Well, Skedaddle finally broke his maiden in his first start as a 6YO. He had been given a series of long slow workouts by all time leading trainer at Finger Lakes, Michael Ferraro. So, I knew the horse would be in top shape for this race. The only question in my mine was the distance and the fact that he was facing a horse who was an overwhelming favorite. However, I think the horse is bred for distance on both the dam side and on the sire side. In addition, the big favorite was shipping in from Belmont off of two pretty good races but both were on the grass. Since this was his first start on the dirt, he was a vulnerable favorite. Skedaddle took his time down the backstretch, made a quick move form 6th to 2nd around the far turn and pulled away from the leader between the 1/8th pole and the finish line to win by 6 lengths.
I finally got a response from NYRA regarding tickets. It appears that there are several classes of racegoers who come before the season ticket holders. Therefore, I should be thankful I have tickets at all.
As was stated in the email, the seats belong to NYRA and they distribute them as they see fit. After all, there is such a great clamor for seats listed as in the sun and normally not sold until the night before the races. Maybe I sho uld hope for monsoon rains on Travers day. That should cure anyone else of wanting these seats for only the Travers.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
Medication positives
There has been a lot of speculation and comment on the internet of late about how 9 of 10 top trainers have gotten drug positives at some point in their career. I think that it is unfair to lump all types of drug positives together. For instance, in my mind, there is a big difference in an aspirin type drug like Banamine and one such as cobra venom. Horses are athletes and as such suffer aches and pains much as a human athlete does. Why shouldn't the horse be made as comfortable as possible?
There should also be a differential in the listing for trainers who have horses at different tracks. For instance, the positives that Todd Pletcher has gotten in the past. How many were for horses under his direct care and how many were for horses under the care of an assistant at a different track? D Wayne Lukas is one trainer who has been painted as a trainer with drug positives in his past. Why is it not pointed out that his last drug positive was over thirteen years ago?
On a more positive note, Skedaddletoseattle is entered tomorrow at Finger Lakes. He is dropped into a maiden claiming $4500 race for his six year old debut. This is around two turns for what may be the first time and looks like a desparation drop by his new owners. In any case, he should be fit and I expect him to run a big race.
There should also be a differential in the listing for trainers who have horses at different tracks. For instance, the positives that Todd Pletcher has gotten in the past. How many were for horses under his direct care and how many were for horses under the care of an assistant at a different track? D Wayne Lukas is one trainer who has been painted as a trainer with drug positives in his past. Why is it not pointed out that his last drug positive was over thirteen years ago?
On a more positive note, Skedaddletoseattle is entered tomorrow at Finger Lakes. He is dropped into a maiden claiming $4500 race for his six year old debut. This is around two turns for what may be the first time and looks like a desparation drop by his new owners. In any case, he should be fit and I expect him to run a big race.
Friday, June 21, 2013
New state gambling law
I think hat the new gambling bill pushed by Cuomo will finally accomplish what the governor and his father before him have wanted to do. That is, destroy the racing industry in New York. It has been obvious that the Cuomos have had a hatred of racing for many years.
What the racing industry needs to do is run an organized campaign to turn out the vote against passage of gambling expansion. Racinos should still bring in money however, as the majority of people who visit casinos play the slots and not table games. Also, takeout rates on the various slots and slot facilities should be made public along with those of the various table games.
It is interesting to note that the new bill was hammered out behind closed doors. What do the politicians have to the hide?
On a different note, there is a farm in Schnectady operating as a wellness retreat. Peaceful Acres uses rescued horses (not only thoroughbreds) to help rescue people in need and trouble. They are very deserving of your financial support. Give Nanci Beyerl a call at 518-887-3178.
What the racing industry needs to do is run an organized campaign to turn out the vote against passage of gambling expansion. Racinos should still bring in money however, as the majority of people who visit casinos play the slots and not table games. Also, takeout rates on the various slots and slot facilities should be made public along with those of the various table games.
It is interesting to note that the new bill was hammered out behind closed doors. What do the politicians have to the hide?
On a different note, there is a farm in Schnectady operating as a wellness retreat. Peaceful Acres uses rescued horses (not only thoroughbreds) to help rescue people in need and trouble. They are very deserving of your financial support. Give Nanci Beyerl a call at 518-887-3178.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
The NYRA board has hired Christopher Kay to be the new CEO. He has big shoes to fill as he is following Charles Haywood. I still maintain he got a raw deal. He unfortunately relied on the advice of his chief counsel. He forgot this is New York where no government official or entity will ever take the blame for anything. However, he does seem to be a solid pick for the job.
I am starting to get excited about the start of the Saratoga Race meeting. One month to go and they are off and running. Of course, I sent an email to NYRA complaining about my tickets and have yet to receive a response. I hope that in the future NYRA will give season ticket holders top preference.
One of the most needed improvements to the Saratoga Race Course are new turf courses with better drainage. There have been days with no turf racing where a well-drained course would be in super shape.
Also, good news on the backstretch. The first of the new dorms have been finished. It is about time for the backstretch workers get better treatment. Racing could not exist without backstretch help.
I am starting to get excited about the start of the Saratoga Race meeting. One month to go and they are off and running. Of course, I sent an email to NYRA complaining about my tickets and have yet to receive a response. I hope that in the future NYRA will give season ticket holders top preference.
One of the most needed improvements to the Saratoga Race Course are new turf courses with better drainage. There have been days with no turf racing where a well-drained course would be in super shape.
Also, good news on the backstretch. The first of the new dorms have been finished. It is about time for the backstretch workers get better treatment. Racing could not exist without backstretch help.
Monday, June 17, 2013
I'm baaaaaaaaaaack.
It has been almost a year since I last posted. Saratoga meeting for 2013 is only a month away. I am still waiting to hear from the Clancys about handicapping for the Saratoga Special. I think they are leaning against using me again. In any case, I will probably post picks to this blog and am thinking about using twitter for instant updates after seeing the horses in the paddock.
From what I have heard, NYRA will be introducing Trakus at the meeting. It will help keep track of the horses during the running of the races.
Once again NYRA screwed up my season tickets. But I am sure they don't think so. I have the same tickets every year for the entire season. For the second year in a row, they gave me the tickets for every day except for Travers day. That day i am two rows back. Apparently it means nothing to NYRA to jerk season ticket holders around. Of course, they say that season ticket holders get first preference but that clearly does not apply to Travers Day.
From what I have heard, NYRA will be introducing Trakus at the meeting. It will help keep track of the horses during the running of the races.
Once again NYRA screwed up my season tickets. But I am sure they don't think so. I have the same tickets every year for the entire season. For the second year in a row, they gave me the tickets for every day except for Travers day. That day i am two rows back. Apparently it means nothing to NYRA to jerk season ticket holders around. Of course, they say that season ticket holders get first preference but that clearly does not apply to Travers Day.
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