Saratoga Racing Season Hits its Mid-point
Saratoga Race Course had a decidedly better week with Casa Creed repeating his win in last year’s Fourstardave Handicap by wining it again with the exact running time – a racing oddity. Casa Creed now owns a lifetime record at the Spa of 4 wins from 6 starts – making him the quintessential “horse for course.”
Now 7 years old, Casa Creed adds to the impressive list of older horses that Bill Mott trains. Casa Creed, along with Channel Maker, Cody’s Wish, Elite Power, Art Collector and Frank’s Rockette have all thrived for multiple years. While longevity in this sport is all too often in short supply, both Bill Mott and his trainees have shown remarkable staying power.
THE ALABAMA
This upcoming week features the distaff set as fillies and mares dominate the stakes action. Saturday’s main feature The Alabama has acted as the prelude to The Travers for most of its runnings and has become increasingly popular with fans in recent years. With High Schools and Colleges starting classes at increasingly earlier dates many families see the Alabama as the last weekend available to dedicate to racing. With that The Alabama’s popularity is approaching that of The Travers the traditional highlight of the meet run a week later.
The Alabama Stakes is named in honor of William Cottrell who bred or owned several early Kentucky Derby winners. Legend has it that when it was suggested in 1872 that the new Saratoga race be named in his honor, he demurred requesting that it be named instead for his home state – Alabama – which was struggling during the post-war reconstruction. (Believe it or not there once was a time when plastering your name all over everything was considered uncouth let’s hope that sense re-emerges in the future)
The Alabama’s defining characteristic is its distance – an exhausting mile and one-quarter. To fully understand the Alabama you must appreciate the difficulty three year old fillies have going a mile and one-quarter on the dirt. The extra furlong of the Alabama is beyond the scope of many of the speedy fillies that have heretofore succeeded and only champions manage to handle the added distance. This is likely the only time in their careers most will be asked to navigate the distance and as such It makes for memorable performances.
The 2023 renewal has a small but select field expected with the Brad cox trained Wet Paint and the Todd Pletcher trained Gambling Girl as the likely headliners.
LEADING JOCKEYS, TRAINERS, OWNERS
As of August 15, the leading jockey, trainer and owner standings are all headed by familiar names. Irad Ortiz, Jr. Chad Brown and Klaravich Stables, respectively hold the tops spots in both wins and money earned.
Mid-Point and New York Race Track Chaplaincy of America
The erstwhile philosopher Ferris Buehler once cautioned “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” The same can be said about the Saratoga race meet.
A good way to participate is to support the New York Race Track Chaplaincy. This week they held their 16th Annual Brunch at Saratoga National to raise funds for their mission of assisting the backstretch workers who help feed and care for the horses. This year’s honoree – Todd Pletcher- expressed gratitude to the backstretch workers in a humble and good-humored acceptance speech after being introduced by none other than D. Wayne Lukas himself, who at two weeks shy of turning 88 observed, you see a lot of the country when you come to Saratoga from Kentucky “by bus”. Those that remember the saying “D. Wayne off the plane” appreciate the irony of that statement.
At the brunch, Jena Antonucci graciously told me her Belmont winner – Arcangelo – was doing great and she was looking forward to a safe and competitive Travers Day for industry and fans. She added that her team appreciated the support. Arcangelo’s rider – Hall of Famer – Javier Castellano also attended and as is his way humbly accepted congratulations on the great year he is having in New York and elsewhere.
Pastor Humberto Chavez and his tireless Programs Director – Nick Caras both stressed that even when the fabled Saratoga Racing Meet ends, the real world needs of the New York backstretch workers continue year-round.
The large crowd included luminaries from the world of politics, entertainment, finance, real estate and racing. It should be stressed that the average racing fan and bettor can play a role in assisting those that care for the equine stars of the industry by making small donations – the cost of an exacta box or another meal or drink during the racing day can make a difference. It is yet another way to participate in the Saratoga season – providing opportunity to others – be involved. Donations can be made at www.rtcany.org.