Jhirsch went too fast, too early at Saratoga yesterday. Not anyone’s fault, just the way races go sometimes. We knew we wanted to go forward and get over, which Jose Lezcano did, but there was pressure from Willintoriskitall and Sky Masterson as the field ripped down the backside. The first … Read More

Each year, they sneak up on you. You know they’re out there but never quite sure where. It’s not like you look for them or wait for them or think about them. Then they appear, around the long, slow, descending left bend on the Northway. Usually at dusk, sun fading … Read More

It’s that time of year. Earlier than ever. Off to Saratoga today to catch the ninth tomorrow. Jhirsch making his Riverdee debut at Saratoga. Whew. This was the plan, or part of the plan, when we bought him. A steeplechase prospect down the road, but for now, a New York-bred … Read More

OK, back in the entries. Mortal Sin and trainer Danielle Hodsdon ship to Presque Isle Downs today. The 4-year-old runs in the fifth race Friday. The son of Solomini is 7/2 in a field of seven. A couple of decent tries over the synthetic track last year, hopefully he can … Read More

Rory Cleary stood up at the wire and pumped his left fist. A pick-up ride, a pick-up win on a Tuesday evening at Roscommon. There aren’t many pumped fists on a Tuesday evening at Roscommon. This was a poignant punch. Rory Cleary won the Sean Cleary Memorial Handicap aboard Thatwilldoso. … Read More