by Steve Byk
December 31, 2004 

he end of the calendar year is traditionally a good time for reflection. And when it comes to horse racing, a review of the past should ideally focus on the convivial revelry of thrilling afternoons with friends and cohorts at everyone’s favorite venue. But as the collective equine community nears its simultaneous birthday on January 1, a glance at the headlines would lead racing fans to fear for the sports’ ongoing viability:

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by Steve Byk
first published on June 7, 2004

In evaluating Smarty Jones’ failed attempt at a Triple Crown sweep Saturday at Belmont, we were reminded of the effective Walgreen’s drugstore advertisements that explain that none of us live in the town of “Perfect”.

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by Steve Byk
first published on May 20, 2004

With the Belmont Stakes looming as a final hurdle for Smarty Jones in his quest for the Triple Crown, talk of his breeding requires closer examination with the topic sure to be covered extensively over the next two weeks by the media. The colt is so obviously special, the type that enters the galaxy of racing on timetables like comets, with a multitude of contributions in his pedigree to account for his speed, tenacity and seemingly endless stamina. Though not a breeding expert, there are a number of things to impart in a discussion of his lineage on the dam side that may help everyone understand “how” Smarty Jones is able to do what he’s doing so effortlessly.

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by Steve Byk
first published on January 31, 2004

If hard work and personal fortitude were the sole criteria for glory in thoroughbred racing, Don Cain would likely have a champion in his sophomore colt Revolver Six. Cain, a self-made success in the Kentucky coal business, drew into Saturday’s WEBN Stakes at Turfway with his homebred son of Fort Chaffee and is just hoping for the best with the maiden.

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