The Haskell will take place this weekend at Monmouth Park. Originally it was scheduled to be on TVG, but some new plans have been made. It will be televised on ESPN News, Classic, and TVG for viewers to take in the action. It will be 30 minutes of riveting action. That you can bet on. No matter who wins, the coverage should be top shelf.

There are $1 million reasons that say this race will be action packed. The track itself will have PLENTY of water as compared to Belmont Day when the water was shut off for the biggest day of the year in New York. The restrooms didn’t even work, and one could hear Tom Durkin directing patrons to visit the backyard in the paddock area where ample privacy could be found.

Big Brown is gearing up to silence the naysayers. You can bet he will be there to give his all in front of a record crowd. The roster of challengers is set, and he is scheduled to face possibly 7 contenders at the time this was written.

As a betting person I would want direction. On the big days you can fire away, and the tote board won’t budge. You will find value in all exotics such as the Pick 3’s and Pick 4’s in particular. I advise you to start at WinningPonies.com and make your plans in advance. This will be a value packed day with an incredible under-card. I know folks in the racing office, and they are very excited about the days events overall. So, with that being said, what are you waiting for? There is no invitation to the winners circle, and it starts right here. The wagering info will be ready; the horses are tuned up; the TV coverage has been expanded, and the only thing missing is you. So be ready to see the BB express come rolling this weekend, and while you’re at it, you might as well get healthy at the windows. We’re ready, are you?

For the many voices not being heard, some were not only heard, but felt at the New York Task Force meeting at the Fasig - Tipton sales pavilion at Saratoga.

Nick Zito is a great believer in dirt tracks. “God made dirt, and God made turf.” This will destroy 200 years of tradition where horses have been bred for speed and endurance on the dirt. How right he is…. It is not that I do not believe in the synthetic revolution, but do we want an asterisk by races at certain distances and starting all over with new records and wiping the slate clean?

Mark Casse from north of the border feels that we need this new surface. He also feels if we had it in place that Eight Belles, and Barbaro would still be alive now. That, Mr. Casse, is your opinion and nothing else. We could make cases pro and con, and at the end of the day nothing would come of the issue. He did say something that held water. Over 40% of the public believe we should not have racing. I do think we should have an agency that is a “watchdog” for medication, and surfaces should be inspected many times during a meet to satisfy safety. This would give racing commissions a real job to hold instead of just talking the talk about things to do…

On the other side of the coin, Todd Pletcher and Dale Romans feel that we should take more time examining the issue of a new surface. There is a place for both, and maybe an all-weather training track should be built at Belmont. This is a way we could monitor the progress, or see any problems that could arise. Good idea guys… Lets give it time. Take a look, and move slowly. Proceed with caution, and take a look at the real issues of safety and if we need this for our sport.

These are three names in the game, and three different opinions. Like it, love it, or hate it, all-weather surfaces should be examined. I am open to what is best for our game. But let’s not jump too soon. Give it time, and we will find out the truth.

Next Tuesday, there will be an artificial track forum at Saratoga Springs. It will be from 6a -9a in the Fasig-Tipton Sales Arena. It is free to the public, and should be a modern day witch hunt.

The New York State Task Force on Retired Racehorses will gather and tell the world about the greatest invention on earth. They will weigh out the cost / benefit. They will talk about the best, and safest current surface in the making.  They claim it reduces stress and cuts back on injury.  Currently all 4 tracks in New York are dirt.

Nick Zito refuses to attend, and has reservations about the surface. Other top name trainers will be there and they will chime in about this $10 -15 million dollar investment. I have a question. Has there been any studies about breathing issues? Would it be better for a horse to smoke three packs a day versus inhaling carpet fibers into their lungs? How can something synthetic pass through a body? Do we know the long term effects? Will this affect the breeding industry?

I have spoke to many trainers and they believe that the surface masks injuries. All the while we think runners are doing well, and a great majority do come back a tighter animal. They start to show injuries again once they take to dirt. Now, is that the argument? Is it that the mega companies want to hawk shredded carpet fibers? Have they not scoped a horse and kept records? I know, more questions and no answers. But that is the case. Just buy this magic carpet and you’ll have a safer track.  I don’t buy it. There needs to be a study. A complete unbiased study. How does it affect breathing? Why is it that runners take two times off of the polytrack and come back to form on the dirt? It takes a while for the real training to get back into the horse. They need a bit of a hard pounding, and keeping strong and fit. This has been the way for the past few hundred years.

How will this investment affect the smaller tracks? Can they afford the expense? Probably not, and they have had racing at their venues since the early 1900’s. Be careful what you wish for. Southern California has had issues, and do we have enough evidence? I think the jury should stay and deliberate for a while as racing continues. How about the first Saturday in May? Now picture all of the history gone in a flash.

We are enjoying the sun, cutting the lawn, and outside dining. The heat can be as hot as the Georgia asphalt, but we don’t mind its summer after all. This is what the fishing hole and lemonade where made for. But there are some looming thoughts on horse players’ minds. The Travers on August 23, 2008. It will held at the Spa, and talked about until Breeders’ Cup. Be sure to mark your calendar, you won’t want to miss this one…

The past week was the running of the Jim Dandy. It was a knockdown battle between Macho Again, and the fast closing Pyro. If you watched the race, where did Pyro go at about the 1/8th pole? He was inhaling the leader, and went out to the parking lot for a hot dog…. He got back on track instantly, and was just bested. It was little jitterbug that cost Steve Assmussen the blue ribbon on this day.

They will hook it up again on Travers Day, and they may have to run against the likes of Big Brown. I am beginning to wonder if Iavaronne knows what’s up?? First they have a path, now he may retire, then he wants to go back to college. What is it going to be? Get your head on, and get in the game. I know that this level of attention has you reeling, but the other fish wants to know what’s in the pond. Also, I forgot to mention the most important in the mix. The betting public and fans of the game.

The summer sun is hot, and the lemonade cold. Go ahead, kick back and get ready as the rumble begins.

The world has a certain order. A world within the world where rules of the 9-5 don’t exist. I have had the pleasure, the opportunity, and the observance of some of the most intriguing people who walk the grandstands, aprons, and paddocks of a magical place known as the track. Here are few of the characters you may meet during an average day.

The Groom - This person is found wearing their clothes from 5 a.m. until they drop into bed. They have a steely look in their eye from the ice cold mornings on the track getting things ready for you and I as we pull up and make a day at the races. They take care of the horses from sun up until whenever. They rub, feed, and sleep with the horses when they are sick. We never see this, as we pull in for the double and grab a cold beer. They go by names of: Crazy Joe, Jughead, Fatboy, and Little Mary. They are the hidden angels who put on the show. They lead a transient life, and know the seasons by which track they are working. Most never have their 15 minutes, and that is OK with them. Just make sure they get their percentage when Chewy Slew hits the board. Then, a big night out, a box of cold brew, and a story to talk about that night.

The Professional - Now, this is a cagey cat. The percentages break down as follows: 70% lose and call it fun. 20% attempt to be smarter than they are and usually go through every dime they can get their hands on. You know the type… They are in the next cubicle across from your row. They look just like you except they owe more than they will ever earn. They are the victim of grand dreams, and the big payday. 5% grind out a living. No noble calling here, but we see them everyday.  They usually book for a while during their life and go by names like The Kid, Big Sam, Home-run Hal, Pick 6 Bob. They are pretty sharp, but they lack a little discipline. They come to the track like a banker going to work. The big 5% are the stories that keep us coming to the track. They do well, keep books better than any accountant, and share no information. Why should they? Hell, they did all of the work…. They have a discipline that can split your side as they wait for the last race at whatever park and make plays that always work in their favor. They walk out of the track without notice. They walk among us and we never have a clue. This is why they get it done. They keep their mouths shut. They know the angles, and have the answer before the test is made. They seem magical, but the only secret is that they have traded in ball games and BBQ’s for this life. Is it worth it? I don’t know. Nobody really does. They catch all of the attention of the track big-wigs. They want to buy them lunch, give them drinks, send them on trips. Anything to keep them there. They know, and so does the track. To the victor goes the spoils, but some do know the meaning of a “free lunch.”

The Hustler - These are the cute named guys who live off of the crumbs thrown to them by the wigs. They ride coat tails for anything, have an eternal sense of hope that they will be taken care of in the end. I knew the best of the best. He was so cool that sheep counted him to get to sleep. He ran for coffee, ran for tickets, lived on the name of the name of the big player. This person can make you feel like a million, and hurt worse for you than anyone in the room. They always bring you back emotionally because they have an angle for you in the 8th race. They are collected, speak in a Sinatra lingo that only the other hustlers know. They speak in riddles, and most are true examples of wasted talent. They turned in the 9-5 for night life, celebrating with champagne at your table, or walking you to your car letting you know we can get ‘em the next day. They are as smooth as vaseline on a door knob. They can make you believe, bring you back with confidence, or just hang around for the score. Yeah, the score… A win is a win, and each day is a new opportunity. They are eternal optimists. They keep some alive and hoping, even if for a fleeting moment.  “Save your breath kid, you’ll live a lot longer” was some advice from one of the best hustlers ever. He was right, and I sure will miss him.

Those of us that have been lucky enough to watch Kent Desormeaux ride a Thoroughbred, can count their self as a lucky player who has seen one of the greats to grace the saddle.

He rode number 4,998 on July 7th and went into a mini slump going 0 for 30.  He finally rode number 4,999 last Wednesday. Now, that is painstaking… Number 5,000 came aboard Bella Attrice at Saratoga, and I don’t think there could have been a better place in the world to light up the town.. He is a long way from Louisiana and the East Coast tracks early in his career. And if you think he forgot where he came from, you can hear it an accent that has been citified over the years.

For a guy that has three Derby victories, Eclipse Titles from 1989 and 1992, and was the National Apprentice of the year in 1987, he still has to prove himself everyday. This sport as with all, is a what have you done lately fraternity. The fans can be in love one minute, and fickle as an 8th grade romance the next.  His trip this past year with Big Brown is evidence of the fact of the love/hate relationship of racing.  Upon winning the Derby this year we bought all of the stock we could that we were seeing the next Big Red. The Preakness showed a degree of professionalism, and cured all of the boo-birds who thought 2008 was just another year. Then came the Belmont on June 7th, a day that Kent will not forget anytime soon.

What happened? Does anyone really know? Does Iavaronne? Does Dutrow? Does Kent know? These have been ripped apart for history to dissect for years to come. But today is a good day. The bad clouds have passed, and Kent D has joined a special club. He is just getting rolling, and don’t count him out.. That is for sure. The 0 for 30 slump has been faced before, and this young man from Cajun country can get the job done.  Big Brown is getting cranked up again, and he is getting another shot at picking up where he left off.  First stop the Haskell, and from there is anyone’s guess.  It really doesn’t matter. When you reach this level, you have made it. But don’t forget, post time is tomorrow, and the fans, the media, and the world watches your every move. So take a breath, Kent. Enjoy the moment, because it is almost post time and you’ll be looking at your next milestone starting the next day you ride.

Did everyone see the “Go for Wand” stakes?

If you did, you saw the best race of the weekend. Trainer Bobby Frankel must have been having a baby knowing that he had by far the best filly, and had nowhere to go…. The 1 1/4 event was a ‘win and you’re in’ event for the Breeders’ Cup. The winners of selected races automatically receive an invitation to the big dance. So the big stress was on once again, and the clouds were starting to form over the Spa.

The stage was set, and Frankel felt pretty confident having the odds-on favorite going to post. Top notch jock Rafael Bejarano was in from the West Coast, and he is a rider who makes very few mistakes. He has climbed the ranks at a break neck pace, and when you mention the best in the land his name is not far from the top.

She acted up behind the gate just a little, and the pace was going to be a factor. Ultimately it played right into her wheelhouse as it was a slow pace overall. Moon Catcher set the fractions, and Ginger Punch was trapped down on the rail. At the top of the lane, Bejarano made his way through a hole that you couldn’t throw a playing card through. Once she made her way into the gap it opened up very nicely. Down the lane a patented Bejarano ride came into play, and the rest was history. Frankel was wiping the sweat off of his brow, the bridge jumpers climbed back onto the bridge, and everyone seemed to be happy. Except one.

In a rare moment, Rafael Bejarano complained. He was hemmed in, and blamed Robby Albarado for keeping him in tight. Welcome to the big leagues kid. Cajun riders have been doing that since they were 10 years old riding for quarters at bush tracks. Don’t get me wrong, Bejarano is one of the best, and I love to watch him ply his trade. Today was just a little tough to take when you heard a champion in the making whine a bit when he didn’t get his way. Welcome to New York, Kid… How would he have fared against Cordero pushing him against the rail? How about Shoemaker holding just enough to get you at the wire? Laffit Pincay aboard everything he ever rode? Pat Day putting you to sleep on the hook?

It was a little tough and the TV coverage brought it into full light… He still won, and is on his way to the Breeders’ Cup. Hopefully they will have gentlemen riders who allow him to do his bidding..

This Saturday will be a day that all eyes should be on Saratoga.

There is an excellent undercard, and it is capped off with an all-stakes Pick Four with a pool guaranteed at $500,000. These races should be devoured like a good meal. Take your time, take everything into consideration (such as the turf being soft to yielding). Look for runners who have top notch trainers and a trip over the track in the morning. No, this is not just another stakes filled Saturday but a ticket to the big dance in October. Proceed with caution, and excitement….

The Diana-G1 (the 7th race on the card) has a few runners that jump out to me like a jack-in-the-box. They warrant tougher reading, a plan with how they will be used, and most importantly how much you plan to win. The first of the runners to catch my eye is: Wait A While - This 5 yr old mare by Maria’s Mon is out of a mare that was a turf winner herself and has one starter, one winner, and that runner is a stakes winner. She has the services of one of the best riders in our country. Rafael Bejarano.  He wins 19% on the turf, and is 57% in the money on the weeds. She is trained by Todd Pletcher, and he wins 21% of his graded stakes races. Not bad at all… This mare is making her third start off a layoff, and this is a target move by a trainer to get them ready. She has not raced in over 90 days away, and Pletcher wins 22% of the time with rested runners. She is 2/2 with wins over the surface, and she is 3 wins from 4 starts over a course that has a little give to it. Overall, she looks solid, and cannot be taken lightly. Look for a stalking ride on a push button runner. This rider didn’t come to New York for nothing.

The other that needs to be used is: Vacare - This is a solid mare by Lear fan who absolutely loved the turf. His dam was a grass winner, and has the services of Edgar Prado. He is a 16% turf rider, and the trainer is Christophe Clemente and he wins 22% of his turf runners. This gal has been away from the races since June, and Clemente wins 21% and 54% in the money off this move. Solid works in the morning shows she is prepping for something, and today looks to be the ticket. The ticket to The Breeders’ Cup.  She is dangerous; don’t leave her out of gimmicks or the Pick 4.

Rounding out the trio is: Dynaforce - A daughter of Dynaformer, and her mother has 12 starters with 11 winners and 4 stakes winners. Pretty good action…. Kent Desormeaux is riding today. He is man on a mission, and I think he is picking up his game to the A ++++ ranking.  He has the pleasure of riding for Bill Mott, and he is about as good as they come. In the last 60 days, they have teamed up to win 27% of the time. Not bad stats at all. Look for an up close stalk today, and she will be double tough down the lane in the event.

Now, the plan is laid. Check out WinningPonies.com to put together the entire ticket, and knock off this Pick 4 like a layup. Today is for making money. For the owners, the trainers, the riders, and most importantly, you.

This Saturday, New York racing will showcase some of racing’s best. And if you didn’t think that could get any better, add in the fact they will be running for an unprecedented $1.7 million dollars in purse money.

There will be four graded stakes on Saturday’s card, and they are a part of the “Win and You’re In” series for the Breeders’ Cup. You will be able to wager on: The Whitney, The Diana, The Go for Wand, and The Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap. All of the winners from these events will qualify for the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita on October 24-25.

The Saturday races will be televised on ABC from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

The best part about this day is that you can count on top quality runners, and there is always a price in the hunt. This will be a part of the $500,000 all-stakes Pick 4. So you will need to do your homework, and there is no better place to start than with WinningPonies.com. So, arm yourself and make plans to be a part of this great day of racing action. You will be hearing from these runners in a couple of months. Get your glimpse this weekend.

In today’s ever changing climate of racing, icons are falling apart right before our eyes. The once beautiful structures are being replaced by stories that begin with the line of: “remember when?” The places that played host to the champions of history are one by one being changed by design, or being let go by lack of funding. Either way, the outcome is the same. They will go the way of the dinosaur.

In South Florida there is a little track that was once a sparkling gem. Just ask around to some of the older players of the game and they will tell you about a heavenly place called Hialeah. This oasis opened in 1921, and played a major stepping stone to some of the great runners of the day. It was a playground for the rich and famous, and all of the beautiful people could be seen at the races with the sun on their backs and the flamingos in their habitat. The track is on The National Register of Historic Places.

For years, many have fought to keep Hialeah from being torn down and replaced by shopping centers and soft yogurt stands. The track has been dormant since May 22, 2001. A new Savior is coming to the plate. Technology tycoon Halsey Minor has stepped up and prepares to shell out the $20-$40 million dollars to bring the track back to its pristine shape of over fifty years ago.

This is great news. Bringing back the past to the present is a noble cause. Many thanks, Mr. Minor. We need to keep our historical icons alive for generations to come.