There is just one problem after another in getting Seattle to the races. He was ready to go when the horse tattooer noticed that the papers were slightly off. Two weeks to get the jerkey club to make a minor change in the paper work. We are now all set, we enter the horse for Thursday, and the race does not fill. NYRA runs nearly 50% maidens and Finger Lakes has trouble filling MSW races.
NYRA announced that purses will be increased 36% for the Aqueduct winter-spring meeting. Maybe this will bring in some horses over the winter. Last year was a disaster and NYRA was thinking of going to a 4-day raceweek over the winter.
I want to thank Richard Eng for taking the time to respond to my email concerning his article about the new $50 application fee for Kentucky Derby tickets. His article struck me as somewhat elitest in that he seemed to be saying that if you don't pay it or can't pay it then stay home. He clarified his position somewhat. Using his arguments then we should expect NYRA to sell personal seat licenses for boxes and clubhouse seats at Saratoga. Horse racing seems to be trying its hardest to shoot itself in the foot.

Final day at the Spa. Yesterday was my last public picks for the Saratoga Special for this year. What a day for seconditis to return. Ended up 5th of five for total wins but third of five for money won. I met Erin Finley for the first time yesterday in the paddock. I introduced myself and she said I was the best handicapper for live long shots. She is a very pretty girl and obviously quite smart too. John Shapazian stopped by my seats each day to say hi and rehash races. I met Gaile last week when her horse ran fourth. I never did meet Dean Keppler. We have a mutual acquaintance but we never could work out the logistics. Overall, it was fun and for the last two weeks of the meet I showed a net betting profit on my top pick.

Yesterday was Halloween in August at the track. A few hundred kids dressed up for a costume contest and trick or treating at various spots around the track. I for one thought that was a terrific promotion to bring kids and their families to the track.
So far, this week has been quieter than usual, I think because of the hurricane. A lot of the nearby areas have been without power since Sunday and are now just getting back to normal. Attendence should pick up as we get into the great weekend. There are now three Grade 1's for Saturday, including the postponed Personal Ensign. I cringe when I heard tv pundits say the race was canceled on Sunday when it was merely postponed. That is what happens when one is married to an English teacher.
NYRA unveils its plans for the slots money improvements to Saratoga today. Dorms, new roofs on the grandstand and clubhouse, electrical and plumbing seem to dominate. I still think that NYRA should take a long look at the retired priest's building on Lake Ave near St Clements. I think that it could be adapted to use by the backstretch employees at a cheaper cost than building new dorms and it is only a short distance from the Oklahoma track. There is also mention of new barns in the annex area along with a three story dorm in that area. I would also love to see wi-fi available everywhere in the plant.
I had only two winners in the paper yesterday and am getting my butt kicked in terms of wins but am only a few dollars out of second place in terms of money won. My average mutuel is substantially higher than the other handicappers in the Saratoga Special. I fully expect to be no worse than second place in terms of money won but will finish last in races won.
I am still trying to get the Clancys to include money won in the paper and have suggested a betting contest among the Special handicappers next year.