I titled this post deliberately, because I feel like the conversation about track surfaces has devolved into little more than a dichotomy: Us vs. Them. Synthetic vs. Dirt. Equine Lovers vs. Heartless Gamblers. It’s been a big couple of months in the world of track surfaces; here are some of the highlights: Ahmed Zayat throws…
Lots of news today about how the weekend at Belmont is shaping up.Dave Grening in the Daily Racing Form reports that Ginger Punch, winner of the Darley Test at Saratoga and the Ruffian, is a go for the Beldame, though no decisions have been made about the Breeders’ Cup. He also notes that Take D’Tour…
In today’s New York Post, John DaSilva comments on Duchess of Rokeby’s race yesterday: 6TH RACE – As the field awaited the start, both 46-1 Wind in the Forest and 26-1 Duchess of Rokeby broke through the gate. After being checked out by the vet, both were allowed to run. Wind in the Forest showed…
I love this photo of Evening Attire on his way to the track at Saratoga. He was fourth in the MassCap yesterday at Suffolk, and even though he hasn’t won a race since last March, I love that he’s still out there. Thanks to the folks at Alex Brown Racing for bringing this article from…
Not the most fun day at the races today. Humid; rainy; small crowd. Despite a couple of good races and temperatures in the 80’s, it felt like the beginning of the winter racing season, when people go the track simply to bet, not to hang out. The treat of a steeplechase kicked off the day,…
Three races of note at Belmont Saturday. Uncommonly for Belmont, the first race is a steeplechase (or “hurdle,” as it’s called by NYRA). It’s the inaugural (I’m not sure that I’ve ever been at an inaugural race of any sort) running of the two-and-a-half mile Lonesome Glory Steeplechase Stakes. Lonesome Glory won five Eclipse Awards…
…to Brooklyn Backstretch, site of a transplanted Saratogian who’s found a new home at Belmont and Aqueduct. What you’ll find here: info that focuses on NY racing with wanderings into other racing news. Not very good handicapping advice. The musings of a long-time race fan whose interest has blossomed into a passion. History of major…
Brooklyn Backstretch 