Horse racing is enjoying a high riding wave as American Pharaoh put to bed any and all non-believers.  I’ve been following racing for about 25-years, and what started as a doubt has been replaced by an eye opening belief that we’ve witnessed something rare. Racing is in the sports pages again, and I hope this swirl of good faith can carry itself a good long way. – We’ve waited quite sometime, and now more than ever racing needs to reach out and make that connection. You know, the one that grabbed our attention long ago, and continues to hold our hearts to this day. – The weekend offered up a bevy of Thoroughbred action, and there were quite a few races all week long that will make the “hit” list of horses to play next time on the track.

Saratoga – 7/29/15 – Race #7 – #3

Broken Border = Cornelio Velasquez in the saddle, and even though the race may appear average, there was a very nice turn of foot late in the lane. Jason Servis trainee was flying late at (29-1) and did everything right but win. – I am hoping for a race with plenty of early pace as this effort, and this gal will be picking them up and laying them down.

Louisiana Downs – 7/30/15 – Race #6 – #5

Woodmans Luck = Iram Diego may have the new nickname of the “Boston Strangler.” – He was weaving in and out of traffic, and found himself in the pocket and bottled up twice. Once down the lane where he had so much horse I thought he was going to jump runners. He finished 4th and was disqualified to 5th for knocking heads down the lane. – If there is any way in the world he can find himself 3 wide and rolling, it will be lights out as this runner has all of gas in the tank for the next effort.

Saratoga – 8/1/15 – Race #3 – #2

Loose on the Town = Jose Lezcano may one of the most underrated riders in the game.  He had a poor beginning with a slow start, Lezcano settled his mount out nicely and proceeded to pick up the pieces. He fanned out five wide around the far turn and somehow found himself six wide and rolling like a down bound train. All things considered, this was a strong effort getting left and going into the parking lot down the lane. – Lezcano is the man on the green and you can bet dollars to donuts he’ll find him a better spot next up.

Monmouth – 8/2/15 – Race #13 – #8

Big N Toasty = Paco Lopez may have to call the authorities as he was knocked about. He was near the leaders and had eyes set on the top, and suddenly had to check strongly. He waivered in and out and it was over but the crying. – But every coin has two sides. For what we lost on this day, we’ll get even better odds next out as Lopez will keep her out of traffic and call the shots.

Saratoga – 8/2/15 – Race #11 – #2

Holy Invader = Fernando Jara had the call and wins the prize for the toughest effort.  Jara’s mount was into the bit and had two check up strongly in the two path down the lane. He couldn’t find a way through the traffic, and just wrapped up his runner for next out. This was a tough way to end his day, but the future looks bright ahead for this guy.