An ode to the Grey Bullet

It was announced in the Blood Horse on August 9th that the fan favorite Winter Memories was retired due to a degenerative bone disease. The news was disheartening, to say the least.
I felt compelled to write a little something to a horse who I have followed for three years of her campaign. This is not just any horse — This is Winter Memories.

We first met in 2010, which on a personal level was one of the best years of my life. You where just a maiden then, but you where a gorgeous and huge roan, and I am a softy for greys. Even then at the age of two, you showed your devastating turn of foot at the sixteenth pole and put away Town Flirt (and also the perennial challenger Hungry Island, and Buster’s Ready). A love affair began right then and there.

Maiden. 9.3.10

Through the years, you always would seem to find trouble, I think it was just part of your flare, a part of the show. You would get in tight, or get into a position that seems absolutely impossible to overcome, and you still would win. What I love most about you is girl, you got game!

I will always remember your Garden City. It was one of the most amazing performances I have ever seen, and have written about it several times. I drove 8 hours and almost 500 miles — just to watch you. I was shooting the turn of the race, which means I have the 600mm lens (which weighs in excess of 20 pounds and is a bazooka). When you turned for home, it appeared as if there was no hope. You where behind a wall of top horses, and you had no where to go. At about the point where I was at the top of the stretch, I watched you check, and check again. Then, something magical happened. I saw you get angled out, and turned the camera and caught the beginnings of that knockout turn of foot you have. There was screaming at the monitors as you traversed that long Belmont stretch, gobbling up ground and picking them off one by one. I fondly remember doing my best Carlton Fisk circa 1975 World Series impression trying as I may to wave you home — while I was skipping down the lane with the huge camera. When you hit the wire…. I ran so hard and so fast down the stretch to take your picture. It was one of those days where everything worked out according to plan. What a great memory you left me.

Garden City

Garden City

After winning the Garden City

I was there for your dreadful Lake Placid, your domination of the Lake George, and your runner up effort in the Just A Game, and what would be your last race, the Diana. You where just so fun to watch, and so fun to be around. These memories are now but a blur, but a blur of positivity.

Winning the 2011 Lake George

I am so glad that I was able to bear witness to your final race, in which yet again your turn of foot was so evident as you swished your tail as if to wave goodbye to the field. I was on the inside rail, unable to see the monitors at all. I was hoping to see a grey blur emerge from behind the tote board — and sure enough I heard Tom Durkin yelling your name. I had the biggest cheshire cat grin on my face, and to see you come into view just brought so much joy in my life. I can be seen on the replay, what I am glad did not make the replay is me jumping up and down screaming. We are all professionals, but ever so often there comes a horse in which you can relate to on some weird and esoteric level that is beyond comprehension or words.

Winning the Diana

After the Diana

When I heard the news of your retirement, I toasted a glass of Cabernet to you — for the memories you have given me that are so much more than photos. It’s about what they represent. They represent a soul who is a hard knocker, who tries, who may be bested today but always comes back with a fiery vengeance. These attributes, among so many others are why so many of us loved you so dear. You will be sorely, sorely missed on the track. I look forward to watching your offspring run — hope springs eternal. Thank you so much for changing my life. Thank you for teaching me to believe in myself, thank you for being you.

I will leave you with a few other photos I have taken over the years, as well as the video replay of one of the greatest races my eyes have ever seen.

Morning stroll

Diana morning 7.28.12

“Do you think Tapitsfly will get the better of you in the Diana?”

And last but not least, this is how I will always remember you, you beautiful, beautiful creature. Regal, enjoying life, and on top of the world.

Ever so regal.

Enjoying her bath, 7.26.12

 

 

Saratoga mornings; a sampling

Anyone can show up in the afternoons at the Spa and take fabulous shots, but its the mornings that make you. Every morning is presented to you differently and is forever changing. You just have to see whats unfolding in front of you and be able to adapt, get yourself in the right spots and roll with the minute hand.

I wanted to do one post to rule them all, the very best per-say, of the joy and true happiness the two Saratoga ovals brought me.

Before I do this, id like to thank a few people, without going into much detail;

Lynne Snierson for giving me my break and believing in me
Nicole Russo for giving me the means
Caroline Hatfield for routinely kicking me in the ass
and Tom Durkin, for if it was not for his call in the 2003 Derby, I’d have never picked up a camera in the first place.

 

Aikenite

Here Comes Art

Self Portrait 2011

Uncle Mo 8.3.11

Stay Thirsty

Caleb's Posse

Aikenite

Friend or Foe

Friend or Foe

Tizway (white martingale)

Uncle Mo

See you in 2012, Saratoga.

Review: How I gained 15 pounds in Saratoga

(mind you, 15 pounds and thats with lugging around cameras and walking miles and miles every day chasing thoroughbreds)

Heres a list of how I spent my summer eating, I am not a foodie per say, I just love food. I know despite looking at me you’d never guess, since I’ve ballooned to 120.

FAVES:

Harvest and Hearth – Rt 67, formerly Chameleons, Saratoga Lake: Brick oven pizza done right. It’s all organic and fresh as can be. I went once with a friend and we got the following combination: Red sauce, gouda cheese, caramelized onions and pepperoni. Let me tell you that I have gone back over a dozen times and haven’t veered from this combo. Its just a taste of heaven. Words cannot describe it, go try it, you wont be dissapointed. I can eat a whole large one by myself! The wine is good, depending on the time you go it is usually a moderate wait for food (they have one brick oven) its not a long wait by any means, but its worth it.

Old Bryann Inn – corner of Maple and Rock, Saratoga. Simply the most yummy comfort food you can find. Set in a 1790’s building, you walk in and feel like you’ve been transcended to another time, with exposed beams and stone walls. Try the specials, they change daily but are delicious. You may yield on some of the combinations, but try them! We went once and had this sausage over granny smith apples on bread, sounded iffy… oh heck no! I think I went a total of three times, and every time I was so pleased. Definately try the beef bruschetta appetizer, its to die for.

Adelphi Hotel – Broadway, Saratoga. To walk into the Adephi is like walking into a time warp, you feel like you are in the 30’s. Despite the fact that they only serve desert and drinks, its one of the best little known places around. You walk back into the courtyard, which is shaded with trees and brick, and you have a little view of the night sky as you lounge in extremely comfy adirondack chairs and sip on fruity drinks. It’s very quiet and very intimate. It’s a great place to just take some friends, sit and relax and enjoy eachother’s company. Oh the lemon tarts fabulous too

Duo – Broadway, Saratoga. Simply the best sushi place in town, hands down. Have been here several times and always go back to an old favorite — the Paradise roll. Which basically is lobster and fried bananas, are the two major tastes you come across.. but it is just simply delicious. Its fresh, fast, the saki will knock you on your butt, the plum wine is AMAZING — seriously try it!! The deserts are fun too.. get the cheesecake suckers. I wont spoil the suprise

Longfellows; What can’t be said of Longfellows, its an absolutely beautiful place with amazing food. Though I only went once (the foods a lil pricey, but its absolutely worth it, the prices are right in line with what you’d expect the quality to be) Try to get yourself in the wine cellar, the ambiance is really neat. I tried the snapper – amazing. Also try the Brunelle wine, from Italy. Wayyyy awesome

Beverlys, Phila Street, Saratoga – SIMPLY THE BEST in town. Breakfast here is amazing, and even writing this I am contemplating going there right now! There isn’t one bad thing on the menu, and I have been here enough to have tried more than half of it. The best is the french toast, its made from a baguette soaked overnight and it comes with REAL maple syrup. I am from New England, I know real when I taste it! They are slightly pricey, but you get what you pay for. I want it right now! UGH!!!

Honorable mentions:

Raceway Buffet – Saratoga Harness Track/Casino. Ok for 9 bucks, where else can you get an endless supply of shrimp, prime rib, pizza, cookies, treats, turkey, pasta.. the list goes on and on. For a starving artist, five plates was my limit. I felt like I got my 9 bucks indeed, then hit the slow machine for 75 bucks and walked out of there like I was king of the world. haha.

Little India – Regent Street, next to Spring Street Deli. I think I went here about three times, each time I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. The waitress was extremely knowledgeable and helpful to someone who’s experience in Indian can be summed up in my three visits here. It’s a very quiet place and the ambiance sometimes makes you tired! The wine is killer and my favorite dish was definitely the Shrimp Bhuna, with some rice! deeeelish!

Pacific Grill – A sushi place I tried last year that was equally as good as I remember it this year. They also do hibachi stuff, so if you are iffy about sushi, try that! Their menu is huge and somewhat daunting. I forget what roll I got but it was big, 10 pieces! Try the plum wine here too, its awesome and different than the wine in which Duo serves. The wait staff was somewhat not as helpful as I’d have liked, both time our waitress seemed somewhat annoyed with our party.

Grey Gelding – Broadway – By chance we dived in here in a flash downpour and it was a pretty pleasant experience. Our waiter was really cool and knew what he was talking about. Also they have pictures of horses (grey geldings, whodda thunk it?) all over the walls which I am a sucker for greys, so extra brownie points there. I had the chicken marsala and was pretty pleased. All in all we had a great time here.. give it a try!

Stadium Cafe – Broadway. For what its worth, the food was good but not in line with what “Saratoga” is. It’s more of a restaurant you’d see back home, its more pub food, greasy, but good. I have this notion of Saratoga about amazing upscale food, and this place is a nice break from that ideal. If you’re looking for that kind of meal, this is the place to go!

Those that just didn’t do it for me;

Wheatfeilds, Broadway, Saratoga – Went there this year at the beginning of the meet and vowed not to go back. Service was alright, but slow. I got the fungi ravioli which I felt I could have saved myself the visit and just gone to the supermarket and gotten frozen ones and would have tasted the same. The only thing that made it ok was the company I with.

Day Twenty Uno and Two-oh; Gutsy and game babies baby.

I have written so much stuff today it makes my head want to literally explode. Never again will I let it go on to an extent as like 8 days…. I will flippin make time!

Day Twenty One (8-14-11)

The morning was overcast, which is usually my cue to hit the main track because the lighting there in the morning is just so horrendous on the frontside that it just makes for garbage photos. However I decided to stay on the Oklahoma side because I have wanted to try a photo since the meet began. Mr. Bond sends his horses out, religiously at 5:30 every morning, and a few of his riders have red blinkers on because its so dark. It has never been “dark enough” yet to do the shot that I wanted until this morning, and I am pretty proud with how it came out. It is a more artsy, eerie and interesting photo. I’ll show it to you, and then explain it!

Mr. Bond watches Tizway go by

This is a long exposure, meaning the shutter is open for more than just a fraction of a second. In this instance, it was open for 5 seconds. By some stroke of luck, Mr. Bond walked and stopped dead center, paused for about 2 seconds, and walked away, leaving the semi ghosted image you see here. The red streaks are from the red blinker that I mentioned before from the riders helmet as he watches Tizway go by. Tizway was not still long enough to record anything in the frame. All in all I am pretty pleased, its something much different than what you are used to seeing — thats why I like it so much.

The polar opposite of yesterday, it was a famine day, there just usually isnt much going on on a Sunday. I did catch a cute moment with the Contessa pony, he was licking the picnic table, someone must have left food that he wanted

Theres food here somewhere....

The real thing today was the two performances by Stopshoppingmaria and My Miss Aurelia, who came out of a common baby race (My Miss Aurelia won that one). Let me just tell you, it was somewhat reminiscent of Uncle Mo’s MSW last year. She broke great, was never headed and her lead increased the further she went. She was never asked only had the reins shaken at her once and went on to dominate the field by 9 3/4 lengths. I am not one to get excited by babies, but I am totally in awe of her. It also absolutely flattered My Miss Aurelia who was slated to run later in the day. I’ll post the video and the win pic for ya!

Stopshoppingmaria romps while breaking her maiden, earning a 101 Beyer

Onto the race which I was jumping around excited for all day, the Adirondack. It was packed with good horses (well, good for 2 year olds) but two of them stood out, My Miss Aurelia and Millionreasonswhy. Especially after watching Stopshoppingmaria but away the field with ease, and knowing that My Miss Aurelia had beat her with ease (well, with a stumble) I was pretty much bombs away lets go My Miss Aurelia!

She broke alertly and was infront in the first jump, but was quickly joined by Bellacourt until about the 5/16ths pole, where Millionreasonswhy made a swooping move to the outside. There was nothing left for Bellacourt and from here on out, it was an all out throw down to the wire. My Miss Aurelia was tested and hit left handed by Julien, but the win never seemed in doubt as Millionreasonswhy was never closer than a long neck away from taking it, but it still made for a sensational stretch drive, especially because there was a “chasm of fifteen lengths behind them” as Tom Durkin put it. I live for this!!

My Miss Aurelia (rail) holds off an all out desperate Millionreasonswhy to win the Adirondack. Their expressions say it all

After the races I went home and literally passed out at 6:30pm. You wish you had my life.

Day Twenty Two (8-15-11)

I woke up to rain. Lots of it, it has been dumping here for quite a while and I believe we have gotten several inches. Apparently JFK airport in NYC got something like 10″ ?? Lunacy. So rain means … a morning off! Holy moly, first one of the meet. It felt nice to sleep in to 9.

It continued to rain all day while I was in and out of a coma.. apparently getting 3 hours a sleep a night for most of the meet is unhealthy or whatever. Went to Beverly’s on Phila Street… so flippin good. Highly suggest anything eggs benedict, or the Mediterranean wrap .. OR THE FRENCH TOAST! You MUST try the french toast! It’s absurdly good.

I missed all the races, including the first where Caixa Electronica won easily. I really wanted to see that one but it wasnt worth putting my camera in the rain for. I did however get lucky enough to “spot” a “break” in the doppler around the feature time, so I said what the hell and donned my sexy brown camo knee boots that totally scream take me into the woods and lets go.. and went to the track for the Saratoga Special.

I got to the paddock it wasn’t raining, by the time I hit the track it was raining at a pretty good clip. Even being sealed the track was pretty much soup. Thank god for my sexy boots. They all broke alertly and it was a four horse duel into the first quarter.. in 21.78 in the soup. From there it basically was a duel between Union Rags and Stat. They ran the half in 45.55. By the 3/16 pole it was all Union Rags who was pulling away. At about the 1/8 pole, Union Rags drifted from about the 2 path to the 6 path for some unknown reason. It does not appear he was hit left, which might have caused it. He was just frolicking in the slop. He splashed home by almost 8 lengths, and is the first horse from the 2010 Fasig Tipton yearling sale to win a graded race.

Union Rags romps in the mud to win the Saratoga Special 8.15.11

 

Post races, went to Stadium Cafe on Broadway. The food was OK, nothing that great. Pretty much pub food. The mixed drinks where incredibly weak. Probably won’t go there again. The fried oreos and pickles where the saving grace. Yes, fried oreos.

 

So there you have it folks, my week in a nutshell. I’ll leave you with some B-Side photos that never did get posted. STAY CLASSY SARATOGA 🙂

Banner Bill pre Saratoga Special 8.15.11

Turning for home

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Sunrise 8.12.11

Winter Memories 8.12.11

Day Nineteen through Twenty; Winchester, how I love thee

Ok now I have joined the ranks of the real artists, I am blogging from Panera.  Oh baby, I know you are jealous. Actually I might move I just sat down and the women next to me has a horrifically nasally voice, and she’s one of those super animated talkers and she knows everything. She literally hasn’t stopped talking in five minutes.

Ok lets restart our eight day odyssey.

Day 19 (8-12-11):

Some mornings are so pathetically slow that by 8 am, I am pretty much done. Other mornings its s hot and heavy that I amaze myself with how much ground I cover. This morning was no exception. I don’t know how I magically teleported to all these places…. before 7am, but I did!  Instead of babbling on about each one, I’ll let you just look and enjoy them. They all have different feels to them.

Sunrise, 8.12.11

Jess Knox coming off the track, 8.12.11

Lawn jockey Sentries, Nelson Ave Gate 8.12.11

Katie Meritt gallops on the main track 8.12.11

A breezer turns for home

Aikenite gets a bath

From here, I literally walked straight over to the Fasig Tipton sale pavilion and watched the Hall of Fame inductions. Sorry no photos for that, they have not even been downloaded yet! It was however a pleasent experience to watch, unfortunately the only inductee I knew was Jerry Hollendorfer. The horses where before my time, heck for one of them I wasn’t even born yet. Despite that, the appreciation is always there for great horses, and was quite moved to see their replays and hear their accomplishments.

From there, the marathon continued right back over to the main track for the days races, which consisted mostly of maidens and claimers. The feature of the day was the Hall of Fame stakes, which proved to be every bit as exciting as last years. Big Blue Kitten broke beautifully and immediately went to the rail where he sat in perfect striking distance for the remainder of the race. Turning for home, he had an explosive turn of foot and as he straightened for home powered through a hole, that didn’t look like it existed on the replay, to overpower Rustler Hustler. I just watched the replay twice and am amazed by this horse, and I just realized he now has a FIVE race win streak! wow! I really cant wait to see this horse run again soon, he is gorgeous!

Big Blue Kitten is much the best and wins a monster of a Hall of Fame Stakes

Oh and I went to Harvest and Hearth AGAIN. It’s better than crack.

Day 20 (8-13-11)

Halfway home. Thats a mildly depressing statement in itself. I am not going to talk about the morning because I was supposed to be at Arlington Park and its just wildly depressing.

I didn’t think it was possible to get sick from exhaustion, but apparently you can. I was remembering back on this morning through the photos, and I knew I was shivering and absolutely miserable all day long. I somehow managed to stay long enough to take pictures of Shackleford, who goes out super late. Well, to me, since I am there at 5am usually.

I arrived just in time to see ze king, Shackleford, in his first work over the main track with Tammy Fox up.

Shackleford works over the Saratoga Main track

He is just a monster. I really think that despite loosing to Coil, he is the best three year old out there. Yeah thats a lofty statement, but I believe it. He is such a happy horse and really loves his job. I also love that Dale Romans’ lets horses be horses…

Shackleford enjoys a roll in the dirt after his work

Really can’t wait to see that blue white blaze rolling down the lane at me in the Travers… or Woodward.

One other catch from this morning, the lovely Aikenite struck a pose for me! Love this little guy

Aikenite pisses off his groom and strikes a pose for me

I had to kind of blast through that part because the races where the most rewarding thing of all. After an abysmal morning, I was handed a D3 and a beastly 300 f/2.8. Which means pretty much nothing to you, but its a monster piece of equipment and I instantly go from 5’3 to 6’8. It’s my little machine gun.

The Prize Fighter finally broke his maiden. He tried what I believe was opening day and looked like a million bucks, only to be thwarted down the lane. With a race under his belt he knew what was going on and was bound and determined to win. He linked up with an appropriately named Jaw Crusher and they fought down the lane, leading ultimately to The Prize Fighter KO’ing Jaw Crusher at the wire.

The Prize Fighter (rail) knocks out Jaw Crushers hopes of breaking their maiden 8.13.11

Happy Days! The Prize Fighter smiles as he gets cooled off after breaking his maiden

Also much impressive was Tiz Sardonic Joe, trained by Asmussen and galloped in the morning by a friend of mine, wiring the field in a 1 1/16m maiden.

Tiz Sardonic Joe

The part that I am really excited about is the Sword Dancer, a race that I really was on the fence about because its just a really long race that is usually quite boring. I say that only because I am usually on the outside rail, not the inside. I hate the outside rail, its such a poor angle and everyone can do it. I was shooting the race for the track photographer (Adam Coglianese) and he wanted me to shoot it from the inside, but in one of the most difficult spots I have ever tried to shoot from. I was behind a bush like Lee Harvey Oswald, had no idea when the horses where coming and had about two strides to find, pan, focus and shoot. Oh did I mention the rail was out at 18′??? By the grace of God himself I got the shot the first time around, and when I heard the thundering of hooves the second time around my heart started to race…. was I going to get it? It’s just too easy to screw it up…. Shit there he is…

Winchester guns them down in the Sword Dancer

Bam. Nailed. How ironic that my little machine gun got Winchester. The high you get from shots like this is absolutely unimaginable. It’s like having sex while riding a roller coaster and winning the lottery while eating ice cream all at once. It took what was a really crappy day and turned it into one of the best days of the race meet. A perfect way to mark the halfway point.

Winchester after winning the Sword Dancer

Winchester and his groom enjoy a quiet moment after winning the Sword Dancer

So all in all, a fabulous day. Its a perfect reminder to never give up on yourself even when you feel the walls are closing in. Believe in yourself, and the rest will follow.

Stay classy Saratoga, I’ll leave you with a shot from the ninth..

Ninth Race, 8.13.11

Wait, I forgot this

Nanananana! No good! No good! GOOD OUTSIDE!!!! bell. clank. thunder. LOVE

Oh and this!

A horse from the ninth race cools off

Ok, I had a few tricks up my sleeve, NOW Stay Classy Saratoga!

Day Fifteen through Eighteen; playing catch up

First and foremost, let me apologize for the lackadaisical entry writing. The blog, in theory was something that I envisioned would be quick, easy, whimsical and fun. It is definitely not quick and easy. Do not read that as me complaining, its just a lot of work and the fact that I have about fifteen minutes to myself during the day, writing an entry just kind of fell by the wayside. So now that todays dark, I can sit down and write something for y’all.

(ADD moment: Panera is serving lunch now… ohhh)

The last week or so has been a whirlwind, sales, Hall of Fame, racing, rain, dinners, super people. I can only look back and smile at how this summer is going. It fills me with a level of happiness that is almost impossible to put into words — it can only be felt.

I will begin with something someone told me last week, and then we will totally dive right in and recap the week;

“Adam, shooting at Saratoga is a sign of your success, don’t ever fool yourself to think you haven’t achieved much”

DAY 15 (8-7-11):

The day of the Honorable Miss and the Vanderbilt! Things started getting hot and heavy right off the bat in the third race with a three horse blanket finish. (A blanket is a term in which the finish is so close, you could “throw a blanket” over all three horses and it would cover them) Down the lane, D’Oratory, Go Unbridled and Beautiful Risk all linked up together and where almost completely synchronized, both horse and jockey. Only under the venerable and hot as heck Rrrrrrrrrrrrramon Dominguez did D’Oratory prevail in what was only a $49k Allowance Opt Claimer. Its the bread and butter of the sport that makes the game great. Grade 1 throw down bar brawls are super exciting, but you can’t possibly appreciate them without first loving the work horses who never will know such competition.

D'Oratory (middle, 9) prevails in a three horse blanket over Go Unbridled (1,red) and Beautiful Risk (4,yellow) in the 3rd, 8.7.11

I’d also like to mention in brief my friend M C had her first leg up at the Spa this year on a feisty little two year old, Salsa Mambo. She got a less than perfect trip and wound up fifth. The horse needs a little more experience is all! Still was fun to watch a friend bomb down the lane. It’s got to be an experience that is completely amazing. As much as I love taking photos, i’d love to get a leg up at Saratoga, and even ride the pony around. All reports where good, she came back sound! Live to fight another day.

Mary "MC" Brock enters the paddock for her race

Mary "MC" Brock and Salsa Mambo

Now lets turn our attention to the Honorable Miss (g2) and in the aftermath I can say is just a sensational filly. Tar Heel mom broke well, dueled Wild News and Beat the Blues and after the first quarter mile, the race was over. In the stretch Tar Heel Mom was widening and made it look so easy. The final margin is set at 5 3/4 lengths. What an extremely consistent and classy horse. I hope to see her run again at Belmont.

Tar Heel Mom and Alex Solis win decisively in the Honorable Miss

Onto the Vanderbilt. As much as I love routes, and I have stated this a gazillion times, Grade 1 sprints are just so exciting. This years edition did not disappoint, much surpassing last years winner, Majesticperfection. Sean Avery and “Jersey Joe” Bravo shot out the gate like a rocket and never looked back. Ticking off fractions of 21.91 and 44.56, and he still had something left for the stretch. At the top of the lane, it looked as if his stride was shortening a bit and either Trappe Shot who was gathering momentum like a freight train on the outside, or a nagging Calibrachoa on the rail would finally do him in. The more Sean Avery was asked, the more he gave. He put away Calibrachoa but still was not in the clear from Trappe Shot, who was gaining ground with every stride, but in the end, Sean Avery prevailed. If it was 6 furlongs and one stride, it would have been Trappe Shot, thats how close it was.

Sean Avery holds off the freight train Trappe Shot to win the Vanderbilt

All in all, an exciting day at the Spa. Oh and I forgot to post a shot from a really yucky Oklahoma in the morning.

Splish Splash at Oklahoma

DAY 16 (8-8-11):

Day sixteen was an extremely abbreviated day, which saw most of the action in the morning. As I staggered around the track from a three hour nap from “Saratoga sinning” the night before, I stumbled upon a horse who’s name I love and though it will never happen, I wish he would race against Al Stall’s Julius Ceaser. I think it would made for a fun race, the battle of Rome. Ok. I am slightly nerdy. While Rome burned, Ne(h)ro fiddled.

Nehro

Also spotted, finally, was the fabled Gio Ponti. I have to say this horse was one of the most elusive I have ever tried to photograph, he is like Pegasus or The Batman or a leprechaun (not the Mobile Alabama one though — if you get that reference). What makes him so hard to find is he usually jogs the wrong way, and the time he goes out the sun is directly in your eyes so by the time you spot him you are looking at his patootie. Finally, for the world to see, behold the Eclipse Award winning, Gio Ponti!

Gio Ponti gallops over the Oklahoma Training Track

Also making headlines this morning was Uncle Mo who was on the work tab for Oklahoma. Not that you haven’t seen this before since there where about 57 photographers there, in a morning that somewhat resembled Rachel Alexandra mania from last year. On the comeback trail for the Kings Bishop, Uncle Mo put in a bullet for 5 furlongs in 1:00.22

Uncle Mo breezes in company with Caixa Electronica, covering 5 furlongs in 1:00.22

I only stayed for one race, the rain chased me away, but the Gleaming Stakes was won by a white hot Shuggggg McGaughey. I love trainers like Shug and Al Stall, they don’t just run a horse to run it, the horse is in a spot where it has a real shot, and they run to win. When I got in the paddock, it wasnt raining, when I got to the track it started lightly drizzling, in the thirty seconds it took me to get to the photo stand, it was downpouring. I was hiding underneath the photo stand like a troll while shooting the race. It was won by Seal Cove, who broke much the best, went to the lead and in the soft turf, no one could make up ground on him. It was an impressive performance indeed, and made for a great photo in the downpour. (By the time I got to my car, the sun was out. Such is my life)

Seal Cove wires the field in the Gleaming.

And as usual, here are a few sunrises pictures from that morning!

Sun drenched benches, Main Track

Sea Hero statue, paddock

And one more! Amsterdam winning Stay Thirsty was spotted enjoying a bath!

Stay Thirsty enjoys a bath

Day 17 (8-10-11)

The days, they all run into one another, especially after the fact. I was really happy to see Silver Timber in, though. He is a gorgeous animal who I have had the pleasure of watching the past three years (2009 in the Commentator (2nd), 2010 in the Troy (5th)) but never win, until today. With a gutsy move, squeezing through a hole that barely existed on the rail, he went on to win by 3/4 of a length. It’s so rewarding to see these old war horses winning.

Silver Timber chops down a hole on the rail to win 8.11.11

Also today where a bunch of baby races. None of them really stood out. It’s the dog days of the meet, where what once was a cool picture is now just the norm. Or when the baby races where exciting, and now its “just another baby race.” Don’t get me wrong, I love them to pieces and am in no way complaining, but when you shoot so much it just becomes the norm. I am not jaded!! Don’t think that! This baby race however had a little frisky one, Wesley’s Aunt, who was completely full of herself in the paddock, jumping around like a kangaroo. Here she is giving her handlers a little fright. Everyone was fine during the incident. She went on to finish last, the trackman’s comments read she was stopped.

Wesley's Aunt capriolles in the paddock before her race

In conjunction with the NY sales, there was the New York Signature Stallion Series Waya Stakes today, run at a marathon 1.5 miles. It was won by Emerald Beech, but by only about a half a length or more. It always amazes me that these long races are decided sometimes by the smallest of margins. Going that long and coming up that short has to be heart breaking. Stalking the pace, and shaken up at about the mile mark, Emerald Beech swooped in and hugged the rail, shaking free in the stretch for about a 1/16th, when Senada rocketed up on the grandstand side to make a race of it, but there was no catching Emerald Beech

Emerald Beech prevails over a rocketing Senada in the NY Signature Stallion Waya 8.10.11

Despite the races though I think the most fun part of the day was the morning. Aside from my fog pictures, I think todays edition was some of, if not the best yet. But I will keep that picture tight to my chest for now. Or you can cheat and scroll down.

Spotted this morning was Here Comes Art, arguably the prettiest horse on the grounds (even prettier than En Fuego). I usually catch him galloping out, not today! Finally got lucky. He is a jump horse who raced opening day. Heres to hoping I see him again before the meets out!

Here Comes Art

It’s starting to become that time, dare I say.. fall? Where the mornings are beginning to feel brisker and my skinny butt has to don a sweatshirt so I am not shivering, despite it only being 60 degrees. It also equates to a different sort of photo, shown below. It’s just little things that make this place so great

Heat rises off a Contessa trainee

On the topic of the the little things, over by the Asmussen barn I spotted an absolutely serene sight, which is so common and at the same time so heart warming. It truly is lifes simplest pleasure, but it is just so beautiful at the same time.

Life's simplest pleasures

Alright, now onto that one photo that I raved about. I set myself up in a totally new location that in the three years of haunting Oklahoma, I have never been. I didn’t know what to expect or if anything would even come of it so I just held my breath and did what I always do.. mutter to myself “c’mon, theres always a million horses but the time I need one” By some stroke of luck I got this image and was so excited to see it on the camera. All the factors came together, the horse was at that exact point in his stride, I was in the right place, and the sun was just right.

Sunrise 8.10.11. Rider unknown

Day 18 (8-11-11):

Thursday! Jump Day! And as always, its either raining or overcast. In the years that I have been coming to the Spa, it always seems to happen on Thursday. It’s like some cosmic conspiracy.

It’s always amazing to me these horses going for over 2 miles, over hurdles, carrying about 150 pounds. It’s absolutely beautiful watching them go over jumps, especially when its a grey. Yeah, I am partial to greys.

Maya Charlie, 2nd time by. 8.11.11

The race however set up for Opera Heroine, who after sitting chilly, overpowered them all in the final turn and over the last hurdle

Opera Heroine wins the Ms. Ogden Phipps Stakes 8.11.11

The other two big races where the Lucy Scribner Stakes and another rendition of the New York Stallion Signature Series.

The Lucy Scribner was won by Cascadilla Falls, who stalked the pace early and took the lead after the first quarter mile, more than likely when Funny Sunny swerved to avoid the breakdown of Doing Great. He never looked back and went on to win. Even writing this days entries, there is no heart. You could hear it in the call when Doing Great went down, all the emotion left his voice and it was just a somber call. Doing Great started to wobble mid way on the turn and fell, catastrophically. I will not go into any more detail than this — it took a lot out of me and for those readers who are not as devoted as I in the game, do not want them to get the wrong impression.

Cascadilla Falls wins the Lucy Scribner Stakes

Rest in peace, Doing Great

In the last race I could stomach watching, the New York Stallion Series, Hessonite proved he was stronger than his mineral counterpart (yes I looked it up) when he linked up with Freud’s Honor at about the 1/16th pole and put him away. They where determined, synchronized and in an all out duel to the wire, with Hessonite prevailing by a head

Hessonite denies Freud's Honor a win in the NY Signature Stallion Series 8.11.11

After the races I went out and had a copious amount of liquor at my new favorite haunt, Harvest and Hearth (off of 67). Best flippin’ pizza ever. It was a nice interruption to what I had witnessed that afternoon.

 

Ok, I have been rocking the same position for the past 2.5 hours to write this entry, it’s time for a break. Maybe time to go visit Panera, since I was thinking about that three hours ago. Holy crap its been three hours.

 

Stay Classy, Saratoga. The rest is coming soon.

Day Fourteen. Say hello, Marylou.

It’s Whitney day! The turnstiles clocked in 34412 guests to witness a literally wide open prestigious race.

But wait, lets not get ahead of ourselves.

The weekend and beginning of the weeks seem to be a slower time, that or I am becoming Spaa’d out. There didn’t feel as though there was much going on, so I just stalked Whitney horses to see them before they ran. I went and visited Tizway, Apart, Rail Trip and swung by Friend or Foe and waved at him through the back of his stall. Despite having to have some sense of professionalism, I am a gigantic fan.

Apart, Whitney morning

He looked great on the track. Infront of him was J B’s Thunder who looked amazing as well. It’s a shame he did not perform in the big one.

Also spotted was Bob Baffert’s Coil

Coil 8.6.11

Oh and my never ending quest for originality at the Spa continued with a serendipitous find in the winners circle. This has got to be flat out the most fun mini project I have ever done. It’s also the most challenging thing to find different spots every morning in which to capture a little slice of Saratoga.

Sunrise, 8.6.11, as seen by the jockey's scale

 

Today’s races where amazing. They featured one dominating performance, a little rain spat, a six way battle for position, and one special moment that seldom got to bear witness to.

There where a lot of baby races, and little claimers today, but the second race was by far the best of them, in which the way the race unfurled.

Six way battle down the stretch for position

The race was won by first time starter, Optimizer, who, despite having 60% of the field in the picture, is not in this one.

Optiizer (8) denies Longwood Lane (middle) and Two Months Rent (rail) in the 2nd 8.6.11

Since I am running short on time, I will fast forward to the two stake races and the overnight!

The De La Rose stakes lost a huge horse in the scratch of Deluxe, but still featured a Breeder’s Cup winner (Tapitsfly) and Balston Spa winner (Dynaslew). Well, with Shaun Bridgemohan up, Trix in the City took the lead the first time around, opened up about 8 lengths, maintained that for a good chunk of the race, and the margin shrank to about four by the time she came around and wired the field, blowing up the toteboard in the process ($50 to win)

Trix In The City wins the De La Rosa S. 8.6.11

 

The Test stakes probably offered one of the easiest wins to date for the 2011 season. Turbulent Descent stalked abut 5 lengths from the lead, in the middle of the turn she was let loose and blew by a fading Roman Treasure. David Flores shook the reins once at the top of the stretch and that was all the urging Turbulent Descent needed. The final margin of victory was 3.75, it seemed like a lot more than that but she was under an easy hand ride. She came back and was not even blowing hard, didn’t look like she did much of anything to win. She will be interesting to watch in her next start.

Turbulent Descent wins the Test Stakes

 

Then all eyes turned to the Whitney, which was totally wide open, featuring 10 graded stakes winners and oodles of talent all around. So much could be said about any one horse, there where major story arcs for each. In the end, a “terrific Tizway” found himself out in front and was not looking back. Flat Out made an ill fated run at him, there was no catching Tizway! It couldn’t happen to a cooler guy. Mr. Bond (trainer) is out at Oklahoma on the rail every morning at 5:30 watching his horses gallop.

And they're off in the Whitney

 

Tizway (5) first time by in the Whitney

The finish is that of one which I wont forget for a long time. Seldom to riders look to the inside shooters to do any sort of celebratory act, they always look outside. Today was different, Rajiv Miragh, for a split second, beamed a huge smile at us and flapped his whip in delight. You all saw that on TV though, what you didn’t see — or hear for that matter — was Rajiv screaming in happiness. Just little moments at the track, something so minor is really just so awesome.

 

Rajiv Miragh is all smiles as he wins the Whitney on Tizway

After nailing this exciting and fun shot (even fighting the rain, it adds a lot more of a challenge to the shot, so it makes you feel so much better when the results are like this!) I went and celebrated at Little India. It’s a little hole in the wall place right next to Spring Street Deli (corner of Regent and Spring, off of Union) and the food was delicious! The food was extremely flavorful and had a nice quiet and relaxed atmosphere. If you go try the shrimp bhuna, or the veggie appetizers. SO GOOD!!

See you tomorrow for the Vanderbuilt! Stay classy, Sara frickin Toga!

Day Thirteen. Bearpath.

Late edition.

**It should be noted at the time of me typing this – 11am Sunday – things are still wait and see, stress fracture to shoulder**

After seeing what unfurled in the John’s Call Stakes on Friday, I immediately left the races and wanted absolutely nothing to do with my camera or photos in general. There are very few moments in this sport where I contemplate giving it up, but it was only saved by the fact that people actually care. It wasn’t even more horse, I didn’t have any idea what happened, all I know is the field went by me, followed by Bearpath about a furlong behind, skimming the outside rail, and me yelling to not jump the fence and kill me. I do not know where the outriders where to catch this horse but he went about 6 furlongs before he was rounded up. The image that haunts me is that of the horse going by and then his exercise rider running behind him with a shank balling her eyes out. Its horrifying and redeeming in the same stroke. He is such a cool classy horse, and his rider is just a great person with a great barn. It’s truly a shame that things like this happen.

Bearpath enters the paddock for the John's Call Stakes

Now onto some happier things. Just know I do care deeply and it really kills me inside, if you ever become callous to breakdowns, you are heartless and inhumane, and probably don’t even deserve the blue tarp.

The John’s Call is one of those races that make you double take on the program — 1 5/8 miles. Wow! What a marathon. Aside from jump races, I don’t think I have ever shot a flat race that was that long. Longer than the Belmont! Those that run in this are a different breed all their own, and I can’t even comment as I do not see enough of them to form an opinion that holds more weight than a wet tissue. It was however really exciting to see that even after 1 5/8 miles, the margin of victory was 2.25 lengths, and 2nd was contested over a nose. Just wild!

2nd turn of the John's Call. Eventual winner is in middle with gold cap, Sanagas

Sanagas enjoys a drink of water after winning the marathon 1 5/8m John's Call

 

The other overnight stake on the card was the third race, The Madame Jumel. It was won by Arena Elvira, and I cannot seem to find a video of it. That’s the thing with shooting races, you are more focused on an aspect of the horses equipment, wether its blue blinkers, white shadow roll or the jockeys cap, than actual names and you seldom know what happens until after the race!

Arena Elvira captures the Madam Jumel Stakes 8.5.11

Arena Elvira after winning the Madam Jumel Stakes 8.5.11

 

Now to rewind back to the morning since I had to open with my mini gush about Bearpath, the sunrise was quite fun too!

Sunrise 8.5.11

I always use the last photo I take, for whatever reason, thats how it always pans out. So I was walking down the steps to the press deck and I just had this thought that I should go take one more photo. So when I went up there, a dove flew up and landed on the spire infront of me. Weird how things like that work! (I was also visited by the Hawk. He landed like, 15 feet from me, and then realized I was there and went and hid between the spires)

Sunrise 8.5.11

Also took a self portrait, which was the scariest thing in the word because the railings are curved so I was trying to balance my camera on it… then slink away very carefully

Self Portrait, 2011

 

That night I went to the Horseshoe, which is right outside the Nelson Ave gates and well, what happens at the Shoe, stays at the Shoe. I know I got a parking ticket, danced, sang, got put on a fireman’s shoulder and was bounced around, was carried like a bride and had an all around fabulous time! Wound up at the Adelphi hotel again. Love that place!

I will leave you with some random sights from Saratoga

A fan scoping out the feildA fan handed Edgar Prado her baby for pictures

Little diva!

 

Day Twelve; Rule rules in the Birdstone

Sorry for the last post. Yesterday I hit the wall, literally and figuretively. I came home at 5pm and woke up this morning to my alarm at 4:40.

 

Every day I try to find a unique and interesting sunrise for you, and yesterday I just tried something that was so simple, but gave me a great result — bending over! No! Get your mind out of the gutter!

Sunrise, Oklahoma, 8.4.11

 

I do not have many photos from the afternoon because I was helping someone out at the track, so this entry will be extremely abbreviated but yesterday had probably the gamest, gutsy-est race of the 2011 meet to date – -The Birdstone. With three defections, the race seemed weak, oh boy was it not. Right out of the gate (mind you this is a nine furlong race) Sangree and Rule hooked up and left the field behind them. We have seen this before, a speed duel erupts on the front end and by the time they are turning for home, the closers are there to pick up the pieces. Not so today! The two of them battled head to head until about the 5/8 pole, where Sangree put a length between Rule. By the half pole, they where linked and thats how they would stay. There strides synchronized, so close they where probably rubbing each other down the lane. You can’t tell me for one second that these animals don’t love their job nor are they made to do anything. It was one of those all out knock-down, throw em out stretch drives that make you love this game. In the last 70 yard, Rule put a head in front and captured the Birdstone. Absolutely one of the best races, if not the best race of the year.

Heres a photo, and the NYRA video.

Rule prevails in a thrilling Birdstone

Video:

I’ll leave you with this portrait of Rule. Stay classy, Saratoga

Rule

Day 11; Hot, Heavy and Holy noses.

There are some days you go to the track and you can search all over for one big horse. Then there are days like today where you are literally tripping over big named horses like its nobodies business. Today I saw no fewer than; Jackson Bend, Morning Line, Plum Pretty, Stay Thirtsy, Uncle Mo, Aikenite, Mucho Macho Man, and Gio Ponti, all in the span of about 60 minutes. I love these days! It makes up for monday when I felt skunked — and didn’t get much of anything.

Heres my morning in about 5 pictures! 🙂

Dawn at the Oklahoma Training Track 8.3.11

Uncle Mo breezes 5 panels in 1:02.4 in preparation for the Kings Bishop 8.3.11

Whitney challenger, Morning Line, after a brisk jog around the Main Track 8.3.11

Jim Dandy winner Stay Thirsty 8.3.11

Kentucky Oaks winner, the gutsy Plum Pretty. 8.3.11

Hopefully tomorrow (my mission) is to get a good picture of Gio Ponti. I have kind of zeroed in on the time in which he takes to the track. I got backed up on and don’t like how the photos of him came out today.

The racing today felt somewhat mediocre. However, making the best of it, it was definitely nice to see Shug win another one in the first. The horses he sends out run to win, they dont run to run. It seems like whenever Shug has one in, its hitting the board. The racing today was made EXTREMELY exciting in the 6th and the 7th by absolutely sensational stretch drives that went to a head bob.

Frazil (3, rail) bests Unbridled Heat to win the 6th 8.3.11

An all out Majestic Hope (blue cap) denies Worth a Buck in a bob, 7th race. 8.3.11

The feature race was the James Morrisey overnight, featuring Ibboyee, Naughty New Yorker and Be Bullish. I am partial to Ibboyee because his rider in the morning is fabulous, hah! At the break, Be Bullish almost went butt-over-tea kettle. He went to his knees and quickly recovered, but it cost him the race. Down the lane it looked like he had put away the field, but Ibboyee came flying out of the next zip code and stole the race — in ANOTHER head bob!

Ibboyee winning the James Morrisey 8.3.11

After the races I went to Harvest and Hearth, on 67 by Saratoga lake. It was SO good!! It is a brick oven pizza place. We had two pizzas and multiple glasses of wine and the prices where more than reasonable. By the way, you DEFINITELY need to try the pepperoni, gouda cheese and caramelized onion pizza. Sounds gross but its so delicious that my mouth is watering right now just thinking of it. I also shared some great company and my face still hurts from smiling. Thats whats so great about Saratoga. The people here just make it so much more enjoyable. Sure there are those who have bad energy, but there are many more who have such a positive way about them that it rubs off on you. Love it here, and love the people that I call friends.

I will leave you with my friend Calamity’s big mare breaking her maiden today in race 4! Go Calamity!

Yadira breaks her maiden, Race 4, 8.3.11

Stay classy, Saratoga!