Saranac, has some interesting entries. Pletcher's Ready's Echo, last seen dead-heating for third in the Belmont is the morning line favorite trying turf for the first time. Former Bella Cavello trainer Debbie England ships in Marlang from Woodbine with regular rider Dos Ramos, the winner of the Breeders' Turf (third leg of Canadian Triple Crown) and the red-hot George Weaver enters Thou Swell, second place finisher in the G2 Hall of Fame. Lastly, the ever present Nistle's Crunch, who has faced some really tough competition this year, ships in for his first try at the Spa. I like a Swell/Crunch exacta box here, as I don't like the first time on turf for Echo and I think Marlang will face tougher competition than he's seen to date.

Haunting Words?

Tweet Back in April around the time I started posting blogs at this site, Handride had a post requesting thoughts as to Curlin's Road to Eternal Greatness that generated a lot of commentary and arguments as to his future races and his eventual legacy. I had hoped he would follow Lawyer Ron's trail to the Breeders Cup via the Whitney/Woodward (got it half right) at the Spa, where I was quickly rebutted by commenter LJK with the now famous Steve Asmussen quote: "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.” I wonder how many times he's been reminded of that quote since announcing he would run in the Woodward two weeks ago? Anyways those words could haunt him today, in his run at Cigar's all-time earnings figure and his pursuit of "eternal greatness." Regarding legacy, that will be debated long after this race is concluded, especially if he is retired after his 4yo campaign. Today he faces seven other horses in his first ever run at the Spa. He'll be challenged by formidable Divine Park (winner of the Met Mile in a late charge over Commentator in late May), turfer Out of Control, last seen in the amazing wire finish in the Manhatten on Belmont Day and my upset choice Wanderin Boy, for giant-killer trainer Nick Zito. Let's face it at similar weights (126), Curlin, on an ordinary day should have no trouble facing foes like these, but this isn't an ordinary day (his first at the Spa) and his trainer may have foreshadowed the result with his 2007 quote. That's why they run the race.

Being in Central PA this weekend visiting the in-laws, I had a chance to watch HRTV for the first time and was delighted to get a chance to watch last night's The Pursuit of the Cup hosted by Laffit Pincay, and his annoying voice inflection. Wow, I'm glad I don't have to listen to that voice every day. The show, however, was pretty good with lots of highlights and the like. I actually wish TVG had a similar show (maybe they do?). Of course, they didn't explain the BC points system that they showed constantly and I can see how viewers could be confused. They could have also done a better job explaining the supplemental fees also for the casual non-horse racing fan, but I guess the casual fan most likely was watching Temple-Army or a baseball game...oh well. That's why the TBA standings (simple to explain, simple to understand) would make a lot of sense if implemented to be the standard for the industry (similar to NASCAR and PGA scoring systems). On that same note, welcome to new sponsor of the 3yo colt category, North American Trainer Magazine!

Today's Forego highlights favorite Lucky Island and can help solidify the trainer/jockey titles for Kieran McLaughlin and Alan Garcia, respectively. Pletcher/Velasquez could only pick up one win on three joint mounts yesterday (and six total for JV), while Garcia won two races to extend his lead to four with his 35th and 36th wins of the meet. McLaughlin's (16) maintained his one-win lead over Pletcher in the tightly contested trainer matchup. Lucky Island faces Forefathers (from the ice-cold Mott camp) and First Defence (Frankel/Channing Hill connection). My longshot in here is Real Estate (15-1 ML) a Levine/Coa entry who beat Aquino (impressive winner on Travers Day opener) in his last outing. Lucky Island should prevail on paper, but you know what Stevie A once said......

The King in his Court

Tweet

Thanks to the Puma for this fine shot of Curlin in the paddock at the Spa, getting some schooling.

Just back from the Big Apple and some beautiful weather. The boat trip to the Stadium on the Yankee Clipper was awesome and our afternoon tour was pretty cool. We were able to check out the press box, Monument Park, the BoSox dugout as well as a spectacular view of the new stadium being built next door. The game was so-so, but when you sit in the upper tier at Yankee Stadium there is much more to keep your attention. I thought I was at an out of hand Bills game for a minute, when a fairly large (being polite) woman was being escorted out for public drunkeness, happened to call the fairly large (again, I'm a nice guy) female NYPD'er something that rhymes with rich. This upset Ms. NYPD Blue quite a bit (i could lip read.."what did you say?). I will say I've never seen a sumo wrestling match before, but this came pretty damn close. It took three NYPD blues to wrestle said drunk lady to the ground before cuffing her and leaving Section 23 to a rousing "na-na-na-na" chant. Only in New York. The cops aren't the only folks getting their shots in, the NY press is absolutely murdering A-Rod, I can't wait to see what they do to Brett this fall. One writer predicted a "Favre-a-cue" if he doesn't produce. Ah, New York, you gotta love it.

Back to the horses with a "Holy Longshot Batman," as jockey Mike Luzzi pulled off two huge wins today with Scientist ($30.60) in the third and Be Smart ($100.00) in the ninth. I did a double take in the airport when I was checking the results. I've been noticing Channing Hill hitting the board with some big numbers, I am liking him more and more each day, he will be a force in the not to distant future.

Bella Cavello's star mare La Chica Rica (ML 7-5) goes for her sixth in a row on Saturday night in the eighth at Timonium (the Saratoga of York Road according to the Bug Boys), the $50K Alda North Stakes. She will be racing against the last horse to have beaten her (in back to back races last winter) in stakes winner All Giving (ML 7-2). Tough test for Chica who will also face Story of a Lion, who placed second to her last time out by 1 1/2 lengths at a shorter distance. This one is at 6 1/2 furlongs, a distance at which Chica hasn't raced since her last loss at 7 furlongs to All Giving in March. The quest for number six will be indeed a challenge. We'll keep you posted here as to the results.

Only fitting that the Spa's Friday twilight card features a wise guy lineup of horses, after grandma Gotti passed away this week, here's a preview:

1st - High Brass

2nd - Wicked Rich

3rd - Over Under

4th - Got that Money

5th - Shifty Guy

6th - Wise Guy Kelly

7th - Ninth Client (some say Spitz got blown in by you know who in a classic quid pro quo)

8th - Sinners N Saints

9th - Mastermind

Johnny V and Todd P can make up some ground on Alan Garcia and Kieran McLaughlin in the jockey/trainer title races. JV and Garcia each notched a win today, but six of seven of Johnny V's mounts tomorrow are less than 5-1 on the morning line and two are favorites. This could get interesting, as three of the mounts are for Pletcher. Stay tuned.

Monday Evening Quarterback

Tweet Since I couldn't get to the blogometer this morning, I'm submitting a brief Monday Evening QB post, before heading off to the Big Apple for a quick three-day getaway aplumb with a little Broadway, Yankees-Bosox via the Yankee Clipper and hangin out around Columbus Circle, so I'll be away from the horses for a few days decompressing.

- Congrats to Saratoga Spa from They're in the Gate for his closest selection for the attendance question in my Toga contest, guessing 42,500, closest to the sun-drenched (it looked sunny on my slingbox) 40,723 fans. It's going to come down to leading trainer and jock and after today, Kieran McLaughlin has tied Pletcher at 13 wins. Alan Garcia leads Johnny V by one win in the jockey race. It's still anyone's contest to win.

- Thoroughly enjoyed watching the Travers card, certainly much more than I did betting on it. I played a bunch of doubles only to falter on the back end in a number of races including the Travers where I was alive to four horses (Macho, Rocker, Pyro and Tres Borrachos) after successfully selecting Visionaire in the King's Bishop. Oh well, that's why they call it gambling. Need to refresh, regroup before heading to Vegas in two weeks to try my hand at the NHC qualifier.

- Colonel John answered a lot of questions on Saturday, mostly that he has a bigger snout than Mambo in Seattle. :) Seriously, though I looked back at my Derby selections and I had him second based on his pedigree, dosage and post position back in May. He seemed to handle the dirt just fine and answered when he went toe to toe with Mambo. I'm betting that Gomez stays aboard for the Breeders Cup and passes on Go Between, yesterday's Pacific Classic winner. Should be interesting to see who he chooses.

- Watched the ESPN telecast of the Del Mar "WaYi" races, in between channel flipping to the Bills game on NFL Network. I can tell you all I am less enthused about the Breeders Cup after watching the Pacific Classic and the Del Mar Mile. While they were ok races to watch, it was nothing like the big stakes at Saratoga and the thrilling finishes we've seen over the last nine days. I've totally changed my mind about wanting to trip out to Oak Tree. I, similar to a bunch of trainers out their, am going to take a pass. It's hard enough to handicap the dirt. Sorry, but no thanks. I'll just watch as a fan this year (and probably only Saturday).

- Speaking of GoGo, did anyone have a better weekend than that guy? He crushed three graded stakes over the weekend, are you freakin' kidding me? I guess he's over his pre-meet slump, eh?
- It will be interesting to see what size crowd king Curlin commands this weekend at the Spa. I know he's getting the key to the city and all, but hopefully he'll draw more than the ten or twelve thousand that the Big Apple could muster for him. Maybe even more than three other horses will show up to face him. Hopefully Zito will at least throw something at him, he's not afraid of anyone.

- Looking forward to my first ever trip to the House that Ruth Built. It's on that list of places everyone has that you check off once you've attended. Others on my list still include: Wrigley, Fenway, Keeneland, Del Mar, the LA Coliseum, the Rose Bowl and Pebble Beach. I'd love to add Hialeah to that list, you go Halsey.

- Back on Friday...

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!

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.

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!

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!

Working for the Weekend

Tweet It’s been a long week at work, but as most of us can relate, we are always working for the weekend. That thought had me remembering the Great New York State Fair performance of one of my college band favorites, Loverboy, circa 1985. Wow, did I have bad taste back then (that comment should open the door for some of you). Shut the briefcases, punch that card, find that perfect happy hour....

This weekend’s races include some very well-known horses, with the feature race of the weekend, the Stephen Foster Handicap (G1), sending out the mighty Curlin (ML odds 3-5) and the majestic Einstein. They will face off in the 11th at Churchill Downs for a $750K purse. It will be interesting to see how Einstein (ML 5-1) fares on the dirt as he has run most of his races on the turf. Looks like Kentucky accepts leased ownership as Patricia Cunningham is listed as the owner, and not Midnight Cry Stables.

The card features six graded stakes races starting with the Fleur de Lis Handicap (G2) featuring the very strong Hystericalady and the savory Peach Flambe. Next, Pure Clan, Absolutely Cindy (she beat the boys) and Zee Zee face off in the Regret Stakes (G3). Recapturetheglory, Pyro and Visionaire make their first post-Derby appearance in the Northern Dancer (G3). Derby horse Halo Najib (ML 4-1) and Tizdejavu (a winner for me on Oaks Day at 22-1) tackle the turf in the Jefferson Cup Stakes (G2) in the precursor to the Foster. One of my favorites in the filly and mare division, Dreaming of Anna, faces a pretty weak field in the Early Times Mint Julep Stakes (G3) to conclude the day’s stakes action.

The Road to the Breeders' Cup contest is now open, they've put in a couple new twists, go here to enter your stable.

For me, it’s off to play for the Fisher-Price softball team tonight, I wonder if they will be checking the bats for lead? (Sorry Space Gal, couldn’t resist).

Earlier in the week, I played for the firm squad (I am at least 15 years older than the next employee; translation: I’m insane) and one of the current Bills star players (I use the term star loosely) was filling in for the opposing team. You have to wonder what these guys are thinking playing a bunch of accountants in a beer league when they make millions. The secret’s safe with me…

A Happy Father’s Day weekend, to all the dads out there.

e = mc scratched?

Tweet Even though he technically did not scratch, word is, Einstein, owned by William Gallion and Shirley A. Cunningham of Midnight Cry Stables, the spectacular turf horse withdrew from the $400K Manhattan Handicap (the precursor to the Belmont Stakes) on Saturday apparently due to the lack of a valid racing license. This is the same ownership group that finds itself in jail and in ownership limbo of Curlin (the premier active race horse today).

According to the NTRA website “Gallion and Cunningham had law licenses suspended in August 2006 by the Kentucky Supreme Court pending the outcome of an investigation by the Kentucky Bar Association into possible misconduct in the class-action fen-phen (anti-obesity medications) lawsuit that they won in 2001 and which resulted in a $200 million settlement for 400 clients. A civil suit against Gallion, Cunningham and a third lawyer resulted in a $42 million (plus $20.1 million in interest) judgment against them, and in August, a judge ordered the three men jailed pending a hearing for the lawyers to provide financial reports regarding how the settlement money was distributed ... Both men are currently incarcerated at the Boone County, Kentucky jail... In the meantime, a motion has been filed on behalf of 418 plaintiffs to seek control of the 20 percent of Curlin that Midnight Cry owns.”

The Midnight Cry saga continues and looks like it has affected race day on Saturday, where thousands had expected the wonder horse Einstein to be performing in race ten. Einstein has "shown he is one of the top long-distance turf horses in the country, having won the Grade 1 Gulfstream Park Turf at 1 3/8 miles this year and in 2006 when that race was contested at 1 7/16 miles. He also can keep pace with some of the nation's elite milers, as he did in finishing second to Breeders' Cup Mile winner Kip Deville in the Grade 1 Maker's Mark Mile at Keeneland on April 11." It's just a shame we won't be able to see him on Saturday.