There's a month to go before horse racing really takes over Saratoga Springs for a hectic, exhausting six-week period. Four weeks from now, everyone from bartenders to restaurant owners to police officers to - yes - sports writers in the upstate New York area will be working, working, working as the public points its interest toward Saratoga and the 36-day meet.
The New York Racing Association had its annual Saratoga press conference earlier today in Colonie. Among the topics discussed were the horses who will be here (and not here, in the case of recently-injured Invasor), the giveaways fans will walk away with and, of course, the racing franchise in New York.
John Lee of NYRA likened Monday to Thanksgiving, a precursor to the gigantic holiday that is Saratoga. He said it won't be long before we "unwrap the meet."Racing at Saratoga has long been one of my favorite presents to receive, and the names expected to run this summer - Street Sense, Rags to Riches, Curlin, to name a few - make it even more appealing.
Oh, and the giveaways? There's a hat, a T-shirt and a cooler, along with an umbrella, a folding chair and an Angel Cordero bobblehead doll. E-bay should get a lot of business this August.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Looking ahead
After several days of looking back on the Triple Crown, it feels like it's time to look ahead. the Saratoga meet starts in 6 weeks and the meet's biggest race, the Travers Stakes, could be a big one.
Consider the likely starters: Street Sense (BC Juvenile winner, 2YO champion colt, winner of the Kentucky Derby), Curlin (third in Derby, winner of the Preakness Stakes, second in the Belmont Stakes and a winner in four of his six career races), Rags to Riches (racing's leading lady, winner of the Belmont, winner of four straight Grade I races), Hard Spun (winless in the T.C. series, but second in the Derby and third in the Preakness and a two-time graded stakes winner). Also, remember some of these names? Nobiz Like Shobiz, Scat Daddy, Circular Quay, C.P. West and Sightseeing. Plus, there's bound to be another horse or two that comes into play in late July.
What does all this mean? Even if Rags to Riches goes in the Alabama and not the Travers (that is my gut feeling right now, by the way), the Travers has the potential to be a blockbuster. The grudge match everyone wanted to see in the Belmont between Street Sense and Curlin could happen. Hard Spun could try once again to knock off his top rivals for that major Grade I win. In addition, one of the "other" horses that enter could call on Saratoga's name - "graveyard of favorites" - and post a shocking upset.
Rags to Riches staying with the girls would add a ton of juice to Alabama day and Invasor will hopefully be back on track to defend his Whitney Handicap title. Plus, Todd Pletcher will have a new army of 2-year-olds primed and ready to go in the Spa's fantastic juvenile races.
Consider the likely starters: Street Sense (BC Juvenile winner, 2YO champion colt, winner of the Kentucky Derby), Curlin (third in Derby, winner of the Preakness Stakes, second in the Belmont Stakes and a winner in four of his six career races), Rags to Riches (racing's leading lady, winner of the Belmont, winner of four straight Grade I races), Hard Spun (winless in the T.C. series, but second in the Derby and third in the Preakness and a two-time graded stakes winner). Also, remember some of these names? Nobiz Like Shobiz, Scat Daddy, Circular Quay, C.P. West and Sightseeing. Plus, there's bound to be another horse or two that comes into play in late July.
What does all this mean? Even if Rags to Riches goes in the Alabama and not the Travers (that is my gut feeling right now, by the way), the Travers has the potential to be a blockbuster. The grudge match everyone wanted to see in the Belmont between Street Sense and Curlin could happen. Hard Spun could try once again to knock off his top rivals for that major Grade I win. In addition, one of the "other" horses that enter could call on Saratoga's name - "graveyard of favorites" - and post a shocking upset.
Rags to Riches staying with the girls would add a ton of juice to Alabama day and Invasor will hopefully be back on track to defend his Whitney Handicap title. Plus, Todd Pletcher will have a new army of 2-year-olds primed and ready to go in the Spa's fantastic juvenile races.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
the lady takes it
Rags to Riches, the 3-year-old filly out of trainer Todd Pletcher's barn, became the first filly since 1905 to win the Belmont Stakes as she bested Curlin in a spectacular stretch run Saturday.
Getting five pounds from her six male rivals, she moved four-wide off the final turn and took dead-aim at the Preakness winner, nosing in front at the top of the stretch and staying there to the delight of the crowd.
Getting five pounds from her six male rivals, she moved four-wide off the final turn and took dead-aim at the Preakness winner, nosing in front at the top of the stretch and staying there to the delight of the crowd.
Belmont selections
The time has come to settle on a horse for the Belmont. In this race, it would be hard to call it a real shock if any of them were to win. All have solid credentials with graded stakes wins and wins over top company. What was once considered a so-so Belmont at best once Street Sense backed out has become quite an intriguing race as post time nears.
From a storyline standpoint, Rags to Riches presents the best opportunity to write a compelling race story. She would do something no horse has done in just about anyone's lifetime.
Hard Spun deserves a big victory and has the talent to do so, and he'll be able to moderate the pace from his normal out-front spot.
Tiago and Imawildandcrazy guy can both come flying at the end, Slew's Tizzy has won two stakes in a row and C.P. West surprised many people (myself included) with his performance in the Preakness.
All that said, the fact that you can go any which way in this race means I'll stick with the morning-line favorite, Curlin. While I'll try to find some value in my betting, Curlin is my choice to win, no matter what he goes off at. He proved in the Derby he can handle some struggles and run well, then looked fantastic coming back on Street Sense in the Preakness. My thought is that Hard Spun will jump out a bit on the field early, set a modest pace, then get challenged by Curlin and Rags to Riches rounding the far turn. Curlin's power will be displayed as the field straightens out and he'll pick up his second Triple Crown jewel.
Should that happen, it makes for quite the showdown with Street Sense in the Travers at Saratoga.
My choices: Curlin, Hard Spun, Tiago
From a storyline standpoint, Rags to Riches presents the best opportunity to write a compelling race story. She would do something no horse has done in just about anyone's lifetime.
Hard Spun deserves a big victory and has the talent to do so, and he'll be able to moderate the pace from his normal out-front spot.
Tiago and Imawildandcrazy guy can both come flying at the end, Slew's Tizzy has won two stakes in a row and C.P. West surprised many people (myself included) with his performance in the Preakness.
All that said, the fact that you can go any which way in this race means I'll stick with the morning-line favorite, Curlin. While I'll try to find some value in my betting, Curlin is my choice to win, no matter what he goes off at. He proved in the Derby he can handle some struggles and run well, then looked fantastic coming back on Street Sense in the Preakness. My thought is that Hard Spun will jump out a bit on the field early, set a modest pace, then get challenged by Curlin and Rags to Riches rounding the far turn. Curlin's power will be displayed as the field straightens out and he'll pick up his second Triple Crown jewel.
Should that happen, it makes for quite the showdown with Street Sense in the Travers at Saratoga.
My choices: Curlin, Hard Spun, Tiago
belmont morning
It's breezy, warm and comfortable here at Belmont as race day has arrived. Couldn't ask for much more (aside, of course, from having the Triple Crown on the line). It's a strange feeling, knowing that after today, the Triple Crown is over and we have six weeks to wait for Saratoga to start. Five weeks of watching from afar and waiting to see which top horses will make their way up Union Avenue to Saratoga in August.
Personally, this has been nothing short of a tremendous experience for me. Being a part of an internationally-covered event like the Triple Crown has taught me a great deal about how to do my job better and the effort so many of my colleagues give to do their so well. Additionally, I hope I have done enough in my rookie campaign to give everyone a taste of racing's three big races. Along with telling some great stories, I hope I have given people the information they were looking for to become better educated about these races, and racing in general.
Less than eight hours to post time and there's a great undercard to keep me entertained until the real work begins. Time to finally figure out who will win the Belmont.
Good racing luck.
Personally, this has been nothing short of a tremendous experience for me. Being a part of an internationally-covered event like the Triple Crown has taught me a great deal about how to do my job better and the effort so many of my colleagues give to do their so well. Additionally, I hope I have done enough in my rookie campaign to give everyone a taste of racing's three big races. Along with telling some great stories, I hope I have given people the information they were looking for to become better educated about these races, and racing in general.
Less than eight hours to post time and there's a great undercard to keep me entertained until the real work begins. Time to finally figure out who will win the Belmont.
Good racing luck.
Friday, June 8, 2007
warm day
Boy, it's a hot one here on Long Island the day before the Belmont. A steamy, humid, Saratoga-in-August type day. Tomorrow is expected to be cooler, only expected to scrape 80, and there is a chance of thunderstorms (30 percent, according to weather.com). So long as it's not a washout, the track should be in good shape for the race, which will go off just before 6:30 p.m.
Belmont has a great undercard set up as well, with a couple of Derby horses running in other races and some familiar older horses (2006 Travers runner Hesanoldsalt and longtime favorite Evening Attire to name two) set to run in the Birdstone, an overnight stakes race, early in the day.
I have been meaning for some time to put in here something trainer Larry Jones (Hard Spun) said earlier in the week. He was discussing his desire for jockey Garrett Gomez to show patience with his colt, as that is what is takes to win the Belmont. There is one exception to that rule, however: "The one race wheree I saw a jockey show a lack of patience was in 1973 with Secretariat - and it didn't look like it mattered." For those unfamiliar with that reference (if you are, you probably don't read this blog anyway), Jones was referring to the 1973 edition of the Belmont which Secretariat and jockey Ron Turcotte won by 31 lengths to wrap up the Triple Crown.
Belmont has a great undercard set up as well, with a couple of Derby horses running in other races and some familiar older horses (2006 Travers runner Hesanoldsalt and longtime favorite Evening Attire to name two) set to run in the Birdstone, an overnight stakes race, early in the day.
I have been meaning for some time to put in here something trainer Larry Jones (Hard Spun) said earlier in the week. He was discussing his desire for jockey Garrett Gomez to show patience with his colt, as that is what is takes to win the Belmont. There is one exception to that rule, however: "The one race wheree I saw a jockey show a lack of patience was in 1973 with Secretariat - and it didn't look like it mattered." For those unfamiliar with that reference (if you are, you probably don't read this blog anyway), Jones was referring to the 1973 edition of the Belmont which Secretariat and jockey Ron Turcotte won by 31 lengths to wrap up the Triple Crown.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
thursday morning
A picture-perfect day at Belmont, just two days before the Belmont Stakes. Once again the sun is out and the track was busy. I arrive just in time to see Larry Jones finish a gallop aboard Hard Spun, and he looked strong. I'm a slight believer in karma, so part of me is thinking he could take this one Saturday. Still, the rigors of three races in five weeks, combined with his front-running style, worry me.
Also took some time to walk around the barn area where trainers were conducting various conversations about Saturday's race. It appears to be a pretty clear-cut race: a fair pace early, action around the far turn and see who gets open air down the stretch.
Also took some time to walk around the barn area where trainers were conducting various conversations about Saturday's race. It appears to be a pretty clear-cut race: a fair pace early, action around the far turn and see who gets open air down the stretch.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
what's on tap
Back at the hotel following a LONG day that spanned 12 hours (including the always enjoyable NY traffic getting out to my hotel), this seems as good a time as any to give some hints as to what we're working on for later this week.
Spent some time with jockey Garrett Gomez and a couple of other reporters in the jockeys' room this afternoon. Gomez, as you may be aware, is at the center of the biggest "controversy" of the Belmont Stakes. He agreed to ride Hard Spun, only to find out a few days later that filly Rags to Riches (one of his usual mounts for Todd Pletcher) was going to run as well. There was some back-and-forth as to whether he would beg off Hard Spun, but in the end he decided to stick with his original commitment (a noble move, in my opinion). Anyway, it's an interesting story and really gives some insight into how jockeys go about getting and keeping big mounts. Look for that story later this week.
Also will delve into a couple of the longshots set to run. The big three - Hard Spun, Rags to Riches and of course, Curlin - will get their due, but there's a couple neat things to bring up about the other runners. Who knows, something we write about might get you to swing your allegiance one way or another. If not, well enjoy betting Curlin at even-money like so many of us did Street Sense three weeks ago).
The weather here remains picture-perfect. This morning was chilly, but the sun warmed things up nicely. It is supposed to remain dry, sunny and even hot into the weekend. Should be a fast track for the race.
So there's no Triple Crown on the line, so what? Rags to Riches gives this race a unique quality and Hard Spun and Curlin give it a grudge match feel. Plus, this race could hold a big key to how horses are pointed for the summer (remember, Saratoga isn't that far away).
More tomorrow.
Spent some time with jockey Garrett Gomez and a couple of other reporters in the jockeys' room this afternoon. Gomez, as you may be aware, is at the center of the biggest "controversy" of the Belmont Stakes. He agreed to ride Hard Spun, only to find out a few days later that filly Rags to Riches (one of his usual mounts for Todd Pletcher) was going to run as well. There was some back-and-forth as to whether he would beg off Hard Spun, but in the end he decided to stick with his original commitment (a noble move, in my opinion). Anyway, it's an interesting story and really gives some insight into how jockeys go about getting and keeping big mounts. Look for that story later this week.
Also will delve into a couple of the longshots set to run. The big three - Hard Spun, Rags to Riches and of course, Curlin - will get their due, but there's a couple neat things to bring up about the other runners. Who knows, something we write about might get you to swing your allegiance one way or another. If not, well enjoy betting Curlin at even-money like so many of us did Street Sense three weeks ago).
The weather here remains picture-perfect. This morning was chilly, but the sun warmed things up nicely. It is supposed to remain dry, sunny and even hot into the weekend. Should be a fast track for the race.
So there's no Triple Crown on the line, so what? Rags to Riches gives this race a unique quality and Hard Spun and Curlin give it a grudge match feel. Plus, this race could hold a big key to how horses are pointed for the summer (remember, Saratoga isn't that far away).
More tomorrow.
draw complete; Curlin favored
The draw for the 139th Belmont Stakes is complete and Curlin, winner of the Preakness Stakes three weeks ago, was made the 6-5 morning-line favorite. He will break from the third spot in the starting gate.
Seven horses entered the race (Time Squared pulled out a couple of days ago and Digger backed out as soon as Todd Pletcher entered filly Rags to Riches). Here is the list of starters by post position, with morning-line odds in parentheses:
1. Imawildandcrazyguy (20-1)
2. Tiago (10-1)
3. Curlin (6-5)
4. C.P. West (12-1)
5. Slew's Tizzy (20-1)
6. Hard Spun (5-2)
7. Rags to Riches (3-1)
A couple of early thoughts: I'm happy Pletcher went with the filly, because the race needed a boost in story lines to carry the week. Plus, how amazing would it be to see Pletcher finally get a Triple Crown win with a female after so many tries with the boys? Also, I was entertained a while this morning by Larry Jones, trainer of Hard Spun, as he recounted some memorable injuries sustained while working with horses. It's amazing what some of these people put themselves through because of their love of horses.
I can tell you, if a horse bucked me off and then ran back over me to boot, I wouldn't be inclined to try riding him again anytime soon. Then again, that's probably why he trains a Triple Crown horse and brings in the big paychecks while I only write about it and.... well, you get the idea.
This is my first trip to Belmont, and it is every bit as beautiful as I have been told. It's enormous and more modern than Saratoga, but still has a great deal of charm to it. The horse paths and roads are tree-lined, the building is covered in a lush green ivy and the grandstand is impressive in size. I only hope the crowd Saturday is big enough so it doesn't feel empty
Seven horses entered the race (Time Squared pulled out a couple of days ago and Digger backed out as soon as Todd Pletcher entered filly Rags to Riches). Here is the list of starters by post position, with morning-line odds in parentheses:
1. Imawildandcrazyguy (20-1)
2. Tiago (10-1)
3. Curlin (6-5)
4. C.P. West (12-1)
5. Slew's Tizzy (20-1)
6. Hard Spun (5-2)
7. Rags to Riches (3-1)
A couple of early thoughts: I'm happy Pletcher went with the filly, because the race needed a boost in story lines to carry the week. Plus, how amazing would it be to see Pletcher finally get a Triple Crown win with a female after so many tries with the boys? Also, I was entertained a while this morning by Larry Jones, trainer of Hard Spun, as he recounted some memorable injuries sustained while working with horses. It's amazing what some of these people put themselves through because of their love of horses.
I can tell you, if a horse bucked me off and then ran back over me to boot, I wouldn't be inclined to try riding him again anytime soon. Then again, that's probably why he trains a Triple Crown horse and brings in the big paychecks while I only write about it and.... well, you get the idea.
This is my first trip to Belmont, and it is every bit as beautiful as I have been told. It's enormous and more modern than Saratoga, but still has a great deal of charm to it. The horse paths and roads are tree-lined, the building is covered in a lush green ivy and the grandstand is impressive in size. I only hope the crowd Saturday is big enough so it doesn't feel empty
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Jockeying in the Belmont
There's four days to go until the Belmont Stakes on Long Island, and it's hard to determine if more story lines are appearing or disappearing.
On one hand, trainer Todd Pletcher announced today he will send filly Rags to Riches to the gate. Also today, Patrick Biancone pulled Time Squared from the race two days after announcing him a go, apparently because of Rags to Riches being entered. According to the Thoroughbred Times Web site, Biancone said the race was for third place with Curlin and Hard Spun above the rest. Apparently, he thinks so much of Pletcher's filly that he figures third place is already sewn up, too.
I'll be arriving at Belmont early tomorrow morning and will start to unravel all that's going on as we get ready for the longest - but unfortunately least anticipated - of the Triple Crown races. Still, it's a $1 dollar race with some talented horses set to run. There's enough happening to keep good racing fans interested.
On one hand, trainer Todd Pletcher announced today he will send filly Rags to Riches to the gate. Also today, Patrick Biancone pulled Time Squared from the race two days after announcing him a go, apparently because of Rags to Riches being entered. According to the Thoroughbred Times Web site, Biancone said the race was for third place with Curlin and Hard Spun above the rest. Apparently, he thinks so much of Pletcher's filly that he figures third place is already sewn up, too.
I'll be arriving at Belmont early tomorrow morning and will start to unravel all that's going on as we get ready for the longest - but unfortunately least anticipated - of the Triple Crown races. Still, it's a $1 dollar race with some talented horses set to run. There's enough happening to keep good racing fans interested.
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