Saratoga is about to begin racing

July 22 is opening day. We'll be on a humanitarian mission to Cuba, so we won't be up there until July 29. July 31 should see Hear the Footsteps compete and maybe Ahvee's Destiny too. hey both breezed in the last week, as did Awakino Cat. None had sparkling breeze times.

In the meantime, Holy Blitzer will race on Sunday at Belmont. It's the last racing day. Linda Rice was one win behind Todd Pletcher for the trainer's title going in to today's action. Linda had Resoundingly finish 2nd by a nose and another one finish 3rd. Todd's got some firepower in the last few races today. So, we'll see what develops. Linda beat Todd at Saratoga for the trainer's title two years ago by one victory to become the first woman trainer to win a major race meet in the USA. I hope she wins this one too, because she deserves to be in the Hall of Fame one day.

I've been thinking about the mornings in Saratoga. If you get to the backstretch before dawn, everything seems to be in shades of black and white. Shadows move stealthily in the near darkness. Often there is a foggy mist hanging over the track, which reflects the first streaks of light from the slowly emerging sun. The black and white turns into color, brought to life by small patches of sunlight. The mist is glowing, rising up from the track surface and slowly dissipating into the blue sky above, forming little wispy clouds. The backstretch continues to come alive with not only horses and riders but the early risers looking on with cups of hot Joe in hand to counter the morning's chill. Trainers, jockeys , owners and sightseers mingle together between the coffee hut and the entrance to the racing surface. As the sun continues its ascent, the red and white Saratoga awnings on the other side of the track come to life. It's both a peaceful and exhilirating experience. I can't wait to see it again… to feel it fill my heart with a sense of wonder and majesty. I hope you will make it to Saratoga and participate not just in the thrill of racing, but in the beauty of nature and a sense of awe when you are surrounded by the magnificent animals and people who populate the world of the thoroughbred race horse.

Have a lovely weekend!

A.