weekend turf warrior 10/10/15

Only 2 graded stakes this weekend nationally as we count down to the BC in 3 weeks time. But they are both on turf. The Knickerbocker on the inner turf at BEL, and the QEII Challenge at KEE. I'm traveling in Boston, so no previews available.

weekend turf warrior 10/3/15

cold and wet here in NYC and likely be the same in Lexington KY where it's the 30th running of the $1M Shadwell Stakes today. In a race with a deerfield and 13 runners many of whom have won or placed at this level, there should be a solid pace. I already liked one of the European raiders #5 Dutch Connection when i did the form to a dry track, over The Pizza Man trying to make it 4-0, and Bobby's Kitten. this race was run on the main track 2 yrs ago. 4 other turf Gr stakes races set down for today

weekend turf warrior - special preview for 9/28/15

Be at Belmont Park for Turf Classic Day this Saturday! For your complete guide to Saturday's entries, enhanced guaranteed wagers, giveaway and hospitality options, go to https://www.nyra.com/belmont/events/turf-classic-day/ Saturday's race card features five graded stakes, including the $600,000 Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic. If you can't make it to Belmont Park, watch and wager online.

weekend turf warrior, 9/19/15

3 graded turf stakes today, incl the Nobel Damsel for F&M at BEL and Commonwealth Derby & Cup at LRL (instead of Colonial Downs). The main race today is the $1M Pennsylvania Derby at Parx. in the $250K Commonwealth Cup over 1&1/8 mi, i'm selecting #5 Up With The Birds. I see #4 leading from #7 with #2 & #5 closing with the last prevailing.

weekend turf warrior 9/5/15

It's the Labor Day long weekend, and Closing Weekend at the Spa. there are 3 graded stakes on the turf Saturday, including the Saranac for 3 yo & the Glens Falls for F&M at the Spa, and the Boiling Springs at MTH. In the Glen Falls, the fav #6 Gold Espony is looking to make it 4 from 4 and i see her going to the front and controlling the pace, although could end up dueling with Ceisteach which could set it up for #3 eastern belle or #9 Regardez. The Saranac is named for a village in the Adirondack mountains located about two hours north of the track. This race was run on the main track prior to 1979, and has been contested at distances ranging from one mile to 1 3/16 miles. It has been run at 1 1/8 miles since 2011. The Glens Falls is named after a town located about 15 minutes north of Saratoga Springs. Also known as “Hometown U.S.A.,” a title given to it by Look magazine in 1944, Glens Falls was given its name in 1788 by Colonel Johannes Glen, referring to a large waterfall in the Hudson River at the southern end of the city. In the HBO series “The Sopranos,” Tony Soprano’s brother-in-law Bobby Baccalieri owns a home in Glens Falls, which Tony and Carmela visited in the sixth season episode “Soprano Home Movies.” It's unclear how the Boiling Springs got its name -- there's a Boiling Springs in PA. The race used to be at MED

Weekend turf warrior Aug 29

Obviously all eyes will be on the main track at the Spa (the "graveyard of champions") for the Travers, but prior to it there's the long $1MM Gr 1 Sword Dancer Invitational for a field of eight 3 yo and ups, over 1&1/2 miles on the inner turf course. Of course a tough race, with the main chances being to be #1,2,4,8. Not a lot of pace (probably #8 war dancer going forward) and I favor #4 Red Rifle to step up to Gr 1 level at the first attempt. The ML fav #2 Flintshire was 2nd to Main Sequence in the BC Turf Classic last Nov, so is obviously very capable, but will be a short price. The other 2 turf races today are the Gr 2 Ballston Spa for F&M R12 at Spa and the Violet for F&M at MTH. Result: 2-4-5. The video shows #2 flinthsire is saving ground on the inside, got the rails run at the turn and exploded away, the even money fav being just too classy for these in very fast time and a Beyer of 112. #4 Red Rifle followed #2 and did battle on for 2nd without threatening, paying $4.20. And here's the Travers with Keen Ice lowering American Pharoah's colors

weekend turf warrior Aug 22

Only 1 gr turf stakes tomorrow, the gr2 Del Mar Hcp. a field of 9 with #1 Ashleyluvssugar, #2 Ganesh and #8 Finnegans Wake looking to be the main chnaces. #9 Dana's Best*AUS, Australia Day Cup winner at RWK in January and formerly trained by Gai is having its 2nd US start (?bleeder). was stakes unplcd*2 downunder.