Joe Spadaro has been involved in the equine industry for 40-plus years.  Born and raised in Astoria, Queens, Joe started as a casual player before being inflicted with a severe case of "equine fever."  His industry experience, from walking "hots" to grooming, training, ownership and breeding, provides him with a unique perspective in a game he still "loves".

And now.....

 The Saratoga racing scene

  

SUNDAY, SEPT. 5, 2010

Saratoga offers lite fare for most of the eleven race card which makes it a long wait until the 9th and 10th race desserts.

The Grade 3 Saranac Stakes for three year olds will be run at a mile and three-sixteenths on the Mellon turf course.  That’s the good news – the bad news is that only six horses will go to the gate which hampers making a value play unless you’re able to single out one horse to use in gimmicks. 

Kiaran McLaughlin will saddle the Kentucky-bred Lethal Combination, who began his career in Great Britain before shipping to McLaughlin’s barn for the gelding’s three-year old campaign.  Unfortunately, the repatriate ran into the highly regarded Paddy O’Prado in his first start in the Palm Beach Stake (Gr.3).  Bumped at the start, Lethal Combination finished sixth but was only beaten less than six-lengths.  His next start resulted in a victory against the Todd Pletcher-trained Fantastico Roberto (Ire.) who is also entered in the Saranac.

The 119th running of The Spinaway (Gr.1) for two year old fillies going seven furlongs over the main strip has a field of 8 that will go to the gate including the Todd Pletcher entry of Stopspendingmaria and Valiant Passion.  Trainer Richard Dutrow will saddle Schuylerville Stake (Gr.3) winner Le Mi Geaux for the Spinaway.  With two year old fillies this early in their career it’s a crap shoot because none of them has gone the seven furlong distance.  The race might have to be an “all” race in gimmick plays.

As of the beginning of Saturday’s race day, John Velazquez leads Javier Castellano by one winner – 51-50 – in the hotly contested jockey race.  Both jockeys have registered 5-winning ride days during the Saratoga meet.  The race reminds me of a baseball or football game which is decided by the last one to come up to bat or run a play. 

The “Whisperer’s” selections for Sunday card in order of preference:

9th Race - 1 Turf Melody 6-1  -  Makes only his third career turf start in the G3 Saranac but faces no killers in this watered down renewal.  Was not badly beaten in his initial lawn start last fall at Keeneland in a race that was run over extremely soft turf.  Returned to turf off a three month vacation earlier in the meet and had run through the stretch when never given a chance to come around horses and galloped out with energy suggesting the added real estate may not be a problem.
 
 
5th Race - 7 Gin Cat 6-1  -  Hennig miss trained at Monmouth Park most of the summer before shipping to the Spa to tackle Empire breds in her initial unveiling.  Trainer not known for debut success seemed to have her ready as she took considerable early money and was bet sneakily in exotics.  Jockey Eddie Castro saw fit to make the trip North on a MP dark day to take the call and she was not disgraced in finishing well to be fourth.  Able replacement Leparoux gets the call and can get the job done here.
 
 
7th Race - 3 Film Charm 5-1  -  Following four months of inactivity she was faced with the task of trying to negotiate a distance she had never tried before (1 1/8 miles). The four filly field was run in a strange manner as each of the fillies had a share of the lead at some portion of the race, with the last run going to Rachel Alexandra conquering Persistently.  Looks to sit a stalking trip with patient Leparoux and may get the better of big favorite Ash Zee.
 

Longshot Play   4th Race - 4 Up for Love 12-1  -  Returned for his four year old campaign with a solid second downstate and encountered serious traffic trouble while attempting to rally in last in a race that was dominated on the lead by the 29-1 winner.  The portable rails were positioned 19 feet from the hedge that day which makes coming from off the pace a very difficult task as well.  Dominguez sees fit to return for very capable conditioner Carl Domino.

 
Photo: Adam Coglianese

 

SATURDAY, SEPT. 4, 2010

It’s a great menu for the last Saturday of meet.  For specials, Saratoga is offering The Grade I Forego Stake and The Grade I Woodward Stakes. 

The Forego, for three year olds and up, is a seven furlong sprint which will be run over the main track.  A field of eleven horses are slated to start with most of the field having  either won graded stakes or been graded stakes-placed making it a fun race to handicap. 

Vineyard Haven is listed as part of the bin Suroor Saeed entry with Girolamo and both horses have an affinity for Saratoga.  Vineyard Haven won the 2008 edition of the Grade I Hopeful Stakes and 2009 edition of the Grade I Kings Bishop, both race at the Spa; while Girolamo is undefeated in both his starts at the Spa. 

Vineyard Haven won his first start of 2010 at the Spa in an overnight stakes and Girolamo has been away from the races since finishing last in the Grade I Breeder’s Cup Classic. Coupled with the fact that Rick Mettee, second trainer for bin Suroor Saeed, knows how to get one ready for big events gives me a sound rationale for backing the entry.

The Woodward, for three year olds and up, will be raced over the main track at 9-furlongs and provides Quality Road a vehicle to continue his quest for Horse of the Year honors.  Leading jockey John Velazquez, who drew a lot of heat for his ride in the Whitney, is back to ride.  Quality Road started the season at Gulfstream Park and has put together an impressive resume having won the Hal’s Hope (Gr.3), the Donn Handicap (Gr. 1), and the Metropolitan (Gr.1) at Belmont before hiccupping in the Whitney (Gr.1).  He’ll be a short price, which is not a very tantalizing dessert.

The seven-horse Woodward field includes last year’s Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, who is now trained by D. Wayne Lukas.  The Hall of Fame trainer will outfit the four-year old bay gelding with a pair of blinkers for the first time.  Mine That Bird will be making his third start of the year and has been working “bullets” over the Oklahoma training track since sporting the blinkers – a good sign. 

The former trainer of Quality Road Jimmy Jerkens would like nothing better than to beat his former charge and will saddle Convocation for the Woodward.  The four year old bay colt gamely won his last start at the Spa when stretched out to the nine-furlong distance.

The “Whisperer’s” selections for Saturday’s card in order of preference are:

5th Race - 6 Souper Spectacular 7-2  -  $1.15 million half to Zenyatta switches to the turf for the first time here.  Closed mildly in his first start, a sprint, followed by a troubled start going long at Monmouth in July, he looks to have been pointed to the turf since with three straight works over the lawn.  Two siblings were victorious in their first starts on turf and trainer Seth Benzel is having a very solid meeting.
 
 
6th Race - 4 Astrology 4-1  -  Asmussen trained youngster was a hard trying third in his debut at 8-5 and should be set to earn his diploma here.  Has trained four times since his debut (ten furlongs on the main track and eight on the training track) and should lead these on a merry chase.  Use with 6 Data Link and 11 Anthony's Cross in exotics.
 

11th Race - 4 Roaring Conquest 6-1  -  Has had viable excuses in each of his two starts, gate trouble in debut and a wide trip over the local lawn in his subsequent start.  Switches jocks to top turf jockey Leparoux and gets the addition of blinkers following a second best of thirty-eight work on Tuesday.
 

Longshot Play:   2nd Race - 9 Hard Two Imagine 20-1 - Debuted going long on the turf earlier in the meet and did no running after some subtle trouble early on.  The son of Gulch is not bred for turf and may have been just using that race as an educational effort. Returns to sprint distance for an under the radar trainer who can get him ready and has good numbers with second time starting maidens.

Photo credit: Adam Coglianese

 

FRIDAY, SEPT. 3, 2010

Dead heat! Unseasonably high temperatures in ‘north country’ and in jockey standings are at a feverish pitch. 

Heading into the final weekend it appears that the jockey race, between John Velazquez and Javier Castellano, won’t be decided until Labor Day.  In a punch counter-punch battle for top honors, the talented riders are putting on quite a show at Saratoga Race Course.

Barring a miracle, Todd Pletcher has all but locked up the leading trainer title at the Spa for the seventh time.  Linda Rice and Chad Brown are battling for second-place honors.

Saratoga’s “Graveyard of Favorites” label added another notch as Rachel Alexandra lost to long-shot Persistently in last Sunday’s Grade I Personal Ensign Stake run at a 10-furlongs.  Persistently is trained by Shug McGaughey, who also trained the great Personal Ensign during her stellar career. 

Hyped to the max, the packed house roared when Rachel stepped foot on the racetrack and moaned as the field crossed the wire.  As it’s said “That’s why they run the race.”

‘Get-Out Weekend’ is highlighted by seven graded stakes races including four Grade I stakes – The Forego, The Woodward, The Spinaway and The Three Chimney’s Hopeful.  Friday’s card features the Grade III With Anticipation for 2 year olds going a mile and one-sixteenth over the turf. 

Friday’s first race starts at 2:30p.m.

The “Whisperer’s” selections for Friday’s card in order of preference are:

5th Race - 3 Simply Delightful 5-1  -  Debuted in the slop on a day when no horse made up any ground.  The daughter of Speightstown broke well and was taken back to avoid a speed duel, held her position and was going well at the finish.  Asmussen trained runners usually improve in their second start.
 
 
6th Race - 2 Litigating 7-2  -  Point Given filly from the Mott barn had a nice education in her unveiling downstate in early July.  Put in a good rally around the turn and into the stretch and was hopelessly blocked throughout the stretch run while not hard ridden.  The runner up that day returned to break her maiden at the Spa, while the winner was a decent fourth in a minor stake.  Gets treated with Lasix here and switches to Rajiv Maragh to pilot.
 

Longshot Play:   9th Race - 1 Indianapolis 15-1  -  Finally put it all together to break his maiden in an off the turf event earlier in the meet.  Given a very good ride that day by returning rider Calvin Borel, this younger brother of Einstein has run some credible races on the turf and should get a hedge skimming ride in this three turn turf marathon and could be a late factor at a square ticket.

 
Photo credit: Adam Coglianese

 

SUNDAY, AUG. 29, 2010

Rachel, Rachel, Rachel.  All the talk is about last year’s Horse of the Year, Rachel Alexandra, and why not – she’s the reason that racing fans are flocking to Saratoga Race Course in order to see and pay homage.  Hail the Queen! 

But wait a minute.  Isn’t Saratoga nicknamed the “Graveyard of Champions” and won’t Rachel be asked to go a mile and one-quarter for the first time?  I don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade but let’s just say it won’t be a cakewalk.

One of five entered in the Grade 1 Personal Ensign Stake, the Steve Asmussen-trained four year old filly has not been as dominant this season having been beaten twice earlier this year before rebounding to win her last two.  Although stabled at Saratoga since early July, her connections opted to race at Monmouth Park for a trumped up purse ($400,000) in a non-graded stakes (Lady Secret S.) instead of entering in the prestigious Grade 1 Ruffian Handicap raced at Saratoga.  Still can’t figure that one out. 

Looking to dethrone the “Queen” will be a couple of five year-old chestnut mares in trainer Todd Pletcher’s Life at Ten, winner of six consecutive races including the mile and one-quarter Delaware Handicap (Gr.2), and trainer Marty Wolfson’s Miss Singhsix (Ire) who finished second to Life at Ten in the Delaware ‘Cap.

What’s refreshing is that one horse can create this much excitement and only hope racing fans’ expectations are realized.

The “Whisperer’s” selections for Sunday’s card in order of preference are:

9th Race - 2 Raven Hawk 8-1  -  Making his second start of the meeting, and his first on turf, this son of Afleet Alex was victimized by an intense inside speed bias as the winner set honest fractions and went on to a 44-1 upset score.  Second dam has produced four multiple turf winners and he breezed well over the turf in preparation for this.
 
 
5th Race - 4 Dominant Jeannes 8-1  -  Bargain priced three year old gelding sports a pair of five furlong gates breezes and has been preparing over the Spa surface since the opening of the main track in early July.  The half brother to this stables multiple Grade 2 winning filly Justwhistledixie (over $400,000 in earnings) gets the services of Javier Castellano and could surprise at first asking.
 
 
2nd Race - 1 Affable Athena 6-1  -  Homebred daughter of Say Florida Sandy hails from a solid producing dam as four of her six foals were winners as two year olds, with four of six also being stakes placed in their careers.  Her last two works for old school trainer Pat Kelly not known for early prominence have been solid for filly with local connections who always point their youngsters for this meeting.  Only knock is the rail post, which can be tricky for a firster.
 

Longshot Play     4th Race - 9 Back in Fashion - Given a free pass for her first local appearance as the pace was very slow with the portable rails out at the maximum 18 feet on the inner turf. The first three finishers controlled the race throughout with only the Nurse Dolce passing Deputy's Citizen in the late stages for second.  Good chance to at least complete the exacta with questionable dropdown Blushing Dixie the filly to beat.

 
Photo: Adam Coglianese

 

 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2010

It’s a banquet!  No other way to describe Saratoga’s Travers Day 13-race menu.  The five graded stakes are highlighted by the 141st running of the Travers Stakes which has an 11-horse field with no prohibitive favorite making it a fun race to sink your teeth into.  Money management will be a key factor in determining the outcome of a full day of wagering and would advise to set up a wagering game plan before the racing begins at 11:35AM.

The 7-race undercard is intriguing with several two-year old maiden special weight races including a two-turn turf affair interspersed with several allowance races which will be run at both sprint and route distances, dirt and turf.  The Ballston Spa Handicap (Gr.2-turf), Victory Ride Stake (Gr.3), The Ballerina (Gr.1), The King’s Bishop (Gr.1) and the Travers Stakes (Gr.1) make up the 8th through 12th races with the 13th ($25,000 claimer) acting as the anchor for the pick-six wager.  For those that want to concentrate on graded stakes wagering gimmicks, there’s a Pick 3 for races 9 through 11; and a Pick 4 for races 9 through 12.

Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin was on the fence whether to race Trappe Shot in the Travers or the King’s Bishop finally opting to enter the Tapit colt in the $1 million Travers Stakes.

Regarding Trappe Shot’s condition McLaughlin said: “All is well, and it’s nice not having to worry about where we are going.”  Adding “At this stage of the game, all you can do is wait and hope for a decent trip. I think it’s nice to just be in the race.”

Trappe Shot stumbled at the start of the Haskell, and McLaughlin is taking extra steps to make sure the colt gets away cleanly in the Travers.

“We galloped him and stood him at the gate this morning (Thursday) because he had some bad luck at the gate at Monmouth,” said McLaughlin. “He was perfect. We’ll just gallop him tomorrow (Friday).”

Former veterinarian John Kimmel trains Friend Or Foe for Chester and Mary Broman, who bred the colt, and his sire, Friends Lake, whom Kimmel also trained. Both Friend Or Foe and Friends Lake are New York-breds, foaled on the Bromans’ Chestertown, N.Y. Farm, which is about 50-miles north of Saratoga Springs.
 
“[Winning the Travers] with a New York-bred would be a little bit special, especially since I trained the father,” Kimmel said. “I think it shows you that you can raise a good horse in New York and be able to compete in Grade 1 company. Anybody that looks at his (Friend Or Foe’s) form would have to think that it’s on a real upswing. He’s lightly raced, and he didn’t drop off on his speed figure going from seven-eighths to 1 1/8th miles, which I really like to see. He had a little bit of trouble [when fourth in the Grade 2 Jim Dandy], and there are a lot of reasons for me to be optimistic that he can move forward.”

The only New York-bred to win the Travers was Thunder Rumble in 1992.  The son of Thunder Puddles was trained by the late Richie O’Connell and ridden by Herb Mc Cauley.

The “Whisperer’s” selections for Travers Day card in order of preference are:

2nd Race - 8 Malibu Cougar 5-1 -  Malibu Moon filly caught a sloppy track on opening day for her unveiling.  Encountered traffic trouble and was not persevered with late.  Fourteen furlongs of work later she returns and can make amends here.
 
 
8th Race - 3 Phola 4-1  -  Vastly improved Pletcher turf distaffer was at a distinct disadvantage in her local debut in the Grade 1 Diana where she was beaten just a length and one-quarter.  Come from the clouds runner had no pace to run at that day but appears to have pace to chase here and with Dominguez choosing to stick with her she should be able to work out a better trip here and put in a solid closing kick.
 
 
12th Race - 9 Friend Or Foe 15-1 -  New York Bred sophomore ran a credible race in his first around two turns in the Jim Dandy and should benefit from the experience.  The outside draw should allow jockey Maragh to let the speed develop inside of him and place him where he sees fit.  By Friends Lake, he has a license to handle the added distance.  Using with Ice Box, Afleet Express & Fly Down in exotics.
 
 

Longshot Plays:   3rd Race - 8 Gold Trader 10-1  -  Phipps/McGaughey baby debuts on the turf by the fine turf sire Johannesburg.  Half brother to minor turf SW Consequence may be any kind and should be included in exotics at a price.   5th Race - 10 King Congie 6-1  -  From a barn that seldom has them ready first start, but scored at 21-1 in 2008 with a Darley Stable firster towards the end of the meet.  This son of Freshman sire Badge of Silver (who sired a first out winner on turf earlier this meet) debuts with a limited work pattern for a stable who points for this meet.  Respect and include in all gimmick wagers.

 
Photo: Adam Coglianese

 

FRIDAY, AUG. 27, 2010

What a horse race!

Jockeys Javier Castellano and John Velazquez are hooked up in a ding-dong battle for leading jockey honors with last year’s leading rider Ramon Dominquez pecking away slowly but surely.  At the end of Thursday’s card, Velazquez had regained the lead he relinquished on Wednesday.  Velazquez two winning rides on Thursday card gives him 41-winners for the meet and now leads Castellano by one.  Dominquez also rode two winners on Thursday’s card giving him 35 for the meet and is well within striking range with 11 race cards to go.

Last year’s leading trainer Linda Rice (16-winners) has moved past Chad Brown (14-winners) into second place in the trainer standings.  Todd Pletcher remains at the top with 25-winners as of Thursday, Aug. 26th.  As for winning percentage, Brown leads the way with almost 37% of his horses ending up in the winner’s circle as compared to 28% for both Pletcher and Rice.  

The New York Racing Association announced earlier in the week that the leading trainer title will be named in honor of trainer H. Allen Jerkens, who won four trainer titles at the Spa.

Jerkens, nicknamed both “The Chief” and “The Giant Killer” was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1975 at the age of 45, then the youngest trainer to be so honored.  Jerkens won his first of three consecutive training titles in 1971, saddling 12 winners during the 24-day meet.

“The Chief” won again in 1972 with 19 winners, which remained a modern-day record until broken by Bill Mott in 1996, who sent out 20 winners in a 34-day meet.  Jerkens took his third title in 1973 with 14 winners.

In 1978 Jerkens tied for the leading trainer honors with Woody Stephens and Sid Watters, Jr., each of whom sent out seven winners.

Among the many Grade 1 stakes winners the 81-year-old Jerkens has saddled at Saratoga are Classy Mirage, who won the 1995 Ballerina; Shine Again, a two-time winner of the Ballerina in 2001-02; November Snow, who won the Test and the Alabama in 1992; Sky Beauty, winner of the 1993 Alabama, and the 1994 Go for Wand, and Society Selection, who in 2004 also won the Test and the Alabama.

Jerkens, however, is equally famous for his contribution to Saratoga’s nickname as the “Graveyard of Favorites,” having sent out longshot Onion to defeat Triple Crown winner Secretariat in the 1973 Whitney.

“The Giant Killer” was also known for the remarkable feat of defeating five-time Horse of the Year Kelso three separate times with his charge Beau Purple, twice in 1962 (at Aqueduct and Belmont Park) and once in 1963 (at Hialeah).  



Friday’s card is an appetizer for the Saturday feast (5-graded stakes carded) that awakens the taste buds of horse players who have been salivating for a decent race card to wager upon.  Resigned to handicapping less than enticing cheap claimers with small fields during the winter months at Aqueduct, players shouldn’t be subjected to the kind of race cards NYRA has been serving during the Saratoga meet.

With two overnight stakes and a Grade 2 turf affair – Bernard Baruch - the start of the next to last weekend promises to be a a lot better for the people that sustain the Thoroughbred industry – the everyday horse player.  Get Stormy has been listed as the morning line favorite in the Baruch.

The “Whisperer’s” selections for Friday’s card in order of preference are:

5th Race - 9 Erma Lee 5-1 - Extremely rank in her initial outing over the course on July 30.  Jockey Garrett Gomez was forced to steady and check the daughter of Stormy Atlantic throughout the one and one-sixteenth miles turf event and still was only beaten three-quarters of a length while finishing fourth.  With that race under her belt she should be more settled and can make her run at the leaders when called upon.
 
 
9th Race - 7 National Kid 6-1  -  Appears to have been pointed for this spot by trainer Rick Dutrow following his comeback win at Monmouth Park in early July.  The lightly raced five year old has shown to be of high quality from day one, having captured his debut in the fall of his three year old season.  The Monmouth comeback was particularly interesting in that he showed a new dimension, leading from start to finish.  He should be able to stay close to favorite Get Stormy who will be dictating the fractions.
 
 
10th Race - 2 Bronzed 6-1 - First timer shipping up from Jersey for dangerous trainer with newcomers, the daughter of Smart Strike appears to have been well prepped for her unveiling.  Half sister to the talented runner and producer Elusive Quality who scored in his initial turf start before going on to capture the Jaipur Handicap and Poker Stakes in his five year old season.
 

Longshot Play   3rd Race - 1 Honour the Deputy 12-1  -  Crafty trainer Charles Assimakopoulos is no stranger to Spa followers, having scored with many upsetters throughout the 80's and 90's.  Based in Suffolk Downs, he brings his stable jock over for the ride.  From a solid family that includes millionaire earner Delightful Kiss, he appears ready for his debut and his conditioner has scored with eight of his last thirty-seven firsters for a solid 22% win rate.

 

 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010

The natives are getting restless.  The abundance of poor race cards is creating a lot of stir in Saratoga with one scribe known as Indian Charlie posting the following shot across NYRA’s bow in his Saturday edition - “NYRA racing Secretary P. J. Campo is doing for New York racing what extra marital affairs have done for Tiger Woods golf game. OUCH!

As of Friday, Aug. 20th, jockeys John Velazquez and Javier Castellano are in a dead-heat for top jockey honors at the meet having won with 32-mounts each.  Making a late surge is jockey Ramon Dominquez who trails the leaders by 5-winning rides.

Horses for upcoming 141st running of the Travers Stakes are starting to rev-up with some serious works.  Brooklyn native Nick Zito is contemplating sending both Miner’s Reserve and Ice Box in the Travers and worked both colts on Friday.  Jockey Calvin Borel was aboard Miner’s Reserve for a four furlong work which was timed in a snappy 48.1 over Oklahoma training track.  Jockey Julien Leparoux worked Ice Box in company with Cool Coal Man and went five furlongs in 1:00 flat over Saratoga’s main track earning him second fastest of 26 works at the distance.

Questioned about the colt’s sixth-place finish in the Grade I Haskell at Monmouth Park, Zito commented: “It takes them a while to recover from the Triple Crown races.  Hopefully, he comes with a great run next weekend.  If he runs to the Derby race he’ll be right there.”

Regarding Ice Box’s Friday work Zito said: “It looks like he has a little more strength would be my guess.”  Nice guess Nick and very understated, which to me means Nick is positioned to win another Travers.  Nick trained the 2004 Travers winner Birdstone for Marylou Whitney Stable.

Other expected entries for the “The Summertime Derby” are: Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver, Jim Dandy winner A Little Warm, Afleet Again, Afleet Express, First Dude, Friend Or Foe, Steinbeck, Trickmeister and possibly Pleasant Prince and Trappe Shot.

Looking forward to next Saturday’s Travers day card as eight graded stakes will be carded.  HALLELUJAH!

The “Whisperer’s” selections for Sunday’s card in order of preference are:

10th Race - 5 Fancy Point 5-1  -  Hoping the rains hold off and this race is contested on turf as this daughter of Point Given is bred for grass on her female side of her pedigree.  Her dam being a half sister to Grade 1 SW Joyeux Danseur and three other SW's,  grass appears to be her preferred surface.  Trainer Phipps does well with second time starters and also has good numbers stretching out.  
 

6th Race - 1 Accredit 4-1  -  If the forecasted rains appear this hard knocker becomes the most preferred play of the day.  Superior wet track performer has posted two triple digit Beyer figures on wet tracks including the 2009 edition of the Churchill Downs Handicap, battling on the lead throughout.  Race is dominated with dropdowns as several of the entrants descend the claiming ladder.
 
9th Race - 5 I Dreamt I Was 9-2  -  Was very wide rallying on the turn in her local debut and initial try versus NY Breds following a five month stint on the sidelines.  With that experience under her belt she should be more prominently placed here and can handle this assignment over the inner turf.




SATURDAY, AUG. 21, 2010

Do you have a minute because certain “hunch” stories have a place?  Sometimes it’s best to forget about handicapping and follow “signs” sent to your from wherever. 

While driving to the track on Thursday for our annual visit to the Spa’s Clubhouse boxes, I was stuck behind a gray horse walking down the road towards the Nelson Ave. stable gate – only in Saratoga.  Being cautious not to spook the horse I stayed a distance away but was waved forward by the groom, who I saw again in the winner’s circle as he stood besides the second race winner Running Tap ($12.00) 

Didn’t have a dime on him – thank you very much! 

After endless perusing of the track program, my lady friend Judy and her sister Nancy, who had never been to the races at the Spa or anywhere else for that matter, had decided betting on Eighth Avenue in the fifth race. Reasoning? They were born and raised on Eighth Avenue in Schenectady – Silly ladies!  The Mark Hennig trained Eighth Avenue raced from off the pace and missed beating Marylou Whitney’s homebred Mountain Town by a head.  Since we didn’t need the dough, we were happy for Marylou, who’s rumored to be down to her last billion.

Eighth Avenue paid $17.80 to place – thank you very much! 

In the 7th race, Deciphering Dreams, a horse that Judy had recently verified for New York-bred registration, won as the bettor’s 8-5 choice.  Judy spoke of the horse but I wasn’t listening – so what’s new?

Didn’t have a dime on Deciphering Dreams – thank you very much!

I’m looking forward Saturday’s delicious Saratoga card.  For an appetizer, I’m going to dive in with the first race. 

Northern Giant is a horse I was chasing through the winter months as I felt he had a legitimate shot at going to the Kentucky Derby.  Being a groupie for progeny of Giant’s Causeway, I’m sticking with the D. Wayne Lukas-trained colt as he receives a rider change to Garrett Gomez, who has wakened up from his slump and riding like the Gomez of old. 

The “Whisperer’s” selections for Saturday’s card in order of preference are:

6th Race - 5 Igoturback 8-1 - One of two Galluscio firsters in here is by first crop sire Bandini.  Colt indicated readiness with gate blowout work in preparation for this last Saturday.  Gets the services of unheralded but capable rider Victor Santiago and can score at first asking.  Only other foal was a six time winner in sprint races.
 
10th Race - 6 Havre de Grace 4-1 - Ever improving filly is the choice to upset the big two.  Carefully handled by Tony Dutrow, the daughter of distance loving Saint Liam has improved steadily and has pointed for this spot for quite sometime.  Was a nose loser to Blind Luck in last and has trained nineteen furlongs since.  Should not be short and may surprise under Jeremy Rose.
 

Longshot Play   2nd Race - 6 Striding Ahead 10-1 - Mott / Juddmonte baby has a solid sprint pedigree in the second family as the dam is a half sister to Stormy Atlantic and Mr. Katowice, both SW sprinting.  Long series of works locally since May and Mott gives a leg up to Shaun Bridgmohan a sneaky go to rider for the barn in past years at the Spa at juicy prices.

 

Photo: Adam Coglianese

 FRIDAY, AUG. 20, 2010

Saratoga was always known for its’ stellar full fields racing bill of fare – not anymore. If anyone is trying to ascertain why track handle and attendance is down significantly at the current meet all one has to do is look at Thursday’s and Friday’s cards.  With the exception of grass racing, they closely resemble winter at the Big A.  Once unthinkable, the 9-race cards, at the most prestigious race meet in the country, are made up of low end claiming and maiden claiming races interspersed with small sized allowance races!  Totally unappetizing! 

Midway through the meet finds familiar faces at the top of the jockey and trainer standings.  At the end of Wednesday’s card, jockey John Velazquez, with 30-winning rides, leads Javier Castellano (26) and Ramon Domiquez (25) in a race that will, in all likelihood, go down to the wire. 

Trainer Todd Pletcher has opened up a little daylight in the standings having saddled the winners of 17-races over second place trainer Chad Brown, who surprisingly has won 12-races. 

Making a move on the leaders is last season’s leading trainer, Linda Rice, who has registered 10-winners and is currently listed third in the standings. 

If searching for value plays on Friday’s card, the only race worth getting involved with is the featured Yaddo Handicap for New York-bred fillies and mares.  The nine-furlong race has a field of eleven entered that will go nine furlongs over Saratoga’s inner turf course.  Traditionally, “The Yaddo” has never been an easy race to handicap since most of the horses have raced against each other throughout their careers with various degrees of success at one point or another; however, it beats the rest of the lean Friday bill of fare.

The “Whisperer’s” selections for Friday, Aug. 20th in order of preference are:

1st Race - 2 Corey's Coming 9-2  -  Transferred from the Mott barn following the '09 season, she returned with a dull effort seven weeks ago downstate albeit against much better.  Takes the drop to the basement here for local connections that have had her training here all summer long.  Showed a liking for the Spa turf last year with two solid efforts including her entry level allowance score over Empire breds.  Can work out an inside trip with under rated pilot David Cohen at the controls.
 
3rd Race - 5 Moontune Missy 4-1  -  Returns to the scene of her career best effort and draws a favorable outside post to stalk probable pace setting attempt of Southern Accents.  Appears to prefer conventional dirt as her two for two record indicates.  Training well off the layoff as she enters this off a similar layoff as last year for more than capable layoff trainer.

Photo: Adam Coglianese