Upcoming weekend/Thank You NYRA!!!

The last week of Saratoga can be quite depressing. The green grass in the grandstand area has been replaced by dirt/mud, the college kids who add SOOO much to the atmosphere have gone back to school leaving silence where there was screaming and yelling and "yahooing", and many of the people in the business go home after the Travers to get the kiddies ready for school or to enjoy one last summer week doing something besides racing.
I myself had to say goodbye this past Thursday to Lansdon and two great friends whose company I only get to enjoy up here each year for 5 weeks.

Thats why its great that NYRA decided to make the closing weekend a racing spectacular and add an idea(thank you very much Blackthroat, I predict that the idea that you turned into reality will become a 6 time a meet tradition) that I believe will change Saratoga Fridays forever.
The last weekend was foolishly tinkered with by NYRA a few years back. They took the traditional Spinaway and Hopeful and moved them back to Travers weekend. What Saratoga will lack in atmosphere this weekend, it will certainly be made up for in great racing. The Woodward had become a non event in the past few years because of its calendar slot. By moving it to Saratoga(where the mile and eigth race will be contested at two turns, making it a more viable way to get to the BC Classic and give those horses an extra week until the JCGC) it gives the weekend total firepower. By moving the Spinaway and Hopeful back to where they belong it gives us even more firepower. Throw in the Forego and the grass race for fillies and i will dare say that this weekend is more attractive from a racing standpoint than any weekend up here, including Travers weekend. Make sure you have those gel pens ready and get the DRF early to enjoy this great racing.
In addition, for many years Sartoga started their cards at 2:30 each day, then 2:00, then 1:30,until we got to 1:00 Pm. people have tendency to stay out late at Saratoga and enjoy the nightlife. Those who don't often get up very early to attend workouts. Throw in the allure of Lake George, the two awesome Golf Courses, the mineral baths and spas, and the great shopping that many wives max out credit cards on, and there simply isnt enough time for many to enjoy the whole experience and get to the races in time. Also, Saratoga's fan base is hugely supported by the locals, most of whom don't get out of work in time to go the track. I think NYRA will be amazed at the attendance and boost in handle on this Friday's twilight card which starts at 3 PM. Now people can get out or work and still make the last half of the card, and others can still have a Saratoga experience ouutside of the track and make the first race without being tired or hurrying.
Thsi weekend should be spectacular!!!!

Yeah I am glad to see the races moved off of Travers Day. Thie weekend should be great. However, I have family things all weekend and will miss the races.

[Gander]

Saturday's card looks to be spectacular with my favorite race of the meet the Forego and the newly added Woodward. Wouldnty you know it, I have a wedding that day, uggh. Looks like the only day I'll be going again is Monday, which has the fully loaded Hopeful. This year's rendition looks like one of the best ever.

I threw out the idea of making Friday's post time 3pm a long time ago and glad to see NYRA finally tried it. Its a great change to the normal 1pm post time and I would be glad to take credit for the idea.

Originally Posted by Gander

Saturday's card looks to be spectacular with my favorite race of the meet the Forego and the newly added Woodward. Wouldnty you know it, I have a wedding that day, uggh. Looks like the only day I'll be going again is Monday, which has the fully loaded Hopeful. This year's rendition looks like one of the best ever.

I threw out the idea of making Friday's post time 3pm a long time ago and glad to see NYRA finally tried it. Its a great change to the normal 1pm post time and I would be glad to take credit for the idea.

Tim they should name the twilight racing up here the "gander/Blackthroat" twilight racing.

Originally Posted by Gander

Saturday's card looks to be spectacular with my favorite race of the meet the Forego and the newly added Woodward. Wouldnty you know it, I have a wedding that day, uggh. Looks like the only day I'll be going again is Monday, which has the fully loaded Hopeful. This year's rendition looks like one of the best ever.

I threw out the idea of making Friday's post time 3pm a long time ago and glad to see NYRA finally tried it. Its a great change to the normal 1pm post time and I would be glad to take credit for the idea.

Well I am glad to see Saratoga jump on the 3pm Friday Post Time bandwagon. They have only been doing that at CDSI tracks for years now. And I believe that Belmont also has a late post on Fridays too. Churchill's Friday late post is tons of fun. Now only if the racing was better...........

[Gander]

LOL! I like the sound of that. Kudos to Andy for actually getting this idea off the ground. I have a damn rehearsal dinner this Friday and wont be able to partake in the inaugural event. Yuck. I'll be that guy sitting at the corner of the table calling Kevin for the day's results

What really bugs me is I wont be there Saturday to see War Front and possibly Funny Cide run.

Originally Posted by Gander

LOL! I like the sound of that. Kudos to Andy for actually getting this idea off the ground. I have a damn rehearsal dinner this Friday and wont be able to partake in the inaugural event. Yuck. I'll be that guy sitting at the corner of the table calling Kevin for the day's results

What really bugs me is I wont be there Saturday to see War Front and possibly Funny Cide run.

AH! War Front!! That workout was the craziest thing I ever saw, and my main man clocking up in the press box assured me that I got it right, it was a half in 46:1 with a one furlong gallop out.

[Gander]

I thought it may be too soon for him to come back Mike. What do you think?
Who are his main rivals on Saturday? Is Mass Media back to defend his title?

Originally Posted by oracle80

AH! War Front!! That workout was the craziest thing I ever saw, and my main man clocking up in the press box assured me that I got it right, it was a half in 46:1 with a one furlong gallop out.

Thinking about parlaying my winnings from Saturday into War Front's race this weekend. I know I wont get very good odds. But I am just trying to get a little money. I love the info on the works you have have given us Oracle. Keep it up brother.

Originally Posted by eurobounce

Thinking about parlaying my winnings from Saturday into War Front's race this weekend. I know I wont get very good odds. But I am just trying to get a little money. I love the info on the works you have have given us Oracle. Keep it up brother.

Unfortunately my clocking days will be coming to an end soon. But with the guy I have down at Belmont it doesnt really matter. Silver wagon's last work for this race was also VERY GOOD! If there is any kind of a duel expect to see him flying down the lane.

[Gander]

Be careful Euro. As big a fan as War Front as I am, this may not be such an easy spot liek the vanderbilt was. I think the price will be lowish but may be okay by your standards, 8/5?
Should be a great race and I cant wait to watch the replay Sunday morning without any knowledge of who won.
Will be rooting for War Front but not backing at the windows.

Originally Posted by Gander

Be careful Euro. As big a fan as War Front as I am, this may not be such an easy spot liek the vanderbilt was. I think the price will be lowish but may be okay by your standards, 8/5?
Should be a great race and I cant wait to watch the replay Sunday morning without any knowledge of who won.
Will be rooting for War Front but not backing at the windows.

Yeah I dont have very high standards when it comes to odds. I think 10 cents is fine with me. But who else in here do you think can get the job done. I know it is only 3 weeks rest but he has a win over the track and he is training well. Who else do you have in mind?

Originally Posted by eurobounce

Yeah I dont have very high standards when it comes to odds. I think 10 cents is fine with me. But who else in here do you think can get the job done. I know it is only 3 weeks rest but he has a win over the track and he is training well. Who else do you have in mind?

Silver wagon's last work was 5/8th's in 1:00 flat. Don't let anyone tell you any different. he was also worked by a statuesque rider who never at any time moved his hands or ****ed the stick. It was a true beauty. If you see a pace dule scenario or spot an outside closing bias then make sure hes in your tri tickets.

[Gander]

I'll need to see the entries first. But it is a grade 1 and I would expect a mix of the following:

War Front- Looms large as the favorite. Finally got over seconditis.
Silver Wagon- Most logical winner if there is a speed duel
Spanish Chestnut- Adds fuel to the fire and has been real game this year
Commentator- Can flat out fly but is this too short for him?
Vicarage- Never countout Pletcher but in this case looks overmatched
Judiths Wild Rush- This isnt Canada
Mass Media- Defending champ, you never know which one will show up

[1st_Saturday_in_May]

I hear that Nightmare Affair and Pomeroy are coming up from the race at Calder

Originally Posted by Gander

I'll need to see the entries first. But it is a grade 1 and I would expect a mix of the following:

War Front- Looms large as the favorite. Finally got over seconditis.
Silver Wagon- Most logical winner if there is a speed duel
Spanish Chestnut- Adds fuel to the fire and has been real game this year
Commentator- Can flat out fly but is this too short for him?
Vicarage- Never countout Pletcher but in this case looks overmatched
Judiths Wild Rush- This isnt Canada
Mass Media- Defending champ, you never know which one will show up

If that is the cast of characters then I am sitting this one out. That is a pretty good field.

[zippyneedsawin]

Originally Posted by Gander

I'll need to see the entries first. But it is a grade 1 and I would expect a mix of the following:

War Front- Looms large as the favorite. Finally got over seconditis.
Silver Wagon- Most logical winner if there is a speed duel
Spanish Chestnut- Adds fuel to the fire and has been real game this year
Commentator- Can flat out fly but is this too short for him?
Vicarage- Never countout Pletcher but in this case looks overmatched
Judiths Wild Rush- This isnt Canada
Mass Media- Defending champ, you never know which one will show up

I read Pomeroy was going too(man, he loves the Spa).
I guess I'm giving too much respect to Commentator.. but despite such a great field, I think he's just too tough for this group.

Originally Posted by zippyneedsawin

I read Pomeroy was going too(man, he loves the Spa).
I guess I'm giving too much respect to Commentator.. but despite such a great field, I think he's just too tough for this group.

Commentator when sound is the fastest horse in America. Hes one of the most underrated horses ever.

[LARHAGE]

Originally Posted by oracle80

Commentator when sound is the fastest horse in America. Hes one of the most underrated horses ever.

Agree, I see Commentator taking this.

[Gander]

I'd have to agree with Oracle but I dont see Commentator winning this race.