Why do some race horses occasional wear blinders ?  Good question, but first a brief, rudimentary explanation of blinders; Blinders/blinkers are small squares of firm leather or canvas that attach to the bridle at the side of a horse’s head.  In the modern era of racing, blinders are more of a hood with half cups, as the photo indicates. It’s been said that blinders were … Continue reading Blinders

To say RACHEL ALEXANDRA’s accomplishments during her Horse of the Year campaign in 2009 were staggering, fails to do justice in describing one of the most impressive single-year ledgers of a filly in American racing history.  Simply stated, she was otherworldly as a 3-year-old, winning all eight of her starts and dazzling all who saw her along the way. RACHEL ALEXANDRA decimated the Kentucky Oaks field … Continue reading Oh, Rachel

The Grade 1, $300,000 dollar, Los Alamitos Futurity is being run on Saturday December 8th.  It is for two year-olds, run at a distance of a mile & 1/16 on the dirt.  It is a “Road To The Kentucky Derby” event with the winner of the race earning ten points toward a starting spot the first Saturday in May. It is a sparse field of six for this … Continue reading Race Of The Week

It has come to the attention of the Daily Racing Blog that we take for granted that all our readers have a working knowledge about the track conditions we often mention when talking about certain horses and/or races.  We will amend that issue right now. On Dirt Surfaces Fast:  Dry, even, and resilient.  Dry to the point of occasionally needing to be watered down by the grounds-crew. … Continue reading Track Conditions

In Fridays post the Daily Racing Blog made it’s selections for the 4 Graded Stakes races at Aqueduct Park on Saturday December 1st.  So in the spirit of transparency let’s see how we made out. First up was the fourth race in which DRB  chose AFLEET DESTINY, FILLY JOEL, MOLTO BELLA, and ENLIVEN. We were oh so close on this one, as a horse called POSITIVE SPIRIT got up at the wire to beat AFLEET DESTINY by a … Continue reading So How’d We Do?

As promised here are the Daily Racing Blog top 4 picks in the four Graded Stakes races at Aqueduct Park Saturday December 1st.  And remember we are always searching for Value. First up is the running of the Demoisel in the 4th race.  It is a Grade 2 Stakes Race, run at a mile & 1/8 on the dirt track, with a purse of $250,000.  #6 AFLEET DESTINY ML 15-1.  #3 FILLY JOEL ML 7-2.  #7 MOLTO … Continue reading Big Day At The ‘Big A’

World traveler MENDELSSOHN and emerging star COPPER TOWN headline a prospective field of 10 for the 30th running of the Grade 1, $750,000 Cigar Mile Handicap scheduled for December 1st at Aqueduct Racetrack. The Cigar Mile, (the cornerstone of the Aqueduct autumn meet) will headline a lucrative day of racing at the Big A.  Which will also feature the Grade 2, $250,000 Remsen for 2-year-olds, the Grade 2, $250,000 Demoiselle for 2-year-old fillies, and the Grade … Continue reading The Cigar Mile

Throughout her historic four years on the American turf, ZENYATTA was affectionately known as “The Queen” by her most ardent fans.  An appropriate moniker considering the way she ruled racing throughout her exceptional career. Owner Jerry Moss (a co-founder A&M Records), named ZENYATTA after an album by A&M artists The Police, Zenyatta Mondatta. John Shirreffs was selected to train ZENYATTA.  Shirreffs then chose Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith as … Continue reading ZENYATTA

LONE SAILOR.  PROMISES FULFILLED.  GOOD MAGIC.  MAGNUM MOON. These don’t sound like names you would choose for a pet — imagine having to yell  “Come here, Promises Fulfilled” at the dog park. They are, however, perfectly appropriate names for racehorses.  All four ran in the 2018 Kentucky Derby. Some racehorse names seem whimsical, or even random.  But the process is often one of personal reflection, thoughtful decision-making … Continue reading What’s In A Name?

Thursday marks the 147th annual Thanksgiving Day of Racing at the Fairgrounds in New Orleans.  It is a sight to see and The Place to be seen in NOLA on Thanksgiving Day.   Some track goers make a day of it, (having a traditional meal in the Clubhouse) while others may simply pass through for a couple of races on the way to gramma’s house, but … Continue reading Cajun Racing