Summer Bird enjoying a celebratory post Travers carrot from owner Dr. Jayaraman (Sarah K. Andrew)

In addition to the already mentioned inter-generational two-peat, Travers Day 2009 was also a day of come backs and other notables.

Wow. Vineyard Haven might come down but Godolphin is cashing all those supposed clunkers in today!

Indeed, Godolphin owned Sara Louise, Vineyard Haven and Music Note all had fabulous comebacks, but they weren’t alone. Bob Baffert finally got a win on the card with 2yo Bulldogger in the 8th.

It’s also notable that Ian Wilkes got his first Grade 1 win with Capt Candyman Can in the Kings Bishop and Javier Castellano took both turf races, both of which were first time rides for him. Castellano (19) and Johnny V (20) had 3 wins a piece while Prado (19) had 2.

For the most part the meet leaders didn’t fair so well. Dominguez (36), the current leader, only had one win and current #2 Garcia (30) didn’t have any wins, however they’re both still safely ahead of the rest of the gang with Leparoux being the next closest with 23 wins. Linda Rice (14) also didn’t have any wins on the day but Pletcher’s (14) 2 wins bring him neck and neck with the queen. They both have plenty of chances to over take the other today with her 7 entries to his 6, is any wonder they’re the meet leaders?

There’s a reason why I wait until the parade to make my final picks on the first race of a pick 4 or pick 6, and Salve Germania in the Ballston Spa is the perfect example of that reason. I put that crazy, only previously so-so German invader in all of my P4 tickets and she won at 24-1. She was my parade play of the year! Music Note was the only thing that kept me from cashing what would have been the biggest ticket I had ever cashed, and I only have myself to blame to cheaping out and not including her when I had a chance to make a score a like that. On the bright side I had a nice win bet on der crazy invader and the cold exacta as I put her over Rutherienne, My Princess Jess and Captain’s Lover, too bad I didn’t think to key her in a tri as well!

Looking forward for a moment:

another glimpse of what’s to come for #BC09 re: so-so euros wiping up the turf with our runners

And lastly, a big shout out to Andy Serling on this notable call:

Maybe I’m crazy but I will try to at least get Hold Me Back in the number. I feel like the race could collapse late.

Posted by dana on Aug 30 2009    
Filed Under: Sarah K. Andrew, Alan Garcia, Pick 6, Wrap Up, Rutherienne, Travers, Twitter, 2009, Pick 4, Turf, Todd Pletcher, Saratoga, That's Why They Call it Gambling, Ramon Dominguez, Edgar Prado, Come Back, Javier Castellano, John Velazquez, Racing

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I didn’t forget about blogging. Well, maybe a little but I’m going to try to play some catch up tonight.

The other day I was over at YouTube and noticed that NYRA added 3 new Jockey Cards… Jackie Davis, Maylan Studart and Ramon Dominguez. As always, very enjoyable.

Jackie Davis:

Maylan Studart:

Ramon Dominguez:

For some reason I was also at NYRA.com, perhaps to start planning my Saratoga trip based on the new stakes schedule, and I noticed the following promotion: “What’s important to you? Help create an enhanced NYRA.com”. It’s a survey to find out what you, the user or potential user of NYRA.com, finds important. In addition to answering their questions, there’s also a spot for you to freestyle. Want better navigation, a less cluttered homepage, or the ability to search? Here’s your chance to tell them.

As you can guess, I have a lot say on this matter as a fan of New York racing, an internet geezer and someone who’s already dispensed some free advice on the subject. I’ve got a draft of my input/feedback that I plan on posting here when I finalize it (some day). But get over there, tell them what you think! User input is a crucial part of any site redesign.

Posted by dana on Dec 09 2008    
Filed Under: Internet, 2008, NYRA, Marketing, Jocks, Ramon Dominguez, Racing

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Fabulous Strike & Ramon Dominguez pulling an upset win in the Vosburgh at Belmont (Sarah K. Andrew)

Apparently Fabulous Strike scared them off at Delaware Park today. I just tuned into Twinspires TV to see Fab Strike effortlessly beat The Vin Man and Joey Carson in the Vincent Moscarelli Stakes as the other 4 would be opponents scratched.

Posted by dana on Jun 21 2008    
Filed Under: Internet, 2008, Twinspires, Sarah K. Andrew, Sprint, Ramon Dominguez, Simulcasting, Fabulous Strike, Racing

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It looks like Chelokee was just injured in the Alysheda. He dumped Ramon Dominguez in the stretch and it looked like he was hobbling after the fact. Dominguez got up but no word on Chelokee yet. Dammit.

Update: he was vanned off with a right front ankle fracture that did not break the skin. There should be more updates after the X-rays… ugh.

Posted by dana on May 02 2008    
Filed Under: 2008, Injury, Ramon Dominguez

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Fabulous Strike and Ramon Dominguez bring it in the Vosburgh (Sarah K. Andrew).

No real post here, just wanted to share this pic… I love how it looks like he’s flashing the old “I told ya so” smile.

He was actually my pick of the day (wish I would have posted that *before* the race, der), even though I stupidly didn’t wager anything on the race. I had him, on all my 7th race picks for the pick 4 & 6.

If you’re not in the habit of looking at Sarah’s photos, I highly recommend that you point your browser here immediately. She’s got the NYRA circuit covered and will always have amazing stuff after the weekend, and you know she’ll be the BC too!

Same for Charles Pravata on the west coast… I can’t wait to see his stuff from the opening of Santa Anita!

Posted by dana on Oct 01 2007    
Filed Under: Sprint, Vosburgh, Sarah K. Andrew, Fabulous Strike, Ramon Dominguez, Breeders' Cup, 2007, Racing

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