As teenagers, some/most youngsters tend to think the world is their oyster. Not so for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. He did not dream big as a youth. “I was 18 years old and hauling horses around in a two-horse trailer to the bush tracks,” recalled the native of Mobridge, South Dakota. “I never imagined training for anybody else other than myself.” As the son of a Veteran, … Continue reading Mr. Bill Mott
The Sleepy Hollow Stakes was the 10th and final race on the Belmont@Aqueduct card Sunday. The contest was Won by ARCTIC ARROGANCE a Linda Rice trained horse, ridden by Jose Lezcano, who kept his head in the race. But why Sleepy Hollow Stakes? Stakes races are usually named after horses, trainers, or other legendary horse people- not small towns on the Hudson. Famously described as … Continue reading The Headless Horseman
Nicholas Philip Zito grew up near Aqueduct Racetrack. His father would take him to the track as a young lad. But back in the day there were age restrictions on admission to the track. So the elder Zito would leave young Nicholas with a friend of his, who just happened to be a security guard at the Big A. It was there and then that Zito felt he found his calling. … Continue reading A Classic New York Bred
There’s a bit of a twist in the New York racing schedule this fall. NYRA and crew always return downstate following the end of the Saratoga meet on Labor Day. But this year, instead of the usual fall meet at Belmont Park, racing will move to Aqueduct for a 28-day fall meet which will be referred to as Belmont at the Big A. A construction project … Continue reading Belmont At The Big A
Harvey Pack was a pioneer in the field of on-air racing personalities. His curmudgeonly personality and dry sense of humor made him a favorite among New York horseplayers. Harvey passed away last summer at his New York city apartment, due to complications from cancer. He was 94 years of age. Mr. Pack always comes to mind this time of year (Saratoga) as there are many … Continue reading Memories Of Harvey
Most of the fans in attendance at Aqueduct on July 4, 1972 probably had no idea that they had just witnessed the debut of one of the greatest horses who ever raced. For SECRETARIAT, it began 50 years ago today with a bad trip and a 4th-place finish in a Maiden special weight race with an $8,000 purse. It would be the worst performance of … Continue reading G.O.A.T. On The 4th Of July
Saturday’s Grade 2, $750,000 Wood Memorial provides the final east coast opportunity for the 2022 Kentucky Derby contenders to reap qualifying points for the Run For The Roses, which is just a month away. The 1 1/8-mile event at Aqueduct will offer points to the top four finishers at the highest level of 100-40-20-10. The race is slated as race eight on a card of eleven, … Continue reading Who Wins The Wood ?
On Saturday, Aqueduct Park will host its signature race and the final stop on the New York road to the Kentucky Derby. A field of eight 3-year-olds will do battle in the $750,000, Grade 2 Wood Memorial Stakes. A total of 170 Derby qualifying points are on the line, with the Winner receiving 100 points, the runner-up getting 40, the 3rd-place finisher earning 20, and the 4th-place … Continue reading The Wood Memorial
The Derby door of opportunity is still ajar, but time is running out. There are three major preps this Saturday each offering 100 points to the Winning horse, which virtually locks down a spot in the gate on May 7th. Here then, the big three this weekend: THE WOOD MEMORIAL STAKES New York’s premier Kentucky Derby prep race is contested at 1 1/8 miles (9 … Continue reading Three Big Preps On Saturday
There are no Derby prep races this weekend. But, the 100-40-20-10 point preps are at hand- eight races compressed into 15 days, beginning next Saturday (03/26). As long as they are eligible (aka not Baffert horses), the Winners are mathematically assured of berths in the starting gate in the Run For The Roses. The 2nd-place horses have a good shot at getting there as well. … Continue reading Where The Winners Prep
