Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

In order to know he had a good night of rest ... you'd have either had to have been in the room while he slept or you would have had to ask someone that was sleeping with him how well he slept.

Probably a little carried way with in depth reporting I'd say.

I believe Dominguez is 2 wins behind ... but he will pull this thing out. He has 29 second place finishes to Garcia's 12 seconds ... and a lot of those 17 extra who kept there conditions will show up at a short price. Dominguez also has him well beaten with 3rd and 4ths.

Gracia is also riding way over his head. Winning at 22% with a $2.77 ROI through the first four weeks ... numbers that are extremely difficult to sustain. I realize the guy with the hottest hand will be the "live" rider .. but the few extra live mounts he gets for being hot won't be enough to put him over the top imo.

Originally Posted by postpicker

Linda is across Nelson avenue at the harness track. The barn is right by the entrance to walk across the street to Claire Court. Other trainers that are stabled at the harness track incluse Jeff Odintz, Rodrigo Ubillo, Greg DePrima, Bernardo Callejas and a barn full of horses for Gary Contessa.

Originally Posted by gales0678

Also what is the ROI with Garcia / RICE combo?

Originally Posted by gales0678

thx for the info postpicker i knew there were other trainers off of NYRA grounds as well during the meet, just didn't know who they were

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

They are 18-8-0-1 with a $5.46 ROI together.

Originally Posted by Gander

Thanks. Can you provide this in 2 separate stats...one when Alan has a good night's sleep and the other when hes out at the bars past midnight?

Originally Posted by postpicker

It is amazing that so many trainers have won at Saratoga but Bruce Levine is 0 for 37, Tom Albatrani is 0 for 25 and Allen Jerkens was 0 for 25 at the meet so far.

The jockey race will be interesting. The key will be Alan Garcia's social life. His gf left town to return to school last wednesday. He went out sat night and was still at the nightclub "The Venue" at 3 am. Then he wasn't riding that great on sunday. He had a good night rest sunday night and he comes back strong monday. If Garcia behaves and keeps his social life under control and doesn't try to womanize, he will win the riding title. But if he goes out a lot, tries to pick up anything with a bra and panties and cleavage and short skirts, like he did during the Keeneland meet (he was 3 for 56 and lost riding priviledges for a major owner because of his after race activities), then Ramon will win the riding title.

Originally Posted by Gander

Hey Gales, can you tell me why she moved her barns over here this year? Do you have that information? We all know she is the Queen of turf sprints, that comes as no shocker, but her recent success on dirt and longer turf races, does this surprise you?

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

I know it is blasphemy but the racing quality has really deteroriated.

Originally Posted by scat daddy

Strange that you see little of Rice until opening day...the behind the scene assistant's (Sam) comes to mind are the real nuts and bolts of this operation. From April 13th on at the Oklahoma this top assistant is out in the morning moving these horses forward.

When Rice is present she is shaking hands and kissing babies most of the time. Did notice her and Garcia yesterday morning bright and early going over the charts and plans after a nice hug from Linda.

The name on the stable is Rice but got a feeling that the help is the real deal and she should be very thankful. Wonder how long it will be before Sam thinks of taking out on her own and possibly a few good owners along with her?


Rice also had a very noticeable limp yesterday in the paddock prior to hooking up with Garcia again,,,and again,,,and again.


Scat Daddy

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

I know it is blasphemy but the racing quality has really deteroriated.

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

In relation to what track?

Originally Posted by Linny

I'm sure Linda has a great team but I beg to differ as to her role. I am on the backstrech nearly every day and I see Linda out there all the time. She's at the starting gate 2 or 3 times a week, on the ground and working with the horses. Linda has ALOT of horses and that means relying on good help, and clearly she does. (I don't recall alot of people saying "Seth Benzel trains the horses, Todd shows up to saddle them.")
Linda also spent alot of time up here through the spring nwhile her string was here. Her father is a well known horseman and Linda is like and respected by her owners.

I will grant Cannon's popint that changes in the meet have made it easier for a barn like Linda's to thrive here, but I wont take as a given that her assistant is running the show.

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

I agree that turf sprints annoy me and you see too many NY Bred races card - but as for saying the racing quality deteroriated ...

In relation to what track?

Originally Posted by Gander

So what is the most logical reason for her much improved stats?

I mean since the people in charge like her (unlike Drugtow and Juice Levine), it cant be cheating, so lets take that out of the equation.

Is it her spotting her horses better? Has her help gotten better? Are things just falling her way? It cant be just Garcia, shes won with other jockeys.
How are such a high percentage of her horses not only winning, but dominating races?

Originally Posted by Bobby Fischer

good ol' days downs