A man never at a loss for words, master of ceremonies Tom Durkin kept it simple Aug. 6 as he opened the 2021 induction ceremony for the National Racing Museum Hall of Fame in the Fasig-Tipton sales pavilion in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. “All I can say is, ‘Welcome back.’” This year’s ceremony did double duty, honoring…
Opening Day Eve, an unofficial holiday observed by those for whom Christmas comes in July when Saratoga Race Course opens, lacked its usual excitement and anticipation last year. The pandemic was only four months old, masks were still required everywhere, travel was forbidden, and large gatherings of people, even outdoors, were a non-starter under state…
A minor brouhaha emerged on Twitter earlier this week when word began to spread that Laurel Park’s General George Stakes (G3) had been re-christened the General’s Stakes, with some observers claiming that the Maryland Jockey Club was trying to erase George Washington, the race’s namesake according to the MJC media guide, which also claims that Washington…
Didn’t we just do this? Like…a few months ago? A huge thanks to everyone who participated in last year’s elongated (interminable?), unconventional charity league. I’m grateful to all of you who stuck it out through revised schedules and added races and a prep season that seemed like it might never end. When we launched this…
We end this crazy Triple Crown season with Brian’s final race preview of the year. Despite an unpredictable schedule and way more races to handicap, Brian continued his masterful, detailed analysis, as he has for a decade. My deep and heartfelt thanks for all of his work, and I hope that he helped you cash…
Fair Grounds: The GII, $400,000 Risen Star at 1 1/8 miles (Kentucky Derby qualifying points: 50-20-10-5) by Brian Nadeau Brian handicaps at Capital OTB and Horseplayer Now, and he’ll offer analysis and selections of Derby points races, hoping to make us all a little money as we head to the Belmont Stakes. Here’s his analysis of…
We’re a bit slow out of the gate this year, so apologies if you missed anything yesterday. But we’re underway at Saratoga Race Course for the 151st racing meeting, and as always, you’ll find a list here of all of the terrific events going on in Saratoga this summer. Our list comprises events relating to…
In late December, I walked into one of my neighborhood liquor stores, the Brooklyn Wine Exchange, seeking a bottle of bourbon to give some friends for Christmas. They love bourbon. I love bourbon. I cover horse racing, and they love the sport, so when my eyes fell on a bottle with a racehorse on the label,…
Keeneland: The GIII, $200,000 Lexington at 1 1/16 miles(Kentucky Derby qualifying points: 20–8-4-2) by Brian Nadeau While the Lexington has lost some luster in recent years, this year’s renewal could be the gateway to the Kentucky Derby for more than a few who are perilously close to the points bubble and looking to get over the hump. While today’s…
Sunland Park: The GIII $800,000 Sunland Park Derby at 1 1/8 miles (Kentucky Derby qualifying points: 50-20-10-5) by Brian Nadeau #1 Mucho Gusto (8-5): Deserving heavy favorite will take all the beating for Baffert off a dominant win in the sloppy GIII Robert Lewis in early February at Santa Anita, while showing a newfound rating…
Brooklyn Backstretch 