July 31 Saratoga Points Picks go here . . .

[DonGuido]

Originally Posted by JolyB

I'm sure that Anderson Cooper would be delighted to have a Saratoga race named after his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt. However, racing fans would probably want the stakes race to continue to honor Alfred G[wynne] Vanderbilt, either Father or Son. Alfred Senior achieved a level of fame and honor by giving his lifejacket to save a young woman and her child during the sinking of the Luisitania, in which he perished.

The race is more likely named after his son, Alfred G. Vanderbilt Jr., who was a driving force in thoroughbred racing during much of the 20th century. His mother gifted him Sagamore Farm in Maryland for his 21st birthday [ain't money grand] and he proceeded to own Pimlico, be president of Belmont Park, serve with honor in WWII, and was breeder and owner of many legendary horses, including Native Dancer. He was also chairman of NYRA in the early 1970's.

Thanks JB, I knew about the Anderson Cooper connection and his famous mother but the rest is very interesting background history. We can rely on you for good "other side of the story" awareness. GOOD STUFF!!!