by Steve Byk
first published on March 14, 2008
Derby Trail specialties kicking off Saturday at Oldsmar (Tampa Bay Derby, 5:50pm) as highlight of the Stakes schedule there, before moving on to Hot Springs (Rebel, 6:45pm) and Arcadia (San Felipe, 7:38) for the final preps towards the Arky and Santa Anita Derbies.
by Steve Byk
first published on March 8, 2008
One of American racing’s best regional days is on tap this aft at NoLa, with perhaps the best card assembled anywhere yet this year. The Louisiana Derby has a wonderful heritage, dating back to 1920 when it was run at old Jefferson Park, and has produced a number of local legends including Black Gold (1924), Taylor’s Special (1984), Risen Star (1988) and Petionville (1995). Funny Cide forced himself into serious Rose Run consideration with a strong showing in the LA Derby in 2003, and Grindstone won this race on his road to Louisville in 1996.
by Steve Byk
first published on December 18, 2007
If having the understanding afforded three-quarters of a century around racing means anything, shouldn’t we be listening to John Nerud? The soon to be 95 year old legend sounded off on “At the Races” with me December 17 on the NYRA situation, the Breeders’ Cup and synthetic surfaces, and on every topic, Nerud remains authoritative, prescient and correct.
by Steve Byk
first published on December 9, 2007
It would be nice to write that Friday’s $1,000,000 Gr. III Delta Jackpot was a thrilling late season juvenile event that delivered a three horse blanket finish leaving fans excited about the upcoming sophomore season. The race appeared coming in to have a real opportunity to enjoy ramifications on the 2008 Derby Trail, and the dead heat between Bill Mott’s Z Humor and Mark Casse’s Turf War, with Gary Thomas’ Golden Yank pinballed between them, certainly should have people eager for the next round of soon-to-be-sophomore challenges.
by Steve Byk
first published on November 7, 2007
CUP CRITICISMS UNWARRANTED:
It’s been hard to understand the assortment of criticisms leveled at Monmouth Park and Breeders’ Cup officials since the October 26-27 event which was plagued by impossible weather. Attacks that smaller venues are inappropriate for the Cup; that Monmouth was ill-equipped for the undertaking; that betting lines were unmanageable and even that Aramark’s foodservice efforts were lacking, all seem petty and unfair given the circumstances.
