Random Thoughts from Saturday

I’m not the biggest Rick Dutrow fan, but even I felt bad for him when Jeannine Edwards apparently blindsided him before the Whitney with questions about Michael Iavarone telling her in an interview that their relationship was strained and that he had told Dutrow he was going to yank his horses from him. Poor Rick looked completely shell-shocked. While I still believe he did a terrible job training Big Brown before the Belmont, and don't appreciate his unbridled audacity at times, I still feel bad when dirty laundry like that is aired publically. To make matters worse, Dutrow’s horse Rising Moon (who finished fifth) had to be vanned off after the race, apparently with a sore left leg that needed to be X-rayed.

The G1 Diana was, for me, far and away the best race of the day. Even though my favorite girl Bit of Whimsy showed nothing (again) today, the wet turf provided for a challenging race to handicap. I threw out Wait a While and Vacare based on the turf condition, and figured Rutherienne and Dynaforce in the mix for sure. Criminologist was a disappointment, though, while Lady Digby did nicely for fifth and Forever Together blew by them all at the end—from last to first. Nicely done.

What’s with Saratoga not offering superfecta wagering on Saturday’s race 6? Even after the sole scratch, there were 13 separate betting interests in the race. If that doesn’t qualify for superfecta wagering, why offer the wager at all? And, yes, I’m pissed about it because I had figured Joppa Flats (34-1), Tiz It (4-1), A Diehl (8-1) and Hi Daddy (5-1)…and damned if they didn’t come in! Urgh! And why did I have Joppa Flats? He ran very competitively at Saratoga last year and seemed on the upswing. Didn't have him winning, but that's why I love to box my bets.

A couple more Lion Heart 2-year-old hitting the board. Last Thursday Vicki’sprideandjoy ($8.40 win) became the tenth winner for the freshman sire, taking a 4.5f maiden claiming race at Calder (race 6). On Saturday, A.J’s Love ($2.40 show) finished third in race 3 at Arlington over 5.5f. She’s out of the G3 Santa Ysabel winner Bella Bella Bella (Soft Gold). Here's a link for Lion Heart's first crop performers.