Saturday’s feature at Aqueduct was the Rare Treat, named for the “hard hitting filly” owned by George D. Widener who raced in the 1950’s. For a horse with “rare” in her name, she sure hit the track a lot, running 101 times for a record of 16 victories, 20 seconds, and 14 thirds. Her eponymous…
The Derby Trail heads to Oaklawn Park in a contentious, intriguing and delayed renewal of the Southwest Stakes. California shippers look to test their mettle on real dirt; the locals get to prove that they’re not just the kings of their own block; Gulfstream Park and Fair Grounds send a few in for a shot…
The road to the Florida Derby picks up steam with the Fountain of Youth Stakes, which was restored to a 9-furlong, two-turn route this year. Buddy’s Saint, who tops many a Derby Future Book, makes his 3yo debut and faces a deep and contentious cast that looks to throw their hat in the ring. Let’s…
The path to the Louisiana Derby continues as Ron The Greek tries to prove that his LeComte upset was no fluke. In his way are some new shooters and new shippers who look to take their own place on the Derby Trail. With $300,000 on the line, the top-3 finishers will gain some important graded…
Some notes on organizations near and dear to Backstretch hearts, a couple of which are offering upcoming social opportunities for New Yorkers. Local hockey fans might be interested to hear that Ice Hockey in Harlem, an organization with which I used to volunteer, is taking the opportunity of Olympic hockey to hold a fundraiser. On…
As Backstretch friend John at The Race is Not the Swift noted recently, now is the winter of our discontent. It’s mid-February; three and a half months of racing at Aqueduct in the books (really? Is it three and a half months since, on opening weekend, we thrilled to watch Zenyatta’s win in the Classic?),…
…from everyone in the Backstretch household…
The Derby Trail heads to Oaklawn Park in a contentious and intriguing renewal of the Southwest Stakes. California shippers look to test their mettle on real dirt, the locals get to prove they’re not just the kings of their own block, Gulfstream Park and Fair Grounds send a few in for a shot at graded…
Things heat up this weekend in Florida as the path to the Tampa Bay Derby begins in earnest with the Sam Davis Stakes. Rule makes his much anticipated 3yo debut against local hope Uptowncharlybrown. In California–weather permitting–they’ll give the Robert Lewis another go as well. Let’s take a look. Tampa Bay Downs: The Grade III,…
It is undeniably that time of year. Brian’s back with his Derby prep overviews (check back later today for his analysis of the Sam Davis and the re-constituted Robert B. Lewis); Hello Race Fans! is sending out its weekly Derby e-mails (this week’s will contain my recap of the Whirlaway); and the Road to the…
Brooklyn Backstretch 