It was nearly 70 degrees in New York yesterday; warmer temperatures and delayed darkness have many of us thinking spring. And for New York racing fans, there is no surer sign of spring than the return at Aqueduct to the main track. Racing on the inner track generally begins in early December, after the big…
Looks like we’ve had some new stables join the Brooklyn Backstretch charity league—welcome! And congrats to all who earned points in last week’s races. Full league standings are below. Our Road to the Roses SNAFU has been resolved, and it appears that much of the problem was not, in fact, an RttR technical problem. So—apologies…
Saturday, March 13 (all times approximate) 1:30 Depart greater New York area with summer roommate for whirlwind (nearly literally) Saratoga trip in search of perfect summer rental. Encounter driving rain and vehicle-shaking winds as we wend our way up the Taconic Parkway. 3:00 Confirm with parents dinner plans, synchronized to permit maximize race watching. 5:30…
Tampa Bay Downs: The Grade III, $300,000 Tampa Bay Derby at 1 1/16 miles 1. Uptowncharlybrown: Wasn’t a fan of him heading into the local Sam Davis, but left impressed after he really leveled off and found his best stride late in that prep. And don’t forget, that was just his first two-turn start, so…
Before I turn this over to Brian, a couple of quick Road to the Roses reminders: Don’t forget to activate your power horses before tomorrow’s races, and Monday starts the first supplemental draft, when you can add three horses to your stable. Good luck! –Teresa Things really begin to heat up at Oaklawn Park with…
Have you heard? Predictably, inevitably, here in New York, yet another agreement to get VLT’s installed at Aqueduct has been scuttled, this time by the “unlicensability” of AEG, the most recent choice by the most recent governor of the Empire State. If you’re keeping score, this is the third VTL operator to be named, each…
There is no sound more exciting to the racetrack customer than the trenchant, nasal exclamation of “They’re off!” by Fred Capossela. With this brief expression, the New York track announcer sums up the promise of clamorous jockeys, flailing whips and eager-to-race horses springing from the starting gate. (Tuite) Capossela was NYRA’s track announcer for 37…
Little movement in the Brooklyn Backstretch Road to the Roses Charity League, given the little action over the last couple of weeks, but a few league members have changed positions, so here are this week’s standings: 1 Bourbon Bliss Barn1 HoosYourDaddy3 Chestnut Bay Stable3 Jenny’s Picks5 Matador6 Brooklyn Backstretch7 Kelso’s Kennel7 Dream On Stable9 SaratogaSpa110…
Not for the first time, the British invaded New York Saturday afternoon. But this time, they emerged the victors. Awesome Act was awesome indeed. His trainer believed he could do it, and so did the betting public who made Awesome Act the 5/2 favorite in yesterday’s Gotham Stakes. The faith—and investment—of both parties was rewarded…
The path to the Santa Anita Derby continues this weekend in California with the 9-furlong Sham Stakes, which was initially scheduled for last Saturday but canceled due to torrential rains. A competitive field of 10 meets the starter and though the race is lacking any true star power, the winner is sure to have a…
Brooklyn Backstretch 