Saratoga Surgical Strike: ThoroFan, the Sale and a DQ

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Wise Guys

Made a quick surgical strike to the Spa this week for the ThoroFan annual board meeting, to take in the Fasig-Tipton Selected Yearlings sale on Tuesday night and to attend the races on Wednesday.

I've been part of the ThoroFan board since October 2010 and am the Treasurer of the not-for-profit organization. We've made great strides with membership and industry groups over the past few years and we recently received news that our Annual Awards Brunch will officially be part of the Eclipse Awards weekend at Gulfstream Park next January on the Friday before the Eclipse Awards event.

We held our first Annual Awards Brunch last January and pulled off a successful event (which isn't easy doing from New York) that featured Nick Zito as the keynote speaker, and we presented our first annual ThoroFan Award to Ms. Wolfson, owner of Affirmed. She attended with family and friends and was truly honored by the Award. We also had handicapper of the year, Michael Beychok and Starlight Racing/NBC Sports personality Donna Barton Brothers as guest speakers.  Here's hoping with the support of the NTRA we continue to grown this event.

If you haven't checked out Tom Amello's Joe ThoroFan blog and his Saratoga Diaries, make sure you check it out, there is a ton of useful information there.

After the meeting we had a nice casual drink and readied for the sale, which was my first time ever attending any type of sale. It was fascinating seeing the horses up close in the walking ring and reading the pedigrees provided with the free catalogs that were on site. It really is quite the social event (if you're not working, of course) with tons of fans, locals and industry types all over the place. The facility is of the highest quality and the drinks were cold. After about an hour, a colleague and I started to amuse ourselves by trying to guess the final bid using "The Price is Right" model and would bet a buck a hip. If you hit the number on the nose it paid double. Yours truly walked away with 16 crisp ones after nailing hip 113 on the nose in the final bet of the night. Degenerate gambling at it's best.

On Wednesday, I mostly caught up with friends around the track, but managed to make a wager or three early in the card. I benefited greatly from the DQ of Orino as I had singled West Hills Giant in the middle of a 6x1x5 Pick-3 trying to catch some long shots around WHG. Let's say I wasn't too upset by the decision. Ironically I was standing in the winner's circle next to the two jockeys Saez and Prado who were having a civilized discussion about the inquiry during the long wait for the decision.

Here are some pictures from the two days at the Spa...

Inside the F-T Sales Pavilion

Do I hear $650,000?

Well, yes I do (on this horse)

Outside walking ring

Goose and Tonic (drink of choice)

Drum Roll, please in Race 4

Johnny V on 6-1 Drum Roll

The Toddster, JV and assistant

Luis Saez on Orino

Edgar Prado aboard West Hills Giant

The Spa from the inner turf course

View of the Turf Terrace, Durkin Central
and Press Box

Durkin Central

Beautiful Video Board showing post parade
before the Cab Calloway

By us the first time from the hedge

Eclipse Worthy - Finish Photo
(jumped the gun)

Prado on the phone with the stewards

A dejected Saez after
the DQ

A not very happy James Bond
trainer for Orino after the DQ

Winner via DQ - West Hills Giant

Winner's Photo

Excited Groom!

Returning to the Scene of the Crime

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Seabiscuit statue in the
Santa Anita paddock

It doesn't seem like three years ago when I last walked the paddock at beautiful Santa Anita Race Track for the 2009 Breeders' Cup (BC), but man time flies. I covered the Dirt Mile for the NTRA that year and was afforded some sweet seats in the grandstand, which I shared with a good friend and client. Seeing Goldikova and Zenyatta win that afternoon created some memories that will last with me forever. Thursday afternoon, I return to the scene of the crime, covering the BC Classic for The Buffalo News.

I've spent some time with the PP's and have a game plan for Friday's card, and will have my thoughts on the last four BC races in my Friday online column at the TBN Sports, Ink blog. I'll try and get a post or two up here at the Space blog, time willing over the weekend, in case I come across anything worthy of sharing. You can follow me on Twitter (@EquiSpace) as I'll be posting pics and random "stay classy LA" captions for my sojourns into Tinsel Town after the races.

It has been a while since I posted so here are some thoughts on what's happening since I last invaded Canada...

Summer of Fun. I was fortunate enough to do a feature piece in Sunday's paper on the Bona Venture Stables' filly who drew the 2 hole in the BC Juvenile Fillies Turf race to be held on Friday. The filly is 30-1 on the morning line, but has drawn the interest of one, Ramon Dominguez in the irons, so she could be an interesting long shot play. I enjoyed chatting with trainer George Weaver, who seems to be a really good guy looking to get a break and win a big race. The race is uber-competitive with Irish filly Sky Lantern, Woodbine invader Spring Venture and several other decent fillies looking to don the purple and yellow.

The Marathon. Looked at those PP's for over 45 minutes and still have no clue. I think we're just going to sit this one out (we being me, myself and I). If I had to like someone, I guess it would be Atigun, but I dunno.

The Juvenile Sprint. This race kicks off the BC and drew a whopping seven horses. I'm guessing Baffert will set the table early and win the first BC race since we're in his territory.  I favor Super Ninety Nine to edge Merit Man and Ceiling Kitty in the 6-furlong opener.

Sandy. For once, we were pretty fortunate in Western New York when we dodged the deadly storm that wreaked havoc with the New York/New Jersey area. We're all set for Christmas here at the Space Station, as we have plenty of D batteries. I sure hope our friends in the metro NY area are recovering and getting back to normal as best they can.

Horse I like the most on Friday's card. In the F&M Turf I'm really digging The Fugue.

ThoroFan. Check out the Handicappers' Corner this weekend, as 10 TBA bloggers will be posting their selections on many of the BC races. There will also be a ThoroFan meet up in the Grandstand at Santa Anita on Friday, details are here. If you're interested in a ticket for the races Friday, we have still have some remaining in the Grandstand that will only cost you a  $25 membership (seats are around the sixteenth pole). Send me an email if you are interested while we still have some inventory.

The Turk. Make sure you check out the Turk's thoughts on the Classic, as he has the assignment at the Handicappers' Corner and always is willing to share his bet strategy and handicapping agility. We shared a cigar last Saturday at the Tinder Box, a local Western New York establishment, it was good to see the 'ole Turk and talk racing, among other WNY stuff.

Off to LaLa land....

Woodbine Weekend

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That's Reliable Man (photo courtesy Woodbine Media), my selection for the $1.5 million Pattison Canadian International on Sunday, a Breeders' Cup Challenge Race for the BC Turf. The Woodbine media office posted some expert selections (including yours truly) on their web page.

I'll be heading up north on Sunday morning to spend the day with our friends to the north and watch the three big BC "Win and You're In" qualifying Challenge races, all on the turf.  I previewed the Grade 1 $500,000 Nearctic (BC Turf Sprint) and the Grade 1 $1 million E.P. Taylor Stakes (BC F&M Turf) in my weekly column at The Buffalo News Sports, Ink blog. Interestingly, the three challenge races will not be run consecutively on the card, but spread out as races 5, 8 and 10. As a horizontal player, I would prefer them to be sequenced together along with the only non-graded stake (the $150K Durham Cup) in a late Pick-4.

Last year, a mare Sarah Lynx stole the show upsetting a highly regarded International field on yielding turf, this year eight European invaders will tackle the famous E.P. Taylor turf course and look to take down Canada's richest race. I love the Woodbine turf course which unlike most North American venues is outside of the two inside tracks (standardbred and polytrack) and closest to the stands. The stretch drive is forever and has set up some wild across the turf finishes over the years. Dan Loiselle will once again have the call in this year's 75th anniversary of the International.

I will have a preview of the race up tomorrow morning on the Sports, Ink and will make my way up the Queen Elizabeth Way to enjoy a day of racing in the Toronto suburbs. Val, of  the Foolish Pleasure and Fillies First blogs, has a preview of the International up at ThoroFan's Handicappers' Corner and is worth the visit to check out what the Professor of Pedigree thinks about the big race.

We'll have some pictures up early next week and will post recaps on the BC Challenge races at the Sports, Ink on Sunday evening.

Belmont Buzz

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DULLAHAN: Photo Credit - NYRA, Adam Coglianese

It's one of those opinionated days....

I can't imagine having four weeks between these classic races, can you?

Dullahan sure seems to me to be the major threat, but Paynter would make an interesting story-line with the same connections as Bodemeister, who bailed after the first two legs.  Will Bode be outdone by his stable-mate?

Sick of hearing if I'll Have Another wasn't around, Bode would be looking at a Triple Crown possibility himself.  Yeah, and if the queen had balls, she'd be king.

Have to take a closer look at Street Life...

Friday's card is ho-hum. The only thing really worth paying attention to his Mario Gutierrez' four mounts. He picks up two for Mark Henning, one for Wesley Ward and rides Boxeur des Rues for owner Paul Reddam in the Brooklyn, going 1 1/2-miles.

I wish the post draw was earlier in the week (Monday or Tuesday), having to wait until Wednesday night for PP's is kind of a drag.

If it sounds like I'm complaining I'm not. I'm pretty damn excited to see a chance at history, call it a Belmont Buzz. The last time we had a Triple Crown attempt, Big B's effort just wasn't all that. Other than the moments when they were loading into the gate and the thunderous roar of the crowd at the break (very scintillating), the race itself was a dud. Would love to see a stretch deal with IHA and anyone (hopefully Dullahan or Paynter) that would be a race for the ages...

Will be rolling onto Long Island mid-card Friday and staying for a few races. Work starts on Saturday, we'll be starting a live blog around 3:00 p.m. as the late Pick-4 gets rolling at the TBN Sports, Ink blog site and will have post race commentary duties for Sunday's print edition.

Switching gears up the Queen Elizabeth Way, the Woodbine Oaks was a bit of a surprise with Irish Mission getting it done at a nice price. My pick, Northern Passion, came in second. I'm glad the nice folks up at Woodbine are including me in their "expert" picks sections and am always invited up to their big events. Looking forward to this year's Queen's Plate, which will be my first.

Still punching myself in the face for leaving It's Tricky off my Met Mile late Pick-4 tickets. What was I thinking?

I have to say my non-racing friends are really pumped for this race. It has come up constantly over the past two weeks and the thirst for education/knowledge about the race has been encouraging, to say the least. If we could corner even 10% of these casual fans it would be a win for the sport and the game.

There will be a ThoroFan meet-up in the paddock area on Saturday at 2 p.m. for those interested in meeting some of the Board members and learn more about the operation. There are now nine chapters that have been started across the country, the most recent two being Michigan and New York City.

Captain Obvious goes in San Vicente

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Ok, so I really don't have a serious handicapping post for today, just this really funny picture that I've been saving up for the Derby trail debut of one, Captain Obvious.

He runs in the San Vicente tomorrow afternoon at Santa Anita against more highly regarded colts like Creative Cause and Drill, but that doesn't mean he's not the obvious long shot selection in here, does it?

For a serious look at the race check out Paul Mazur's handicap of the race for ThoroFan on the weekly Handicappers' Corner post.

In the "there's a goat in my timeline" department, it looks like there's a new horseplayer/fan site that's emerged (from the farm?) with the clever moniker of Goatzapper.  Looks like it'll be a fun site to visit and they were kind enough to feature my last post that casually mentioned Chantal Sutherland's tweeting habits. Appears that CRT has entered the lexicon for some of us and we can have some fun with it, although her ART (average RT per day) seems to be coming down since the post.

My weekly online column in The Buffalo News featured a few races from the weekend and the fact that the first online NHC qualifier is this weekend. Spent some time looking at the races last night. I spoke with a fellow Buffalonian (and beancounter!) who participated in the NHC at Treasure Island and he shared some great thoughts about the tournament as a whole. After a slow start he just started gunning for cap horses and eventually a couple of bad beats led to his demise. I've definitely taken a different approach to the online contests over the past few months, we'll see if the new strategy of looking for the big hits in any race where there's no obvious winner, makes a difference. I've decided not to worry about where I finish, if you're not in the top five, you may as well come in last.

Have a great weekend.

SpaceStitions & Other Stuff

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I was walking into my office the other day and realized that I my gait was causing me to step on every crack in the sidewalk. Pretty much have avoided that kind of situation for the past 48 years, but I couldn't stop myself. Something about breaking my mother's back...of course, she just broke her ankle, so there. (Get well quick to my biggest fan!)

Anyways it reminded me of my youth and some of the things I would do before a big basketball game in high school and/or college and the routine that I would always mimic. I guess you could say I've always been superstitious in a lot of different ways.

This got me to thinking...am I superstitious at the track? Do I have these same idiosyncrasies that I do in everyday life (park my car in same spot everyday, sidewalk crack avoidance, same seat in conference room, etc.)?  Let's examine some of my quirks...

1. Going to the Windows. I will not return to a window that I have lost at. I will return to a window I have won at.

2. I always bet an exacta in the first race.  It's kind of like warm-ups, if I plan on playing a whole card when on track. Not sure why I do this, but I'm pretty consistent with this scenario.

3. Last race group superfecta. Not sure this qualifies for superstition status, but whenever I'm with a group, we have to play the group $1 super.  Typically we'll each pick a horse and throw in $6/each if there's four of us or $8/each if it's a three top. We've hit it a couple times, the most for $1K, so I'm highly superstitious not to walk away.

4. Always tip the bathroom attendant guy/gal. It's good karma and there's usually a nice selection of candies.

5. Never count your chickens before they're hatched. Lots of stuff can happen in that final furlong. Don't call out your winner til he's crossed the line. Better yet, keep it to yourself and do the Ickey Shuffle in your head. Made this rookie mistake early on in my horseplayer career and it wasn't pretty. Sure to get a "Don't Do That" from the Saratoga Resident.

Those are a couple of my superstitions when at the track.

Other Stuff

You may have noticed that it's been a tad dormant around here over the past couple weeks. The Space Gal had some surgery around New Year's and is still recuperating so I've had Space Kids duty and my real job busy season has started too. Glad to report that the Space Gal is ok and recovering nicely.

On New Year's Eve between hospital visits I was a call-in guest on Capitol OTB's Loose on the Lead TV show with Equidaily's Seth Merrow and At The Races' Steve Byk. It was a lot of fun discussing the year end review, the Buffalo-Toga trip and some handicapping tips I posted on my year end TBN blog.

For the third consecutive year I will be part of the Wireplayers Derby Dozen panel. I really enjoy participating with this fun group of handicappers, fans and bloggers. They all love the sport so much and we have a good time doing it. You can see some past year's dozens on my left hand sidebar.

I posted some post-Eclipse thoughts on my Friday blog over in the TBN Sports, Ink blog.  My Eclipse predictions from earlier last week were pretty darn good if I must say so myself. Nailed a couple things: a) Jeannine Edwards would kill it as host; (b) Animal Kingdom would win the 3-year old male Eclipse by less than 10 votes (how about 3!); (c) Bill Mott would win his 3rd Trainer Eclipse and (d) Havre de Grace would take home Horse of the Year honors.  Not too shabby, Kreskin.

It's a new year, have you joined ThoroFan or renewed your ThoroFan membership?

******************************************************************

So do you have any racing superstitions or idiosyncrasies to share?

BC Freaky Friday

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It could end up being Freaky Friday by the time the races have been run, especially since the track due to the constant rain yesterday has been listed as muddy and the turf course is yielding.

We've settled in here in Louisville and the weather isn't as ideal as I had anticipated. Luckily, I brought my Woodbine International jacket along (courtesy of Mr. Triple Dead Heat) as it's a little breezy and the temp is just pushing 50 degrees.

The day started out well (after shaking out the cobwebs - thanks to the Space Gal's wake-up call) after seeking out a super cool coffee shop called VINT. It had a Uncommon Grounds-like feel to it and the cran-orange scone was pretty awesome. This commercial was brought to you by Spacely Sprockets.

Oh yeah, the racing. Here's my Sports, Ink blog looking at the last four BC races on the card in today's Buffalo News. I'll be focusing mostly on the rolling Pick-3s all day and throwing in bombs to try and catch lightning in a bottle. It looks like a rather chalky card, but that's just when things can get freaky and with a number of 2-year old Juvenile races on the card anything can happen.

The TBA's Handicappers' Corner over at the ThoroFan site features a number of posts on 10 of the weekend's Breeders' Cup races by some of our group's most talented handicappers. Be sure to check out their thoughts.

I'm also participating in a Handicapping Challenge Contest for the Wireplayers team, I site that I have participated as a Derby Dozen pollster for the past two years. We are taking on a formidable team from the Hello Race Fans! site. It should make for some interesting tweeting over the weekend.

Try and check in at the Sports, Ink site tomorrow where I'll be live blogging the BC races starting around 1:30 p.m. Let's hope you end up in the winners' circle!

Good luck and enjoy the races!

Catching Up

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I've been neglecting the ole' Space blog this week, but there's been a lot going on so let's get to it, as there's lots to cover.

- First off, one item that had me preoccupied this week was setting up a Memorial Fund for Tiznow Reynolds, who passed away prematurely earlier in the week. The Fund was approved by the Board yesterday and a link at the ThoroFan site to make donations was up early this morning. Please consider donating to support the educational future of the 8-year old daughter he left behind.

- I have to give kudos to my fellow Board Members at ThoroFan for their compassion and thoughtfulness in letting me fast track this idea and get it live so quickly. We should have the PayPal option functional by Monday evening, so thanks for your patience.

- Lastly, before I move on to the weekend racing scene, I have to sincerely thank Stacy Berge, Director of Operations of the Thoroughbred Legends Stables, who helped guide me through the process, dealing with the family and sharing with me her vision for this Fund. It's amazing how our racing community comes together in times of sorrow and need.

- Well since last weekend, my Bills and Orange keep winning (*knocks on nearest piece of wood*) and the town here is pretty alive. There's lots of football to be played though, so no need to get overly excited. They are the Bills, you know.

- I've been betting fairly lightly lately, making only one $2 bet (on Hansen) last weekend, securing my free PP's from TwinSpires. I focused most of my efforts on the Equibase Handicapping contest, where for the first time ever I picked winners in the first three contest races. Of course, I dropped quicker than a prom dress the rest of the way and finished in the mid 300s. This week's contest features races from Belmont and Santa Anita, so game on.

- I also test drove Horse Racing Nation's new Derby Wars contest site. More on this to come in a future post. Although I can say that it was a positive experience.

- My Friday News post is up over at the Sports, Ink blog, in case you missed it.

- Is it Catsup or Ketchup? These are things I'd like to know.

- Trying to figure out what to do for Super Saturday tomorrow. I didn't make the trip to Big Sandy due to a wedding tomorrow evening, but some live (or tape delay) blogging could be on tap. Maybe even a nostalgic trip over to the Wehrle OTB for old times sake is in the cards.

- The card seems kinda chalky, but man, those are usually the days where funky stuff happens and a four figure Pick-4 results. I think I'll go deeper in the JCGC than in any other race playing Rodman, Stay Thirsty, Flat Out and Drosselmeyer (horse for course) in the final leg. Although if it's wet I may narrow it down as Stay Thirsty thrived in the slop on Belmont day.

- Speaking of Super Saturday, my advance for the print edition for the News will be in tomorrow's paper. Glad I left Big Drama (who scratched late today) off my selections where I took a capsule look at the late guaranteed $500K Pick 4.

- Very impressive victory by Hansen last weekend at Turfway in the Kentucky Cup Juvenile...a certain horse named Animal Kingdom won at Turfway last year, too.  Hmm.

- Ok, it is time to do some cappin' before we get after it tomorrow afternoon. Best of luck at the windows tomorrow and thanks always, for reading.

One to Go...

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Photo Courtesy: ThoroFan Michelle Godin

Well, we're down to one Classic race left in the Triple Crown series and I for one, am pretty excited about it. It's gone by almost too fast after all of the anticipation...just think, over five weeks ago, Uncle Mo was still on the radar...so what's been on my mind lately....

-  The Belmont condition book states that the Belmont Stakes could handle 16 entrants (I don't believe it's ever happened), the most being 15 in 1983.

- Pull the Pocket's recent post is on point regarding the NTRA chief bottle washer. The dude has no authority, thus no foot to stand on.  You know what they say, no hoof, no horse.

- Really, really enjoyed Nick Tammaro's latest post on Belmont's myths and "rules" and not just because he gave me a mention. I think its some good stuff to consider before heading to the window next weekend.

- The Space Kid has cornered my iPad. He's addicted to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. That's not the issue, the fact that he watches it in Japanese has me concerned.

- Why aren't there more dirt races at a mile and a half on the racing calendar?

- Why doesn't NYRA move the Acorn to pre-Belmont Friday and try and make a weekend of it? Many of us out-of-town commuters would probably come a day early and drop some additional dough...

- Looking forward to seeing the changes at Belmont Park since my last visit, especially the Belmont Cafe.

- Fort Erie starts twilight racing next week for the next three months on Mondays and Tuesdays.  Post time is 4 p.m. and the new Tiki Bar near the finish line opens up next Tuesday. They will also have live bands playing after the last race.

- Isn't that photo above of the Derby's clubhouse turn absolutely awesome? I met Michelle (a ThoroFan) at the Derby and she sent it to me and let me use it on the blog...

- TKS gave me a shoutout that I nudged him over the Twitter cliff in this post, based on a post back in January on horse racing Twitter accounts I'd like to see. One person on the list is already deceased, not sure that's a good sign for my pal, TKS.

- Only bet one race all last weekend.....Exchange Funds. Slump broken. TwinSpires walk of shame averted.

- Talked to Jon Cramer from Buffalo Raceway today, the NY Sire Stakes are about to get underway at the harness track and they have a nice promotion in mid-July for the whole fam called "Back to the Track Night." Space Kid's going on a pony ride.

- Is it really only seven weeks to opening day at Saratoga?

- One more to go...and no, I won't be picking Mucho Macho Man.

ThoroFan Making Some Noise in NY

Tweet As many of you know, I'm involved with the Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association, Inc. (aka ThoroFan) as both a Board Member and the TBA liaison for the weekly edition of their Handicappers' Corner.

The Chairman of the not-for-profit 501(c)(3) group was recently invited to present at the March 8th meeting of NYS Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee hearing. The group's motto is "The Voice of the Fan," and based on recent happenings, it appears that it is making inroads, at least in New York State, for having a seat at the table. Earlier this month the aforementioned Senate Committee unanimously passed three amendments to the New York State Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law (S3759-2011).

The bill has three major components that amends current law all initiatives pushed by ThoroFan:

1) Establish a fan advisory board
2) Establish an annual Horse Racing Farm Award and
3) Establish an "I Love NY Racing" Marketing Campaign

This bill has the potential to be landmark legislation for horse racing and one that will likely be replicated across the country. If the bill gets through the NYS Assembly and is signed into law by Governor Cuomo, New York would be the first state to statutorily allow fans an opportunity to advise the regulators of their sport on issues important to them.

The group is asking NYS residents to write to their Assemblyperson in favor of the bill. A sample letter and instructions from ThoroFan can be found here. Even if you do not live in New York, we would encourage you to send the letter, especially if you enjoy the Saratoga Race Course in the summer, Belmont in the spring/fall and well, even Aqueduct in the winter if you're really a true fan. It only took me about 10 minutes today to email and fax the letter to Assemblyman Hoyt.

What I find the most encouraging by the bill is the Marketing Campaign. The I Love NY marketing campaign is by far and away one of the most successful campaigns ever. Imagine the traction that the tracks could gather with a focused campaign bringing back the creative slogan and logo and adding RACING to it? This would not only benefit the NYRA tracks, but the harness tracks across the state, so I would implore those marketing directors to jump on the band wagon also.

Michael Amo, ThoroFan chairman, was on "Down The Stretch" with Dave Johnson and Bill Finley on Sirius Radio on Saturday and discussed the bill and potential impacts it can have in the future. Take a listen. For once we're not just throwing ideas out there, we actually did something concrete. If you can spare a few minutes for the sport you love, please write a letter of support.

Happy New Year, Space Cadets

Tweet Happy New Year to all that follow this blog. 2010 has been very good to me and I owe a debt of gratitude to those who visit, have befriended me and have provided me opportunities over the past year.

2010 had a lot of highlights for me and the blog that included:

- The entrance of the Space Filly in November, whose barely a month old. I look forward to her first track visit, she's got some catching up to do!

- A successful initial endeavor with ThoroFan resulting in a new collaboration with the TBA to provide a weekly Handicappers' Corner. I'm told that it generates a solid number of weekly hits and we've given out some terrific winners in 2010 (highlighted by Joe Nevills' 20-1 shot Exhi in the Blue Grass Stakes). We'll be gunning up the 2011 Corner in January for a second consecutive year.

- Speaking of ThoroFan, I was honored to be asked to sit on their Board of Directors in October and look forward to a long relationship with this non-for-profit 501c3 into the future.

- I participated in the inaugural Wireplayers.com Derby Dozen which was a great exercise that we all had a lot of fun with.

- I was fortunate to add 3 more initial track visits (Space Invasions) this year, Finger Lakes, Aqueduct and Pimlico (for the Preakness), ironically two of the three are located in my home state.

- My Belmont Stakes streak is intact at five. The Space Gal and I watched from the finish line to see Drosselmeyer upset the field and had a great day at Big Sandy.

- Calling the Derby exacta cold (and hitting the Oaks-Derby Double cold with my man Ernie), and winning an iPad to boot in a Horse Racing Nation contest.

- The Space Kid added the fourth track to his young life in January on Sunshine Millions Day at Gulfstream. By age two, he's been to Churchill, Keeneland, Saratoga and Gulfstream....not too shabby.

- Finally, in the being in the right place at the right time category, being asked to fill the huge shoes of Bob Summers as the racing correspondent for The Buffalo News, was certainly the highlight of my "racing year." You can check out my year in review from yesterday's paper. Thanks to everyone who helped me make this leap of faith from the blogging ranks.

I'd say 2010 was quite a year after reviewing the highlights above. I look forward to 2011 and am resolved to continue to post and have fun with this blog. I appreciate the regular readers and commenters (Norm!), my fellow TBA'ers and those who happen to stop by on occasion to see what's cooking in the Space Lab. And finally a special thanks to the Saratoga Resident who introduced me to this sport a short seven years ago....who knew?

Happy New Year.

Got Woof?

Tweet It's Breeders' Cup draw day in Louisville and 168 horses have obtained a spot in the starting gates for the two-day world championships. Some notes and quotes about the draw:

BC Classic

- Lookin at Lucky (6-1 ML) drew the outside post (12) in the Classic, the complete opposite of his horrid rail draw in the Derby. Although this was the cause of his second place finish in last year's Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita when he was in gate 13, I don't seem to think this will be as much trouble with the extra eighth of a mile. Even his trainer Bob Baffert seemed somewhat relieved: "It’s not that horrible, it’s not the end of the world. I’m just glad he’s out of the one-hole."

- Quality Road (5-1 ML) drew the rail, not the best place to be, but I think the fact that Paddy O'Prado is inside of him and Haynesfield will probably shoot to the lead from the three hole shouldn't be too much of an issue for the Road. If the track is souped up on Saturday (probably not says the conspiracy theorist in me) look out for this one who has been flying under the radar since his loss to Blame at the wire in the Whitney. Remember the Saratoga track was deep and tiring for most of the summer. If the track resembles anything like Gulfstream's speedway in the earlier races on Saturday, I'll be taking note with my bankroll.

- Zenyatta (8-5 ML favorite) drew the eight hole and the BC hype machine is rolling. Her every move being glorified. It seems like everyone in Louisville wants her to win. Don't get me wrong, I love her, but let's not go overboard. There's still a race to be won. Owner Jerry Moss liked the draw: “That is excellent. Eight is our lucky number. We’re very happy to be here. If we didn’t think she was up to the task, we wouldn’t have brought her.”

BC Juvie

- Boys at Tosconova (5-2 ML) drew the two hole and has Ramon Dominguez aboard. Rick Dutrow has rested him since closing day at Saratoga where he won the Hopeful (G1). Will he be ready to roll? Dutrow thinks so: “He showed in the Hopeful he can sit behind horses and rate. He’s done everything we’ve asked and he’s ready. I’ve absolutely loved this horse from the first time I laid eyes on him. If Uncle Mo shows up with his best game we are going to be in for one hell of a show.”

- The Todd Squad Stay Thirsty (8-1) and Uncle Mo (7-5 ML favorite) will be right next to each other in the six and seven spots, respectively. Respect the "other Pletcher horse," which in this case is Stay Thirsty, with Javier Castellano aboard. The Bernardini colt finished secon to Boys at Tosconova by just under two lengths. I think I need to review the Turk's prep course for this race.

- The two SoCal horses have to be respected also, Jaycito (8-1 ML) and JP's Gusto (10-1 ML), who finished 1-2 in the Norfolk (G1) at Hollywood Park's Oak Tree meet. JP's trainer David Hofmans on the draw of the four spot: “We’re OK with it. I would have preferred the outside, but I’m just glad we’re not in the 1 or the 2.”

That's all for now....appears most of the trainers are woofing up their horses in the pre-race hype. I'll be hunkering down with the past performances for the next two nights and we'll post some picks later in the week. Also, keep an eye over on the Handicappers' Corner over at ThoroFan where most of the races will have a handicap by one of our TBA bloggers. So be sure to head over there and check it out.

Start Spreading The News...

Tweet It's been quite a week at the Space Station as a number of things had my attention this week, the most exciting being my new side gig at The Buffalo News. I guess you couldn't ask for a better present yesterday, when I celebrated the 25th anniversary of my 22nd birthday. I'm looking forward to this opportunity, mainly because of the people I will be fortunate enough to encounter in this role. Another positive angle will be ramping up on the harness game, which is very prevalent in the Western New York area with Buffalo Raceway right in our backyard and Batavia Downs a half hour down the Thruway. My next article should be in next Friday's print edition with a Breeders' Cup preview. Thanks to all of you who have supported me over the last two and a half years (especially the Space Gal who is a saint in her own right).

Over at ThoroFan, I was asked to write an article on my Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Race, but instead I enlisted a number of my blogger pals (Alan H from The Bug Boys, Susan from A Saturday Afternoon Horse, Steve from Wireplayers and Patrick from Handride), Ernie "E Train" Munick of BC360 and TRNY fame and Dylan J, a frequent Wireplayers contributor to help me with the post. I'd like to publicly thank all of them for the effort and the time that each one of them put into the post. What is your most memorable BC race?

I did receive another email regarding the 30 for 30 Charismatic documentary, which said that it would no longer be a part of that series, but rather a future ESPN Films production. The mystery as to the delays and removal from 30 for 30 schedule still have me scratching my head.

Time to get back to those voluminous BC past performances....

Everyday is a Winding Road

Tweet When I started this blog back in April 2008, I had no idea of the twists and turns that awaited me. Entering the blogosphere was pretty foreign to me. Not knowing the rules (and finding out there really are none), internet protocol or even how to track my own website made the journey all the more interesting. I would learn something new every day. I knew it would be somewhat of a challenge as a new scribe following a niche sport with a smattering of fans across the country, and that I couldn't come close to the way some of the other bloggers could write (run-on sentences found here). Being a relatively new fan at the time, I also didn't have the historical background or know enough about pedigrees to write intelligibly about either....so I did what any blogger would do...I faked it. At the same time though, I read as much as humanly possible to fill in my gaps in history and other idiosyncracies that this game has. I asked the dumb questions and learned as I went. And I still have much to learn.....

But if you told me I'd be able to post articles at the Bloodhorse Blog Stable or cover the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile last year for the NTRA, I'd tell you you're crazy and to back away slowly. The best thing that this blog has done for me though is connect me with a number of wonderful people who have the same passion as I do. You wouldn't believe the emails I receive offering words of encouragement or asking me to post about something or other or that they enjoyed something that I wrote that had a humorous twist to it. It's funny because a lot of you I've never met in person, but we are connected in cyberspace by this common bond, a love of horse racing.

I'm still not really sure what this blog is (if you do, please let me know), I've maintained all along the notion that I'm doing it for myself and for the sheer enjoyment of sharing my passion with those who want to read my ramblings. I was a little nervous about how I might be perceived by those who know me professionally, but it didn't take long before it became a nice conversation piece and was universally accepted by those who know me in "real life." Of course, the support of an understanding and cool wife (who lets me call her the Space Gal) who shares me with cyberspace makes it all the easier.

So whether you're a blogger pal, a fellow TBA'er a commenter, a Facebook or Twitter friend, someone who links to me, or someone who reads but never comments, I thank you first and foremost for reading and lastly for encouraging me to keep on keepin' on by coming back. If we haven't met, I hope we do someday to share a beer, a laugh, a cigar, or even better to watch a race together. If we have met, I look forward to our next meet up, because I'm pretty sure it'll be at a racetrack (and we all know there's not a better place in the world).

The most current curve in my winding road is something I was completely floored by. About a week ago, Michael Amo, one of those folks who I connected with over a year ago when he was founding the fan group called ThoroFan, called me and asked me to join his Board of Directors. Myself along with the very polished and talented Barry Bornstein will be joining the five person Board, effective immediately. As most of you know, I've been helping them manage the weekly Handicappers' Corner and worked closely with Michael and Niki Rowe (secretary/treasurer) with their tax exempt filing with the IRS, which was successfully obtained last month. So I look forward to continue this journey and love affair I have with racing and to try and help this fledgling organization grow in the future. All you need to do is look at their mission statement below to know that I'm all in....

The mission of the Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association, Inc., (ThoroFan) is to foster the growth of the Thoroughbred racing industry by providing racing fans with an organization that will actively support their interests.

Game on.

All Aboard the Afleet Express

Tweet I was disappointed when Afleet Alex was retired before the 2005 Travers (my first one) and never being able to see one of my favorite horses in person. So when his progeny, Afleet Express ($16.00) held off a game Fly Down by a nostril (see win photo at the Crist Blog), I felt somewhat redeemed for missing his daddy on my first Travers Day. It was also apropos that I was able to share this year's Travers Day with my father at a table with the Saratoga Resident (many thanks!), the Puma, Jazzy Jeff and friends up in the Turf Terrace. I even sported a horse tie the Space Gal bought me at the NYRA Store for effect. Unfortunately for my pops, that nostril cost him a $500 Pick-4 on a $24 ticket.

I was high on the Express all week, who carried me to victory in the Knight Sky's contest and I wrote over at ThoroFan the following: "Fourth in the Dandy, he was bumped at the start and was caught four wide on the second turn, so his late effort to finish third while closing ground, is better than it may seem on paper. He has the red hot Javier Castellano aboard and I think he's sitting on a big one. Another solid A choice." Of course, in typical fashion, my Travers/Ensign doubled flamed out along with Rachel Alexandra and Life at Ten.

Just as A Little Warm saved my betting day a month ago, Afleet Express did me right and ensured I'll be in the black for the second Spa meet in a row (something I never thought I could ever do). As far as how I fared in other contests...finished 88th (out of 2,100) in the Equibase contest with winnings of $62.30 on $32 wagered (not bad) and out of the Top 50 this time in the GradeOneRacing.com tourney with $422 on $400 wagered, but in the black. All in all a fun weekend, and always great to be at a packed house Spa for the big weekend.

As far as the rest of the day, the only other decent wagers I made were on Rightly So ($11.40)in the Ballerina (G1) and hitting the ten cent super in the finale (after speed capping it in about 2 minutes..go figure).

My Toga Party contest is really heating up with a current 8 way tie for first (all with 3 points) as the landscape changed tremendously (see sidebar link for standings), as Saturday was moving up day for a number of Toga partiers. It's gonna be a photo.....

As far as for today's results, they are not all that unexpected in this camp. I was rousted that I was underestimating Rachel in my Z's Weak Sauce Campaign post, but stand by my commentary that Zenyatta was targeting bigger and better competition and Rachel was no longer the target. I think today reaffirmed that. If we even see Rachel again, I believe it'll be against Blind Luck in the Ladies Classic (as projected), or possibly the Beldame. Can NYRA be any more unlucky? She goes to Monmouth and wins....fans go home happy. She comes to the Spa and well...you know....it's a long ride home for many, with long faces to boot. She's just not the same horse she was last year, and that's ok. No one will take away her tremendous 3yo accomplishments. It'll be a fun matchup with Blind Luck if it happens, fingers are crossed here.

Anyways my camera was pretty dormant yesterday, but here's a few shots...

The meeting's two top jockeys (Johnny V and Javier) yukking it up before Race 6.












Race 6 winner, first time starter Headingtothecity ($22.40) ridden by Ramon Dominguez.











Rajeev Maragh and Shaun Bridgmohan getting ready to take their mounts before the sixth.












A patriotic Hulkster prowling the backyard. Nice biceps, Hogan.












Johnny V jumping aboard Just a Dab in the paddock.












Coming by us the first time in the Travers....note Afleet Express (#7, mid pack) and the trailing Fly Down (#8).









Add the Travers to the list of events I've been able to attend with my father along with the World Series, the NLCS, the Final Four, the Big East Tournament, the Stanley Cup Finals and the US Open at Oak Hill.

Speeding Along...

Tweet Sorry to blog and dash...but there's too much to be done, now that we know Trappe Shot has opted for the mile and a quarter Travers over the 7 furlong King's Bishop. We've got a few capping contests to get down and dirty with over the next two days, log a few Toga Party III contest selections, head down the Thruway for some horse racing (with my pops!) and back home in time to catch the Personal Ensign on Sunday evening on TVG.

In the meantime, I speed-capped the Travers and put together a Daily Double play and bet construction post over at ThoroFan's Handicapper's Corner (sponsored by the TBA), so you'll have an idea who I like on Saturday (and Sunday for that matter). Since they don't have a comment page, if you have something to say....feel free to comment here.

Arriba, arriba, heppa heppa, andalay, andalay.

Itchin' for the Spa

Tweet I have to say to that my internal clock is going off, cuz tomorrow is usually the day that would be opening day at the Spa. What, they've already been running for 4 days?!? That's what happens when you spend a weekend in Canada, you lose all track of time...

Well, I'm three days away from the inaugural visit and we're towing along the Space Gal and Kid for this one. Less than 18 months old and he'll complete the superfecta of Keeneland, Churchill, Gulfstream with the Spa. There's no better place to top off a super like that.

So what's on my mind.....I know you didn't ask..but you're gonna get it anyways 'cause it's one of those opinionated days....

- I guess I can't be too disappointed I missed another wet opening day...

- Looking forward to catching up with some old and new friends at the Spa, including the folks who run ThoroFan. They've been terrific to work with on the TBA Handicappers' Corner and on some other business issues.

- The best race of the meet is shaping up to be the TVG/Betfair (excuse me while I throw up) Alabama. It reminds me of 2008 when Proud Spell and Music Note faced off in a mano-y-mano affair. The Devil May Care-Blind Luck matchup looms large.

- I have to say I'm pretty excited to see Afleet Express in the Dandy this weekend. I was a big fan of his papa. Probably the most disappointed I was about missing a horse race was when Afleet Alex (one of my favorites) retired before running in the 2005 Travers. Major bummer.

- Also glad I get to see a fav of mine again, Fly Down, who will run in the Dandy also. Thinking I have my cold exacta in the books already.

- Who else wants Big Drama to show up for a matchup in the Forego with Vineyard Haven?

- Lost my mind when I was shut out on TwinSpires on the Peace Bridge (sitting in traffic for an hour) trying to make an across the board wager on Maybesomaybenot in the Sanford....ugh.

- Figures Javier Castellano rips off 5 in a row on Sunday, a week before our visit. He's been the Space Gal's favorite since we started summering at the Spa and she consistently plays his mounts no matter what. It was a repeat of his Labor Day 2005 performance, which we were fortunate enough to witness.

- The Personal Ensign. Nah.....it'll never happen. [If it does, I'll be Huckleberry Hound for Halloween.]

- Just looked at Friday's twilight card...must be Ladies' Night....7 filly & mare races sandwiched inside of two $20-$25K claimers...interesting.

- Don't forget to send me your Toga Party III pick for the Dandy before Saturday noon.

Looking forward to scratching that itch.

Jackson Shakes The Bank Again

Tweet The awesome group called the TBA (that I am a card carrying member of) has decided to try a new twist this Friday. I'm going to call it the Winning (hot) Topic Friday (or WTF for short). After a short vote (or dictator decision) one topic a week is the buzz every Friday. Many of the member bloggers will be discussing today's topic and you can find them here.

Today's WTF: What do you think about Jess Jackson demanding a raising of the purse in many of the races Rachel Alexandra shows up at? Is it a good move for the track to pay this fee in hopes of more handle?

My thoughts on this week's WTF.....do you remember the deep closer Better Talk Now's rabbit? The horse's name was Shake the Bank, generally ridden by second circuit rider whose name escapes me that I met at a bar outside Gulfstream a few years ago, but I digress... That's what this situation reminds me of. Jess Jackson shakes the track's bank and he noodles an additional $150 thousand clams out of them and makes them change the date to meet "Steve's" training schedule. Talk about a WTF. Now, I know all the arguments that "it's strictly business" and why wouldn't he want to get the "biggest bang for his buck", and he "holds all the cards", yada yada....but man, controlling purses and race dates? Talk about the inmates running the asylum.

Now don't get me wrong here, I say big kudos to Monmouth Park, as they had the foresight (and apparently the cash) to communicate with the Jackson camp to make it happen, but where was NYRA? Asleep at the wheel? Counting their chickens with Rachel firmly nested in one of their coops (taking up space, nonetheless)? Chucky is "puzzled" and "disappointed"? How about he just got played by Monmouth (again - See Super Saver)? It's all about communication, and apparently there was none. It's like Deal or No Deal and Monmouth had a green lined suitcase and NYRA had a paper bag. I think it was a smart play by the Jersey Boyz. Hopefully, RA shows up after shaking the bank this time (see Apple Blossom).

Shockingly (this is sarcasm), the race didn't fit into Zenyatta's schedule. Although the Big Z could be showing up in Louisville with a few more Grade 1 wins notched on her record versus a big fat goose egg on Rachel's come November. Which will probably lead the Jackson camp to enter her in the Distaff (aka Ladies Classic) instead of the big hoedown.

In other news, these parts are getting excited about the Queen's Plate and Keith from Triple Dead Heat (who came up with the WTF idea BTW), our Canadian resident TBA blogger has a post up on the Queen's Plate over at the ThoroFan Handicapper's Corner (sponsored by TBA Blogs). Make sure you check out his thoughts and selections.

Lastly, check out a new thoroughbred blog by former Buffalonian and radio and TV journalist Scott Jagow called Horsepuckey. He is making a bold move to leave the journalism area and enter into the racing industry, enrolling in the University of Louisville's one-year Equine Business program. He's someone who's willing to delve into a new field and share his path with us. Make sure you check him out.