Wrapping Up at Saratoga
With a week to go, Bill Finley grades this year's meet. Todd Pletcher and Azeri earn As; Purge, no surprise, gets a D. (ESPN)
Vans are pulling out of the Saratoga backside loaded with horses bound for Belmont, but trainer Bobby Frankel's barn is still hopping. (New York Daily News)
Posted by JC, Aug 31, 2004 05:45 PM
Missed Opportunity
There's a point in Andrew Beyer's marvelous memoir, "My $50,000 Year at the Races," in which the author realizes why the handicappers he admires so much are able to remain calm regardless of what they lose: It's because they know there will always be another betting opportunity. I had to remind myself of that when I saw the official chart for the fifth race at Suffolk Downs today.
Continue reading »Posted by JC, Aug 31, 2004 05:00 PM
Birdstone or Smarty Jones
Which will be three-year-old champion at the end of the year? "With Smarty Jones retired prematurely to the breeding shed, and his Triple Crown spoiler Birdstone ready to take a crack at older horses in the $4 million Breeders' Cup Classic on Oct. 30, Eclipse Award voters may even have to rethink their Horse of the Year options if Birdstone wins at Lone Star Park," writes Sherry Ross in the New York Daily News.
Hold on, Mike Watchmaker says in the DRF: "Let's keep a lid on the 'Birdstone for champion 3-year-old' movement, however. It is to Birdstone's credit that he is the only one who ever defeated Smarty Jones, and unlike Smarty Jones, Birdstone is still in the game punching. But, you can't make believe that Birdstone's 15 1/4-length loss to Smarty Jones in the Kentucky Derby never happened. Smarty Jones's Derby and Preakness victories are still the standard by which this 3-year-old class is measured."
Sounds like quite an argument shaping up.
Posted by JC, Aug 30, 2004 09:55 PM
One Lucky Horse
The Danzig-sired colt Media Empire was saved from the abattoir by Kelly and Tracy Young of York, Pennsylvania, when he was purchased for $225 at auction, but thousands of horses each year aren't so lucky, ending their lives in slaughterhouses. (LA Times)
Posted by JC, Aug 29, 2004 07:45 PM
Northampton Fair Opens
The Northampton Three County Fair opens this Friday, September 3, with racing scheduled for September 3-6, 10-12, and 17-19. Post time is 1:30. Zippy Chippy, a horse famous for losing 98 races in a row, may run at the fair on opening day: "He's been training hard at Finger Lakes ... Maybe this will be the year," says fair Racing Director Sandy Staniszewski. (The Republican)
Posted by JC, Aug 29, 2004 07:30 PM
And It's Birdstone, Again
The diminutive Belmont winner repeated that feat with the Travers, easily holding off The Cliff's Edge and Eddington in the stretch.
More: "Birdstone shows Belmont was no fluke" (New York Times); "Birdstone quiets doubters" (Daily Racing Form); "Little colt proves he's all heart" (Times Union).
See the race replay.
[8/29 Follow-up: "Lion Heart injured, retired" and "Birdstone's next start likely BC Classic" (Daily Racing Form)]
Posted by JC, Aug 28, 2004 07:20 PM
Last-Minute Travers Roundup
Matt Graves says: The Cliff's Edge. "I've thought the Travers was Cliff's race for months." (Times Union)
Eddington looks for redemption. "It's the classic 7-foot-freshman case." (New York Post)
Beware Purge. "Purge doesn't like company, unless it's tasty." (Dallas Morning News)
Obligatory Smarty mention. (Boston Globe)
Posted by JC, Aug 28, 2004 04:40 PM
A Hot One at Suffolk
What a hellishly hot day at Suffolk Downs. The heat in the barns was brutal; stepping outside offered no respite. The horses were the most ill-tempered I've seen them this summer. Nine of Cups, usually so timid she startles at a strong breeze, was baring her teeth, stamping her feet impatiently whenever we stopped during her walk, and swishing her tail furiously. Miami Mike, usually unperturbed by any commotion on the shedrow, startled at open doors, pigeons, and the sound of bags being torn open. He was also in a mood to bite everything -- the sponge during his bath, the shank during his walk -- but people, for once. That was left to the usually sweet-tempered Ascot Doll, who was reaching out to nip all who passed his stall. I left the barn at noon, feeling unbelievably sweaty and banged up. I don't think the horses felt much better.
---
The barn was busy this morning with more than heat-addled horses, as several people stopped by to congratulate Mario, newly elected president of the New England HBPA.
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Joanne McDaid, an apprentice rider at Suffolk this year, has moved on to Philadelphia Park.
Posted by JC, Aug 28, 2004 03:45 PM
Dump the Preakness
And sub in the Travers for a new Triple Crown, writes John Williams in Slate: "The Triple Crown might be a grand exalted tradition, but it's not helping the sport of kings. Busting up the sport's precious jewels is the easiest and most logical solution to the problems that beset modern horse racing. So listen up, horse folk: Dump the Preakness and call the Travers Stakes up to the big leagues."
Continue reading »Posted by JC, Aug 27, 2004 07:10 PM
Another Chance to Cheer a Star
"Both Funny Cide, who finished second in his race, the Saratoga Breeders' Cup Handicap, and Azeri represent something the sport has in precious little supply: stars who race beyond their 3-year-old seasons." Fans, who gave Azeri a standing ovation following her Go For Wand win in early August, get another chance to cheer the chestnut mare in today's Personal Ensign Stakes at Saratoga. (New York Daily News)
Posted by JC, Aug 27, 2004 11:35 AM
Overlooked
"It's a pity no one pays attention to the Travers," writes Daniel Habib on Sports Illustrated, "because it features the Triple Crown contenders, winnowed down and more physically mature, racing at the most idyllic track in the U.S." He's so right. Of the hundreds of thousands who tuned into the Triple Crown races, relatively few will watch this Saturday as a field of very talented three-year-olds take to the track. What a shame....
Posted by JC, Aug 26, 2004 05:10 PM
He Has Success, But No Stalls
Michael Gill is the leading owner at Saratoga so far this year, with seven wins from 43 horses, but NYRA won't give him stalls at the track: "While Gill's horses are welcome here, Gill believes he is not. As is the case in most jurisdictions, Gill is not allotted stalls in New York. Gill says it's because of his aggressive claiming tactics.... New York Racing Association officials, however, point to Gill's and his trainers' troubled past as to why he is denied stalls." (Daily Racing Form)
Posted by JC, Aug 26, 2004 09:15 AM
Questions, Questions
"Purge looks dandy" in the Travers, says the Boston Globe. There's just one problem: he's never put two races together, notes Matt Graves. But then, he's not the only horse running this Saturday raising questions: Is the distance too much for Lion Heart? Can Birdstone return from an 84 day layoff?
Posted by JC, Aug 26, 2004 09:10 AM
Huge Exacta Lurking in Travers?
All this talk about Purge and Lion Heart -- what about Eddington and Suave, the two likeliest big overlays? "There has not even been a whisper about Eddington and Suave, who likely will be the two longest-priced horses in the race. It would be audacious to suggest none of the aforementioned marquee horses will finish first or second, but this is the so-called graveyard of favorites, remember? So, why scramble your brain trying to sort out all those obvious horses when you can simply take the plunge; go for broke; let it all out." (Blood-Horse)
Posted by JC, Aug 26, 2004 09:05 AM
Field Drawn for Travers
| PP | Horse | Jockey | ML |
| 1 | Eddington | Migliore | 15-1 |
| 2 | Lion Heart | Biancone | 3-1 |
| 3 | Purge | Velazquez | 2-1 |
| 4 | Sir Shackleton | Bejarano | 10-1 |
| 5 | Birdstone | Prado | 3-1 |
| 6 | The Cliff's Edge | Sellers | 7-1 |
| 7 | Suave | Day | 20-1 |
More: "Field of 7 drawn for Travers" (Daily Racing Form)
Posted by JC, Aug 25, 2004 01:50 PM
Too Good Too Early
Afleet Alex, the two-year-old 4-for-4 after winning Saratoga's Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes, won't be a Kentucky Derby contender, despite the exceptional ability he's shown to date, writes Bill Finley: "Come the first Saturday in May, 2005, you can rest assured that Afleet Alex will not duplicate Smarty Jones' Kentucky Derby victory. That's not necessarily a knock on the horse. It's just that he'll be attempting to do something that horses just can't seem to do anymore. You can't be at your best in mid-August and still at your best in early May." (ESPN)
Posted by JC, Aug 24, 2004 09:10 PM
Stevens Leaving France
Jockey Gary Stevens will return to California on September 2, and plans to ride the last few days of the Del Mar meet and "to pursue several entertainment projects," including a talk show and a possible movie role. (Thoroughbred Times)
Posted by JC, Aug 24, 2004 09:00 PM
"Super Mare" May Run in Classic
Depending on her performance in Saratoga's Personal Ensign Handicap on Friday, Azeri could run in the Breeders' Cup Classic this October. (Dallas Morning News)
Posted by JC, Aug 24, 2004 08:55 PM
Looking Into the Future
Imagine where Thoroughbred racing might be in 20 years. (Blood-Horse)
Posted by JC, Aug 24, 2004 08:50 PM
Trainers, Horses Prep for Travers
Purge, Eddington, and Lion Heart prepare for Saturday's big race (ESPN); trainer Nick Zito plans to send out a trio (New York Daily News); and a likely longshot "has the look of greatness" (Times Union).
Posted by JC, Aug 24, 2004 10:00 AM
Needed: One Bugler
Lone Star Park is looking for a bugler to play the "Call to Post" before each race during the Breeders' Cup meeting this October. Auditions will be held on September 1. Appointments are encouraged; walk-ups are welcome. (Thoroughbred Times)
Posted by JC, Aug 23, 2004 01:15 PM
Funny Cide Places in Saratoga BC
"Dug in gamely" reads the chart note on this afternoon's race. Give Funny Cide this: he really tries.
Related: "Evening Attire spoils Funny Cide homecoming" (ESPN) and "Funny Cide has earned respect" (Daily Racing Form)
Posted by JC, Aug 22, 2004 06:05 PM
All the Rewards
And risks of horse ownership, at a fraction of the cost. (Times Union)
Posted by JC, Aug 22, 2004 05:55 PM
Out of State Horses Out of Luck
Saratoga has a reputation as the graveyard of favorites, but Del Mar's Pacific Classic is a "sinkhole for shippers." (LA Times)
Posted by JC, Aug 22, 2004 05:50 PM
Familiar Company
Funny Cide is set to make his local debut this Sunday in the Saratoga Breeders' Cup and he'll be facing some familiar foes: Sarava, Evening Attire, and The Lady's Groom, all of whom ran with Funny Cide in this year's Massachusetts Handicap at Suffolk Downs, are also entered in the BC. (Daily Racing Form)
Related: "The time has arrived" and "Funny Cide faces stiff competition" (Times Union)
Posted by JC, Aug 21, 2004 08:30 PM
Look to Ashado
Who's the best three-year-old in training? It just might be the filly Ashado: "She's remarkably consistent, handles multiple distances and surfaces -- fast, muddy, Santa Anita, Aqueduct, Saratoga, Belmont, Churchill, Keeneland, Fair Grounds," trainer Todd Pletcher tells the New York Daily news. Further bolstering her reputation as something special: Her win in the Kentucky Oaks and the two graded stakes wins from her two-year-old season.
Related: "Ashado ready for an encore" (Daily Racing Form)
[8/21 Update: Society Selection wins Alabama (ESPN)]
Posted by JC, Aug 20, 2004 06:30 PM
More News From Saratoga ...
"For Funny Cide, it's root, root, root by the home team" (New York Times), "Azeri wows them with blazing work" and "Afleet Alex center stage in hopeful" (Daily Racing Form)
Posted by JC, Aug 20, 2004 06:25 PM
Start Planning
"Race order, post times, and wagering menu announced for Breeders' Cup " (Blood-Horse)
Posted by JC, Aug 19, 2004 12:15 PM
280-1 Shot Wins, Sparking Investigation
A longshot's win at Nottingham on Monday cost British bookmakers £500,000. The large payout to bettors on the horse, a two-year-old gelding named Exponential who lost his last race by 17 lengths yet showed dramatically improved form in Monday's race, caught the attention of the Jockey Club, which has opened an investigation. Exponential's trainer Stuart Williams is unconcerned with all the fuss, saying, "I think it was a question of some punters spotting good value for money." (The Independent)
Posted by JC, Aug 18, 2004 08:00 PM
Rock. Turf Plan Remains Contentious
"At issue is what to do about a rival group which also wishes to supply horses for the Rockingham races, the New Hampshire Thoroughbred Breeding and Racing Association, which is not a member of the 70,000-strong HBPA union joined together in 32 states." (Lowell Sun)
Related: "HBPA, Rockingham still at odds over races" (Blood-Horse)
Posted by JC, Aug 17, 2004 09:10 PM
"Early to rise, Lukas is wise"
"Jay Leno and David Letterman are complete strangers to trainer Wayne Lukas. The Hall of Fame horseman's legendary work ethic doesn't include late-night chat shows. It does involve starting every workday at 3:30 a.m., a schedule Lukas says he has maintained ever since he started training racehorses more than 30 years ago." (New York Daily News)
Related: "Lukas loaded for big weekend" (ESPN)
Posted by JC, Aug 17, 2004 09:05 PM
Prickly Tagg ... Grins at Reporters?
Indeed. "Then Tagg smiled some more and answered questions for 12 minutes." Questions about Funny Cide, of course, who is expected to run this Sunday in the Saratoga Breeders' Cup. (Times Union)
Posted by JC, Aug 17, 2004 09:00 PM
The One Sure Thing In Racing
Pierre Bellocq's cartoons have provoked and delighted racing fans for 50 years. (ESPN)
Posted by JC, Aug 17, 2004 08:50 PM
Smarty Jones Makes His Move
And is settling in just fine in his new Kentucky home. Those interested in visiting Smarty at Three Chimneys Farm are welcome to schedule a tour. (Boston Globe)
Posted by JC, Aug 17, 2004 08:45 PM
Still Nasty
He might be a great turf horse, but John Henry sounds like a fearsome presence in the barn: "He'll kick you, bite you, step on your toes, or even try to trip you by swinging out his front leg when you're walking him. He spends a lot of time thinking about what he can do to get you." (Thoroughbred Times)
Posted by JC, Aug 16, 2004 09:30 PM
Saratoga Tipsheets Part of Tradition
"The tipsheet salesmen and their colorful wares are among the first images greeting a visitor to Saratoga, about 175 miles north of New York City, and are a reminder of horse racing's roots, when tracks featured a carnival-like atmosphere redolent of state fairs." The sheets are more than just local color though: "For those who visit Saratoga for a leisurely day at the races, the tipsheets cut through the dizzying data consumed by handicappers. And some days somebody else's picks pay off handsomely. As the racetrack saying goes, even a blind squirrel sometimes finds a nut." (New York Times)
Posted by JC, Aug 15, 2004 12:20 PM
Catskill OTB Failed to Comply With Law
A Daily Racing Form inquiry into the 2002 Breeder's Cup Pick 6 scandal "shows that Catskill routinely and consistently evaded state law by failing to send many statutorily required documents to the [New York State Racing and Wagering] board." The situation isn't much better now: "Even today, the relationship between Catskill and the board is hardly based on the letter of the law," reports Matt Hegarty in this lengthy investigative article in the DRF.
Posted by JC, Aug 15, 2004 12:15 PM
My Snookie's Boy Heading to PA Derby
There'll be no rematch of budding rivals My Snookie's Boy and Lion Heart in the Travers: "The son of Crafty Friend will have to wait before facing [Lion Heart] again, however, as trainer Allen Iwinski said he would most likely not send My Snookie's Boy to the $1-million Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course on August 28, opting instead for the $750,000 Pennsylvania Derby (G2) at Philadelphia Park on September 6." (Thoroughbred Times)
Posted by JC, Aug 15, 2004 12:10 PM
Smarty Says Goodbye
More than 10,000 fans gather at Philadelphia Park to see him off. (Bucks County Courier Times)
Posted by JC, Aug 15, 2004 12:05 PM
Garage Sale Treasure
"In his years of treasure hunting at various garage sales, Bill Steele always hoped he would stumble across the ultimate bargain find. Last summer, the Toronto resident found himself in possession of not only his greatest yard-sale deal to date but a piece of racing history as well ... Northern Dancer's 1964 Canadian Horse of the Year award presented by Daily Racing Form of Canada." Steele is now selling the silver plaque, which he bought for $300, on eBay with a reserve bid price of $20,000. (Thoroughbred Times)
Posted by JC, Aug 13, 2004 08:20 PM
Auctions: Odds Are Stacked
"It is one of those issues discussed in private and kept beneath the rug, but the horse-trading business, laissez-faire to its core, has been a dangerous place for the uninitiated and the not entirely informed for centuries." (New York Post)
Posted by JC, Aug 12, 2004 11:25 AM
One Fewer for Travers
"Rock Hard Ten sick, likely out of Travers" (Daily Racing Form)
Posted by JC, Aug 12, 2004 11:20 AM
Best First Two Weeks Ever
Saratoga's success this year makes it hard to criticize NYRA: "After one-third of the 2004 meet, on-track attendance is just under 5,000 fans ahead of last year, but the staggering statistic is that on-track handle is up $6.6 million, or roughly 19 percent, when all the doomsayers had NYRA standing on its last legs." (Times Union)
Posted by JC, Aug 12, 2004 11:15 AM
"Cat Lady" Denied License
Boston resident Heidi Erickson, who gained local notoriety as the "Cat Lady" following her arrest last year on charges of animal cruelty after several sick and dead cats were discovered in her Beacon Hill apartment, was before the Massachusetts Racing Commission Wednesday appealing Suffolk Downs' decision to deny her a grooming license. The commission upheld the track's decision to reject her application because Erickson lied about her criminal record and gave a false social security number.
Posted by JC, Aug 12, 2004 11:10 AM
Lion Heart, Purge to Meet in Travers
Which is the better horse? "That will be determined on Aug. 28, with a showdown in the $1 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga, a race that will also include Belmont winner Birdstone and The Cliff's Edge, who finished second to Purge in the Jim Dandy." (Daily Racing Form)
Posted by JC, Aug 10, 2004 09:30 AM
A Blasphemous Scheme?
Aiming to increase tourism in Israel, the Israeli government announced on July 26 plans to build two racecourses in the north and south of the country. But Yael Zisling Adar, writing in Israel Insider, wonders, "Is horseracing the new Zionist dream?"
Posted by JC, Aug 10, 2004 09:20 AM
Watchmaker: Race Is Over
There is no race for top three-year-old, writes Mike Watchmaker. We all know what's going to happen when it comes time to award the divisional title: "No legitimate argument can be made for any horse in position to mount a late-season threat -- not Birdstone, not Sunday's Haskell Invitational winner Lion Heart, not Sunday's Jim Dandy winner Purge, and not Rock Hard Ten in the wake of his flop in the Haskell. None of them is in the same league with Smarty Jones." (Daily Racing Form)
Related: "Smarty just won't go away" (ESPN)
Posted by JC, Aug 10, 2004 09:15 AM
Something to Remember
About the Arlington Million: "Never write off the Germans." (The Guardian)
Posted by JC, Aug 9, 2004 05:30 PM
2004 Hall of Fame Inductees Honored
In a ceremony held Monday morning in Saratoga, trainer Shug McGaughey, jockeys Kent Desormeaux and Jimmy Winkfield, and the horses Flawlessly, Skipaway, and Bowl of Flowers were inducted into the racing Hall of Fame. (SF Chronicle)
Also: "The themes of family, loyalty, and perseverance permeated the Humphrey S. Finney sales pavilion on Monday morning, as six inductees ... took their place in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame." (Daily Racing Form)
Related: "Hall inductee's thoughts on two tracks today" (Times Union), "Shug's time has officially arrived" (Daily Racing Form), "Flawlessly finally getting her due" and "Skip Away headed for greatness" (The Saratogian)
Posted by JC, Aug 9, 2004 05:25 PM
"He was de mostest hoss"
"Eighty-four years after his last race and 57 years after his death at age 30, Man o'War remains among the greatest thoroughbreds of all time. In 1919, as a 2-year-old, he and Babe Ruth became superstar forerunners of what would be termed the Golden Age of Sport, aka the Roaring Twenties." (Washington Times)
Posted by JC, Aug 9, 2004 05:20 PM
Buildup to Arlington Million Begins
"This is Arlington Park's week to shine. It's the International Festival of Racing -- the Midwest's only Grade I races -- and a week of activities that will culminate Saturday with the 22nd running of the Arlington Million." (Daily Herald)
Related: The first European horse, Epalo, to arrive at Arlington Park for the weekend's races is settling in well: "'He likes the weather here much better than in Germany,' said Mrs. Schutz, wife of trainer Andreas Schutz, who will not arrive in Chicago until Monday evening. 'It has been raining at home. A little while ago Epalo was looking up at the sun as if to say: 'What is that? There is no rain here.'" (Blood-Horse)
Posted by JC, Aug 8, 2004 08:30 PM
Sold Out
All 20 shares in Smarty Jones, which were on sale for $650,000 apiece by Third Chimneys Farm, are sold out: "The demand easily outstripped availability." (ESPN)
Posted by JC, Aug 8, 2004 08:10 PM
Valenzuela Suspended for 2004
And possibly for life: "Del Mar stewards Ingrid Fermin, George Slender and Tom Ward suspended jockey Patrick Valenzuela for the rest of 2004 on Friday and recommended that the California Horse Racing Board not consider Valenzuela, 41, for future licensing." (LA Times)
Posted by JC, Aug 7, 2004 06:45 PM
Trainer Phil Johnson Dies
Phil Johnson, the trainer who won the 2002 Breeders' Cup with Volponi, died on Friday at age 78. (New York Times)
Related: "New York racing loses a gem" (Daily Racing Form)
Posted by JC, Aug 7, 2004 06:40 PM
Bailey Now Saratoga's Winningest Rider
With his second win of the day, jockey Jerry Bailey won his 641st race at Saratoga this afternoon, surpassing the previous record of 640 wins held by retired Hall of Fame jockey Angel Cordero. (ESPN)
Related: "Bailey breaks record for career victories at Saratoga" (New York Times)
Posted by JC, Aug 6, 2004 03:30 PM
No Rematch?
" Fans might not get to see the two great mares Azeri and Sightseek duke it out again" in the Personal Ensign at Saratoga on August 27. Trainer Bobby Frankel is rethinking Sightseek's schedule: "I don't want to be running her every three weeks." (New York Daily News)
Posted by JC, Aug 6, 2004 03:20 PM
Without Smarty Around ...
The three-year-old division is getting interesting. A nine-horse field was drawn for this Sunday's Haskell at Monmouth Park, with Lion Heart and Rock Hard Ten the two big favorites. (ESPN)
Related: "Smarty's absence opens a window (New York Times), "Lion Heart is smart pick" (Boston Globe), and "If Haskell pace is fast, beware Royal Assault" (Daily Racing Form)
Posted by JC, Aug 6, 2004 03:00 PM
World's Worst Racehorse to Retire
"Hapless racehorse Haruurara dreams of win before retirement." Zippy Chippy only lost 86 races -- the "deplorable," but very popular, Haruurara has lost 112 in a row since her debut. Japan Racing Association sources claim the owner plans to retire Haruurara by next March following one last race in which she'll be ridden by Japan's top jockey, Yutaka Take. (Mainichi Daily News)
Posted by JC, Aug 6, 2004 02:45 PM
Magna Still Pursuing NYRA Franchise
"Magna Entertainment Corp. continues to pursue efforts to replace the New York Racing Association or partner with the organization, which operates the franchise to run the state's three top Thoroughbred tracks, Magna Entertainment President Jim McAlpine said on Tuesday." This, despite losing more than $25 million in the second quarter of 2004. (Thoroughbred Times)
Posted by JC, Aug 5, 2004 06:05 PM
From the NTRA Notebook
Comes this bit of history: "Aug. 17, 2000: Zippy Chippy, loser of all 86 of his lifetime races, was defeated again -- this time by minor-league baseball player Jose Herrera in a 40-yard dash. The race, called the '2000 Red Wings Derby,' was held prior to a home game of the International League's Rochester Red Wings."
Related: "Zippy Chippy: A horse with no shame" (Failure Magazine)
Also in this week's notebook: Inductions to the National Racing Museum Hall of Fame will take place Monday. "Three humans and three horses receive this year's honors: Trainer Claude Shug McGaughey, jockeys Kent Desormeaux and Jimmy Winkfield and Thoroughbreds Bowl of Flowers, Skip Away and Flawlessly."
Posted by JC, Aug 5, 2004 06:00 PM
Saratoga Daytrip
I couldn't stay away. Early Wednesday morning found me making the drive from Boston to Saratoga for the afternoon's races. I was rewarded for the hours in the car with a nice win in the first race and the thrill of watching an upset in the eighth race.
Continue reading »Posted by JC, Aug 5, 2004 05:20 PM
Saying It Better Than I Could
Andrew Beyer: "Too bad it pays to retire early" (Washington Post); Bill Finley: "Smarty leaves us wanting more" (ESPN); and Paul Moran: "The fans are the losers now that 'Smarty' party is over" (Newsday)
Posted by JC, Aug 3, 2004 04:20 PM
Suffolk, August 3
After more than a week away, it was a pleasure to return to Suffolk Downs today. Still a hot topic on the backside, as it was in mid-July: The Rockingham turf races scheduled for September 5. (Daily Racing Form)
Posted by JC, Aug 3, 2004 04:15 PM
That's All for Smarty
There'll be no more racing for Smarty Jones: The three-year-old colt was retired this afternoon. (ESPN)
More: "Smarty Jones retired to stud" (Daily Racing Form); "Injury forces Smarty Jones to retire" (Boston Globe); and "Go Smarty Go -- To stud at Three Chimneys Farm" (Blood-Horse)
Related: Dam of Smarty Jones to be offered at Fasig-Tipton November sale" (Thoroughbred Times)
Posted by JC, Aug 2, 2004 04:40 PM
Very Much Alive, Thank You
After all the tongue clucking about the mismangement of her career, it's nice to see Azeri come back with such a strong win. "Azeri, runaway winner of the Grade 1, $500,000 Go For Wand Handicap yesterday at Saratoga, is the Mark Twain of horseracing. Reports of her demise were greatly exaggerated." (New York Post)
Related: "Azeri win thrills big Spa crowd" (Daily Racing Form) and "Wand win puts Azeri in league of her own" (Blood-Horse)
Posted by JC, Aug 2, 2004 08:25 AM
"It's NASCAR but with fancy hats"
Last minute betting, streaming video, jockey mini-cams -- the possibilities for revolutionizing horseracing with technology are endless and just what the sport needs to attract new fans and owners, says tech consultant and Thoroughbred owner Elliott Masie. (Times Union)
Posted by JC, Aug 2, 2004 08:20 AM
Azeri Wins Go For Wand
"Can a champ find her way home?," Jay Hovdey asks. Yes, she can.
Posted by JC, Aug 1, 2004 06:30 PM
And They're Off at Saratoga
Everything I'd heard about Saratoga was true: The track was beautiful, the racing magnificent, the atmosphere lively. I only wish I could have been there more than three days. No big wins for me, but my racing companion scored in the first race of the second day, a steeplechase, when 15-1 Paradise's Boss won, paying $32.20.
Related: Compete DRF Saratoga coverage, and "How to $core at 'Toga Party" (New York Post)
Posted by JC, Aug 1, 2004 04:10 PM
Smith Headed for NY
Tim Smith resigned from NTRA last week and it's widely anticipated he'll be announced as the new NYRA CEO soon. "Smith is just what NYRA needs," writes Bill Finley on ESPN. Bill Christine at the LA Times thinks Smith is the man best able to fend off Magna Corp. Chairman Frank Stronach's attempt to take over the New York franchise when it expires in 2007. The New York attorney general's office is concerned with another matter -- how much will Smith be paid?
Posted by JC, Aug 1, 2004 04:00 PM
