Warming Up - Horse racingthisishorseracing.com/news/PDF/2011special/07-22-11.pdf · 7/22/2011 · Warming Up Racing season arrives with confidence, sunshine Year 11 • No. 1 SARATOGA’S

Schuylerville Preview • James Marvin Stakes Preview • Entries & Handicapping

Warming UpRacing season arrives with confidence, sunshine

Year 11 • No. 1 SARATOGA’S DAILY NEWSPAPER ON THOROUGHBRED RACING Friday, July 22, 2011

TRAIN

ER SUBSCRIPTIONS

TO THE SARATOGA SPECIAL

COMPLIMENTS OF ARATOGAthe

Tod

Mar

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2 friday, july 22, 2011the saratoga special

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We UnderstandPerformance

the saratoga special 3friday, july 22, 2011


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Published Wednesday through Sunday during the racing season.

Every day of Sales Week Aug. 7-14.

The Staff

Editors/Publishers: Sean Clancy, Joe Clancy.

Staff Writers: Mike Kane, Katie Bo Williams,

Andrew Champagne.

Layout/Design: Erin McNamee.

Photographers: Tod Marks, Dave Harmon, Connie Bush.

Handicappers: Charles Bedard, Erin Finley, Gaile Fitzgerald,

Dean Keppler, John Shapazian

Distribution: Ryan Clancy, Jack Clancy, Nolan Clancy,

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Advertising Sales: Contact a Clancy or call

Kathy Rubin at (203) 650-6815.

The Saratoga SpecialSteeplechase Times

Thoroughbred Racing CalendarThe Best of The Saratoga Special

Call us about your editorial needs.

here&there... at Saratoga

WORTH REPEATING The Special’s quotes from Saratoga

ARATOGAthe

Tod MarksFirst Race. Saratoga’s 2011 season unofficially started with the Open House Sunday, July 17. Jimtown (left) got the nod over Sergeant Karakorum in the opener – a $20,000 maiden hurdle.

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“Been a long trip. Going to the hyperbaric on Monday.”Steeplechase jockey/trainer Danielle Hodsdon on her way

to Saratoga, after breaking her collarbone and ribs a few days earlier

“Cookies are baked, I will get them to Joey tomorrow. Love you!”Ruth Clancy, Mom of The Special

(she got some help from dad on the delivery)

“Sushi rocks here.”Trainer Michele Sanger while eating at Duo Sushi last week

“Hope we get to see you at the Spa.”Trainer Chuck Lawrence after winning a stakes

with Coax Liberty at Belmont Park Friday

“Count your blessings.”Special reader Bob Buika to The Special’s Sean Clancy,

who was hitting the road for the 11th season of daily publishing

“Indian Charlie said he’s got it covered.”Trainer Todd Wyatt to Steeplechase Times,

which did not make the Saratoga Open House

“A thousand words? A thousand words? Takes me all meet to come up with a thousand words.”

Indian Charlie, after hearing about his assignment

“Are you hacking into horses’ phones to dig up stories?”Owner Mark Grier, about The Special’s plan for finding stories

“I’m happy right here.”Dave Rock, Fair Hill-based assistant

to Graham Motion, on Saratoga travel plans

“Cash or money order works best.”Laird George, in possession of 500 copies of Steeplechase Times

“It’s your roving reporter.”Special reader Richard Hutchinson, while at the Saratoga Open House

“Have the couch ready.”Maryland-based trainer Tim Keefe,

after seeing the Saratoga condition book

“How’s the staff this year? Can’t be that good if you’re wheeling a dolly on Tuesday.”

Retired steeplechase jockey Gus Brown to The Special’s Sean Clancy, three days before Opening Day

“That’s the image we aim to project anyway.”Dan Silver on the NYRA communications department looking organized

“Whenever I find a loose horse, I put it in the first empty stall I can find.”Pinkerton, Wednesday morning


here&there... Continued from previous page

NAMES OF THE DAYI Know You Know, fifth race. Just sounds like backstretch chatter.

Let’s Get Mikey. A Saratoga horse jock’s agent Mike Gonzalez used to ride for trainer Mike Hernandez back in the day.

BY THE NUMBERS1: Steelers emblem on a helmet cover Wednesday morning.

11: People in line to get horsemen’s credentials at 9:35 Thursday morning.

14: Horses in a set of Linda Rice’s at 7:24 Wednesday morning.

17: Saratoga-bound horse vans on the Thruway Saturday morning.

ONE WINNEREvery year, The Special asks trainers for their one sure winner of the meet.

Tom Bush: “Yeesh. I’ll have to find you one.”

Dale Romans: “Same one as two years ago. Tapitsfly.”

Gary Contessa: “Salsa Mambo.”

Kiaran McLaughlin: “Trappe Shot. The Vanderbilt.”

Al Stall: “Sharp Tongue Lady.

Rick Schosberg: “Strong Impact. My wife’s horse.”

Will Phipps: “I’d love to win one, that would be a good goal . . . King Haigler.”

WEATHERToday: Hot, darn hot. Sunny, high 95. Low 65.Tomorrow: Hot, damn hot. Sunny, high 94. Low 64.Sunday: Brr. High 81, low 58. Monday: Scattered thunderstorms, high 78. Low 60.

Just sayin’

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“they give you 30 stalls. you bring 20 who can run and another 10 for political reasons.”

Trainer when asked about his Saratoga roster

Connie BushTable Games. The backyard beckons for Opening Day.


GUEST CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SPECIAL

Our graduates include: Uncle Mo (Gr. l)

Vineyard Haven (Gr. l) • Zensational (Gr. l)Bustin Stones (Gr. l) • Awesome Gem (Gr. l)

Macho Again (Gr. l) • Ten Most Wanted (Gr. l)Stately Character (Gr. l) • Toccet (Gr. l)

Bella Bellucci (Gr. l) • Acey Deucey (Gr. l)Moon Catcher (Gr. l) • Weekend Magic (Gr. 1)

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Cell: (352) 427-1600

www.newcastlefarm.com

• Twelve Hundred at Arlington Parkfor B. Jock Racing and James Divito

• Hot Ride at Calderfor Carolynn Stables and Joe Catanese

• Banner Bill won 3 races in a row(including 2 stakes at Woodbine)

for Ron Magers, Rob Marcocchio and Ralph Biamonte

• Overdriven at Belmont Park for Mike Repole and Todd Pletcher.

• Zow at Belmont Parkfor Mike Repole and Todd Pletcher.

• Knight Tripp at Monmouth Parkfor John Sands, Frank Vigilante and Mary Hartman

8 two-year-old winners in 2011and still counting!

Moving days for horses, peopleMoving day. Horse vans will help clog

the Throgs Neck Bridge on Monday morn-ing. A thousand Thoroughbreds are leav-ing Long Island for the summer. Perhaps 500 more are on the road from Kentucky, Florida and dozens of farms and training centers.

If they were walking in single file, they would stretch over three miles, three times around the main track at Saratoga Race Course, their summer home.

Humans are on the move too; grooms, hotwalkers, trainers and vets. And people with a fresh stash of lettuce in their pock-ets. Punters, dreamers and a few schemers. Whales and weekend warriors. Those who bet with years of experience and months of figures. People who figure it out on the spot. Children who see the happy horse. Old steeplechase jockeys who can spot the ready horse in the paddock (but don’t know how to bet!). And also the engines of the in-dustry. People with bank accounts as big as a house or city, who will be looking to buy the Derby winner of 2013.

Maybe old geldings and race mares re-member where they’re headed. The young ones can feel the excitement of their han-dlers.

We humans remember, at odd moments, the sights,sounds and smells of our favorite race meeting. What we can’t know are the thousands of stories that will unfold before us in the next seven weeks. Everyone can see and feel a story happen, but it takes a lot of work and a special talent to tell the tale. And that’s your job.

– Jeff Ott

Old Smoke staged the first four days,The patrons desired a repeat.

Hunter and Travers get the credit,For the track across the street.

Whitneys, Phipps, Vanderbilts,Attend the five-star production. The finest horses in the world,

They need no introduction.

Sanford was a chalk eater,Mark Twain he played pool.

Dempsey trained at Luther’s Camp,And Lily was no fool.

Twelve rods west of old lilacs,The General’s demise was neat.

Schuylerville Stakes marks the event,Opening day of the meet.

Beneath the Graveyard of Favorites,

One battle War would lose.Secretariat, Linda’s Chief,

Just to name a few.

The last time the rivals met,Pincay shut Alydar off.

The stewards made the decision,Affirmed had clearly lost.

The old man at 12,Happy wins his third Cup.Intellectual Turf Writers,

Three different jocks were up.

The Sultan of Saratoga,Leading the post parade.“Ay, every inch a king,”Pranced Fourstardave.

Stop by the Racing Museum,

Seabiscuit stands outside.Dark day, after lunch,Go on a buggy ride.

The backside is much better,

And Smarty is sorry too.Long stem pink tea rose,

Named for Queen Mary Lou.

Excuse me now for I must go,Dress and read the Form.

2-year-olds, breeze figs told,Today it is quite warm.

I truly love Saratoga,

My favorite track you see.The history, the horses, the people,

The summer place to be.

Saratoga – 143By Gary Moulton

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It’s the great convergence. The young, the old. The west, the east. The chilled, the reheated. The unproven, the stan-dard. The highwaymen, the alley cats. The legitimate, the dreamers.

The 143rd Saratoga racing season is upon us.

With the Schuylerville Friday and the Coaching Club American Oaks Satur-day, opening weekend is all about the fillies. Two years ago, it was Rachel. Last year, it was Devil May Care fol-lowed by a cameo by Blind Luck. This year, it’s Buster’s Ready, Joyful Victory, Plum Pretty, Royal Delta, It’s Tricky in the Oaks and speculation on 2011’s wa-gering chimera: Blind Luck vs. Havre de Grace in the Personal Ensign Aug. 28.

“That’s becoming a very, very good rivalry,” stakes coordinator Andrew By-rnes said. “I wish we had that chance with Rachel and Zenyatta, but hopeful-ly, these two will fight it out one more time here.”

Blind Luck and Havre de Grace have met five times with Blind Luck besting Havre de Grace four times – by a length, a neck and two noses. Their latest rum-ble resulted in a nose decision for Blind Luck in the Delaware Handicap.

“I’d like to try it again,” said jockey Ramon Dominguez, who rides Havre de Grace for trainer Larry Jones and Fox Hill Farm.

With the lack of committed starpow-er in the 3-year-old division (Derby win-ner Animal Kingdom is out, Preakness winner Shackleford, Belmont winner Ruler On Ice and Pegasus winner Pants On Fire are scheduled to run in the Haskell at Monmouth), the fillies may

be providing Saratoga with its strongest division, but Byrnes noted they are also responsible for the stakes program’s greatest deficiency this year.

“There were a couple of races we’ve had to eliminate from the stakes sched-ule over the last few years basically due to lack of interest: filly and mare sprints and fillies and mares long; you’ll see the Ruffian coming up very light,” Byrnes said.

Byrnes cited competition for horses as the driving factor behind the shift. If a possible match-up between Havre de Grace and Blind Luck is a stakes coor-dinator’s dream, the constant hustle for stakes horses is his day-to-day existence.

“It’s a combination of less horses out there, more racing than we used to have and small tracks with slot money put-ting up a lot of money,” Byrnes said. “I usually have one or two really nice horses going in a race, then it becomes tough to fill out a field when there are other options for people.”

Byrnes’ dilemma is a timely one. The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association’s American Graded Stakes Committee is expected to discuss the implications of the declining horse pop-ulation at its upcoming meeting in Sara-toga Springs. Byrnes is hopeful that the introduction of slots revenue into New York purses will help him combat the is-sue moving forward and keep Saratoga at the pinnacle.

“The only thing I think will cure it is big money, big purses,” Byrnes said. “Hopefully with the slots money (next

All ComersSaratoga’s storied season attractsthe best in all divisions – again

BY kaTie Bo williams & sean ClanCY

Tod MarksBlind Luck (left) and Havre de Grace could renew their Saratoga rivalry this summer.

See saratOga page 11


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year), that might be the case. We’ll see.” But, that’s talk for another time. It’s

Saratoga, time to enjoy racing’s greatest meet; 40 days, 52 stakes, 17 Grade I stakes.

The convergence. For trainers, Saratoga represents a

gladiatorial battle with the condition book. Bring too many high-level al-lowance horses and you might not find races for them. Bring too many turf horses and feel the pinch when it rains. There is a balance in the convergence. Of course, Todd Pletcher tilts the bal-ance at any meet. The five-time Eclipse Award winner dominated the standings last year, winning 36 races to best 2009 champion Linda Rice by 16. Pletcher and Rice tied for the recently concluded Belmont Spring meet. Pletcher has gar-nered seven out of the last 13 titles at Saratoga.

Nine time champion trainer Bill Mott rounded out the top five at last year’s meet, winning 12 races, and could jump off to a good start with Black Eyed Su-san winner Royal Delta aiming at the CCA Oaks.

“We’re lined up equally everywhere. We’re not stacked up in any one divi-sion at all, it’s spread out through all the categories, which hopefully is a good thing,” Mott said of his Barn 80 con-tingent.

Last year’s poster child for winners, Chad Brown, takes a similar attitude toward his own string.

“I have a little bit of every division.

I’m pretty well spread out this year. Whether they’re good enough to win here remains to be seen,” said Brown who finished third in the 2010 stand-ings with 17 wins (from just 56 starts). “I don’t think there’s a certain type of horse that does well in Saratoga. It’s a pretty diverse book that he writes here, there’s a little something for ev-eryone. More than likely, if you have a horse that’s doing well, you can find somewhere to run him in the book that makes sense.”

Last year, Al Stall found the perfect horse for the perfect spot. Stall came to Saratoga with Blame, a burgeoning threat in the older male division. He up-set Quality Road in the Whitney which put him on the road to toppling Zenyat-ta in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Owned by Claiborne Farm and Adele Dilschneider, Blame retired at the end of the year with nine wins from 13 starts and more than $4.3 million.

“We’re still going along, doing the same thing, but I walk around with a little more peace of mind. We have some nice young horses, Apart’s going to run in the Whitney, we’re not going into that race like we did with Blame but he’s a nice horse and he’s getting better,” Stall said. “I look forward to coming up here every year, it doesn’t matter if I have three claimers and a pony, we’re ready to get up here. It’s a new year, a new set of horses, cross your fingers.”

Stall knew what he had last year, knows he can’t replicate it, but hopes to build upon the breakout season. The Kentucky-based trainer bedded down 16 horses in Saratoga, the most he’s ever

Saratoga – Continued from page 8

Tod MarksTrainer Al Stall and jockey Garrett Gomez teamed up to win the Whitney with Blame in 2010.See saratOga page 12


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ply an exercise for Stall. Gather your wares, put them in your barrow and go to market. Be seen.

“We came up here a lot of years, not necessarily struggling, but didn’t make any money certainly. But just to be here, in the big leagues,” Stall said. “Last year we finally got even and then some, hopefully we’re ahead for life. A lot of years, come up with eight horses, didn’t win a race, win one race, you lose, but to be here, I think that’s what got you to get a Claiborne or a Dilschneider.”

Blame’s jockey Garrett Gomez stayed in California to ride at Del Mar. He won 21 races at the meet in 2010, there are plenty of talented guys to pick up the slack.

Last summer, John Velazquez won 57 races to best Javier Castellano by three wins. Ramon Dominguez battled with the top two most of the season and wound up third. Dominguez won the Belmont Spring meet by two wins (not assured until the final race) over Castel-lano.

“There wasn’t a whole lot of talk, we both wanted to win, we weren’t teas-ing and we weren’t pushing too hard on the track,” Dominguez said. “But that’s Belmont, it’s still good, but this is the one we want.”

The three jockeys and their respec-tive agents made their rounds Thursday morning. Velazquez (Angel Cordero Jr.) has five Saratoga titles. Dominguez

(Steve Rushing) has one. Castellano (Matt Muzikar), don’t remind him, has none.

“The dream is there. The motivation is there. I want to get it done. I want to get it done. Hopefully I can get it done this year. Jeter wanted to get 3,000 hits and he did it. I want to win the leading rider title,” Castellano said. “I’m proud of myself to get here, I’ve been blessed to ride so many good horses and win a lot of big races, the Breeders’ Cup, the Preakness . . . two Travers, but I want that next to my name, I want that in black and white, Leading Jockey, Sara-toga. That’s one part of my dream.”

Saratoga – Continued from page 11

Tod MarksJavier Castellano hopes to nail down his first Saratoga championship this season.

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Some horses are remarkably well-named. With starts at Keeneland, the Royal Ascot meet and now this after-noon at Saratoga Race Course in her short career, Gypsy Robin might be one of them.

She’s a traveler.The Daaher filly co-owned by train-

er Wesley Ward, Gatewood Bell and NFL standout Wes Welker, is one of nine 2-year-old fillies entered in the $100,000 Grade III Schuylerville, the opening day feature at Saratoga for many years. Gypsy Robin is the 3-1 second choice on the morning line be-hind Georgie’s Angel, trained by Todd Pletcher for Sheffer Racing Stable and Ronald Stocks.

The program also includes Force de La Nature, Five Star Momma, Doro-thy’s Aurora, True Feelings, Alydarla, Vukovar and Flashy Lassie.

A smashing maiden victory over the Polytrack at Keeneland earned Gypsy Robin the trip to England, where she made the lead a furlong from the finish of the Group II Queen Mary Stakes on turf, but ended up seventh, beaten 3 1/2 lengths.

“She won really nicely at Keeneland and we took her over to England, but she caught a soft track and couldn’t re-ally handle that surface,” Ward said. “She’s come back well, is training good and we’re ready to go in the Schuyler-ville.”

Gypsy Robin has breezed three times at Aqueduct since returning from Eu-rope. She drew post six and will be rid-den again by Jeffrey Sanchez. Not only will the Schuylerville be her third race on as many tracks, it will be her first race on dirt.

“We had her down in Florida, she trained at Palm Meadows and she trained at Calder and those surfaces weren’t an issue for her,” Ward said. “Just recently, she’s been at Aqueduct and has had three nice breezes there. She’s in fantastic shape.”

Welker, 30, has played seven seasons in the NFL, the last four with the New England Patriots.

Connie BushWorld traveler Gypsy Robin adds Saratoga to her career path in today’s Schuylerville.

Sky MilesBusy travel docket leads to Spafor 2-year-old filly Gypsy Robin

BY mike kane SChUylERvIllE PREVIEW

See schuylerville page 17



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“He’s a great guy,” Ward said. “He’s a real enthusiastic guy, as he is in his game, and he brings that to ours dur-ing the races. I’m glad that he’s been in-volved with a couple of horses.”

Ward said he wasn’t sure whether Welker would attend the Schuylerville.

“He did fly all the way over to Eng-land to cheer. Unfortunately, we didn’t win,” Ward said. “He wasn’t there for the maiden race, but he was there for the Ascot race, he had the big top hat, tails and everything.”

John Velazquez will be aboard Geor-gie’s Angel, a convincing 6 1/4-length winner in her lone start July 4. The daughter of Bellamy Road drew the outside post position.

“Georgie’s Angel was most impres-

sive in her debut at Churchill,” Pletcher said. “She shipped in here and trained well. We like the post position. Being outside, I think gives her some options. We’re hopeful that she will run well.”

Pletcher’s Overdriven will likely be the favorite in the Sanford Sunday. Like Gypsy’s Robin, he romped in his career debut.

“In both cases they are not the kind of horses that have to have the lead, so I think John will be in a position where he can tactically kind of ride the race as it unfolds,” Pletcher said. “I wouldn’t expect either one to be way off the pace, but I think they are versatile enough that they can find themselves in a good spot.”

Grade II Debutante winner Flashy Lassie looked like a major player in the Schuylerville, as the race’s only stakes winner, but trainer Garry Simms opted not to ship from his Kentucky base.

Schuylerville – Continued from page 14

Connie BushGeorgie’s Angel heads to the Schuylerville for Todd Pletcher.

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Charlie Lopresti still considers himself a little guy, a tourist at Saratoga.

Thursday morning, Lopresti looked right at home; comfortable, at ease and ready for the meet.

Lopresti had given up grazing his one horse (too many gnats), given up on trying to hang a fan above the stall door (too little nails) and flipped over a muck basket for a seat in front of the only occupant in Barn 26 on the main track. A day before the opener, there were more golfcarts than horses living in the canopied barn.

Lopresti looked around at all the empty stalls and laughed, again, at home and at ease.

Lopresti might have been a tourist last year, starting just one horse at the meet. This year, he’s no tourist. Tourists travel with guidebooks. Lopresti travels with Here Comes Ben.

“Last year after the first week, after seeing (Todd) Pletcher and all these guys, I was like what am doing

here? I was like I don’t belong here, then he won,” Lopresti said. “I thought he was going to run good, but I didn’t expect him to run that good, I would have been tickled if he finished in the first three.”

Owned and bred by Marianne and Brandon Chase, the 5-year-old son of Street Cry earned his first Grade I score when winning the Forego on closing weekend last summer. The seven-time winner is back for more and so is Lopresti, who was rewarded with five stalls from director of racing P.J. Campo. The rest of the

string is coming, as for now, Here Comes Ben holds down the fort, aiming to win the James Marvin, a $75,000 stakes on Opening Day.

The Marvin attracted a steely group of dirt sprint-ers highlighted by Grade I winners Here Comes Ben, Gayego and Jersey Town and Grade II winners Aik-enite and D’ Funnybone. The 11 entries have com-bined to win more than $7.1 million.

Driver’sSeat

Tod MarksHere Comes Ben and trainer Charlie Lopresti (right) return to Saratoga after winning the Grade I Forego in 2010.

Here Comes Ben takesLopresti back to Spa

BY sean ClanCY

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See marvin page 19


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BLAME BREEDERS’ CUP CLASSIC WINNER

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PLUM PRETTYKENTUCKY OAKS WINNER

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GS Wins GS Wnrs Stk Wins Stk Wnrs

Team Valor International 5 4 9 7Starlight 3 1 4 2Peachtree 3 1 4 2Blinkers On 2 1 2 1Dogwood 2 1 2 1West Point 1 1 2 2Thoroughbred Legends 1 1 1 1Class Racing – – 7 4Fantasy Lane – – 2 1Pinnacle Racing – – 2 1Centennial – – 1 1Bongo – – – –Elite Racing – – – –Funky Monkey Stable – – – –IEAH – – – –Parting Glass – – – –Pewter – – – –Sackatoga Stable – – – –Sovereign – – – –Starview – – – –Team Stallion – – – –Team Victory – – – –Three Chimneys – – – –Victory Thoroughbreds – – – –Woodford Racing – – – –Source: TVI statistician Kathleen Jones, from reports from Bloodstock Journal and TDN. Stats are current through July 20, 2011 at 8 p.m. ET

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From just outside Here Comes Ben’s stall, Lopresti tried to compare the Here Comes Ben from last year to the Here Comes Ben of this year.

“I don’t want to jinx myself but I think everything is about the same as last year as far as how he’s doing,” Lopresti said. “Last year he had two breezes but he had a long layoff in be-tween, this year he’s coming off of a race four weeks ago so I probably didn’t train him as hard. Last year he had four races, this year he’s had three, but I think he’s the same. This race is tough, this ought to be a graded stake, I didn’t think it would be this tough.”

Lopresti trains 16 horses at Keenel-and and runs a farm full of about 40 horses. He and his wife Amy train predominantly for breeders; raising foals, breaking yearlings and hopefully training racehorses. He’s known Here Comes Ben for a long time, teaching him the basics while riding cross coun-try through the Iroquois hunt country and developing him into a Grade I win-ner of more than $400,000.

“He’s easy to deal with it, not real big, he’s compact, like a bull, when he gets rolling, he can really kick in, last year he kicked on from the quarter pole, I hope he runs like that again, that’s all you can hope for, you hope they run good and come back good,” Lopresti said as Here Comes Ben relaxed in the corner of his stall.

In a few days, he could be joined by stakes winners Turallure and Wise Dan.

Not bad traveling companions.Under Alex Solis, Here Comes Ben

capped off a four-race win streak with his mild upset in the Forego. Lopresti went to the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile to try to make it five but Here Comes Ben

Marvin – Continued from page 18

Connie BushCaixa Eletronica is part of a tough field in the James Marvin.

See marvin page 22

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Friday, July 22. Post time 1 p.m. Entries with program number, post posi-tion, horse, jockey, trainer and morning-line odds.

1ST -- $43,000, ALW, 3 YO’S & UP, 1 1/16M (TURF)1 1 Fizzano R. Dominguez H. Bond 5-11a MTO Brolio R. Dominguez H. Bond 5-12 2 Warrior Up M. Studart R. Ubillo 12-13 3 Adam Rides Again J. Lezcano J. Fisher 15-14 4 Rocky World J. Leparoux R. Metivier 6-15 5 Mr. Hooker M. Mena G. Sciacca 30-16 6 Dual Citizen R. Maragh D. Duggan 10-17 7 Gamblin Fever J. Espinoza P. Ortiz 7-28 8 Tapitdar E. Prado R. Metivier 8-19 9 Boat J. Castellano T. Bush 4-110 10 The Noz A. Solis R. Violette, Jr. 5-111 AE Artie Luvsto Party E. Castro T. Bush 20-112 MTO Bigger Is Bettor A. Lezcano R. Ubillo 3-1

2ND -- $41,000, MSW, 3 YO’S & UP, 1 1/16M (TURF)1 1 Stephen’s Revenge E. Castro B. Tagg 7-22 2 Main Principal J. Velazquez S. Benzel 5-13 3 Chardsey J. Lezcano C. Clement 3-14 4 Knock Quietly E. Prado S. Schwartz 20-15 5 Newman Rocks A. Solis B. Brown 20-16 6 Poliziotto J. Castellano C. Brown 5-17 7 Raffie’s Choice C. Velasquez J. Ryerson 8-18 8 Find the Stash J. Chavez J. Campo, Jr. 50-19 9 Majesty’s Pilgrim J. Espinoza A. Tschan 50-110 10 Mazara Del Vallo A. Lezcano J. Odintz 30-111 11 Winloc’s John Lee J. Leparoux M. Miceli 6-112 12 Jacob’s Dream I. Ortiz, Jr. C. O’Brien 20-113 AE Fast Grievance J. Espinoza G. Contessa 10-114 AE Marmalade Sky A. Lezcano L. Alvarez 50-115 AE Windafull A. Solis D. Duggan 7-2

3RD -- $48,000, STR $50,000, 3 YO’S & UP, 6F1 1 Scorch the Torch R. Maragh E. Barker 12-12 2 Grand Strategy J. Velazquez K. McLaughlin 8-13 3 Awesome Arceno R. Dominguez S. Asmussen 4-14 4 Lubango R. Albarado D. Romans 6-15 5 Wise Stop C. Velasquez R. Rodriguez 6-16 6 David the Great F. Lenclud M. Nihei 12-17 7 Winaholic D. Cohen D. Jacobson 3-18 8 Stand Proud J. Castellano C. Brown 8-19 9 Cure J. Sanchez B. Brown 5-1

4TH -- $52,000, ALW, 3 YO’S & UP, F & M (FILLIES AND MARES), 6F1 1 Illusion of Speed R. Albarado J. Good 6-12 2 Abtasaamah I. Ortiz, Jr. S. bin Suroor 8-13 3 Satilla Shores J. Lezcano J. Terranova, II 20-14 4 Valiant Passion J. Leparoux H. Motion 3-15 5 Wild in Montana R. Dominguez G. Sciacca 20-16 6 Babai Baby C. Velasquez L. Rice 7-27 7 Without Love J. Velazquez N. Canani 5-18 8 Precious Soul E. Prado H. Jerkens 6-19 9 Indian Tale J. Chavez C. Martin 15-110 10 Victoria Lynn J. Castellano M. Friedman 12-1

5TH -- $50,000, MSW, 2 YO, F (FILLIES), 5 1/2F1 1 Stopshoppingmaria J. Velazquez T. Pletcher 6-12 2 Delightful Magic S. Bridgmohan M. Casse 7-23 3 My Miss Aurelia J. Leparoux S. Asmussen 5-24 4 Bourbonesque A. Garcia D. Lukas 20-15 5 Refining J. Lezcano W. Mott 6-16 6 I Know You Know R. Dominguez R. Dutrow, Jr. 10-17 7 Party of Interest A. Solis C. McGaughey III 12-18 8 Bargain Blitz E. Prado N. Howard 3-1

6TH -- $25,000, CLM $20,000, 3 YO’S & UP, 1 1/16M (TURF)1 1 Marine Officer A. Garcia K. McLaughlin 3-12 2 Storm Galileo J. Leparoux K. McPeek 8-13 3 Short Shrift J. Lezcano J. Fisher 10-14 4 Rightuplynn’salley C. Velasquez R. Schosberg 20-15 5 Pervis J. Castellano C. Brown 7-26 6 Take a Walk R. Dominguez G. Contessa 12-17 7 Blue Solitude M. Mena W. Cesare 50-18 8 Equivocation E. Castro R. Ribaudo 10-19 9 Pico Dinero I. Ortiz, Jr. D. Schettino 10-110 10 Worth a Buck R. Maragh G. Weaver 12-111 11 Nugget of Wisdom J. Samyn J. Wolferseder 30-112 12 Ahgogo A. Solis P. Kelly 5-113 AE Virging On Stardom R. Dominguez R. Rodriguez 6-114 MTO Majestic Hope N. Zito 5-115 MTO Grounded Love J. Sanchez D. Schettino 6-1

7TH -- $40,000, MSW, 2 YO, F (FILLIES), 5 1/2F1 6 Kibosh J. Velazquez J. Kimmel 6-11a 9 Project Runaway C. Velasquez R. Hernandez 6-12 1 Pure Gossip A. Solis P. Serpe 8-13 2 Lenders Way J. Lezcano J. Ryerson 8-14 3 Cinnamon Stick I. Ortiz, Jr. C. O’Brien 15-15 4 Sing Like a Bird R. Dominguez P. Pugh 3-16 5 Karma Police R. Maragh E. Harty 5-17 7 Barrel of Joy J. Espinoza J. Hertler 20-18 8 The Funky Express E. Prado G. Gullo 10-19 10 Wildcat’s Smile J. Castellano D. Galluscio 4-110 11 Proud and Charming J. Leparoux M. Hennig 12-1

8TH -- $75,000, STK - THE JAMES MARVIN, 3 YO’S & UP, 7F1 1 Escrow Kid J. Rose C. Doran 30-12 2 Jackson Bend C. Nakatani N. Zito 12-13 3 Aikenite J. Velazquez T. Pletcher 4-14 4 Ravalo J. Sanchez C. Johnson 50-15 5 Gayego A. Garcia S. bin Suroor 5-16 6 Here Comes Ben A. Solis C. Lopresti 5-17 7 D’ Funnybone E. Prado R. Dutrow, Jr. 8-18 8 Hamazing Destiny R. Albarado D. Lukas 12-19 9 Caixa Eletronica J. Castellano T. Pletcher 7-210 10 Congressional Page R. Dominguez M. Trombetta 20-111 11 Jersey Town C. Velasquez B. Tagg 5-1

9TH -- $100,000, STK - THE SCHUYLERVILLE, 2 YO, F (FILLIES), 6F1 1 Force de La Nature J. Leparoux E. Kenneally 5-12 2 Five Star Momma A. Solis C. Dickey 8-13 3 Dorothy’s Aurora M. Mena H. Pitts 20-14 4 True Feelings J. Rose A. Dutrow 12-15 5 Alydarla E. Prado J. Chapman 20-16 6 Gypsy Robin J. Sanchez W. Ward 3-17 7 Vukovar D. Cohen E. Guillot 8-18 8 Flashy Lassie K. Desormeaux G. Simms 6-19 9 Georgie’s Angel J. Velazquez T. Pletcher 5-2

10TH -- $30,000, CLM $25,000, 3 YO’S & UP, 1 1/16M (TURF)1 1 Awesome Review J. Leparoux J. Baker 15-12 2 Lindsey’s Buck E. Prado P. Kelly 30-13 3 Giarixa K. Desormeaux R. Hess, Jr. 12-14 4 Slamm’n Lou D. Cohen W. Badgett, Jr. 10-15 5 Chosen Empire R. Maragh N. Canani 3-16 6 Hanson Heights S. Bridgmohan M. Casse 5-17 7 Liberty Cap A. Garcia K. McLaughlin 5-18 8 Deflationary Fears J. Velazquez R. Violette, Jr. 12-19 9 Alfarabi J. Castellano C. Brown 4-110 10 Wishingonadream C. Velasquez G. DiSanto 15-111 11 Kid Curry A. Solis S. Hough 15-112 12 Prowler J. Espinoza B. Callejas 50-113 AE Elder Skatesman F. Lenclud W. Allyn 50-114 AE Ground Frost R. Dominguez T. Voss 12-115 MTO Gold Raptor C. Velasquez L. Rice 4-116 MTO Crepe Au Sucre J. Chavez P. Kelly 7-2

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Friday’s Saratoga entrieS

Steve GrahamIt’s an I-Phone photo so forgive the quality, but that’s The Special’s Jack Clancy looking to land a big one in Canada.


Race #

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

grid

2010 Records

DeanKeppler

ErinFinley

CharlesBedard

the

115/339 99/339 83/339 N/A N/A

JohnShapazian

GaileFitzgerald

Power

Warrior UpThe Noz

Gamblin Fever Chardsey

Winloc’s John LeeRaffie’s Choice

CureWise Stop

Awesome ArcenoBabai Baby

Valiant PassionAbtasaamah

Delightful MagicBargain Blitz

StopshoppingmariaWorth A BuckMarine Officer Equivocation

Sing Like a BirdCinnamon Stick

Lenders WayHamazing Destiny

AikeniteJersey Town True Feelings

Georgie’s AngelGypsy Robin

Hanson HeightsAlfarabi

Liberty Cap

Adam Rides AgainRocky World

Gamblin Fever Stephen’s Revenge

Chardsey Main Principal

Cure Stand Proud Wise Stop

Valiant Passion Abtasaamah Without Love

Delightful Magic Refining

I Know You Know Storm Galileo Marine Officer Short Shrift

Karma Police Kibosh

Cinnamon Stick Caixa Eletronica D’ Funnybone

Gayego Gypsy Robin

Georgie’s Angel Alydarla Alfarabi

Chosen Empire Awesome Review

Gamblin FeverBoat

Rocky WorldWindafullChardsey

Main PrincipalCure

David The GreatGrand StrategyValiant Passion

Illusion Of SpeedBabai Baby

Delightful MagicStopshoppingmaria

Bargain BlitzMarine Officer

AhgogoEquivocation

Wildcat’s SmileSing Like A Bird

Karma PoliceAikenite

Caixa EletronicaHere Comes BenGeorgie’s Angel

Force de La NatureTrue Feelings

Hanson HeightsChosen Empire

Deflationary Fears

Gamblin FeverFizzano

Boat Stephen’s Revenge

PoliziottoChardsey

Awesome ArcenoCure

Grand Strategy Babai Baby

Valiant PassionAbtasaamah

StopshoppingmariaMy Miss Aurelia

I Know You Know Marine Officer

PervisAhgogo

Sing Like a BirdWindcat’s Smile

Lenders Way Caixa Eletronica

AikeniteHamazing Destiny Georgie’s Angel

True FeelingsGypsy Robin

AlfarabiChosen Empire

Liberty Cap

Gamblin FeverAdam Rides Again

Rocky WorldKnock QuietlyRaffie’s ChoiceJacob’s Dream

Wise StopCure

WinaholicBabai Baby

Victoria LynnWithout LoveBargain Blitz

My Miss AureliaI Know You Know

Marine OfficerStorm GalileoWorth A Buck

Cinnamon StickProud And Charming

Sing Like A BirdCongressional Page

Jersey Town Aikenite

Gypsy RobinFive Star Momma

Flashy Lassie AlfarabiGiarixa

Liberty Cap

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Handicappers look for winnersGet back on the horse. The Special’s handicappers show up for 2011 ready to

find some winners for our readers. We’ve got returning players John Shapazian, Gaile Fitzgerald and Dean Keppler plus new shooters Erin Finley and Charles Bedard. All are experts so pick your favorite and follow along.

Two-time defending champion Shapazian goes for the turkey (for bowling fans) as The Special’s handicapping leader. He hit the top five among all public handicappers at Saratoga last season. Fitzgerald just missed the century mark last year and returns looking to knock off the champion. Keppler brings a wealth of experience to the table while Finley and Bedard are seasoned horseplayers even if they’re new to public handicapping. Best of luck at the windows.

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25 Yearsof Racing Tradition&Breeding Excellence

Saturday, October 15th, 2011Featuring the

$500,000 West Virginia Breeders Classic& Eight Breeders Classics Races

At

TV Coverage on Fox Sports. HRTV Comcast & TVG

West Virginia Breeders Classics, Ltd. • P.O. Box 1251Charles Town WV 25414 • 304-725-0709

[email protected] • www.wvbc.comSAM HUFF – CEO • CAROL HOLDEN – PRES. • THERESA BITNER – EXEC. SEC.

The Twenty-fifth Running of the West Virginia Breeders Classics

Photo: John Funkhouser

WEST VIRGINIA BREEDERS CLASSICS®

XXV

got roughed up at the start, never trav-eled and wound up with a small chip in his left knee.

“He got wiped out leaving the gate, he got cut up pretty bad, Solis said he never felt right, the hole shut on him, then he wrapped up on him,” Lopresti said. “We got him back and we were go-ing to run him at Belmont at the end of November and I didn’t think the horse was right, we took him to the clinic and found a chip in his knee, Dr. Bramlage said he would be fine but he said it was good thing you didn’t run him again. When he came back after the race, Alex told me, I’d check him out real good be-

cause he didn’t feel right.”Here Comes Ben spent the winter on

Lopresti’s farm off Richmond Road in Lexington; recovering from the surgery, getting turned out and then gradually being built back to fitness. He returned to finish seventh in the Churchill Downs Sprint, 4 lengths behind Aikenite, then finished sixth in the Aristides, a 6-fur-long “mistake” according to Lopresti, then won by wiring five foes in the Kel-ly’s Landing.

As for Solis, winning the Forego helped salvage a brutal stance at Sara-toga. A traditional stalwart on the Cali-fornia circuit, Solis moved his tack east and went 2-for-44 at the meet. Since then, he’s worked his way into some powerful barns and finished ninth in the Belmont jockey standings. Lopresti ap-preciates his depth of knowledge.

“He picked up the mount and won the two-other-than last May, he got off him and said, ‘Man, this is a very, very good horse. You’ll be in the Breeders’ Cup with this horse.’ I was like, ‘Yeah right.’ His agent came to me and said, ‘Look, he doesn’t say that about any old horse,’ ” Lopresti said. “Then he went on and won the Kelly’s Landing. He worked him here last year and told his agent he would win the race. He worked him the other day and I said, ‘Look you’ve got to tell me if he’s the same horse.’ He said, ‘I like my chanc-es,’ and he was grinning ear to ear.”

It won’t be easy. Godolphin’s Gayego returns from a

trip to Dubai where he finished ninth in the Firebreak Stakes back in February. Trained by Saeed bin Suroor, the 6-year-old son of Gilded Time has earned over $1.7 million in his 21-race career.

Multiple Grade II stakes winner D’ Funnybone tries to stop a five-race los-ing streak for Paul Pompa and trainer Rick Dutrow.

Last year’s champion trainer, Pletcher entered Aikenite and Caixa Eletronica in the Marvin. Dogwood Stable’s Aik-enite upset the Churchill Downs Sprint in May before finishing fourth while stretching to a mile in the Met Mile. Repole Stable’s Caixa Eletronica won the Westchester in April before finishing third in the Met Mile.

Westrock Stable and Barry Butzow’s Hamazing Destiny makes his first start since finishing second in the Breed-ers’ Cup Sprint back in November for Wayne Lukas.

Charles Fipke’s homebred Jersey Town comes in off a long layoff for

trainer Barclay Tagg. The 5-year-old won the Cigar Mile in November and has been working sharply for his come-back.

Jackson Bend, third in the 2010 Preakness, tries to snap a 12-race losing streak.

Longshots Escrow Kid, Ravalo and Congressional Page ship in from Mary-land.

Marvin – Continued from page 19

Where winning begins.

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Connie BushAikenite


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Welcome to the 2011 Saratoga racing season. It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone, but everyone at The Special is excited that New York’s pre-mier racing season is upon us. On ev-ery Wednesday starting next week, I’ll contribute a new weekly column called Kepp’s Korner.

The purpose is not to give the tradi-tional 1 through 3 selections for a daily card (although we have those too, from our in-house staff of experts and yours truly) or rehash the past week’s results, but to cover some interesting track trends and offer some sound handicap-ping advice as this year’s exciting meet unfolds. The ultimate goal is to hope-fully put the serious player, or even the casual Saratoga attendee, in a more confident position to cash some tickets.

The column will offer profitable training angles producing positive re-turn on investments, general handicap-ping and wagering tidbits that you can incorporate immediately, and an exten-sive list of Special horses to watch that will hopefully light up the toteboard. We’re off and running with our robust list below.

In addition, you’ll be made aware of some positive selections based on trip

handicapping, pace plays, track bias and other up-to-date factors not always observed by the traditional public hand-icapper or casual player. On the flip side, this space may occasionally point out some dismal stats that will help expose bad favorites and keep your money in the wallet when the numbers indicate to do so. Let’s get to work.

Here’s a look at some trainers from 2010. Below each trainer’s 2010 num-bers are some insights into their win-ning angles. These trainers (with 2010 winners and winning percentage at Saratoga) win their share of races, but knowing when to bet them confidently is one of the keys to success.

Todd Pletcher (36; .27)Pletcher has maintained an 18 percent

win clip the last three racing seasons and just finished the Belmont meet with an-other title when tying rival Linda Rice with 25 wins. He’s strong in all relevant categories, but especially effective with layoffs. John Velazquez remains his go-to pilot, and the Mike Repole and E. Paul Robsham Stables have helped him maintain his dominance at Saratoga.

Linda Rice (20; .19)Rice had another banner year, after

being the first female trainer to win the title in 2009. She’s very effective with her first- and second-off-the-layoff types. She dominates at 5 furlongs, and performs equally well on the dirt despite her lofty grass-specialist reputation.

Chad Brown (17; .30)Brown holds a sensational 25 per-

cent win clip the last several seasons. He does well on the main track and grass courses, and has a particularly high win percentage in starter allowance events. Ken and Sarah Ramsey provide him with quality stock, and Javier Castel-lano and Jose Lezcano are his go-to rid-ers. One interesting negative is his per-formance at 5 furlongs. He only has one win in several starts at the distance.

Ken McPeek (13; .18)McPeek made a big splash at Sara-

toga last season with some high-priced payoffs. Jockey Julien Leparoux was along for many of the conditioner’s trips to the winner’s circle. McPeek does well in maiden events, and has had the same amount of success on the grass as the dirt.

Bill Mott (12; .13)Mott is a layoff and route special-

ist who is just as effective on the main track as the turf. Lezcano has become

the stable’s money rider as of late, and that trend should continue at Saratoga.

George Weaver (10; .15)Weaver has won close to 20 percent

off all starts the last three seasons. He does very well in maiden races, sprints, and is equally effective on the grass and dirt. If there’s a chink in the barn’s ar-mor it is stakes races, where the barn is 5 percent from more than 100 entrants.

Richard Dutrow Jr. (10; .15)The Dutrow barn is strong in all rel-

evant categories. He performs equally well in allowance, claimers and maiden races. Jay Em Ess Stables and Sullivan Lane come along for many of the barn’s winners, and Dutrow’s dirt starters per-form considerably better than his grass entrants clicking at roughly 27 to 28 percent.

Seth Benzel (10; .18)He has maintained a 20 percent

win clip the last three racing seasons. Velazquez and Ramon Dominguez re-main the barn’s go-to pilots, and Mel-nyk Racing Stables provides a handful of runners. He has good numbers on grass and dirt, and performs especially well in optional claiming events with a solid 30 percent win clip.

Tod MarksHorses from the barns of Chad Brown and Linda Rice are worth watching at Saratoga.

HomeworkStudying trainers, watching horseshelp bettors find some new strategies

BY dean keppler kepp’S CornerHandicapping Insights

See handicapping page 25


Horses To WatchAmirahy: Bel (7/17) Settled in behind the lead-

ers in first start against winners and could not weave through heavy traffic while having strong late run.

Believe In You: Bel (7/04) No match for winner in second turf start, but had wide trip after tardy start for trainer Dominic Galluscio.

Coach Royal: Bel (7/08) This 2-year-old colt by Lemon Drop Kid relished the off going in an “off the turf” race and closed strongly for second de-spite a tardy beginning and adventurous overall trip. He looks to have ability and won’t be a maiden for long.

Decesion Point: Bel (7/03) A good second from tough post making second start over the green. This 3-year-old gelding should get through his first allowance condition soon.

Finale: Bel (7/15) The third start and turf debut was the charm for this good-looking 2-year-old. The colt was under strong re-straint early and won impressively.

Howie And The Cat: Bel (7/14) Was off slowly in sprint debut and raced erratically and greenly through deep stretch. This Tale of the Cat juvenile showed good late interest.

Hungry Island: Bel (7/02) This More Than Ready filly showed another gear in deep stretch to win third straight in the $60,000 Recording on the inner turf.

In Te Domine: Bel (7/14) A good try off the layoff when failing to find a seam late. Has run very well at the Spa in the past, and should be all set to make amends in next start upstate.

Katy’s Office Girl: Bel (7/03) Made up good ground despite slow fractions to grab the runner-up honors. A sensible pace in next gets her in the winner’s circle.

Legend Of Navarone: Bel (7/01) It took seven starts for this 3-year-old to break maiden, but an impressive six-wide rally to win convincingly probably have connections relieved the son of War Front wasn’t snagged at the claiming box.

Lincoln Penny: Bel (7/07) This Forest Danger first-time-starter was off slowly, rushed into contention, and understandably tired late.

Luck: Bel (7/08) Made up a ton of ground in the slop in last and should be very competitive against similar bottom-level claimers.

Master Splash: Bel (7/01) Was shuffled badly on the rail when on the turf and deserves a long look next start.

Megalithic: Bel (7/14) Had plenty of run in deep stretch while making third start off the bench, but was blocked behind a wall of horses. This gelding should mow down N2L claimers next trip.

Shirtsleeves: Bel (7/09) Was shuffled at the start from the rail, but recovered well to reach con-tention when switched to the outside. She raced a bit erratically in deep stretch while tiring, but deserves another chance sprinting at the $10,000 claiming level.

Sugar Beach: Bel (7/03) The move to the main track and drop to maiden claimers proved favor-able as this 3-year-old filly, who was closing fast despite tardy start.

Sweet Bibby: Bel (7/10) The 3-year-old filly made a sharp burst in mid-pack to the lead, and drew off handily late. She won’t be in for a $16,000 tag next time.

Tamarind Hall: Bel (7/03) An easy winner ($33.80) while splitting horses in deep stretch and drawing off impressively. Some other graded stakes are likely now penciled in on the calendar.

Understatement: Bel (7/08) This speedster broke in a tangle and jockey momentarily lost iron while spotting the field 15 lengths. Made up ground late on the class drop.

Vintage Heirloom: Bel (7/15) This filly showed good late interest with stretch-out making second start off the lay-off. She should break through maiden claiming ranks soon.

Voyles: Bel (7/02) This 3-year-old by Officer looked sharp in latest score while all wrapped-up late.

Voodoo Swinge: Bel (7/07) Has only been off the board twice in nine starts and was blocked most of the stretch run in last. This talented beaten favorite will make good in next start back on the turf.

Dean Keppler is the former Director of DRF Press for Daily Racing Form where he orchestrated the organizing and creation of over 40 horse racing titles during his eight-year tenure. He is a regular contributor to The Horseplayer Magazine and has au-thored several books including Trainer Angles and Betting the Kentucky Derby.

Handicapping – Continued from page 24

Tod MarksIn Te Domine (center) looks for another win at Saratoga.

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The rows of desks in the red brick building that houses the racing offices at Belmont Park are nearly empty, and balls of packing tape litter the floor.

A few pieces of paper are still taped to the walls and columns, and it is one of these that one of the two men still working tears down. “Training at Aq-ueduct is normal hours, but there is something changed here at Belmont. I think one of the tracks is closed for renovations.”

His coworker mumbles in agreement and other slips of paper are consulted, but the relevant one has been packed away. One track will be closed for train-ing over the summer, that is certain, but which one? Questions today are side-bars to the main story – the move, and they turn back to their packing. On the counter, the overnight boxes are emp-ty, while outside half filled trucks have been parked, and movers sit on trailer beds waiting for more boxes.

There are stories that are true be-cause all the facts say that they are. Then there are stories that are true be-cause they should be. Linda Rice stands in the winner’s circle after the ninth race holding a sign that congratulates her on

her 1,000th win, and with this race she has tied Todd Pletcher for top trainer at Belmont’s spring meet. There are foot-notes to the story, but there is some-thing perfect in the timing, that thickens the applause that echoes down the dark cool tunnel as she walks from track to paddock after the race and stops there to watch the replay. She is all smiles and thank yous and when asked about the win, thanks her crew first. “It’s been a great meet, the best Belmont meet ever,” she says softly, her hand cupped near her heart in an unconscious gesture of sincerity.

Going into the last race, the lead-ing jockey spot is a tie between Javier Castellano and Ramon Dominguez, both of whom have mounts in the clos-ing contest of the meet. Sixteen people detach themselves from the crowd of nearly 6,000 who have come out for the day, and walk down the ramp to the paddock to watch their filly being saddled while looking at the rest of the field from the corners of their eyes. It would be fitting if All Quiet won this race. It would tie the meet up nicely. In-stead Ramon Dominguez brings his filly home first, winning the jockey title, a horse named no less perfectly – April-mayjune, who gets her win in July, and

brings the whole meet to a close through the months.

It is usually quiet in the afternoon back at the barns, only the cycling of racing fields from stall to assembly barn to paddock to track, but as this last re-turning field moves down through the tunnel, no field moves past them, dance stepping to the paddock, and there will be no field to replace them there on the track. For eight weeks the racing will be at Saratoga. As you walk, you can tell where the horses are by the balls of hay

that hang outside stall doors for the af-ternoon feeding, some barns completely empty, but in the afternoon it is hard to see into the dark, shadowy barns and see who is still there.

MondayAt 4:10 in the morning the parking

lot at Belmont Park is empty, only the starting gates that have been pulled off

Tod MarksThe vans – and horses – have been on the move all week.

MeanwhileLife goes on at Belmont, Aqueduct

BY Todd simmons

See dOwnstate page 28

ARATOGAthe

Come along for the ride.The Saratoga Special is Thoroughbred racing’s most immediate newspaper – covering all the

racing action at the summer place to be.

get it all season.in town, at the track, online.

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JockeysName ................. Starts 1st 2nd 3rd EarningsJohn Velazquez ............259 57 33 25 $3,658,253Javier Castellano ..........273 54 43 39 $3,166,933Ramon Dominguez ......258 46 42 38 $2,147,595Julien Leparoux ............203 29 26 24 $1,523,099Alan Garcia ...................156 26 16 17 $1,495,870Garrett Gomez ..............133 21 21 14 $1,953,125Kent Desormeaux .........103 17 17 15 $918,529Rajiv Maragh ................222 16 19 32 $961,259Edgar Prado .................140 16 16 12 $875,546Cornelio Velasquez .......153 15 24 21 $923,024Jose Lezcano ...............155 10 26 31 $1,024,478David Cohen .................128 10 13 19 $511,697Eibar Coa ........................79 10 13 6 $580,166Channing Hill ................110 8 6 6 $341,538Shaun Bridgmohan ........57 8 5 9 $503,753Frederic Lenclud ..........127 7 10 14 $360,561Miguel Mena ..................90 6 5 6 $404,505Calvin Borel ....................64 4 7 3 $483,905Jorge Chavez ..................66 4 6 6 $194,901Robby Albarado .............53 4 4 9 $278,477

TrainersName ................. Starts 1st 2nd 3rd EarningsTodd Pletcher ...............133 36 21 13 $2,845,731Linda Rice ....................103 20 16 19 $755,005Chad Brown ...................56 17 8 5 $537,630Kenneth McPeek ............71 13 9 10 $527,833William Mott ..................86 12 10 15 $948,572George Weaver ...............63 10 12 5 $469,378Richard Dutrow Jr. .........53 10 10 8 $635,634Seth Benzel ....................32 10 4 3 $370,373Kiaran McLaughlin .........53 9 11 6 $649,674Rick Violette ...................42 8 7 7 $364,227Bruce Levine ..................41 8 4 7 $228,165Rudy Rodriguez .............44 7 12 6 $259,191Steven Asmussen ..........42 7 6 4 $618,190Michael Maker ................42 7 5 4 $307,865Dale Romans ..................36 7 4 4 $351,693Shug McGaughey ............38 6 4 4 $459,446Bruce Brown ..................49 6 3 7 $200,153Dominic Galluscio ..........31 6 1 8 $217,980Gary Contessa ................86 5 10 9 $293,730Carlos Martin .................48 5 9 6 $243,685

HorsesName ................. Starts 1st 2nd 3rd EarningsWritingonthewall ..............3 3 0 0 $91,800El Real Madrid ..................3 2 1 0 $52,400D’bigcat ............................3 2 1 0 $36,000Karen’s Joy ......................3 2 0 1 $32,200Discreetly Mine ................2 2 0 0 $240,000Persistently ......................2 2 0 0 $213,000Get Stormy .......................2 2 0 0 $210,000It’s Tea Time .....................2 2 0 0 $121,800Sermon of Love ...............2 2 0 0 $102,000Awakino Cat .....................2 2 0 0 $84,000Queen of the Creek ...........2 2 0 0 $75,000Ash Zee ............................3 2 0 0 $73,600Yawkey Way .....................2 2 0 0 $66,000Never Right Joey ..............2 2 0 0 $66,000Yankee Fourtune ..............2 2 0 0 $61,200Bernie’s Pal ......................2 2 0 0 $54,000Cody Samora ...................2 2 0 0 $52,200We Need V L T’s ...............2 2 0 0 $49,200Wow Wow Wow ...............2 2 0 0 $45,000Honorable Truth ...............2 2 0 0 $43,800

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the track are settling in here for the summer. Night-birds still sing in the trees, but entering the gates to the backstretch, starlings shriek noisily all the way back to Barn 10, where their sound is replaced by sparrows who chirp in the oaks that line the road. It is dark, and the lit shedrows show the remaining horses in their stalls, but sound remains the focused sense, the rasp of a rake, a horse kicking a stall wall.

The activity that is seen is revealed in the light of the barns or in headlights as semis share the roads with bi-cycles. More trucks sit parked two and three deep out at the track kitchen, their idling engines whining high-er and higher until it sounds like a squadron of taxiing jets. Nearby the barn light reveals a family, sleepy-eyed children dressed for farewell, as their mother hugs and

kisses their father, while horses with thickly bandaged legs are led up the ramp and onto the van. One balks as if at the gate, and it spooks a second horse behind who rises up, then is quieted, and led on.

There are horses who will remain, and the straw piles grow higher as wheelbarrows and tarps are taken from their stalls and emptied into heaps. A reluctant rooster crows and is joined by another who has set up home in the empty Barn 53, his call amplified and echoing through the open space.

Out at Gary Contessa’s barn, a big brown goat rises from the ground and half-heartedly scuffs the dirt in an unconvincing display of aggression, so half-hearted that even he is unconvinced and he lays back down in the dirt. It is a time of day when there is an economy of word and action, and things are writ in gesture and command, but, as the sun rises, people wave, say hel-lo and good-morning. Horses are out and moving at 5:15, being readied for work on the main track, since it is the training track that is closed, orange cones and

signs across its entrance. By now, most of the trucks are gone, a few still

loading horses, but for the most part, they have de-parted, heading north.

At 5:45, horses are moving around Aqueduct’s track, as strings are taken out for morning works. The air is thick with the promise of the day’s heat, but there is still an edge that is cool, and a breeze hisses through the weeping willow there. Melissa Cohen, Rick Vio-lette’s assistant, stands by two open-door tractor trail-ers, waiting for them to be ready to accept her charges. The whole barn is moving north and everyone is in hurry-up-and-wait mode until they are loaded.

With the ending of the race meet, circles have closed, while others remain moving within their loop and will keep these two tracks interesting over the summer, as horses cycle up to Saratoga, and back, printing their hooves and names onto the surfaces at both places. They are the open-ended stories yet to be written, still perfect in the promise of the summer ahead.

Downstate – Continued from page 26

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Because The Edge might be your cab driver.Whenever the topic of Saratoga comes up, I try to

explain why Thoroughbred racing’s most important racing season matters.

Is it the history? The famous names? The Hall of Fame? The six-days-a-week rush of it all? The blend of restaurants, neighborhoods, flowers, parks, springs, mountains, lakes, mornings, nights, parties, people, cars, bicycles, dogs? The coffee? The celebrities? The music? The dancers? The bed-and-breakfasts? The concerts? The fans? The porches? The sport coats? The lawn jockeys? The dresses? The umbrellas?

Yes, yes and yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes . . . to pretty much all of it.

Saratoga matters because it’s a chance to be part of something bigger. If you’re in Thoroughbred rac-ing – at whatever level – you know what I mean. Tell a random person you work in racing or like racing or follow racing and you might get the look. It says, “Re-ally?” Except when you’re in Saratoga and a precious few other places in this country. People go to Saratoga. People have heard about Saratoga. People remember Saratoga. All over.

That only happens every now and then when you’re in this sport. Triple Crown time, if a horse gets hurt (sorry), Saratoga time, the Breeders’ Cup when some-thing really big is on the line.

At my son’s swim meet in Delaware last week, the woman working the concession stand asked about my Animal Kingdom hat. She wants one. I told her I’d do what I could (though it’s a rare model). At the same swim meet, a father working the grill (great cheese-burgers) talked about the NBC/Versus schedule for Saratoga. He’s excited.

Me too.As usual, Saratoga will disrupt my life. I’m miss-

ing things, running out on a list of items I wanted to do this summer (though the deck and shed did get stained). I’m putting a notebook full of personal and professional tasks on hold until Labor Day and hold-ing my breath that everything goes OK or at least holds together in my absence.

Also as usual, Saratoga will add thrills and energy to my life. The racing. The atmosphere. The get-up-and-do-it-again spirit flowing all over town. The dead-lines. The horses. All of it.

Saratoga matters. And I feel it, along with the rest of you. We get a chance to be part of something bigger, of something that matters to people walking down the street. Racing isn’t the NFL (when does training camp start?), or MLB (go Phillies) or the World Cup (pen-alty kicks, really?). But, every once in awhile, racing is those things and more. It’s Saratoga, Keeneland, Der-by Week, Breeders’ Cup. People talk about it, know about it, get involved in it.

My wife and I came to Saratoga last week to get a head start on setting up The Special office and house. We treated ourselves to dinner and took a taxi with some friends. We talked about our kids and college, the summer, pretty much anything.

The cab driver knew the neighborhood and talk-ed locals with our friends. At the restaurant, we all

hopped out and crossed the parking lot – where I (adhering to a “bad luck” lesson learned from jump jockey Jonathan Kiser long ago) walked around the handicapped parking spot.

Me: “A steeplechase jockey told me it was bad luck to walk through a handicap space so I walk around.”

Driver: “Was it one of the Clancy brothers?”I laughed, walked back to the car and introduced

myself. He laughed and introduced himself. Jim Grac-zyk, a.k.a. The Edge, drives a taxi when he’s not pick-ing winners.

That’s why Saratoga matters.

The Other Clancy BrothersEverywhere I went Thursday morning, people

asked about the boys. They’re fine, growing like mad and changing every day.

Ryan, 18, is in town and will be active in dual roles as backside hotwalker for Graham Motion and jack of all trades for The Special. He’s off to the University of Maryland in August, but we’ve got him for a few weeks. Hard to believe he was 8 when we started this project.

Jack, 15, is somewhere in the Canadian wilderness fishing, canoeing, cooking, probably laughing, at sum-mer camp. He’ll be here in a few days, taller than he was the day before.

Nolan, 10, is home getting ready for the Suburban Swim League Championships (25-meter breastroke) and a week at University of Delaware baseball camp (left-handed pitcher). Look for him in about a week.

And that’s that. One newspaper down, 34 to go.

by Joe Clancy

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An American flag waves in the breeze. Streetlights pop on like drafted soldiers. The Reading Room sits in isolated splendor. A late-night runner finishes her task, breathing heavy, iPod just audible. Grooms on bicycles pedal home from town. The mosquitos start to bite.

Hello again, Saratoga. It’s Tuesday night, three days before Opening Day.

So much to do, so little time. We promised ourselves we wouldn’t do it the same way this year; we’d get more organized, hire the right people, finally stream-line this madness. Instead, I glide in a rocking chair on a Union Avenue porch, eating crackers, finishing a bottle of Shock Top, staring at a To-Do list.

It goes like this. 1. Bulk razor blades and shaving cream.2. Buy cereal.3. Top up NYRA Rewards Card. 4. Watch videos and take notes of all Belmont

Spring races. 5. Erase old files on tape recorder.6. Clean car. 7. Dentist.8. Buy 10 pairs of socks and boxers.9. Phone charger for office. 10. Hair cut.11. Service car.

12. Antibacterial soap.13. Echinacea.14. Chewable vitamin C tablets for office.15. Order water cooler for office.16. Sunscreen.17. Order golf carts.18. Make a Monday plan for the Sacandaga.19. Order four shirts from Paul Stuart.20. Re-sole loafers.21. Buy I-Pad. 22. Figure out how to work I-Pad.23. Porch on Union Avenue.24. Sell ads.25. Design ads.26. Try to get paid for ads.27. Write a 5,000-word expose on Lasix.28. Send thank you notes.29. Clear desktop of computer.30. Advil.31. Figure out how to use Twitter account.32. Post “Saratoga Bound” update on Facebook.33. Email all consignors at Fasig-Tipton Sale.34. Sell Marscaponi, Teddy and/or Border.35. Download photos from camera.36. Download camera software.37. Pick up cookies from Mom.38. Hire a graphic artist for the meet.39. Hire two writers for the meet. 40. Write Around the Ovals for Mid-Atlantic Thor-

oughbred before meet.41. Check out Caffe Lena schedule.42. Schedule a Sunday/Monday in the Adirondacks

with Miles and Annie.43. ATM.

44. See Lou in credential office before crowds.45. Pick up paper racks from Seth Gregory or wher-

ever we stashed them. 46. Write the Hall of Fame inductee features.47. Write one Cup of Coffee before meet starts.48. Kiss my wife.49. Hug my son.50. Update To-Do list.

Book of Listscupofcoffee

Thursdays.s

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Documents

Warming Up - Horse racingthisishorseracing.com/news/PDF/2011special/07-22-11.pdf · 7/22/2011 · Warming Up Racing season arrives with confidence, sunshine Year 11 • No. 1 SARATOGA’S