It was the best of times…

With all due respect, after opening day at The Spa, the editors of DRB are writing this entry standing up.  You figure it out.  Saratoga is what it is, and the love never stops.  So we get back in the box and take our swings again on Saturday… tomorrow is another day.  So with the same caveats as yesterday, here are the Saturday picks. 1st:  #5 ML … Continue reading It was the best of times…

The Spa

It was August 3rd, 1863 when gambler, casino owner, ex-boxer, and future congressman John Morrissey organized the first thoroughbred meet in Saratoga.  It was one month after the Battle of Gettysburg, and was held over four days at the old dirt track on Union Avenue.  Over 5,000 people attended to watch, and wager on eight races. After the success of this meet Morrissey was inspired … Continue reading The Spa

Track Terminology

This is DRB‘s final installment of the colorful language heard, and used at tracks here and around the world.  Speaking of which, I was visiting London not long ago and saw what amounted to a betting parlor of some sort.  Akin to Off Track Betting offices here in the states.  I walked in looked around and saw mostly men watching and shouting at multiple television monitors showing various races … Continue reading Track Terminology

The Diana

As routine viewers of DRB should be aware, The Racetrack At Saratoga opens up next Friday July 20th.  What might be news to some, is that this year there will be 69 stakes races worth 18.8 million dollars in prize money.  And while there is a feature race (or two) every day of competition, it is the weekend (especially Saturday) that draws the best talent, vying for … Continue reading The Diana

Saratoga Speak

We are two weeks removed from opening day of the greatest track in America.  So we at DRB will continue with some of the basic definitions in the world of horse racing.  It does not matter how long you have been in the thoroughbred game, you can never stop learning.  Absorb all the knowledge you can.  What may seem meaningless now, will hopefully lodge somewhere in … Continue reading Saratoga Speak