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07/28/04 *SPA OPENS TO HUGE FANFARE AND INTEREST* *STICK IS IN SPA SHOWDOWN CHALLENGE* *SLOT MACHINE DEBACLE SHOWS DEPTH OF STATE LOSS* Where to start guys ? Wow.... Saratoga is now open, and we are very excited about it along with a ton of people across the country and in Canada. We should see some of the best racing this year at The beautiful Spa. We are in the Saratoga "SHOWDOWN" contest as TheStickRulesCom and we will see how far we can go in our first SHOWDOWN appearance. We are also in the Fantasy Stable as just TheStickRules. Good Luck to everyone in the contest, lets have fun ! Did you hear about the big slot machine debacle in NY ? The NY Courts have ruled that Slot Machines are not going to be allowed at selected tracks, because they do not give 100% of their profit to education as the Lottery system does. Thus Yonkers, Monticello and Aqueduct will not be ale to use slot machines to generate revenues. How stupid do you have to be ? Why on earth would the tracks want to put in slot machines for NO profit and to give all the income to education ? They already pay a HUGE amount to the state in taxes and fee's. IT shows the complete and total lack of understanding that the NY legislature has regarding horse racing revenues and it means that NY will eventually be a 2nd rate place to race horses as other states are able to boost their purses to record highs and build wonderful facillities and stables. Lets let all the slot machine money go to other states and casinos and watch racing in NY crumble. Its really shocking to watch. States like West VA and Delaware have revitalized DEAD Tracks into mega racing palaces, with casino's being added on in West VA, and hotels and resort functions. Watch as Belmont runs $42,000 races and Delaware runs $58,000 ALLW races. It was really incredible to see such a ruiling about slot machines actually being lottery terminals that have to give 100% to the state without and revenue generation for horsemen. The Horsemen are getting a HUGE raw deal in all of this, and its a shame to see the richest state in the nation allowing its once premiere status of Horse Racing's greatest to Horse Racing's back seat. Its typical NY, and for people who have lived here its no wonder to see people without a clue about racing, try to ruin something nice, typical NY politics, attitude and behavior.

07/05/04 *SARATOGA DREAMING - 2 WEEKS TO SPA OPENING* *PEACE RULES WINS NARROW VICTORY IN SUBURBAN* *GHOSTZAPPER WINS FROM CLOSE TO THE PACE IN FOOL* Hi Everyone, Its good to be back and updating the pages regularly again. All FREE Selections Pages will be updated daily when those tracks run. News Pages will be updated Every Week with new stuff from the BIG Summer Racing coming. The Spa, beautiful Saratoga will be opening in less then 2 weeks and for those of us downstate who love Belmont, it is a mixed blessing. On the plus side we will see incredible daily race cards, and stakes races. Also on the plus side we will see what a racetrack looks like with fans actually in attendance. On the downside, we will not be able to go to the races, but to tell you the truth its very depressing to go to Belmont Park and be among 4 or 5 thousand people in a enormous Racing Palace designed to accommodate over 100,000 on a Belmont Stakes Day or Breeders Cup day. The emptiness of the track on normal racing days during the week is a very depressing sight for those of us who went as children in the 70's and 80's to larger crowds and more excitement. Also of note, all over Belmont Racetrack there are signs telling people to call a law firm to report any corruption they know of. It makes the track seem a very scrutinized place to those of us just looking for a nice day out to play the horses. Well, at least with Saratoga opening in less then 2 weeks, all this will fade away to the huge crowds of people going every day to The Spa, and to the Top level racing we will see. I guess Summer still can be special for Horse Racing. I just wish the rest of the year were that way as well. More Updates and Racing information as the big horses run over the coming weeks. *SUBURBAN HDCP* It was a nice Grade 1 with $500K on the line and a top field. Peace Rules with Jerry Bailey, Dynever with Corey Nakatani coming in. Funny Cide and Jose Santos staying in despite comments he might scratch. The race developed nicely and it looked like Funny Cide was going to take the race at the top of the stretch. However, he tired through the lane and Newfoundland, who was nowhere in the Mass Cap, gave a Huge race for Pletcher/Velasquez and came home hard. However, his name is Frankel and he is the top trainer in the Country right now. Peace Rules and Bobby Frankel had some nervous moments through the stretch, but they held on to win with Jerry Bailey never giving up on him and winning at the wire in a thrilling run. On Sunday in the Tom Fool, a 7F graded sprint, Frankel had Ghostzapper and despite this ones big late run, he was very close to the pace through the race. Lion Tamer and Unforgettable Max went out on the lead, but both tired badly to let Aggadan finish 2nd in front of them. Ghostzapper won very easily and may be the top Sprinter in the country right now. We shall see, but Pohave would not have won over Ghostzapper.

04/30/04 *FAST FRAN AND LS JOE GIVE THEIR TAKE ON DERBY 04* LS Joe : When The Stick and I discussed the Derby and the Big Churchill Downs Undercard for Derby Day, I told him to watch for horses running in the Withers at the Big A Saturday for Preakness and Belmont contenders. I really love Imperialism and his strong late kick. Now I picked about 5 different horses for the Special, and The Stick and Blaze agreed with me on 2 of them. I feel we will also get a big price on Imperialism so Im going to give him out to the fans as my longshot pick of the Derby. In the earlier races, I think it is important to try and DEFEAT(Bet Against) Azeri in the Distaff and Congaree in the Churchill Downs HDCP in order to secure some big Pick 3 prices for us. Remember The Stick Rules, but Longshot Joe is at the heart of his higher priced selections ! Best Luck to everybody - LS Joe Fast Fran : This year is the toughest I have seen in many years. There are 20 horses and each one of them looks good. I can't say Im high on the Smartee Jones. He may be Mr Smartee Pants to all the In Crowd people, but he has to show he can run well at Churchill Downs. I love Azeri in the Distaff on the Undercard. She may be a low price, but she has proven to be a Top Star and a solid MAre every time she runs. My Derby Selection is still up in the air. I will have it on The Stick Special Email Order, but he asked me to write this ahead of time, and I just don't know who I like best. Maybe Lion Heart will run big up front ? But then, what about Pollards Vision ? How will Todd Pletcher tell his boys to go out in this big field ? Good Luck to everyone - Fast Fran

04/18/04 *WOOD MEMORIAL PROVIDES EXCITING STRETCH DRIVE* Trainer Mike Dickinson must have been the most surprised man on the racetrack. His charge, Tapit, had just 3 weeks earlier been in dire straits with a very serious lung infection. When asked questions about his readiness to go the 9 furlongs of the Wood, Dickinson said he thought he needed to get more training into Tapit, and that he was just on the cusp of recovery. The Wood Memorial was $750,000 this year and while always being a serious Derby Prep, has just started producing winners in this new Century. Fusaichi Pegasus won the Wood, then became the first Derby winning favorite in over 20 years. Empire Maker and Funny Cide dueled through the mud of a neck decision. 2nd place finisher Funny Cide went on to become the first ever NY Bred winner of the KY Derby last year. This years running featured Master David from California, Value Plus, The local hope Sinister G, and Eddington. Value Plus went off the post time favorite. Sinister G and Value Plus fought it out early with Eddington and longshot Cuba close to the reasonable pace. Tapit was well rated under very underated Ramon Dominguez who has inherited Edgar Prado's throne in Maryland. Coming around the turn Value Plus wanted to set sail, but found Eddington coming on, Master David searching for room on the rail and Swing for the Fences mounting a huge 4 wide late bid that looked like he might win it all. As we came through the stretch, the grey/almost white Tapit came up on the outside with a smooth trip and a well rated ride to win under pressure in a final time of 1:49.70 Look for the top 4 from this race in the Derby they are sure to make their presence felt at Churchill Downs. The Payoff's 2 Tapit-Dominguz 12.60 6.60 4.80 5 Master David-Solis 5.10 3.30 8 Eddington-Bailey 3.50

04/12/04 *THE STICK IS BACK DERBY 3 WEEKS AWAY !* *NEWS UPDATES FOR KENTUCKY DERBY AND FUTURE STAKES COMING THIS WEEK* *THE STICK IS BACK FOR HIS FANS ! YES !*

02/04/04 *AQUEDUCT RACING IN WINTER COLD STILL LOTS OF FUN !* The Racing in NY has had to suffer with sub 20 degree weather and more snow then we have seen in the last 10 years. However, give huge credit and kudos to the NYRA track maintainance and the people who run NYRA. With the exception of some massive snow days of more then 10 inches, Aqueduct has run in weather that most other tracks would simply close and stay closed in. We have heard some big outfits are looking to exploit the Winter/Spring meets at the Big A. Have you noticed that D.Wayne Lukas is shipping in and has been very live ? Also veteran NY trainer and 2 time KY Derby Winner, Nick Zito, has also been entering horses in choice spots. *Track Notes - Be very wary of closers on the "Inner Track". Front Runners and middle mover's have been very strong over the last few weeks. More news and info to come Stick Fans, Im glad to be back ! Hope to speak to All of you more soon in Email ! Best Regards - MC*

11/15/03 *AQUEDUCT STARTS 7 MONTH RUN* *TURN UP VOLUME FOR NYRA TV - GREAT COMMENTARIES* We know everyone is ready for Winter Racing, and the action in NY has shifted back to Aqueduct. The racing has been top quality, and we can expect the top names to stay with us until the Gulfstream Meeting starts in Feburary. If you have a chance to watch the TV program from NYRA, turn up the volume ! Mary Ryan, John Lee, John Imbriale, Jan Rushton, and the other people on the staff who report in each day have a lot of Good Information to help you enjoy your day. Mary Ryan has had some great interviews over the past few months, and her interview people have all gone out on the track and WON BIG ! Notable interview, Herb Castillo about Almuhathir. He then went to post 9-1 as the outsider in a field of 5, and WON ! Also, Mary has interviewed Nick Zito on his way to a 2 yr old filly stake win. John Lee always gives a great recap of stakes races from the day or weekend previous and he always has some good information to bring everyone up to date and make them current. John Imbriale, the voice of NYRA inbetween races always points out a "Stick". Also he often does the replay show which is usually on at 5:30pm EST on Fox sports NY. Jan Rushton, does a great job of interviewing people and giving you information about 10 minutes before each race on the live program. Jan often slips in an interview, so make sure you watch her before you run to the window to make your bets. The Staff of handicappers are on about 30 minutes before the first race and they give their selections for the day. Its usually a mix of different people from day to day, but I have to tell you, those guys are pretty good. It would be a fun idea to have a Handicapping Challenge between the NYRA staff Handicappers and The Stick, or other private and public Handicappers. The NYRA in house show among the best of all tracks, due to the people and the amount of information you can get during the day. Remember, most in house shows from the racetracks on the simulcasting networks usually only have 1 handicapper and the track announcer. NYRA gives you a whole program through the day. *-Handicapping Note - While we always tell you to watch for the Front Running bias on the Inner Dirt Track, please remember, they are racing on the main surface still and closers have the chance to come on powerfully in the stretch.

10/24/03 *LAST WEEK AT BELMONT FOR SEASON* *SEE CA NEWS SECTION AND B.CUP LOG-IN FOR 2003 BREEDERS CUP INFO* This will be the last week of the Belmont Park Fall Meeting. The colder weather is coming and the return of Winter Racing will begin the following week at Aqueduct. Please see our Breeders Cup - Special Event Log-In Page for the 2003 Entries and Stick True Odds Morning Line. Our Morning Line odds DO NOT Represent our Picks, and the odds are NOT a representation of our Selections in any order. They are just how we feel the public will bet the races. Please see our California News for Champagne Joe's Insights into this years Breeders Cup. Champagne has his own private opinions that he is sharing with Stick Fans. *-Note, Champagne Joe's Insights are NOT our Official Stick 2003 Special Event Selections. However, we very much appreciate Joe's insights and are happy to share them with our fans.

10/21/03 *STICK BREEDERS CUP SPECIAL UP ON THURSDAY 10/23* We have the Past Performance data and we are watching all the replays of the Key Prep races from around the country. We will be formulating our figures all week long ! The 2003 Stick Breeders Cup Special looks to be very worthwhile for all of us. We already have some very strong feelings about the Sprint and the Turf Mile. While we have the raw data and are formulating our Stick Speed Figures and Class Index, we will not know the Post Positions, and final fields until Wednesday evening. We will start posting information between Wednesday Evening and Thursday night, probably into Friday morning. *NOTE-You may Order the Stick 2003 Breeders Cup Special now and receive your Username and Password for Log-In of the Protected Pay Pages. After purchasing your Username and Password, PLEASE PRINT up the page with your information on it, it will not be displayed at any other time. You may of course email us for your Username and Password, and as soon as we verify your purchase, we can also email you your Log-In Information. The Format will be Identical to the 2002 Stick B.Cup Special, and we have left last years selections up for you to review. Hopefully, we will give you another $984 Triple and $4,000+ Superfecta like we did in the Mile Turf. The Strategy Box for that race recommended BOXING our Picks, which would have paid you handsomely ! *Note-If you purchase the Username and Password before Thursday 10/23, you may Log-In and see our progress as we begin to post new information. However, do not be worried if the pages are not complete before Thursday 10/23. We will have ALL the Races and Information posted for the Entire Breeders Cup 2003 Stick Special between Wednesday Evening and Thursday Evening for Saturday's Racing at Santa Anita.

10/19/03 *STICK BREEDERS CUP SPECIAL TO BE POSTED ON MONDAY 10/20* We will be featuring a Breeders Cup Special Event Log-In for $50 which will be posted on Sunday Night through Monday Night. The Pages will be accessed with a Username and Password that may be purchased on the Special Event Log In Page. The Format will be Identical to Last Year's 2002 Stick Breeders Cup Special. We will be posting normal Weekly News here later this week, and we will have a lot of FREE Breeders Cup insights and information for you, so please check back in during the week. *Of Note - Funny Cide IS RUNNING in the Classic. This should make the race very exciting, as we have this years KY Derby Winner going against older horses from around the World.

10/08/03 *MINESHAFT, EMPIRE MAKER RETIRED ?* *MINESHAFT HORSE OF THE YEAR !* You heard right Stick Fans ! We told you our sources had hinted that Empire Maker would not run again this year. Well, now we have heard that Empire Maker is being retired and sent to stud. A big wave of The Stick for a great year and a solid run for the glory. Citing a ankle chip, Mineshaft's connections have correctly pointed out that it would be madness to risk a horse worth Millions of dollars at stud by running him in the Breeders Cup Classic. Mineshaft has also proven himself as the outstanding Handicap Horse of the Year by racing and winning all year long. Its no secret Perfect Drift has Horse of Year ambitions also, but we would have to say that Mineshaft has done more overall this year. Perfect Drift did defeat Mineshaft in the Stephen Foster, but that was a head victory on Drift's home track, Churchill Downs. Also, Drift did win the Kentucky Cup, but that was over a very battle weary Congaree, who perhaps has seen his best days past. In winning the Suburban, Woodward, and Jockey Club Gold Cup, Mineshaft has put together a Horse of the Year performance. His race in the Suburban was the best race of the year nationwide. Combine that with his victories at the Fair Grounds and Keeneland, and you see a solid record worthy of the title. Mineshaft has nothing to prove in the Breeders Cup, and would be potentially risking the horses future. While we would all like to see Mineshaft run in the Classic, it would only give others the chance to exploit his potential problems arising from his warm ankle and bone chip. If we can't see Mineshaft at 100%, then please retire him, he has proven himself to us. G-D bless and speed Mineshaft, you did everything asked of you with style and grace. Thank you for the memories, and thank you for the thrills. Live out your life on a green farm, with nothing to do but enjoy the duty you have earned with your victories. Empire Maker was an impressive winner by a head over Funny Cide in the Wood Memorial in the mud at Aqueduct. He also defeated that rival in the Belmont Stakes defeating a very game Ten Most Wanted. While Empire Maker was 3rd in the Kentucky Derby he did give a solid run. When considering the best 3 year old this year, Empire Maker and Funny Cide split four grade one stakes 2-2 and both very evenly matched.

10/08/03 *Friz, Champagne, Beldame set East Coast B.Cup Stars* The other outstanding divisional races were run this weekend at Belmont for the East Coast stars to prepare for the Breeders Cup. *FRIZETTE - GANPATH DOES IT !* Ray Ganpath had the thrill of his racing career on Saturday riding undefeated Society Selection. Ray has been almost a contract rider for H.Allen Jerkens. While he may have ridden for other trainer's, it seems as if the "Giant Killer" has really given Ray some very nice horses to ride, and Ray has made the most of it. We salute Ray Ganpath for his first Grade One victory aboard Society Selection, who was well rated and came home flying for a smashing win. The Bob Baffert trained, Victory USA was 2nd with Jerry Bailey and the other undefeated filly, Ashado, finished 3rd with Jose Santos up. Of note, the 3rd undefeated filly, Marleybone was last. *CHAMPAGNE - ZITO INTERVIEWED, ZITO WINS !* Mary Ryan is a psychic, she always interviews WINNERS ! She interviewed Heberto Castillo, and he won, she interviewed Nick Zito, and HE WON BIG ! Nike Zito not only won the Champagne, but he also won the $600K turf race at Keeneland with Eurosilver at very long odds. Back to the Champagne, you has to ask yourself which one of the stakes races will Jerry Bailey win ? This was the one to play him in. Birdstone, who is the 1/2 brother of Birdtown gave an explosive late rally to blow out favored Chapel Royal. Longshot, Dashboard Drummer was 3rd. Before you back the Norfolk winner, Ruler's Court, in the B.Cup Juvenile, give a close look to Birdstone. *KELSO - A SHOCKER 20-1 WINNER* It was only a Grade Two, and its purse was only $350,000, but that did not stop the race from having a fantastic finish. 20-1 longshot, Freeforinternet and Jose Espinoza charged from last to take the lead and then held off Jerry Bailey and Proud Man. JD to his credit was coming on like a freight train and negotiated traffic in front of him that most jockey's would have pulled up from. As they hit the wire, internet held on by a nose. Rouvres and Corey Nakatani were third. Its not clear if this race will serve as a prep to the Breeders Cup Mile, but the top 3 horses gave solid accountings of themsleves and would be worth an across the board wager if they choose to run in the Breeders Cup Mile. *BELDAME - SIGHTSEEK RULES !* Ok, we liked Sightseek, but WOW ! She really blew out the Beldame field. As Tom Durkin said, "Bring on Azeri !" Coming through the stretch, Sightseek lengthened her stride and drew off like a lady Secretariat. The others filly's and mares appeared to be in slow motion as Sightseek dropped her head and set fire to the racing surface with her hooves of fire. 11-1 Birdtown, trained by Nick Zito and ridden by Aaron Gryder finished 2nd. Buy the Sport, the longshot winner of her last race finished 3rd with Corey Nakatani up. *Stick Note - Tom Durkin said it right. "Bring on Azeri !" This year's Distaff should be a great battle between East and West. Will Azeri rebound off her loss in the Lady's Secret at Santa Anita ? Will Sightseek translate her power to a speed laden Santa Anita surface ? It should be Epic Stick Fans, Breeders Cup only 15 days away !

10/04/03 *BELDAME, CHAMPAGE, FRIZETTE, KELSO HIGHLIGHT B.CUP PREP CARD* This weekend we feature the divisions that were not run last week. The 2 yr old's and the Distaff division will be showcased Saturday, along with an interesting $350K Turf Stake in the Kelso. *FRIZETTE STAKES* Bob Baffert is here with a nice little girl. Victory USA get Jerry Bailey and looks very strong. However, Marleybone is back to see if she can put together some stakes victories. Mike Luzzi picks up the mount from Edgar Prado going to Keeneland. Ashado and Daydreaming also look to make names for themselves, and Shug owned the 2 yr old fillies last year, will Daydreaming step up to the plate and hit a home run ? Ramon Dominguez and Corey Nakatani are in for the day on linger priced fillies but they did not come to sightsee ! *CHAMPAGNE STAKES* Chapal Royal is the Todd Pletcher/John Velasquez, power packed, stretch running, 2 yr old who thinks he 4 yrs old, $1.2 Mil baby. This one was worth the purchase price and looks to be a strong favorite tommorrow. Birdstone is Nick Zito's chance for a Breeders Cup winner later this month, and should not be discounted as JD will ride, and the price will be good. Paddington (You know, the Bear for kids who went to prep school ?) is shipping in off some powerful races at Delaware, but can he translate that power on the Belmont Main track ? Dominguez on a tear recently, so its possible at long odds. Notorious Rouge gets Corey, and Mark Hennig is the Silent, but Deadly D.Wayne Lukas disciple. Todd Pletcher, Dallas Stewart, Hennig, and others all went to the D.Wayne school of Training WINNERS ! Anytime you think you can dismiss one of their horses, THINK AGAIN ! Also, you have to love that he's using Corey Nakatani. Corey the West Coast G-d of riding, would be in the Top 5 Jockey's at Belmont if he rode full time in NY. This horse is live ladies and gentleman ! *KELSO HDCP* Is it just me ? OR did I remember that Kelso was the Horse of the Year and he won races like the Woodward, and Brooklyn, and Suburban, and Jockey Club Gold Cup ? Well, then WHY was a TURF Stake named for him ??? Huh, why ? I loved watching the old reels of Kelso winning races he had no chance of winning. Maybe it was just not from my era or time, but was he a turf star ? Anyway, whatever, The Kelso has a nice $350K purse, and is a Grade 2. Jerry Bailey will be on Proud Man and he has been riding some nice horses for Clement. Julian Pimental picks up Jerry's old mount Del Mar Show in this race. Decarchy is Santos for Bobby Frankle and this one is a tough Turf horse. 1 Mile is a tough race, and you cannot make any mistakes gong into the far turn. A crush of horses with a full field in here, means nerves of steel are needed and traffic problems can occur. If this is the case Decarchy will need to be in the clear and sailing for home late to win. Otherwise he will get caught behind horses. Millenium Dragon very possible in here, has to overcome the rail with his speed or get caught in the crush. Johnny V knows what to do. Rouvres and Nakatani have already been 2nd twice together on turf, and look to be solid for the triple. North east bound a wonderful speed turf horse, but have to question if he can even go a mile ? *BELDAME STAKES* This is a nice $750K race with a dominating favorite. Sightseek, the Frankle Power Filly comes back to a surface she loves and a jockey she runs for, may blow out this race. Island Fashion ran huge at Saratoga, but Belmont is much bigger and demanding. She may not be able to shake loose at the top of the stretch. Summer Colony 12-1 ? Nice overlay for Fragoso, who is one of the hot young riders at Belmont now. Some bad races though, hard to say how she will run tommorrow. Corey on Buy the Sport, another interesting lady who may need pace help and some racing luck to overcome the power of Sightseek. A Great race and a Fantastic Card ! Many BIG Races around the Country Saturday including Keeneland's $600K Stake and The $500K Stake at Santa Anita. Lets WIN BIG Stick Fans ! Best Regards MC *

10/04/03 *RAMON DOMINGUEZ EQUALS JULIE KRONE'S* *6 RACE WIN RECORD AT BIG M* Ramon Dominguez put on a riding clinic last night at The Meadowlands with 6 Big wins on the card, including the $400,000 Meadowlands Cup aboard Bowman's Band. It should be noted that Big fan favorite, Joe Bravo was injured the previous night with a break in his vertebrae, and Dominguez was able to pick up many of Joe's mounts. However, Dominguez was nothing short of brilliant last night with his masterful ride in the Meadowlands Cup. Trainer H.Allen Jerkens also deserves a lot of the credit, and the "Giant Killer" RULES ! At least as far as The Stick is concerned. Julie Krone, who is now riding on the So.Cal circuit set the record in 1989 of 6 wins on 1 evening card. Ramon Dominguez has now equaled it. Way to Go Ramon, a Big Wave of The Stick to you in congratulations.

9/30/03 *MINESHAFT RULES ! VOSBURGH ZAPS ! JERRY BAILEY RULES !* *BREEDERS CUP HERE WE COME !* *MINESHAFT DOMINATION* Confident, classy, cool, collected, superior. Mineshaft was all those things to us on Saturday. In what had to be the finishing touches in securing the Horse of the Year Honors, Mineshaft won a Grade 1, $1 Million race with an effortless gallop. Edgar Prado and Quest did what we hinted they might....go to the lead and try to steal the race. It profited them as they came in 2nd in the rich $1 Million race. Last year's winner, Evening Attire, was a very respectable third after sitting in last and making a big run through the stretch. Its amazing to see how well he transformed once he came back from England. Mineshaft really came to life when he came back to America last year. Only Perfect Drift and Balto Star have ever beaten Mineshaft on American soil. Balto did it at a shorter distance and was exceptionally sharp at the Fair Grounds in the New Orleans HDCP. Perfect Drift had a truly "Perfect" ride by Pat Day in the Stephan Foster to win by a head over Mineshaft. It should be noted that Perfect Drift did win the Hawthorne Gold Cup and has put together a solid record. However, without trouncing Mineshaft in the B.Cup Classic, he simply has not done as much as Mineshaft has this year. This in no way makes light of Perfect Drift who is a champion and who would be the Horse of the year without Mineshaft. It should also be noted that Azeri(see CA News Section) lost after a 10 race streak this weekend in the Lady's Secret. She's also a Champion, but without being undefeated, she cannot be considered Horse of the Year over a dominant Mineshaft. *VOSBURGH STAKES* Look, up at the top of the stretch. Is it a bird ? Is it a plane ? No, Its....Its....Ghostzapper ? He's sitting way way back in last place, I am looking at a cavalry charge at the top of the stretch, and suddenly this blur appears at the left upper portion of the TV. It must be static or a distorted signal. No, wait, what is that ? It can't be, no, its not Ghostzapper, he was last ! Holy Cr-p ! WOW ! Voodoo went out winging, Corey Nakatani came on powerfully and was looking for a 63-1 upset, My cousin Matt was there, Gygistar looked at the rail, and here we come through the stretch. What a wonderful race for Ghostzapper and his connections. He is truly his father's son. Yes, Ghostzapper is the son of B.Cup Classic Winner, Awesome Again. He sure came closing like a freight train, just like his father would. Javiar Castellano does not have to go to Great Adventure after that wild ride, he's probably still talking about it like we are. Final time for 6 1/2 Furlongs was 1:14.72 *JERRY BAILEY RULES ! (Flower Bowl - Turf Classic double)* JD was unstoppable on Saturday's rich Grade 1 card. I hope he took our advice and put Asbestos in his shorts before the Turf Classic ! Sulelamani a vicious, tough, gritty MONSTER ! Well, lets talk about the Flower Bowl first. It was a Grade 1 for $750K on the inner turf at the 1 1/4 Mile distance. Heavy favorite, Heat Haze, coming off some nice victories this year was the odds on favorite and looked to do well in this spot. As they turned for home, Heat Haze began her usual late run and looked to sweep on the outside. However, JD on Dimitrova had other ideas. AS Heat Haze came up on the outside, Jerry sent the lone 3 yr old girl in the field roll, and roll she did. Once she was in full stride the race was over and no one was going to catch her. Huge German longshot, WalzerKoenigin had a garden spot and nipped Heat Haze for 2nd at very long odds of 16-1. Her name has us thinking of Star Trek actor Walter Koenig (aka Checkov and Bester in Babylon5). Final time 2:02.74 was a nice effort and a great race. *TURF CLASSIC* If Darth Vader were a horse, he would have been Sulemani. What an imposing, and dominant horse this is. You have heard of the "Alpha Male" ? Well, Sulemani is the "Alpha Horse". I sure hope they don't get the idea to run him on the dirt in the B.Cup Classic, because he might surprise us all. This was another race where we were of course rooting for our hometown favorite, Balto Star. We also got Deelightful Irving as part of the package in the form of an entry. Both Irving and Balto love Belmont turf. I was not happy with Balto's loss in the Man o War, but I was willing to give him a second chance, and he had brought his running shoes on Saturday. Turning for home, Balto Star had run decent, but well rated, fractions and was pumped up and heading home under power. His stablemate, Deeliteful Irving, was drafting in behind him and was looking for room to come off the rail. We thought the entry looked very good at this point. Sulemani had been pretty far back, and on the final turn, he stumbled badly and took a very bad step that would have destroyed 99% of all other thoroughbreds chances of finishing in the money. Jerry held on courageously, and Sulemani popped his head back up as if to say, "Hey, what happened ? I have a race to run". With his ears pricked back, and JD guiding him to the outside of horses, Sulemani got that dark, vicious look in his eyes, and with with a flurry he pounded the turf into submission. Sulemani grabbed the turf like The World's Strongest Man picks up a Meditation Stone weighing 500lbs. As they hit the wire, Sulemani was in full stride, blowing out a top field of American Turf stars. Final time, an impressive 2:27.51 for the 1 1/2 mile on the turf. *- Please check back each week Stick Fans, we have the other Division finals next week here at Belmont as we prepare to send off our Top Stars to Santa Anita and the Breeders Cup at the end of October. We will try to keep you as updated as possible. Usually check in before and after the weekend for New News. *- Also, we are getting hammered with Orders for our Popular Stick Selections Sheets on Weekends, so PLEASE ORDER EARLY ! Thanks - MC

9/27/03 *Vosburgh Grade 1 $500K 6 1/2 Furlongs* Aggadan, Papua, Peeping Tom, Voodoo, and many more in a big field of 11 Top Sprinters. Ajedrez ships in wih Chicago's Eusebio Razo and deserves consideration. My Cousin Matt picks up Travis Dunkleberger and also has a big chance. Gygistar comes back off his loss at the Spa last time out, and has Johnny V to guide him through very fast expected fractions. This race, and the Entire Card are Available at Starter Level(3 Horses in Every Race), EXPERT Level(5 Horses in Every Race), and *GOLD RUSH* Level(5 Horses in Every Race with FULL COMMENTS and COMPLETE WAGER STRATEGY).

9/27/03 *BIGGEST DAY OF RACING BEFORE BREEDERS CUP SAT BELMONT !* We will have ALL The Races selected for Gold Cup Day at All Selection Levels. PLEASE ORDER TONIGHT OR EARLY TO AVOID THE RUSH SATURDAY. AS AC/DC would say, "If you want blood, you've got it !" The very best bred horses in racing are assembling at Belmont Park for 4 Grade One races that are all major stakes by themselves and are the Best and Final Breeders Cup Preps. We have a lot of INVASION going on in the days races. First off, All the Top California jockeys will be here riding, which has to have the fans excited. Also, some of Europe's best horses will be featured and we want to see how Sulamani will handle our turf. Also, Moon Ballad, the Dubai World Cup winner will take on our favrotie, Mineshaft in the Gold Cup.

9/27/03 *Vosburgh Grade 1 $500K 6 1/2 Furlongs* Aggadan, Papua, Peeping Tom, Voodoo, and many more in a big field of 11 Top Sprinters. Ajedrez ships in wih Chicago's Eusebio Razo and deserves consideration. My Cousin Matt picks up Travis Dunkleberger and also has a big chance. Gygistar comes back off his loss at the Spa last time out, and has Johnny V to guide him through very fast expected fractions. This race, and the Entire Card are Available at Starter Level(3 Horses in Every Race), EXPERT Level(5 Horses in Every Race), and *GOLD RUSH* Level(5 Horses in Every Race with FULL COMMENTS and COMPLETE WAGER STRATEGY).

9/27/03 *FLOWER BOWL, RARE GRADE 1 TURF FOR THE GIRLS* 3 year old Dmitrova takes on older fillies and mares including the very capable Heat Haze, recent winner of the Beverly D at Arlington and others. Snow Dance and Riskaverse are joined by Dress to Thrill and Sixty Seconds in a race which will possibly crown a champion.

9/27/03 *$750K Grade 1 TURF CLASSIC AND EURO INVASION !* We have a place in our hearts for Balto Star after he won the UN Handicap at Monmouth and paid $76 for our Best Bet of the day and early Summer. The great Sulamani will be to challenge our local stars. Jerry Bailey picks up the mount and this 4 yr old will have to show he can handle American Turf and our more "Standardized" racing Oval. Belmont is a Park, but we have a perfectly measured turf course, not an open field of grass with cones and ropes to show the boundaries. Plus our horses travel in the Counter Clockwise direction and the majority of Europeans travel in the Clockwise direction. I'm sure Jerry Bailey is very worried about those factors ! Yeah Right ! Jerry is not afraid or worried about Anything. He's probably saying get out of my way when I drop the hammer in the stretch. Lunar Sovereign, the surprise winner of the Man o War is also in and Richard Migliore, aka "The Mig", looks to have a horse who is well suited to the surface and who has a BIG Win last time out. Sabiango ships in with David Flores. Deelightful Irving picks up Jersey Joe Bravo, and is a horse who loves Belmont Turf, but can he handle this level ? A Very nice race, and we are still formulating our Figures for this race even now.

9/27/03 *JOCKEY CLUB GOLD CUP $1 MIL GRADE ONE AND MINESHAFT !!!* Its no secret we LOVE Mineshaft, and feel he will be Horse of the Year. However, that does mean that the connections of the other horses in this Grade 1, One Million Dollar race will make him work for a victory in here. Robby Albarado returns to ride the greatest horse of his career, and we wish him very well. Be Careful Robby, this is a truly cut throat NY attitude level field. Expect a lot of drama for this one. The Dubai World Cup winner, Moon Ballad, has shipped in and they gave the mount to Jerry Bailey, possibly setting him up for a huge day of making $$$. Last year's winner, Evening Attire will be in this time Mark Guidry gets the call. Expect him to try a closing move. Quest, "I'm on the turf, I'm off the turf", will be in with Edgar Prado and presents an interesting speed horse who might try to pop the field early ? State Shinto, another who presents some interesting past performances adds some international intrigue and spice to this thriller. Best Race of the Year, and it falls right on the Jewish New Year. Mazel Tov and Happy New Year to all our Jewish Fans.

9/25/03 *HUGE WEEKEND COMING UP AT BELMONT GOLD CUP DAY* The Entries should be out for Saturday's card on Thursday, and we are looking forward to the Big day at Belmont. The so named, "Grade 1 Day", should feature the very best horses on the east coast today. Expected for the Jockey Club Gold Cup is Mineshaft. After his already impressive victories in the Suburban and Woodward Stakes, he looks very impressive. A victory in this race should insure Horse of the Year honors regardless of who takes the Breeders Cup Classic. This may be the final time Mineshaft runs in NY, and you should see this Champion in action on Saturday. The Flower Bowl, which is one of the rare Grade 1 race for Fillies and Mares on the turf will also be run, as will the 7F Vosburgh Sprint. Please follow the races on Saturday very closely as they are all Key in helping determine the Breeders Cup picture next month at Santa Anita. Keep in mind that the horses who love and enjoy Belmont, may be at a disadvantage on the speed favoring Santa Anita oval. We will tell you what to look for in the coming weeks here and in the California news section. "Stick" with us fans, we will give you All the Breeders Cup Winners.

9/19/03 *MINESHAFT KING OF BELMONT PARK FALL MEETING* In case anyone missed the walkover(well, it was not an actual walkover) in the Woodward, we are telling you, Mineshaft is the Horse of the Year ! Mineshaft won the Woodward so easily, that it could be considered a walkover. Fluid motion, Art in expression, an effortless performance, call it what you will. Mineshaft simply blew out the field of the Woodward like it was a ALLW NW3x other than. Robby Albarado sat calm and cool until the horses entered the far turn. He gave some encouragement to Mineshaft, and off they went blowing out a nice "Tiger", and Puzzlement. If for any reason, you think this field was not strong enough for him, Puzzlement had proven himself at Saratoga in the SAR B.Cup Hdcp. Also, just look back at the Suburban and you can see when Mineshaft is challenged, he rises to the occasion and wins in Huge fashion. Yes, they still have to run the Jockey Club Gold Cup, and Yes, Mineshaft has to show he can negotiate a fast California track, but this is the real article. We will put ourselves out on a limb with many major handicap races to be run....Mineshaft = Horse of the Year. *Rumor Mill - We have heard that Empire Maker may not run again this year. We have heard it has already been announced that Empire Maker will not run in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. This leaves only Funny Cide, and Azeri as the competition for Mineshaft's Horse of the Year run. *Xtra Credit - If you live in the NY/Long Island area, GO TO BELMONT PARK AND ENJOY A DAY AT THE RACES ! OF all the 3 NYRA tracks, this one is the largest and to this writer, the most picturesque. Where else in the World are you going to see a 1 1/2 mile oval devoted to thoroughbred ? If you think its in North America, think again ! Belmont is the largest track in NA, go see it before the meet ends and they start the 7 month Aqueduct meet. You will be happy you went, trust the Stick !

9/06/03 *BELMONT OPENS WITH HUGE SATURDAY CARD* Ok, you say you want some Grade 1 Races ? You say you want to see Turf and Dirt stars run on the same day ? Well, wish no more, simply go to Belmont Park on Saturday and you will have a very exciting and fun day. We got our Mystery Vouchers, and NYRA better have all the vouchers programmed in after missing the boat the last 2-3 times with them ? Even if I only win $2, I would be satisfied for the $2 voucher then a rain check for another day !!! We are BIG NYRA Fans, and we want to let all our Fans know that Saturday's card includes the $500,000 Grade 1 Woodward at 1 1/8 Miles and the $500,000 Grade 1 Man o' War on the turf at 1 3/8 miles. Oh, almost forgot, there is a $250K Gazelle race for 3 yr olds, I mean horse race featuring Spoken Fur ! The Woodward features the return of a very personal favorite to us, Mineshaft. When Mineshaft ran on Keeneland's closing day card, we had him in the Pick 3 for and Pick 4 and collected very nicely on the favorite. We were also very impressed with his win at Belmont last time out when he dug in like a bull and showed everyone he is the Big Dog on the block. Bring on anyone you like, Mineshaft is the real deal and we Love This Horse ! Also expected in the Woodward is Puzzlement who was a BIG winner at Saratoga and looks to keep his winning ways alive for Hall of Fame Trainer H.Allen Jerkens. The Man o'War will be a fantastic betting race and we will have to make some choices concerning bias on the turf before we can give you a definitive answer in who to play. Bobby Frankel will have Denon and Todd Pletcher will have Balto Star. Balto Star was our Stick Best Bet in the United Nations Handicap at Monmouth, where he paid $76, so we are partial to him. However, Denon a major player in this race and when is right he fires big. Also in the Man O'War is another NY Bred Superstar in Whitmore's Con. He has danced every dance and won very big in his last 2 stakes tries against the very best turf horses in the country. To spice up the race Pat Day is up, and although we literally have fits in the stands screaming for Pat to make his move, he very much suits this horse who is a one run closer that comes home very powerfully. Pat Day, one of the all time great jockeys, we just can't watch the race without jumping out of our seats and yelling as he's always right there, but sometimes its pretty close. From MC to Pat, can't you just win by 10 lengths and save our few remaining hairs from us pulling them out ? Best to Pat, MC

8/27/03 *TEN MOST WANTED WINS - WE TOLD YOU SO !* For those of you who read our last minute posting on the NYRA message boards, we said Peace Rules and Strong Hope would speed duel into defeat and Ten Most Wanted would close to win. That's Exactly what happened ! This years running an exciting renewal, but we were very disappointed that Funny Cide and Empire Maker were both out due to illness. The next time we see this group assembled, they will be running against older horses and it will detract from them. Not much else to say about the race, Ten Most Wanted ran in a time of 2:02 1/5 for the 1 1/4 Mile and paid $7.50 to win. Peace Rules was a determined 2nd place and the exacta returned $27. 3rd Place went to Strong Hope and a $76 Triple. *Get Well soon Funny Cide ! Racing needs you healthy and strong. Woodward Stakes the next stop ? Same goes to Empire Maker, even if we see the 2 of you against older, lets see a 1-2 finish and show us who's the best ! *Historical Note - The crowd of 66,000+ was an ALL TIME Saratoga attendance record. Congratulations to the fans and NYRA for putting on a big show ! *Personal Note about the Horrible coverage of the race, The channel that claimed to be putting on a show for the Travers should have actually give us a show and not 5 minutes of racing and 2 hours of basketball/baseball recaps. The coverage of such an important race was terribly mired by the horrific coverage by the channel that was given the broadcast. EVEN the NYRA Cable Channel gave more coverage and John Imbriale was very informative and clear in his comments. The Sports Channel was much more focused on showing us the nonsense of eliminations in the Little League World Series and taped replay highlights of golf and other sports then the Grade 1 Travers, one of the oldest and most important races run in America.

8/23/03 *FUNNY AND EMPIRE MAKER ARE OUT OF TRAVERS !* With great disappointment and disdain we learned that Funny Cide and Empire Maker are both out of the Travers Saturday. We look forward to their return after Saratoga, and will look for them in the Woodward and Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park in the Fall. The Race is still a good one and it should be a possible proving ground for Peace Rules, who was always in the hunt against his stablemate and Funny Cide. Think about it, what a feather in Frankel's cap to win the Haskell and Travers if Peace Rules can do it on Saturday. Peace Rules a very capable horse and he will look to bury Strong Hope early and then go wire to wire. Speaking of Strong Hope, Todd Pletcher is probably thinking his chances of winning are now much better with Funny and Empire out. Strong Hope and Peace Rules look to make this into a match race if they can both rate and not go after each other around the first turn. Should Strong Hope and Peace Rules duel in Sprint like fractions, we might see Belmont runner Up, Ten Most Wanted making a strong late impact into the last 1/8 of the stretch. *Please Order NOW for Travers and/or Pacific Classic days at Saratoga Sat and Del Mar Sun. We are getting hammered with new Orders and people coming through and we want to make certain we have your selections sent out the night/morning so that they will be waiting for you when you turn on your computer. Best Regards - MC "The Stick"

8/22/03 *TRAVERS STAKES THIS SATURDAY FUNNY IS IN !* The biggest race of the Summer is this Saturday at Saratoga. The $1 Million Travers Stakes will be run at 1 1/4 Mile, the classic American distance and will feature KY Derby Winner, Funny Cide. It will be televised as a National Sports Special on NBC(I think) from 4:30-6:00 EST Saturday Afternoon. Here is the PP# with our Stick SVI rating of Value an our own Stick EST Odds for the race. You will have to purchase the day at Saratoga from our Selections Pages to have our *GOLD RUSH* evaluation. *-Note *GOLD RUSH* of the Travers(ONLY) will be available to ALL Order Levels. PP#1 (G75)-- Congrats (Claude McGaughey / Mike Luzzi) Stick EST Odds 30-1 PP#2 (S68) -- Strong Hope (Todd Pletcher / John Velazquez) Stick EST Odds 3-1 PP#3 (G73)ENTRY -- Peace Rules (Robert Frankel / Jerry Bailey) Stick EST Odds 6-5 PP#4 (G77)-- Ten Most Wanted (Wallace Dollase / Pat Day)Stick EST Odds 9-2 PP#5 (G73)ENTRY -- Empire Maker (Robert Frankel / Jerry Bailey)Stick EST Odds 6-5 PP#6 (D83)-- Wild and Wicked (Ken McPeek / Shane Sellers)Stick EST Odds 50-1 PP#7 (S69)-- Funny Cide (Barclay Tagg / Jose Santos)Stick EST Odds 9-5 PP#8 (D80)-- Sky Mesa (John T. Ward Jr. / Edgar Prado)Stick EST Odds 9-1. *Note - Peace Rules and Empire Maker are probably NOT going to Both run in this race. One of them should be scratched but on Wednesday it is not known which one will be out. Notice Jerry Bailey named on both, however it would not surprise us if Frankel runs them both, expect the unexpected Stick Fans ! *Note - It is being reported Empire Maker and Funny Cide both have slight Cough's, and although 75% certain may be a ? on race day *Order it Early as we will be swamped on the Weekend as usual !

8/22/03 *GRAVEYARD OF FAVORITES TITLE RETURNS ! PUZZLEMENT UPSETS SAR B.CUP* Have you noticed some ..... shall we say LONGSHOT priced horses winning a lot of races ? hmmmm ? Well ? The Graveyard of Favorites nickname that The Spa has always been famous for is very appropriate for the last week or so. According to our research, the first 2 weeks of the meeting had approx 65% winning favorites. Well, in the last week we have only seen about 22%. Thus, it may be very worthwhile to take a shot with longer priced horses if you have been looking for a big payoff and are willing to take big risks. The SARATOGA BREEDERS CUP Handicap, a Grade 2 for the Top Handicap horses on the grounds was run at 1 1/4 Mile Saturday. With Top horses like Breeders Cup Classic Winner, Volponi, and Harlan's Holiday, the race was dismissed as another favorite play by many. However, as one of my personal handicapping rules clearly states in poster format on my wall of 'capping at The Stick home office....."NEVER, EVER LEAVE OUT AN ALLEN JERKENS TRAINED HORSE IN A STAKES RACE AT SARATOGA !!!* Underneath that slogan it reads, "*REMEMBER ONION !*" Someone thinking they were funny added the following after that, "Include Garlic and Olive Oil and fry together with Chicken." For those rare few who do not know, H.Allen Jerkens defeated the mighty Secretariat(The Greatest Horse of All Time), with his horse, Onion at Saratoga. The opening stages of the race were clearly apparent. Jockey Edgar Prado was going to try and speed pop the race and steal on the lead with Blue Boat. It was a good plan, but Blue Boat tired towards the end of the race and ended up bearing out through the stretch. As Blue Boat pushed Volponi out into the middle of the track, "Chop Chop" Chavez was gunning 6-1 Puzzlement up the rail to the lead and the Big Win. Puzzlement likes distance and the race set up for him nicely. A well done job by Jorge Chavez as he sat very chilly through the early stages of this race. Not too many jockey's can sit so cool at the back of the field and wait like he did. I would say "Chop Chop" should be renamed "Crushed Ice" as he has an iron hand and ice water in his veins to sit so cool in such a big race. A Big wave of The Stick for a great job. Puzzlement paid $15.80 for the win and the exacta with Volponi was worth $34.40. NY Winter Star, Iron Deputy was 3rd. Final time for the 1 1/4 Mile was 2:03 2/5.

8/22/03 *GRADE 1 ALABAMA HUGE UPSET AND GREAT RIDING* When Johnny V went to the lead with Island Fashion and pounced on the very speedy, Awesome Humor, it looked like a very early move that was going to be pounced on by the favorites in the race. What a surprise to everyone, except Johnny V, that Island Fashion was opening up daylight through the stretch en route to a smashing 6 length victory ! What a ride by Velasquez, Wow ! I guess thats why he's the leading rider at the meet. This is what we expected of him a few months ago at Gulfstream, and he is shining right now. Not to take anything away from the horse who did the running, but you have to ask yourself, was it the horse or the jockey who won this race ? Literally it was the horse who does the running. However, sensing a speed favoring surface and pouncing on the speed early, Johnny V was long gone when the big guns of the Alabama were being fired. Longshot Awesome Humor and Robby Albarado held on gamely for 2nd. Kudos to Albarado who is a smart rider also, and is giving his all on some longshots recently. Heavy favorite, Spoken Fur who wanted a Triple Tiara for Bobby Frankel was 3rd with Jerry Bailey. No blame for this one, she was not a speed horse, and the racing surface was playing for speed. A no win situation for a closer who had no pace to run into. 6F split in 1:12+ and 1 Mile in 1:37 4/5 told the whole story right there. You cannot give stakes horses an easy lead and soft times like that and expect to catch them. Also, if your on a closer you have no choices to make, if you go up and push them, you will be the one tiring at the finish. The final time was 2:05 for the 1 1/4 mile distance, just 2/5ths shy of a full 2 seconds slower then the boys ran in the Sar B.Cup Hdcp. Island Fashion paid a nice $18.60 to win for JV and trainer....Barclay Tagg(FUNNY CIDE'S TRAINER !). The Longshot exacta with Awesome Humor returned $175.50. Spoken Fur was 3rd.

8/05/03 *EMPIRE MAKER LOSES IN JIM DANDY BY A NOSE !* Well, you sure could not fault him for his record and Jerry Bailey/Bobby Frankel seem to have won EVERY Stakes race run. They were the 3/5 morning line 1/5 off odds in the $500K G2 Jim Dandy. However, due to no fault of JD or Frankel, Empire Maker came up a hard charging 2nd by a nostral to Strong Hope. Strong Hope is a Todd Pletcher speedball and Johnny V rode him to absolute perfection ! Way to go Johhny V ! The front running tour de force was a flawless, perfect ride. This one an important horse to watch going in to the Travers. Empire Maker ran his race, he simply got caught off guard by a lone speed horse who was not pushed. If you look at the finish, Make is coming on hard, he simply ran out of race track. Another 2-3 jumps, and Maker would have won. Strong Hope paid $15.40 to win and the Exacta with heavy favorite, Empire Maker returned $27.40. Final time of 1:48 a very fast time for the 1 1/8 mile distance.

8/05/03 *PEACE RULES WINS BIG OVER FUNNY CIDE IN HASKELL* The $1 Million Grade 1 Haskell at Monmouth was run for 3 yr olds on the same day as the Jim Dandy. Both races were for 3 yr olds and both were outstanding races. While everyone was focusing on Empire Maker, they forgot about Frankel's other speedball, Peace Rules. Peace Rules did finish 3rd in the Kentucky Derby and was a runaway winner in the rich Louisiana Derby. We told the fans to be cautious of speed horses at Monmouth and Prado got away with nice slow fractions all the way around the track. Two major factors that helped Peace Rules were 1-Excessivepleasure stumbled at the start and never pushed him, and 2-Funny Cide was racing against the grain of a very speed favoring surface. DO NOT DISCOUNT FUNNY CIDE ! He ran a Great race to be 3rd. If you look back at the race, he was hung out wide and clearly did not like the track surface. Also, he came on powerfully for 3rd closing on a front runner who had it all his own way around the track. Funny Cide will rebound strongly and should not be discounted in the future. *RUMOR MILL - We have heard that Funny Cide came back to the barn with a fever, if this is true, it could help explain his performance also. Lets hope it does not knock him out of The Travers. Peace Rules paid $6.60 and the Exacta with returning Sky Mesa paid $28.20. Final time for the 1 1/8 Mile was 1:49 1/5, and was slower then the Jim Dandy time for all those Travers watchers !

8/05/03 *CORNELIO VELASQUEZ A VERY SMART MAN ! EIBAR COA NOT BAD EITHER !* I have always kept my eye on the South Florida jockey colony, and I have to say that I am very impressed at the drive and determination of men like Eibar Coa, Javiar Castellano, Rene Douglas, and of course to Cornelio Velasquez. While Eibar dominated the Gulfstream meet and really stamped his name as a jockey to be considered World Class, no t too many people noticed that his friend, and another top level jockey, Cornelio Velasquez was right behind him in the standings. This was at Gulfstream, and we had all th best NY and many Midwest jockey's riding there in the Winter. Eibar made the choice to ride the Belmont Summer meet, which was very logical and the next step for any rider who wanted to shift his tack to NY. What has happened is what happened to him the last time he tried the move. The trainers and owners who do not know him are using the regular NY riders, and thus his opportunities are more limited then when he rode at Gulfstream where everyone knowns and loves him and USES him on their horses. Eibar Coa is probably one of the top 15 jockeys in the country and he shows his talent every time he rides. The interesting thing to notice is that Cornelio Velasquez went to ride in Kentucky at Churchill Downs after Gulfstream. Thus, he made great connections to the top Mid Western trainers and impressed everyone in Kentucky. Now, when we are at Saratoga and many Mid Western trainers are here, they are using him and he is showing his stuff. Notable Stick Longshot winner $30 Wild Berry is a classic example of the strength in Cornelio's arms. Cornelio and Eibar are perhaps the most successful jockeys who have the least coverage and exposure to NY Fans. If you look back at our News Archieve's you will see we have always pointed these two men out to you. Always use Cornelio and Eibar when they have decent horses, you will cash and cash and cash. A Big Wave of The Stick in congratulations to two great riders ! Cornelio and Eibar are the future hall of famers after Bailey, Prado and Johhny V.

7/30/03 *FREE SELECTIONS OPEN ALL MONTH TO EVERYONE* Dear Friends and Fans of The Stick, Our FREE Selections pages will be open for everyone to use for the month of August so everyone can have fun at Saratoga and Del Mar and Calder and Monmouth ! In Addition, our FREE selections pages will now be updated on Monday as well to match the racing action now offered on Monday's in August. We are happy to welcome all New and returning Fans, and lets WIN BIG ! Best MC

7/30/03 *Graveyard of Favorite's ? Not yet !* Well, you may have heard the term "Graveyard of Favorites" when people speak of Saratoga. If you look at 7/26 and 7/27 results, you must be scratching your head as favorite's, especially odds-on (below even money) have been winning at a fever pitch with almost 65% through last week. We will recap ALL The Stakes Action from The Spa in our Next report. We want to organize all the divisions into focus for you, and we have already seen Corey Nakatani ship in for a BIG Win on the grass, Mark Guidry and Cornelio Velasquez take their shots at the big boys, and people shipping in from everywhere ! Saratoga is the true Americana meeting, everybody who's anybody wants to be seen here on at least one day.

7/16/03 *FINAL WEEK BEFORE SARATOGA* This is the last week for the Belmont Summer Meet. Next week racing will shift to beautiful and Historic Saratoga Springs and the annual Spa meeting. For those rare few who do not know Saratoga, it is a special and historic place where most people come away with a sense of this being how Horse Racing is meant to be. Every day, except a few odd days will feature major stakes races of great importance in every division. The overall daily purse structure will be at the highest level's of racing, and we can expect the finest horses in the country to be racing there. Saratoga is one of the oldest tracks in the country, and it is set in the country atmosphere of upstate NY, very close to Albany, which is NY's capital. It will be very crowded each day as the throng of horse racing fans from Canada swarm in to visit. Daily wagering handle's exceed most tracks, even those will 6 month, instead of 6 week meetings. Expect the top jockey's and trainer's from the entire country to show up on given days. Only Del Mar can rival the sheer beauty of Saratoga. Yet, while Del Mar has the Ocean within walking distance, Saratoga has the heart and soul of racing. The Meeting will feature many Grade 1 races, including The Alabama, The Travers. We should see a rematch between Funny Cide and Empire Maker in The Travers.

7/16/03 *MARY RYAN INT'V HERB CASTILLO AND HE WINS BIG !* Well, Mary Ryan interviewed Herb Castillo Sunday morning. They both remarked about Almuhathir huge upset victory at 95-1 and how Herb defeated his cousin Jose Santos on the favorite. Herb went on to win the 6th race with Medieval Salute at 4-1. Then, surprise, surprise...Almuhathir was in the 8th race. In a field of 5 horses Almuhathir went off as the rank outsider at 9-1. Castillo did not let that bother him, and he was all business on his way to a big upset and a $20 win price. Way to go Castillo ! A Big Wave of he Stick for a job well done. We would like to be on Mary Ryan' show, she always picks WINNERS to appear as guest's.

7/16/03 *WHITMORE'S CONN CHARGES HOME FOR HUGE B'GREEN WIN* He loves the Belmont Turf ! Are we talking about Jean-Luc, or Whitmore's Con ? He's a seasoned veteran ! Who do you mean Stick ? Jean-Luc, or Whitemor's Con ? He has some grey hairs ! Who, who do you mean ? Jean-Luc or Whitmore's Con ? The Bowling Green Handicap was all Whitmor's Con with a HUGE brush to the lead through the stretch. You have to just love it when a team of horse and rider come into a race with so much success at the distance and surface and they are 11-1 ! Jean Luc Samyn has always been one of our favorite rider's and he loves to turf. The term, "Samyn on the green" comes from Harvey Pack, and its still used today by Veteran Race Caller and TV Personality John Imbriale. Whitmore's Con lives and breathes turf racing, and he is a NY BRED ! GO NY BRED'S ! Quest Star finished second, and Macaw was third in a time of 2:15 4/5 for 1 3/8 Mile on the Turf. The Exacta was worth $129 and the Tri was an impressive $918

7/16/03 *SHARP IMPACT WIRE TO WIRE IN LEXINGTON* Kiaran McLaughlin does it again ! 4-1 shot Sharp Impact was a Razor going 1 1/4 mile on the front end for a major score in the Lexington Stakes. While cutting through decent fractions to a final time in 2:02 2/5, "The Mig" had this race measured all the way around the track. Heavy favorite, Urban King finished 3rd for Bobby Frankel and Edgar Prado. Mid west shipper, and second choice, Hidden Truth finished second for jockey Robby Albarado. The McLaughlin express continues it roll forward and we salute the great run Kiaran is having. While he was also interviewed by Mary Ryan a few weeks back, he said he could not keep up the incredible win % he has. Well, that has not happened yet Kiaran ! Keep it going, lets see a record at Saratoga be set by your horses ! Best Regards - "MC, The Stick" The exacta in the Lexington was $28.20 and the Tri was $49.40.

7/08/03 *ALDEBARAN WOWS 'EM IN TOM FOOL* Trainer Bobby Frankel had to have something to do for fun on July 4th. Aldebaran, now being pronounced Al-Deb-Aron, instead of the previous Al-De-Baran, was all business. He simply dropped back early under Jerry Bailey, and came flying home for a smashing win in 1:22 2/5. Al-Deb-Aron returned $3.90. The on the improve Peeping Tom, was a solid second for $4.60 place, and 13-1 State City came home 3rd. The Exacta was worth $16 and The Triple was $110. Only Congaree looks able to defeat Al-Deb-Aron, or should we say, only Con-Ja-Rei can hold off the late power of the baron ? I know the fans and ourselves can't wait for those 2 to lock up again. I would tell you this, Congaree may have more victories over Aldebaran, but wait until we get them both at 7F or a 1 Mile race and then we will see who is really the strongest.

7/08/03 *MINESHAFT BLOWS AWAY CRACK FIELD IN GRADE 1 SUBURBAN HDCP* In his first NY Appearance, Multiple stakes winner, Mineshaft proved to be the best older horse running in the East. We have watched Mineshaft Win Big at Fair Grounds and at Keeneland, and Pimlico. Then he lost to Perfect Drift, and a Perfect ride by that horse's rider at Churchill. Coming into the Suburban, one could have made a case for many in the field. Evening Attire won the Jockey Club Gold Cup last Fall. Volponi won the B.Cup Classic and had Jose "I can Win them All" Santos up. Dollar Bill was carefully looked at by yours truly, and is now being trained by Bobby "I will win them all" Frankel. Going into the first turn and down the long backstretch, huge longshot Judge's Case took the lead and wanted to go wire to wire. Even when they hit the far turn, Mineshaft was being stretched to his limit to catch the Judge. Turning for home a battle weary Mineshaft hit the front only to be immediately tackled by Volponi, and a sweeping Dollar Bill. Freeze Frame. Any other horse, after running that fast at that distance would have put up the white flag. However, Mineshaft showed his best race to date by digging in and holding the other two at bay. Mineshaft, Horse of the Year 2003 ? Maybe ! Mineshaft paid $3.50 as the favorite. Volponi was $2.60 for place and a $7.20 exacta. Dollar Bill was an improved third for $2.40 and a triple worth $29.

7/08/03 *BALTO STAR WINS BIG FOR ALL STICK ORDERS IN UN HDCP-BIG M TROTS BIG TOO* Before we go Thoro - Lets Pace, they had the Meadowlands Pace Elims the night before at The Big M, and everyone smiled when McArdle beat Art Major in the $650K Haughton Final for gentleman Mike LaChance, and we salute those winners. Congrats to All in NJ, racing has really become World Class in the Summer. Meadowlands Pace is next week July 12th. The United Nations Handicap was a front running tour de force for Todd Pletcher trained Balto Star. We were very pleased at his effort and we told All the fans who ordered that Balto had a way of digging in and getting brave on the lead on the turf. Balto Star paid $76 to Win and he was a Stick Best Bet On Top for everyone who ordered Monmouth Park for Saturday. We even gave you a Triple Box of 1st over 4th and 3rd picks for $2,819 - however you had to order Expert Level to get the Triple Box. Balto Star paid $76 on Top ! Californian, the Tin Man was a nice 2nd at $8.20 and Lunar Soverign paid $8.60 for 3rd. Final time 2:12 3/5 for 1 3/8 Miles on Turf.

6/26/03 :
*STICK TO BE OFFICIAL WEB CAPPER FOR NASSAU DOWNS OTB*
*DID IT RAIN EVERY RACING DAY LAST WEEK ?*
*EDGAR, CHOP CHOP, JOHNNY V RIDING BIG*
*DID YOU SEE MIKE LUZZI IN DALLAS CAP ?*
*TONY FARINA SEEN LAST WEEK RIDING BIG*

Well, we just received the word, and we wanted to share it with our fans. Nassau Downs OTB Top Gun, and good friend, Ken Schwitz, emailed us to let us know that when the Nassau OTB web site starts up on August 1, we will be giving out 5 spot plays to the fans on line. We are very happy and excited to be working with Ken and the good people of Nassau Downs OTB. We hope we give all of you some BIG Special Winners ! This now gives us a second company that recognizes The Stick Horse Racing dot Com as their Official 'Capper on line. We are also the Official Handicapper for Southern Gaming and Destinations Magazine.

The weather in NY was all rain and clouds until Tuesday 6/24. Watching the simulcast and reading the charts, it looked more like racing from Aqueduct in the Fall, then the Summer meeting. Lets hope the warmer temps and Sunny days are in store for the coming days and weeks for NY. We miss the TURF Racing !

We told everyone in the Southern Gaming Guru that jockey Jorge Chavez would return from his injury winning and riding big, and thats just what he has done. Chop Chop a fan favorite and Stick Favorite, showing he is one strong, tough rider. Go Chop Chop Go !

"The Amazing Edgar", our affectionate, coined term for jockey Edgar Prado, was all smiles the past week at Lone Star Park. Edgar won the Jockey Challenge at Grand Prarie, with some nice race riding. Edgar Prado, continues to impress with multiple win days, and he looks to be the heir apparent if and when Jerry Bailey steps down from riding. Hopefully, JD will be with us riding for many more years, he showed us with Empire Maker that he's still got the stuff. John Velasquez another consummate veteran, looks to also capitalize his win % on all those Todd Pletcher trained powerhouse horses.

Hey, did you see Mike Luzzi this weekend ? He was at Lone Star too. He was given the mount on Bill Mott trained, Patrol. Well, Luzzi made it look easy as he bided his time and took over at the top of the stretch. Turning for home, Luzzi was all calm as he rode out Patrol to an impressive victory. Well done, Mike, that was a World Class ride, and you made it look easy. One of our spot 'cappers, Fast Fran always says she believes in the horse and not the jockey. She says, when the horse is on the jockey's back (as crazy as that sounds), then the jockey will show his true talent. However, I still believe in the jockey very much, an to Mike Luzzi, a BIG wave of The Stick for a job well done.

Youngster, Tony Farina was seen riding at Belmont also in selected races. Watch this kid, he can ride. He took a Flying Zee longshot, Seaquarius, and brought him a flying third at 40-1+ Tony Farina may just be getting started, but we like this kid, we really do.

6/12/03 :
*EMPIRE MAKER WINS BIG*
*FUNNY CIDE WENT TO LEAD*
*RAIN DOES NOT STOP HUGE CROWD - WAGER RECORD*

It was one for the history books Stick Fans. Jerry Bailey and Empire Maker sat in the garden spot behind Funny Cide and took over turning for home. Of Note, Ten Most Wanted appeared late on the scene poised to upset, but could not get past the winner. Trainer Frankel has said Empire will stay in NY, and he plans on racing him at the Famous Spa track, Saratoga. We knew Jerry would be right there, but the mud was the big question mark. Also, Jerry must have been shocked when he saw Ten Most Wanted right on his shoulder trying to go around him. Empire Maker dug in and Won Big ! It should be interesting to see these two run again on a fast track, and see if different strategies arise.

Was it just me ? Or was the entire racing public surprised to see Funny Cide go to the lead in the 1 1/2 Mile Belmont Stakes ? I like Funny Cide and his connections very much, but I am just wondering if it was deliberate to go to the lead, or if Funny Cide simply jumped out of the gate and wanted the lead. In the 2 days leading up to the Belmont Stakes, NO front runner won any race. None ! Also, Funny Cide looks like he prefers to rate and come from about where empire Maker was to grab the lead at the top of the stretch. There is no blame here, but being in front and on the deep rail had to have hurt Funny Cide's chances at winning. Now, a perfect ride on a fast track might not have yielded a win either, and many have said Funny did not want to go this far. It just makes you see how the horses who have won the Triple Crown were really something special. I have now watched the following horses lose in the Belmont, Spectacular Bid, Real Quiet, War Emblem, and Funny Cide. Will we ever have another Triple Crown winner ?

The Crowd was at 101,000+ for a very wet and rainy day. While that was not a record, the handle on the Belmont Stakes set a new North American record for wagering on a 6 horse field. Not bad !

6/3/03 :
*WILL WE FINALLY SEE A TRIPLE CROWN ?*

All eyes focus on Beautiful Belmont Park this weekend. The Belmont Stakes will be an incredible day. If your going to go, leave EARLY ! The Stick and family and friends have attended the 1978-2000 running live in person. I was standing on a table in the terrace restaurant in 1978 watching and yelling for Affirmed's win, the last Triple Crown winner. I sat in the stands for Silver Charm and Real Quiet's attempts. I came to realize that of all the races run in the World, the Belmont Stakes is one of the hardest to win. The "Test of Champions" is an apt and appropriate name for this 1 1/2 mile competition.

Everyone wants to see a Triple Crown in racing. It makes the sport more interesting and it crowns a champion with very great glory. Will we see a Triple Crown this year ? We sure hope so ! You cannot ask for nicer connections and a better Cinderella story. No one would have given a NY Bred any chance to win a classic race just 10 years ago. Now, we have one poised to win one the most difficult gems in sport, a Belmont Stakes to win a Triple Crown. Jose Santos is very deserving and we were always behind him 100% as we said on the NYRA message board and to all our friends and fans in our huge database. Jose is one of the 10 best jockey's riding today, and its no surprise to see him sitting pretty for Saturday. We wish him, and the connections and NY Racing the very best and look for History to be made !

If your going to be playing or going to the Belmont on Saturday, make sure to place your bets EARLY ! Don't wait until the last minute as a day like this is going to draw in 1 time only watchers and players. We have all been in that situation where there is someone asking what it means to place a $2 show bet on the favorite with 3 minutes to go and 10 people in front of you. Keep yourself calm and patient during the day and try to bet ahead 1-2 races if possible.

Our *2003 Stick Belmont Stakes Special* will be available starting Thursday in the same format we had the KY Derby and Preakness. There will be a *EXPANDED GOLD RUSH* page for the Belmont Stakes, The complete undercard for Belmont on Saturday (str.lvl), and a Last minute News Page with any last minute tips or information we think you will need to Win BIG ! Please order ASAP, we already have a large list of people who are interested in the Belmont Special.

Best Regards to All our Fans from Southern Gaming and around the Country. We are happy you are here and we want you ALL to WIN BIG !

5/13/03 :
*JOSE CLEARED CASE CLOSED THANK G-D !*

Well, the wisdom of the stewards at Churchill Downs has finally prevailed and daylight breaks through the darkness of a questionable photo.

Without any hard evidence and with other pictures from showing daylight between Jose's fingers and crop, the deabcle is over. Funny Cide and Jose Santos are the unblemished Winners of Kentucky Derby 2003. THANK G-D ! Racing in America is the most watched and regulated in the World, and the public can wager with confidence. If any jock or trainer were to ever be found guilty with evidence you would hear us calling for their heads, but with Jose, WE KNEW he was innocent right away and this was all a misunderstanding. Best Regards to Jose and NY Racing !

5/12/03 :
*JOSE SANTOS SUBJECT OF FUNNY PHOTO*
*WITH BILLY PATIN THEY HAD HARD EVIDENCE*
*WE SUPPORT JOSE AND NY RACING ALL THE WAY*

Give us a Break ! To even think that a jockey of Jose Santos's stature would even consider using an electric device is total HORSE CRAP ! Jose is being investigated after a photo surfaced of his hand just after he won the 2003 Kentucky Derby. Looking at the photo for the first time, it looks like there could be something in between his fingers and his whip. However, the angle and light/shadow of that photo leave it impossible to determine what that could be, if it is anything at all. In fact, in other photos of the finish released by other sources you cannot make out anything but his whip, which leaves a lot of doubt about any devices being present.

With jockey Billy Patin and the Patin-DQ Ark Derby, there was a lot of hard evidence ! They had multiple photos with the device clearly exposed and they also showed the jockey throwing his device into the bushes where it was found. None of this exists for this case. There is no HARD Evidence. 1 Photo proves nothing and it is obvious to any legal minded or educated person(like The Stick) that the threshold of evidence was established in the Patin case. Without the actual device or some proof that Jose was doing anything other then riding his horse through the stretch leave this a case closed oddity or racing equivalent to the Thunder Gulch debacle which later proved to be a false claim.

We want Jose Santos to know that we SUPPORT him and his connections and NY Racing 100%. This is one of the most talented and successful jockey's in racing today. Jose would never risk his career to win the Derby. In fact, Jose has won so many big stakes races over the years, he did not need the money, and he is a family man with a impeccable reputation. I even met Jose in person at the Turf Classic of 1989, which he won, and he was the most pleasant and enjoyable person in the walking ring. Thats confidence and class. Jose had nothing to gain from cheating, and he would never stoop so low to win a race, even the Derby. One last thought for the inquisition about to attempt to roast Jose, Funny Cide is a fantastic horse, he ran Empire Maker to a Head decision in the Wood Memorial, and he also was 3rd to Peace Rules in a demanding Blue Grass. Funny Cide is not Valhol. Valhol was a Maiden winning a Grade 1. Funny Cide was a very deserving competitor and honest winner of the Kentucky Derby. Any attempted change or alteration of the finish of the 2003 KY Derby will be a black eye to the sport that can ill be afforded to the future of Horse Racing. The stewards at Churchill need to ask themselves if another scandal in racing is worth the destruction of the sport, which as of this date is tetering on the brink of collapse.

THIS STORY MAY BE USED WITH FULL CREDIT GOING TO MARC COHEN AND THIS WEB SITE WWW.THESTICKHORSERACING.COM

MARC COHEN IS AVAILABLE TO INTERVIEW ON THIS OR ANY OTHER SUBJECTS IN HORSE RACING.

5/09/03 :
*JUST LOOK AT 5/02 NEWS, WE LOVE CIDE IN DERBY*
ZITO'S NAJRAN RUNS AS WELL AS DR.FAGER IN CHESTER
TRIPLE CROWN THIS YEAR ?

Well, we told you so. All you had to do was look at our news section here from 5/02 to see the day before the Derby we told we loved the Funny Cide. He went on to prove himself with the longshot legend, Jose Santos. With Empire Maker 2nd, PEace Rules 3rd, and Atswhatimtalkingabout 4th, we gave out the Superfecta and Trifecta box for BIG BUCKS to everyone who ordered. Thank you to the large following and interest and support.

PS- To our Better customers, we will listen to your advice and keep the price level where they are. We want you to catch the big prices, and longer odds, and we would rather have dedicated customers who order all the time then a million people who order once in a blue moon. Prices will stay the same.

Did you happen to see the Westchester HDCP at Belmont on opening day yesterday ? Well, Nick Zito deserves an award for his training skills. Najran, who in his previous start was last by 34 lengths and who had been on a downward skid, suddenly jumped up and set the track record at Belmont Park for 1 mile.

The previous 1 mile record at Belmont was held by champion Williamstown. In fact, Najran ran so fast that he equaled the North American WORLD RECORD set by Dr.Fager of 1:32 1/5. Some trainers can really get a horse ready to run, and Nick should be given special recognition for his achievement with Najran.

Will we see a Triple Crown this year ? Its possible, but as with every year, its not over till its over. For our part, WE LOVE FUNNY CIDE ! Go for the Gold and lets see a NY Bred Triple Crown Winner !!! Best Luck and Regards to the connections, we hope you get it.

5/02/03 :
*STICK $35 KY DERBY SPECIAL HAS WHOLE CARD AND NEWS*
EMPIRE MAKER 1/4 CRACK ? OR JUST BRUISE ?
WE LOVE THE FUNNY CIDE !

Our Stick Kentucky Derby Special may be ordered from any of the Quick ORDER NOW Menu's, or from the Credit Card page.

The Derby Special will include the Derby at Expanded *GOLD RUSH* level with the Top 5 Horses showcased with Extensive Comments and detailed Wager Strategy. The Entire Churchill Downs Undercard will also be sent at Starter Level. Both sets of selections will be sent in Full Graphics mode in Email using our Victory Box(c) format.

An Additional last minute News page will be sent out with last minute updates and information we think you will need to Win !

The News media is buzzing about Empire Maker getting a bruise on his right foot. Bobby Frankle is quoted as saying he will run and he looks for a solid race from the Derby Morning Line favorite. Empire Maker is the 6/5 favorite for the Derby. While many will tell you that there is a possibility of a Quarter crack developing, we think this is unlikely. Horses can run big even if they develop one, but so far Empire Maker only has a slight bruise.

We cannot say enough GOOD Things about NY Bred Funny Cide ! We love him ! This is not to say we have picked him in our Figures, or have we ? However, Jose Santos shocked the world in the BC Classic with another longshot, and this one always runs BIG ! Forget the fact that he was a close 2nd to a wrapped up Empire Maker in the Wood Memorial, and just look at his past few races. How many NY Bred's can you remember who ran so well against Open Grade 1 Company ? This is possibly one of the best NY Breds we have seen in a long time, and we offer our full support and encouragement to the owners. What a nice bonus it would be to have a NY Bred supplement to the winning purse !

*PLEASE NOTE - ALL NEWS IN OUR OPEN NEWS SECTION DOES NOT REPRESENT OUR SELECTIONS FOR THE KENTUCKY DERBY, AND IS JUST FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF OUR LARGE INTERNET FOLLOWING.

4/17/03 :
WOOD MEMORIAL TO EMPIRE MAKER
CARTER GOES TO CONGAREE

Empire Maker was AWESOME ! In his 2nd major Kentucky Derby prep race, Empire Maker blew away the field in the stretch at Aqueduct to win NY's rich Wood. Jerry Bailey said he simply waited to drop the hammer and when he did, Maker responded with a flury. If your looking for a closer for the Derby, this is your horse ! Empire Maker paid $3.10 as the favorite. Empire Maker looks very solid for a strong Derby run, and this might be Frankle's year for a Derby.

NY Bred Wonder Horse, Funny Cide was 2nd under Jose Santos, and you cannot say enough good things about this horse. Funny Cide has plenty of speed, and he can go a distance, if he can shake loose from a big field, he may go coast to coast in a major stake !

Kissing Saint was 3rd under Richard Migliore. NY Hero was 4th after his big win at Turfway. Senor Swinger was 5th, then Indy Dancer, Sky Soldier and Spite the Devil.

Also run on Wood day was the Grade 1 Carter HDCP. Bob Baffert shipper, Congaree, blew out the field in a time of 1:21 2/5. Frankle trained, Aldebaran under JD came flying up the rail, but it was just too late to catch th front running flyer. Gary Stevens up, Congaree pais $3.60 for a monster win.

4/05/03 :
BIG NAME JOCKS RETURN
WOOD MEMORIAL 4/12
TOM DURKIN BACK

Even though Gulfstream Park is open for another month, many of the big name jockey's have started to return. John Velasquez has been riding regular duty since Wednesday. Edgar Prado has also been riding in selected races. Jose Santos was here, but seems to have been seduced by Kenneland's big purses and top horses to ride. Very much missing is the injured Jorge Chavez, who everyone at The Stick wishes a Speedy Recovery and quick return to the races.

Very Notably absent from this weekend's big racing is Jerry Bailey. We guess he must be taking a welcome vacation or is racing outside of our shores. Either way, come back soon JD, we have been a fan since 1983 at Belmont.

The rich, Grade 1 Wood Memorial is coming up next weekend. This is NY's #1 prep for the Kentucky Derby and in recent years Fusaichi Pegasus won the Wood and then the Derby. Another notable winner of the Wood and the KY Derby was Bold Forbes for hall of famer, Angel Cordero, jr.

Angel Cordero was truly the master of pace, and one of NY and America's greatest riders.

The announcing booth welcomed back track caller, Tom Durkin on Wednesday. Well known for his thrilling calls and informative comments, Durkin's return is a sign of NY Racing switching into high gear.

3/13/03 :
GOTHAM THIS SUNDAY ON INNER TRACK !
JOCKEY/TRAINER NOTEBOOK EXCERPT

The unusual amounts of snow and moisture have contributed to it, and The Big A is staying on the inner for the time being. The 1st race post time is now 1:00 pm EST, instead of 12:30, so you have extra time to prepare for the days races.

The Gotham Stakes, a $200K 3 year old prep for the Wood Memorial and NY's contribution to the Kentucky Derby field, will be run at a 1 Mile and 70 Yards distance instead of the usual 1 Mile distance. The extra 70 yards will help closers, but sometimes the inner track can favor horses on the lead. Not so much this year, but in years past, the inner track was all speed horses.

A large field of 12 horses is taking shape for the Gotham. Local horse, Alysweep looks to keep his streak alive after he won the Capposela STKS here at Aqueduct. Maryland invader Cherokee's Boy also looks to take home the rich prize with 10 other hopeful's. This race should help us sift through the many horses preparing for the 3 yr old Triple Crown run. We will have Starter and Expert Level Stick Selections Cards available through Instant Viewing. You may also order Email delivery and Gold Rush Level if you would like it at normal prices. We are looking for a big run of success in the Spring Aqueduct meeting Stick Fans. Best Luck MC !

While Richard Migliore has a higher Win percentage at the meeting, it is Javiar Castellano who is way ahead in the standings. We told you to watch you for Javiar, and it has paid off. Javiar is 11 wins in front of The Mig with 69 Wins from 350 rides. Mig is in 2nd place with 58 victories, and L.Chavez narrowly holds 3rd with 50 wins.

In the Trainer standings, Gary Contessa is the leader with 26 winnes from 177 starters. Close on his heels is Richard Dutrow with 23 wins, from only 98 starters. As with the jockey's the win total and the win percentage is opposite from the top 2 leaders. Mike Hushion is 3rd with a lot of other top trainers within 3- wins.

2/21/03 :
HERE COMES THE SNOW !
MCKEE HEATS UP
GOTHAM, WOOD ON THE HORIZON

The blizzard of '02 hit this past weekend for people living in the mid-atlantic and northeast of the US closing down racing in those area's for the President's Day Monday Holiday. However, being a traditional Winter track, The BIG A was ready for business on Wednesday. For those of you who do not know, The BIG A Inner Dirt Track was constructed from the old Inner Turf Course in 1976 to allow year long racing in NY. The Inner Dirt has a higher salt and sand content then the normal racing surface so it does not freeze in the cold NY Winter. Prior to the Inner Dirt Track being used, NY racing would close for 2 months. This closure made the traditional move South for the jockeys and trainers. Now they go down for the warmer temps, but in the past they went down just to race.

John McKee, after starting off at a slower then expected start has finally hit his stride and started Winning Big ! Expect to see McKee in the Winners Circle on a regular basis. Javiar Castellano continues his winning ways. Also, Richie Migliore and Mike Luzzi continue to tow the line and make up our Top 4 BIG A Jockey's for this meeting.

The BIG NY Triple Crown preps are on the horizon. We have the Gotham Stakes at a Mile and then 2 weeks later, The Grade 1 Wood Memorial for $500,000. Wood Memorial Winners, Bold Forbes, and Fusaichi Pegasus went on to Win in the Kentucky Derby. Will we see another Derby Winner emerge in NY ? We would be happy to !

2/07/03 :
BIG A BIAS SHIFTING TOWARDS FRONT RUNNERS
CAN YOU SAY JAVIAR ? RHYMES WITH CAVIAR !

Just when you thought it was safe to play nothing but closers, the Front Runners bias has started to return. It had to be the warmer temps returning to the area, as the frozen, hard surface started to get more give in it, which helps the front runners on the BIG A's smaller Inner Track surface.

Remember when the BIG A Winter Meeting was supposed to be for Apprentice jockey's to strut their stuff ? Forget about it !

This Winter, we have many former Apprentice stars who are now journeyman staying and winning big ! Javiar Castellano was the heir apparent at Calder when Eibar, Rene, and Cornelio were away, but do not ever sell him short.

Javiar Castellano is a World Class jockey. He is doing very well against the likes of veterans Richard Migliore, Shaun Bridgemohan, and a revitalized Mike Luzzi. When you think about Javiar's abilities, think of Caviar, World Class Beluga Caviar. If this jockey gets the mounts, he is going to Win, win, win ! Don't leave him out of your exotics if his mount has any ability.

Winter Racing still caught in the snare of cold temperatures. We should heat up as the Derby preps start to come into focus. Remember, Aqueduct is the home of the Gotham and Wood Memorial. 2 Major KY.Derby Preps. The Wood served as a launching pad for eventual Kentucky Derby Winner, Fusaichi Pegasus, and others in the past.

1/22/03 :
AQUEDUCT CLOSERS BIAS EVIDENT PAST 2 WEEKS
AQUEDUCT NOW OFFERED AT EXPERT AND STARTER *INSTANT VIEW*

Have you noticed the problems front runners have been having the past few days and weeks ? We always tell you about the front running bias that exists every year on the Inner Track at Aqueduct. However, due to the very cold weather and lack of moisture in the track, a strong closers bias has been playing out on the BIG A Inner Track. It may switch if we have a warm up in temperatures or some rain. IF we continue to see 20-30 degree weather, expect the track to play a "Closers Frozen Bias". Yes, we just coined a very corny bias name to denote the closers advantage.

We are offering Aqueduct at Starter and Expert Level *Instant View*(c) Stick Selections sheets. Many fans from around the country continue to play Aqueduct and enjoy the high quality racing and purse levels, so we are happy to offer them both Expert and Starter for *Instant View*(c) Stick Selections Sheets. WIN BIG ! -MC

12/24/02 :
AQUEDUCT, BELMONT PARK AND SARATOGA TO BE OFFERED FOR $2.50 INSTANT VIEW

We are in the process of experimenting with *INSTANT VIEWING* Stick Selections Sheets at Starter Level. The links to purchase them are located on the main entry page and the Free Selections page.

We plan to offer our most popular tracks from New York, Florida and Southern California permanently. The Instant View Pages are Victory Box(c) Starter Level pages with Every Race posted on the pages.

As soon as you pay with your credit card, the selections page will appear on the screen for the track you clicked on.

We may offer different tracks on days the main tracks are dark for *INSTANT VIEWING*.

*ALL RACING TRACKS ARE AVAILABLE EVERY DAY THEY RUN AS EMAIL DELIVERY*

*EMAIL DELIVERY MAY ALSO ORDER HIGHER LEVELS OF INFORMATION SUCH AS EXPERT OR GOLD RUSH(c) STICK SELECTIONS SHEETS.*

12/14/02 :
*2 FOR 1 ORDERING IN EFFECT REST OF DECEMBER*
*NEW HORSE LOGO EMBROIDERED POLOS IN WITH WEB SITE URL IN HORSE*
JOHN MCKEE THE HOT BUG THIS YEAR ALREADY !
INNER TRACK BLUES ? OR DELIGHT ?

Ok, Stick Fans, we have a lot of catching up to do for you. First off, 2 for 1 Stick Selections Sheet ordering is in effect. You may order ANY Track at ANY Level of your choice and receive FREE a STARTER LEVEL Sheet from Any Track of your choice in addition. Email us for details, or simply order and specify in a memo or email what you want.

The *NEW* Full Horse Logo shirts are available, and we will have pictures of them up shortly on the Stick Style page. They are on the same Premium Quality shirts that the TSR ! shirts feature. We will discount the price to 1/2 for people who regularly order Expert and Gold Rush Level Stick Selections Sheets. In addition, we have a *NEW* Premium Quality Steel Tee shirt coming out with a huge silk screened logo on the front that is really nice and different from our other logo's. These shirts will be mailed for FREE to regular customers who order at least 4-5 times per month. Remember to send us your shirt size and mailing address if your a regular customer so we can send you the right size !

The Winter is here Stick Fans, and in NY(Where we spent many cold winters before moving recently to warmer climes, it is snowing and cold ! HOWEVER, there are many warm stories and bright spots in Winter racing in NY. Usually the best apprentice jockey's come to ride for very large purses and this year is no exception. NY is in for a real treat in watching John McKee ride. McKee has already squashed the great Steve Cauthen's record year as an apprentice rider. Also, McKee was riding in Kentucky, and taking it to the big names there like Pat Day and veteran Calvin Borel and Robbie Albarado. You can BET they were happy to see McKee leave to ride in NY, that way they don't have to worry about losing to him ! McKee the next great thing coming out of racing, we highly recommend playing his horses, and tell ALL our fans to watch out for him. This guy can ride ! A big Wave of The Stick to John McKee, best luck on a promising career.

The Inner Track is open and while there may be detractors saying all the big outfits are leaving for Florida and the inner is a speed favoring wet dream, we beg to differ. Look at it this way, if you know a certain surface has a strong bias, such as front runners hold or closers prevail, they CAPITALIZE ON IT ! Instead of complaining that speed from the rail is deadly at Aqueduct, look for speed horses on the inside, BUT BUT BUT, not in every race catagory, or for every distance ! Thats the big mistake people make. OK, your really not going to see a "Striking the Gold" type closer on the inner come from dead last to win at 6 furlongs. However, if it rains and the track is heavy, and the wind is hitting the front runners in the face down the backstretch, you might get a closers day. Watch the first 2-3 races and then decide if your not sure. If horses are running strong on the front end, it is only logical to look for other front runners. ALSO, believe it or not, even with the most one sided track bias of speed or closers, horses without ability always lose ! While the converse, horses with ability always win ! Words to live by at the betting window.

11/16/02 :
PICK SIX SCANDAL CONTINUES TO ROCK RACING WORLD

Stick Fans, racing is taking it on the chin with the latest scandal involving the Breeders Cup Pick Six. To bring you all up to speed Stick Style, 3 Guys fixed the betting, not the racing of the cup betting. They were all frat brothers and they choose to scam Capitol OTB and the national betting pools by going into the computer system and changing losing tickets into winning ones AFTER the races had been run.

According to many stories in the press, they even had a bonanza day fixing winning tickets from losers for Belmont wagers that totalled something like $100,000 in a day !!!

These guys might not have ever been caught, except they made some HUGE mistakes. First of all, they tried to corner the Pick Six for the Breeders Cup because they knew it would be a huge pool. However, once the races were done, they had the ONLY winning ticket, IN FACT, THEY HAD 6 WINNING TICKETS !!! Now as anyone who knows Pick Six plays, you might buy 1 or 2 tickets with different horses on them, but you would never buy even 2 identical tickets due to the cost of the ticket and the idea that you would want to keep your top horses together on one ticket that cost some substantial amount.

It would seem that these guys, if they had not been caught trying to corner the B.Cup pick six, could have gone on for years taking thousands every day and no one would have ever known. Who knows how long they were operating ?

Its a shame Stick Fans, because their actions have really given horse racing a black eye, and one that is not deserved for the hard working people who show up every day at tracks and otb's across the country.

Many states are canceling picks six wagers as a result of this, and everyone is on edge that this might now cause new legal rules that would restrict interstate wagering and even simulcasting, which is the lifeblood of the industry right now. Lets hope new security software will prevent this from ever happening again.

Also, of note, Many simulcast tracks, (basically the tracks you are not at when you wager) are now closing their betting pools prior to the horses being in the gate. When it says 0 minutes to post, you cannot wager on that race. Please remember that when your out at OTB or the Track or the Casino simulcast. Bet ahead so you don't get shut out.

Best Luck Stick Fans ! Lets Keep our PRE-RACE Winner coming through to you. Order some Stick Selections Sheets and enjoy all the Winners BEFORE the races run. Many Happy Fans emailing us with our recent picks. Thanks Guys !

11/01/02 :
VOLPONI RULES !
JULIE KRONE BACK IN ACTION SEE CA. NEWS
STICK TO WRITE FOR SOUTHERN GAMING DEST MAGAZINE

Well, we played Volponi at Belmont way back 2 years ago in an ALLW race when Johnny V was on him and we collected nicely back then. Who Knew ?! he would run so well in the B.Cup Classic ? I mean guys, he lost at Meadowlands and he was apparently more turf meant then a dirt star. With that said, Phil Johnson has always been a favorite trainer of ours ! One of the most talented and under rated trainers in NY, Phil has always had top horses and has been winning since the 50's ! Our congratulations and appreciation for a NY based horse winning the richest race in America, The B.Cup Classic. A big wave of The Stick for the connections, way to go !

See CA News for Julie Krone.

Its a done deal Stick Fans, we will have a 2 page spread in the next issue of Southern Gaming Destinations Magazine. We encourage all our fans to check them out, they are based in Louisville, KY, and cover the Mid West and Southern regions of gaming in the US. We like them very much and hope you will all check them out when you have a chance.

10/23/02 :
ALL EYES ON BREEDERS CUP THIS SATURDAY 10/26
BELMONT MEET ENDS, BIG A OPENS WED.

Well, Stick Fans, The Breeders Cup is this Saturday and we will have ALL The Winners and Exotics for you on our Special Log In Pay Pages for the Breeders Cup Special.

To Order, simply purchase on the Special Log In Page or Purchase from the Credit Card Payment Page. As soon as you complete your payment, a screen will appear with your Username and Password and a Link to Log-In Directly. *PLEASE WRITE DOWN YOUR USERNAME AND PASSWORD OR PRINT THE PAGE BEFORE LOG-IN* Thanks !
For Direct Access to our Breeders Cup Pay Pages, *PRESS HERE*

The Belmont Spring meeting closed on Sunday. After a usually upbeat meeting, most of the stakes horses who campaigned here will be heading to the Breeders Cup and later to warmer circuits for the Winter. However, some outfits choose to stay for the Big A meeting, and they find big purses and a professional operation.

Look for speed horses to hold on much better at Aqueduct they they could on the huge turns of Belmont. Also look for large numbers of shippers from NJ, DE, MA coming in with their jocks and trainers.

Finally, look for next years leading apprentice rider to be featured here. We are very high on Luis Chavez and his agent Jorge Velasquez. This kid could really ride at Calder, and he may be the next Bridgemohan.

10/08/02 :
BIG GRADED STAKES ACTION LEADING UP TO 10/26 B.CUP
ULLUNDI GETS TRAGIC RIDE IN TURF CLASSIC

We have a lot of stakes action to report on Stick Fans. NY always features a lot of the Top Prep Races for the Breeders Cup. In fact, these so called "Prep" races that are Grade 1 and $500K plus, used to be the final races of the year that determined directly who was Horse of the year and all the divisions.

The Frizette was won by ? Guess who ? Johnny Velasquez and Storm Flag Flying. This marks the top 2 yr old Filly from the East. She defeated West Coast and Baffert trained Santa catalina soundly by 2 lengths. Longshot Appleby Gardens finished 3rd.

The Kelso Handicap on the Turf at 1 1/2 Mile was won by ? Guess who ? Johnny Velasquez ! and Green Fee at 9-1 ! Go Johnny Go ! Green Fee charged home and caught turf specialist, Forbidden Apple at the finish. Wow ! Apple loves a mile and Belmont turf, but Green Fee literally flew threw the stretch. Nice finish ! Moon Solitare was 3rd.

The Beldame was a very competitive field and certainly could have been the B.Cup for Fillies and Mares. While one could have made a case for most of the runners, and the race 1 1/8 Mile, run these girls back at each other and see a different finish each time. 2nd Choice, Imperial Gesture really ran a wonderful race. She was front running against the bias, and Surror is really a top level trainer. Combine him with Jerry Bailey or Jorge Chavez and they win going wire to wire all the way. Sprinter Mandy's Gold has proven she can stretch out nicely and was 2nd. Favorite Summer Colony and Johnny V made their run, and simply did not have enough to catch the winner this time. A faster pace and a different track, and like we said, these girls will change places each time.

The Champagne for 2 yr old colts was another open race and was won by a surprise shipper. Toccet, who was really unknown, but a winner against much lesser horses at Pimlico dived into the rail and came home hard under "Chop Chop" Chavez. 9-1 on Toccet. The Baffert shipper, Ice cold beer at reds with David Flores was in the lead and could not hold off the winner. Erins southern man was 3rd. Favorite Pretty Wild finished 4th.

The Gallant Bloom this past weekend was a 6 1/2 furlong race for the girls and we had an upset winner, Nasty Storm under Jose Santos. Favorite Ragin Fever was 2nd with Johnny V and Shine Again was 3rd. I do not think we have the B.Cup sprint lady here, but you never know.

The Forest Hills was the boys sprint at 6F for $250,00. California shipper Avanzado brought Tyler Baze flying home prior to jumping a shadow and giving Tyler and everyone else a scare for the horse and race. Another shipper Dash for Daylight brough LArry Melancon 2nd, and Esteemed Friend, a former Lukas horse was 3rd. NY Fan favorite Say Florida Sandy finished 4th and for an 8 yr old really dances every dance.

Ok, we have a bone to pick with Sir Pat Eddery. His ride on Uluundi in the Turf Classic was really displeasing to the eye. Ullundi had finished in a flying close in the Arlington Million to just miss the Big $$$, and apparently throughout his career in Europe he always made a Big, Late run. Well, for some reason, Ulunndi was sent to the lead in a 1 1/2 mile turf race. We cursed and told everyone around us watching the race that Ulunndi was a sure loser and our $200 Win ticket was worthless and for sale for $100 before they entered the back stretch. Well, we were right. After setting the pace, Ulunndi tired through the stretch and lost to Denon. Denon was Frankel and Johnny V, and an easy 2-1 winner. If Roy Hughes rides Ulunndi, I would consider playing him back in the Breeders Cup, if Sir Eddery is on him, no way ! Pat Eddery may be a long time champion rider in europe, but it was really a apprentice rider mistake to come ride a horse in a fashion he has never shown success with and it just looked like Eddery did not bother to prepare for his horse or the track. Who goes wire to wire at Belmont at a 1 1/2 Mile Widener Turf Course race ? Not many. We were very disappointed and would not recommend Ulunndi with Eddery again.

9/25/02 :
THE STICK TO APPEAR ON NASSAU DOWNS OTB SIMULCAST NETWORK ?
JOHNNY V WAY OUT FRONT IN JOCKS RACE
INTERESTING TRAINER RACE GOING ON

There have been many rumors going around the Stick HR dot Com staff offices that myself, MC, would be appearing live on the OTB simulcast network for Nassau Downs, which is available for FREE to all Cablevision subscribers on Channel 67. We will keep you updated and apprised as soon as we know for sure. We should have some news for you about this by Thursday of this week. We would be giving out 1 track and we would appear once a week.

Johnny Velasquez is way out front in the jockey race at Belmont Park. From 93 mounts, J.V. has 25 wins, wow ! Edgar Prado, the Saratoga Champ this year is trying to close the gap with 18 wins. Our favorite All Time jockey, Jerry Bailey is an amazing 3rd right now from literally half as many mounts as Johnny V. With 47 mounts, Jerry has 14 wins, way to go Jerry ! Jose Santos has been hot, and he seems to be the new Turf King, but don't discount him on the dirt. Chop Chop all over the board recently, but he did go out to Louisiana Downs and take home the $500K Super Derby on Essence of Dubai. The NY colony remains a major force in racing.

In the trainer race, Dick Dutrow and Todd Pletcher are taking no prisoners ! We want to POINT OUT Kiaran McLaughlin and his main go to jock Richie Migliore. They have been combining for a lot of strong finishes on the Arab owned horses shipping in. Bill Mott a tied 3rd with Frankel, Lake, Shug (Shuggy) McGaughey. We have a lot of top trainers shipping in (Frankel, McLaughlin, Barclay Tagg) from out of state, and our local trainers (Pletcher, Dutrow, Mott, Shug) all firing on all 8 cylinders. Be very wary of leaving out Dutrow or Pletcher in those Triple Boxes if they have the horse.

9/12/02 :
REFLECTIONS ON 9/11
BELMONT PARK CHAMPIONSHIP MEETING BACK
CLOSERS PARADISE

We ask all our fans and friends to take a moment of silence in your day the week of 9/11 to remember the many hero's of America who were lost on 9/11/01. We lost thousands of Good People from all backgrounds and religions and races. For the owner and staff of this website, we remember being overwhelmed and angry from the senseless attack on our country. No issue or belief can EVER justify the murder of so many innocent people. We say on behalf of our staff and all our friends and fans that we completely reject and vomit on anyone who would try to explain or justify the Hell that was brought to NY and Washington and a field in Pennsylvania. America is the greatest country that has ever existed, and we stand by her 100%. God Bless America ! Amen.

Belmont Park is now open after a smashing Saratoga meeting. Poor NYRA, it rained on Travers Day and if it had not, they would have surely broken all the records for attendance and handle. That 1 day is worth 2 weeks anywhere else.

The closers are showing a big advantage on dirt and turf on normal non rain days. This is to be expected as Belmont has those Wonderful, Sweeping Turns. Belmont Park (Not the suburb of San Diego) really takes you back in time. The Yankee's may have a house that Ruth built, and Daytona may have a INT'L Motor Speedway, but Horse Racing has the immortal Belmont Park. Don't ever let anyone tell you its not so special. Belmont Park trancends normality into that special place of Legend. When your there, its like your some place in the Country in another time period.

Of note, Jerry Bailey very noticably absent from riding the first week while riding in the Atto Mile at Woodbine. Well, no on can say JD does not deserve a vacation.

8/23/02 :
WE'RE BACK
TRAVERS !
JD still the king ? YES !
TURF TO DIRT, SPEED STILL IMPORTANT

You know we're back, we have moved all our operations from NY and we are taking orders and sending out many Winners to our fans. Order today by making a payment on the Credit Card Pay Links page. *IGNORE THE REDIRECT WARNING, IT TAKES YOU TO THE RIGHT PLACE AND SAYS OUR NAME AND PAY PALS AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE* Order Today for Special Incentives and FREEbies !

The Highlight of the Racing World's Summer is here, its this Saturday's Traver's Stakes at the Lovely Spa. Our *STICK SPOT PLAY is REPENT !* a little FREEbie for those of you who actually read our News Pages ! Megdalia D'oro will be odds on and is no lock ! Look for the Mid Summer Derby to be LIVE on TV Saturday late Afternoon, check your local listings for channel and time !

After a great start, it looked like Jerry Bailey was tailing off...NOT ! JD still the master and King of NY. Sure, Edgar Prado is the up and coming future for NY, and Jose Santos still has it(Santos Rules the Turf !), and Johhny V is always knocking on the door, BUT BUT BUT JD is the King. For Mott, he is very strong, and for others he gets the job done year in and year out. Sure, you can boo and cat call when he losses on a 3/5, but perhaps it was the HORSE and not JD that lost the race. A Good Jockey gives a horse 5 lengths, a Bad Horse always losses.

Speed a major factor at the Spa, EVERYONE keeps forgetting its only a 1 1/8 Mile track ! Speed important for position and Winning. Very few Stone Cold Closers winning. However, Front Runners are not the best either. Go for Middle Movers and Pure Speed horses. Horses that rate and go slow, seem to be getting caught so rating does nothing for you to win, either blowout the field or middle move for victory.

4/15/02 :
*STRONG WOOD MEMORIAL AND BUDDHA*
*AFFIRMED SUCCESS TAKES CARTER*
*TURF RACING !*
*BEAUTIFUL BELMONT PARK TO OPEN VERY SOON !*

We had a wonderful weekend of racing in NY Stick Fans. The weather was warm and in the high 60's, and all of the big names and faces we are used to have started to return for all the Grade 1 Races coming up.

The Wood is an annual NY feature prep for the Kentucky Derby. Past Winner Fusaichi Pegasus went on to score a huge KY.Derby win.

Last years Wood runner up, Monarchos, came on strong to score for All our customers, as we spotted the speed bias against him in NY.

This years Wood Memorial was run at the traditional 1 1/8 mile distance for $750,000. We had a large field of eight 3 year olds, who were very evenly matched. California jockey's Kent Desormeaux, Laffit Pincay jr., and Gary Stevens flew in with former NY Rider, Mike Smith to take a shot at the large purse. Also in for the race was Kentucky legend, Pat Day.

For those of you who did not see the early races, Jerry Bailey fell off his mount in an early race and looked to have taken some bruises. JD continued to ride through the weekend, but he may have been hurt. We hope your alright JD !

As usual, the two speed horses ran 1-2 or 2-1 around the track as has been the tradition with this race. Pat Day timed his ride with his usual clarity. Wait until the end of the race and pump home strong ! Pat was right this time as Buddha was able to score the victory over Megdalia d'Oro. The winner ran the race in 1:48 3/5 in a fast time for a Grade 1 Race. The winner paid $8.20.

2nd place finisher, Megdalia d'Oro paid $3.60 for Place and combined to return $23.60 in the exacta. The Triple with Sunday Break finishing 3rd returned $144.

Also on the card was the Grade 1 Carter Handicap. The Carter had a purse of $350,000 and was run at the 7 Furlong distance.

Watching the winner, Affirmed Success, win for fun, we have to ask why they ever wanted to run this sprint champion on the turf. It did help to have those blazing fractions up front to set up Success for the Win. Longshot, Rusty Spur, ran an intense 1:08 flat for 6F !

Affirmed Success ran the 7 Furlongs in 1:21 3/5 a very fast time for a Grade 1 Race. The winner paid $11.40. 2nd Place finisher, Voodoo, a longshot, paid $31.60 to place. The exacta returned $254. 3rd place finisher Burning Roma generated a large triple payoff of $1,340 for the $2 ticket price.

We have seen TURF racing this week ! That is a sure sign of Spring and Belmont Park on the horizon. The Derby is only weeks away Stick Fans, look for our Special to be posted soon !

3/27/02 :
*ALL WOZ.ORG FRIENDS ARE WELCOME AT THE STICK*
*JOHNNY V. RETURNS AND ABANDONS GULF TITLE RUN*
*FORREST HEIRESS 3RD AT 1/2 IN CICADA*
*$58K PICK SIX*
*WOOD MEMORIAL COMING UP*

Everyone reading this article that came to us from Woz.Org are Very Welcome at The Stick, and we are happy to open up your hearts and minds to the beautiful world of Horse Racing. Also, ALL Stick Fans are encouraged to visit Woz.Org to enlighten themselves about the Internet and the World of Steve Wozniack, the father of modern computers, and co-founder of Apple Computer.

Well, despite our pick of Johnny V. to win the Gulfstream title, it appears he has returned to the Big A for full time duty. Welcome back Johnny, and you gave it a good run. Edgar Prado now 10 Win+ in front, and looks to capture the Gulf meeting Jockey Title.

Forrest Heiress was bet down to 1/2 by her supporters in the Cicada on Saturday, but despite her fleet speed, she was dueled into defeat. No blame to anyone, she simply got hooked up in a speed duel of 22:1/5 and 44:4/5, which are true G1 Sprint fractions. Turning for home, Heiress was simply out of gas, and she showed her class by holding on for 3rd.

The Cicada winner, Proper Gamble, was a well rated 3rd throughout the race, and Javiar Castellano knew he would be able to pounce on the dueling leaders and get up for the win. Proper Gamble paid $7.40 to Win and the time of the race was 1:23 2/5 for the 7F. The Winner was trained by Todd Pletcher, who had a very successful weekend in Florida as well. This was a very competitive race with a Good Time.

The Loss of Forrest Heiress helped set up a $58,000+ Pick Six, which included three 2-1 shots, and odds on favorite, and a $35 winner in the 3rd race. $58,000 was well within reach of many of our fans, and if Forrest Secrets had won, would have brought a lower price, but a Pick Six winner for us ! Oh well, 5 of 6 paid $162.

The Triple Crown picture is starting to take shape Stick Fans. Harlan's Holiday looks to be the early favorite with his easy Florida Derby win. We have the Wood Memorial in a few weeks, and after that race, the Santa Anita Derby. and the Keeneland Blue Grass, we will have a much clearer picture of who's who for the Derby.

3/20/02 :
*GOTHAM GOES TO MAYAKOVSKY*
*PRADO COMES IN AN WINS 3 RACES*
*MAIN TRACK AND 1PM POST*

Well, it certainly lived up to its billing ! The Grade 3 Gotham Stakes, an annual prep for the Wood Memorial and Kentucky Derby, was an incredible race. As we told you, this race is all about speed and stamina. While the Wood Memorial is a jockey's race.

Coming out of the gate, Edgar Prado let Mayakovsky settle down and he immediately went from 2nd to 1st by the first quarter time of the race. Drawing out to a safe margin of between 2-5 lengths, Mayakovsky scored a front running victory n a time of 1:34 4/5 for the Mile. Winning Jockey, Edgar Prado, was beaming as he is fresh off his other victory Saturday in the $1 Million Florida Derby at Gulfstream. Mayakovsky is trained by Patrick Biancone, and owned by Michel Tabor(Same owner as Johannesburg). The winner paid $3.50 as the favorite.

Runner up, Saarland, ran a very respectable 2nd while conceding 4 pounds to the winner and an obvious bias against the grain of the track. Saarland is a fantastic closer, and the track on Sunday was playing to speed. John Velasquez was up for the mount, and to for all our Fans benefit, this is the type of horse you want to watch for development and longer distance. Saarland may be much much better then this 2nd place effort showed us. We shall have to wait and watch in the Wood to see who's the best in NY for the Derby.

While we have been telling you about the big Jockey battle going on in Florida between Johnny V. and Edgar Prado, we had the pleasure of watching them both ride in NY on Sunday. Edgar trying to assert himself had 3 Winners on the day. They were, 5th race, Mark's mane Man $9.60, 8th race, Quiet One $8.50, and finally Gotham Winner, Mayakovsky for $3.50. We have always been a HUGE Johnny V. fan, but you have to respect what Edgar is accomplishing. The Gulf wrap up should be a huge battle between the 2 hottest jockey's around, Edgar and Johnny V.

In case you did not know, the Post Time is now 1PM at the Big A, and they are back on the Main Track. Turf Racing is mere weeks away.

3/14/02 :
*GOTHAM STAKES THIS WEEKEND !*
*FAVORITE CITY AT BIG A*
*BRIDGE JUMPER SUNDAY*

It has been a very interesting and exciting week in horse racing sports fans. We are now officially into Kentucky Derby preparation mode.

The Gotham Stakes is this weekend. On Saturday the $200K race will be renewed. Remember, this is the race Easy Goer romped home in in 1989. The Gotham is a 1 Mile tour de force of speed and staminia. Only the very best horses win the Gotham, and it is not to be confused with the Wood Memorial, which is a riders race.

two years ago we watched live on track as Red Bullet vanquished the hard charging Aptitude. Both horses, as many other before and after them went on to become the Top Handicap horses in the Country. This year will be no exception. Imagine this race like the NCAA Championships, you get to see the very best before they make their names.

Saarland looks to assume the favorite's role for "Shug" McGaughey, or Claude the 3rd. We like Claude the 3rd better, it gives "Shug" as air of royalty, which he deserves for all his many accomplishments on the racetrack. Saarland's connections wanted a prep at Gulfstream, but were unable to find the right race to go in, and thus will come into the Gotham off workouts alone. If anyone can get a horse ready for a Big Win off works along, its Claude the 3rd !

Have you noticed Win payoff's recently at the Big A ? It looks like a chalk players delight. Favorites have been ruling the races over the last few weeks. I guess the NY fans are just too savy to be thrown by the complexities of Horse Racing past performances.

Well, wait a second ! Before I give the chalk players all the accolades, did you all happen to notice the 4th race on Sunday ? I'm sure those chalk players all felt "Sherm-ed" ! Yes, we had a bridge jumper playing the races in Sunday fans. While Sherm was only 1/5 to win, his show odds were ready to set up a minus show pool with more then 90% of the pool placed on him.

Sherm, a horse with a foot problem, ended up breaking poorly, rushing up wide, and going at least 4-5 wide on the turn only to finish 4th in a field of 5. How does that phrase go, "Never a man alive who paid a mortgage at 1/5".

Many more News updates to start following each week Stick Fans. Check back often.

2/22/02 :
*Lescanzo Top Rider and Apprentice*
*2 Stick Customers nail down a $4,000+ Superfecta 2/21*
*Stick Pique Polo's are here !*

Well, remember when we were complaining about no hot Apprentice riders at the traditional capital for Winter Apprentice riding ? Well, look out, here's Lorenzo Lescanzo. This guy is winning a lot of races, and is the "Hot" bug of the season that we are used to traditionally seeing. This guys got talent, lets see if he can hold on for the title.

2 Stick customers emailed in yesterday that they hit that very nice $4,000+ Superfecta using Our Stick Selections sheets. CONGRATULATIONS RW and LC ! We had the top 3, 2 favorite's and 1 longshot ,in our Top 3 on RW's Starter level sheet. While we had the Top 4, 2 Favorite's and 2 Longshot's in the Top 5 on LC's Expert Level sheet. Nice play guys ! You Rule !

The Stick Pique Polo shirts are being delivered Monday, and will be for Sale for $35. Email us for Details or to order one for yourself.

2/06/02 :
*DISCOVERY AND AMERICAN EXPRESS NOW BEING ACCEPTED*
LESCANZO ON A ROLL !
THE MIG STAYS IN NY THIS WINTER, ROBBIE TOO
MIDDLE MOVERS RULE !

We now accept Visa, Mastercard, DISCOVER(*NEW*), and AMERICAN EXPRESS(*NEW*) through our Credit Card payment Links. We are offering Special Deals(2 For 1 Ordering-Email us for details) on our well regarded Stick Selections Sheets to all Credit Card customers. *PRESS HERE FOR CREDIT CARD PAYMENT*

He is a new face in NY, but Lorenzo Lescanzo is some kind of hot rider right now. Watching the first 2 races today when I write this, he just swept the early double. Races #1, #2, and its a Lescanzo Double ! Considering the strength of the NY Winter colony, we have a new star on the horizon here. Include Lescanzo ridden horses in your Exotics, or else you will be throwing away a lot of tickets.

Richard Migliore and Robbie Davis choose to stay in NY this Winter, and thinking about it, it was a shrewd move on both of their parts. Why go to Gulf and ride for less money, and be in the middle of a very deep colony of talent ? Jerry Bailey, and Pat Day have been getting the Lion's share of Top level horses. Bailey/Mott is legendary, and Day/Romans is not bad either. There's Chop Chop, and Prado, and then the very strong local colony with Eibar Coa having an incredible run and so is Rene Douglas.

Robbie and Richie were smart to stay in NY, and I promise you they will come out way ahead with Purses Money being higher and their strong popularity here in NY. Good move Guys, you can always take two weeks and enjoy the beach down South when you want to go.

Remember that old time Front Runners bias that used to dominate the inner track ? Well, where did it go ? Middle movers and closers have been very strong recently. Also, the warm, then cold weather must be playing havoc on the surface.

NY Racing in Winter mode right now, but don't be fooled by the lack of Turf racing. NY Racing still among the very best in the country at any time of the year.

12/30/01 :
STICK BEST BET RULES AND WINS 8 OF FIRST 10 POSTS.
THE MIG AND ROBBIE AND JEAN LUC STILL HERE
WINTER RACING REALLY HEATING UP
MORE NEWS COMING IN NEXT WEEK

We finally had a breakthrough for our fans, The Stick Best Bet of the Day. For $2.50, each time your order, we have been picking solid Winners that are not 9/5 or 2-1, but 4-1 and 5-1+. We had 8 Winners from 10 Posted Days, and many people are ordering and interested in our Best Bet of the Day.

Check Out The Stick Best Bet by CLICKING HERE

Johnny V went to Calder, and he is finding some hungry Floridian jockey's, even one also named Velasquez(Cornelio) who want to displace the King. Well, Johnny V is still the King in our books, and it will take some doing to stop him from being the #1 Jockey at Gulfstream Park.

Jose Santos is riding full time also at Calder, and he has been teaming up with Main Man Trainer Christophe "I LOVE TURF RACING" Clement. IF you see these two in a Turf race together with a nice horse, PLAY THEM !

"The Mig", Robbie Davis and Jean Luc Samyn are still here, and they will probably not go down to Florida until Gulf opens up. Figure JD is on vacation until Gulf opens, with spot rides in Big Races on the West Coast.

Winter Racing is getting ready to heat up, and we are looking for Norberto Arroyo, Shaun Bridgmohan, and Julien Pimental to be leading the way. Remember to watch out for Front Runners who have faded at other tracks shipping in to use the Inner Track, "Fast Track" speed bias for front running victories. Also be wary of those "Closer Days" when the whole bias seems skewed after a rain storm or strong wind day through the stretch.

Never discount Aqueduct in the Winter for putting on a Top Level Race Day. The purses remain at Exceptionally High Levels, and only So.Cal purses and Churchill Downs/Keeneland purses are ever higher.

You can catch great prices in Pick Three betting, and we encourage you to look at this wager for Big payoff's.

More News will be posted during the next 2 weeks. Check Back for it then or if a big News even happens in Horse Racing.

12/03/01 :
JOHNNY V ON TOP AND LOOKING FOR BIG A TITLE
STICK JOCKEY NOTEBOOK EXCERPT'S
BALTO STAR COMES UP 2ND IN QUEENS COUNTY
INDIAN SUMMER FOR NY ?
INNER TRACK OPENS WED.
SNOWBIRDS MIGRATE SHORTLY

If you have been checking out the standings in the Jockey rankings at Aqueduct, it is no surprise to see John Velasquez right at the TOP ! Go Johnny Go ! With an agent the likes of Former Legend Angel Cordero, Jr., and Johnny riding at the top of his game, we are looking at the Next NY Legend. He can easily carry his own with the likes of the other Superstars, such as Jerry Bailey, and Jose Santos, and Robbie Davis, so it is very likely that Johnny V will be the next "KING" of NY Racing when JD eventually stops riding.

Now, we have to give the others their due, or face nasty emails from them ! Jose Santos has been nothing short of SPECTACULAR since his return to racing from that injury he had earlier this year. The Santos/Christophe Clement express is incredible with something like a 65%+ Win clip on Turf. Don't forget Linda Rice using Jose on those Hot 2yr olds she has also !

Norberto Arroyo is a very hot young jockey, and we find him pulling rabbits out every chance he gets for big wins. Watch out for Norberto on any Joe Orseno trained horses !

Oh, did you notice Julien Pimental riding all those Bill Mott horses while JD prepares for Florida ? Pimental showed his stuff in NJ, and is looking for a name here in the NY Winter. Watch this kid, he can ride !

Shaun Bridgmohan also a major factor in NY racing. To leave him off your tickets is to always face the chance of losing it all ! "Briggy" as we call him in our offices, is very strong, and likes to close. So watch for him on horses with strong closing ability.

Robbie Davis is such a smooth professional, I mean how can you even compare him to most of the new talent ? Robbie rides with patience, does not need the lead, and hammers home on most of his mounts. Robbie probably waiting for Florida racing at Gulfstream to ride 7-9 races a day. Robbie is always dangerous, and watch for him on all Frank Alexander trained horses.

Richard Migliore also in the same position as Robbie. The Mig is a Top Ranked Jockey who started right here, and who now makes the annual migration to Gulfstream in January.

Due to Joe Bravo being injured a while back we have to wait for him to heal up, and we wish him a speedy recovery !

Jerry Bailey will be the King of Gulfstream when it opens, and he is obviously taking a well deserved vacation. You might see him pop up on a stakes here or there around the country, but for the most part JD is psyching himself up for Gulfstream.

For any jocks we left out, you are still in our notebooks, and we watch all of you closely for signs of getting hot, any lack of reporting on you does NOT mean we have any negative thoughts on your ability, it just means we have not focused in on your talents. Show us what your made of, and WIN BIG ! Best Regards and Luck to ALL Jockeys and Trainers, the heart and soul of Racing !

Balto Star came up a length or more short of winning the Queens County after a masterful rate job that resulted in a surprise upset. Balto Star clearly a factor to be watched this year in the Handicap ranks.

The temps in NY have been much warmer then normal with temps in the high 60's ! Will we have an Indian Summer this year ? Racing shift to Inner Track this Wed., will we still see turf racing also ?

As we always warn you each year, the Inner Dirt Track is a HAVEN for Speed horses and front runners ! Horses who normally stop cold at Belmont on those Monster Turns coming into the stretch, seem to sprout wings on the tight Inner Track turns and open up large amounts of daylight turning for home en route to BIG Wins ! Remember that all next week for some big cashing !

Snowbirds off to Florida shortly, Inner Track usually heralds their moves to Florida. Look for Top Names to appear at Calder on a limited basis, and then to Full Time duty at Gulfstream.

***HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OUR FANS ! HAPPY HANNUKAH, MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!***

11/15/01 :
AA CRASH CLOSE TO HEART AND LOCATION OF BIG A
BIG A PUTS ON 1ST RATE PROGRAM, TOP JOCKS STILL HERE
CHOP CHOP IN KENTUCKY !
WINTER RACING MUTED BY 60's TEMPS

New Yorker's are really taking it on the chin this year. The recent loss of the AA Flight from JFK to Santo Domingo has everyone upset and saddened. For those of you who do not know, JFK is literally across the highway from Aqueduct. You can see the planes from the stands and the Equestris restaurant. The crash happened in Queens, and after 9-11, no one needed more trajedy. The Stick and Staff send out our condolences to the families, and communities affected.

Aqueduct is putting on a First Rate program these days. The purses are very close to what we saw horses at Belmont running for, with a lower level CLMG and more 2 turn races. You can run 1 1/16 at Belmont using one turn with that massive backstretch, at Aqueduct, you have to go two turns.

Jose Santos, and Robbie Davis are both riding up a storm. Jose was injured most of the year, and has come back strong ! Robbie, always strong, is the consummate Man's Man jockey, as he will ride as well as he can as often as he can. Robbie's not afraid of a little snow when it comes ! John Velasquez still here also, as is Richard Migliore. Expect the bigger names to go to Florida when Gulfstream opens up.

Jockey Jorge Chavez got the jump on everyone with a surprise move to Churchill Downs to bop heads with Pat Day and Calvin Borel, Robbie Albarado and others. Chop Chop pulling out quite a few winners over the last few days !

The temps in NY have been mild with 60's expected all through this week. Who says NY racing slows down in Winter ? Its actually very exciting right now with NJ connections getting their horses in against the better NY outfits. Great Racing !

11/01/01 :
B.CUP MEMORIES
WE TOLD YOU SO ABOUT THE CLOSER'S BIAS
B.CUP KICKS OFF BELMONT MEETING
BIG A OPENS WEDNESDAY

We FROZE in the Grandstand 3rd floor reserved seats on Saturday. Brrrrrr ! It was kind of funny to watch everyone go hide in the building before the races, and have them come out with 2 minutes to post and fill almost every seat for the race. The Blaze and I say we loved it, but we wish it had been warmer !

You would think we would have remembered 1990 and told all of you to bundle up ! I had a long sleeve B.Cup T-Shirt, a button shirt, a sweater, and a nanook of the north jacket, and I still froze my tush off in the stands !!! If anything, we had a great time, but would have preferred different finish's. Affirmed Success, and El Correador did nothing and we were very upset about those races. Plus, the Juv fillies, and this whole B.Cup in general is now proof positive that Euro runners can come here and score. I guess they liked the colder weather !

That closers bias we told you about held up ALL DAY long. The only front runner's that had anything left at the end were 2nd place Sprint runner Xtra Heat(17-1). Blaze loved her and made a last minute $2 exacta box with Squirtle Squirt for a nice $290 score. Alber the Great also held well, and finished 3rd in the Classic after posting some fast fractions. However, the Juv.Fillies was a shocker and Godolphin showed their dominance in the sport with a 1-2 finish and monster prices. Any other day and they would have been an entry, but not for B.Cup. Sahkee almost pulled it out for our Big Wager of the day, but we had to settle for 2nd to defending champion Tiznow. Our Hats Off to Tiznow's connections, what an incredible race from a horse thought to be long over the hill.

No more Belmont for 7 months, as we closed out the meeting with the B.Cup. The Big A, Aqueduct opens Wednesday and with it ushers in the Winter racing season. Expect many trainers and jockeys to move around to and from NY. When Gulfstream opens, you will see the majority of the Belmont circuit there to avoid the cold weather. However, don't discount Aqueduct, as you can always catch a price there, and the purses will be among the highest in the Country.

10/21/01 :
BREEDERS CUP 8 DAYS AWAY
GARY STEVENS RIDES BELMONT MEET
CLOSER'S BIAS EMERGING

Well, The Breeders Cup will be a week from Saturday, and the day should prove to be a great day of racing. We have been working very hard and getting all our information for the BC Races. We have also been calling on our past experiences at Belmont in the BC, and have been looking at all the Euro horses shipping in for the races. We expect a Solid, Gold Rush Day of BC Races, and you know us during those Big Days, we almost always come out way ahead !

To Order our Stick Breeders Cup Special, simply click on the many links in the web site, and go to the Special Events Page.

Click Here on Underlined for Stick Breeders Cup Special :> *PRESS HERE FOR BC SPECIAL*

One of the All Time great's in the sport has decided to ride the Belmont Fall meeting. We have always been big fans of Gary Stevens. Despite his trials and tribulations, especially with that ankle, no other jockey has captured so many Grade 1 races so quickly. Perhaps the finest jockey of his time, perhaps the only jockey to give real challenge to Jerry Bailey's title, Gary Stevens is one of the very best riders of all time. We rank him in the top 10 jockey's of all time.

We Encourage you to watch Gary Stevens ride against Jerry Bailey. This is like a Heavyweight title battle in boxing. For the next 8 days, the best jockey's from East and West will go for it, watch, wager, enjoy !

I don't know if my eyes are going, but have you noticed that the horses that are out of the picture and not viewable are all coming on at the finish of each race for smashing wins ? Yesterday 10/17, the 1st, and 2nd races were key bias races as both winners came from last for big wins. Be wary of all bias's, though, as they can change from day to day and after a big rain.

10/02/01 :
BELMONT RETURNED TO RACING AFTER 5 CLOSED DAYS
BREEDERS CUP AT END OF MONTH
STEVENS, ESPINOZA, NAKATANI ALL RIDE IN SELECTED STAKES TO TRY OUT SURFACE

Following the attacks in NY and DC, Belmont Park had closed for a record 5 Racing days in a row. We wondered if anything would ever return to normal after all the shock and outrage started to wear down. 5 Racing days closed ? Not since we can ever rememeber has a NYRA track been closed for an Entire Racing Week, and its off days as well. IT was completely appropriate, and proper for them to close the facility down in the wake of the worst terrorist attack possibly of all time in any country.

Then, finally, Beautiful Belmont Park reopened its majestic doors, and we had a Friday card that featured the likes of Victor Espinoza, and Gary Stevens visiting our stellar jockey colony for an incredible day and weekend of racing.

The BC Preview Days of Oct.6-7 will be pre-empted from its original TV listings, but we don't care, we're just glad to see NYRA put on its best racing face and get ready for the best day of Racing possible in the BC at the end of the month.

JD, the RED HOT Johnny V., The Mig, Chop Chop, The Amazing Edgar, Robbie Robbie, and even Jose Santos were all seen in action this last 2 weeks, and they are really going for it ! Corey Nakatani must have thought he was home free on England's Legend in the Flower Bowl, only to see Jerry Bailey come flying home around him for the Upset win. JD still the master.

Of note to all invading jockey's, NY Colony now in its prime meeting, so ride against them at your own risk of loss. So Says The Stick ! Go NY Jockey's !

9/14/01 :
TERROR ATTACK ON NY AND DC OVERSHADOW RACING
BELMONT CLOSED FOR 3 DAYS
OTHER TRACKS CLOSED ALSO.

*9/15 Addition, Stick Home Offices receive 8 virus uploads, probably from people sympathetic to the terrorist's or perhaps from other countries. All authorities have been notified, and our complete internet use logs will be traced back to their sources. We will press legal charges against all person or persons who have uploaded virus's to our home system.

In the most horrific attack ever committed on the United States, terrorist's of unknown origin attacked and destroyed the World Trade Towers in New York City, and crashed a 3rd plane into the Pentagon in Washington, DC. A Fourth hijacked plane was crashed in the woods near Pittsburgh, PA.

According to many major American networks, the most likely suspect is Osama bin Lauden, the Saudi Millionaire who has been suspected in the attacks on the USS Cole, and American Embassy's in Africa.

The impact on the racing world has seen the closing of all race tracks for at least 2 days. Belmont Park, this years host for the Breeders Cup, will be closed for at least 3 days.

Without going into a history of the conflicts going on around the World, one has to ask the question, what, if anything did this terror attack do for the people who perpetrated it ?

Did they(The Terrorists) think people around the world would agree with their actions ?

Did they think America, or Americans would be afraid of them ?

Did they think anything good would come to them for their actions ?

Let me answer those questions in order.

1.People around the World, outside their circles of support, condemned them. Even people's who cheered them on the West Bank in the town of Jenin were contradicted by their leader Yassar Arrafat, who called it a horrible attack.

2.Americans are among the bravest people's in the World, and we have a very warm and loving nature that we project onto others, even our enemies, in order to preserve a honest and just way of life. We fear no one, and we can be quite formidable when aroused in anger. The mistake these enemies made was that they thought we would be afraid of them. Quite the contrary, we will lick our wounds clean and attack them with the most aggressive ferocity possible. All they have done is to invite complete and total destruction. Americans unite in a time of crisis, and that will be the undoing and demise of organized terrorist actions.

3.While many Liberal elements in our society and enemies of our close friends(enemies of our closest middle eastern friend-Israel will be among them) will argue that a war is being fought for land in the Middle East, and for Ideology of religion and ways of life, this writer will vent his emotions.

3.a.Instead of pushing for equality and understanding between people's, all that has occurred is creation of a massive, and overwhelming attack by the side attacked(USA/NATO) against the side who attacked us. Even if you hate the US, even if you do not agree with our policies and belief's, you still have to pursue your ideas in a civilized way. By acting so viciously, and killing so many people, all you have done is invite our complete and undivided attention to destroy you. You have turned people who might have agreed with your complaints and killed their friends, and family members. You have turned a peaceful nation with a mighty economy against you. It defies logic to invite the attack you so righteously deserve. Any and all complaints you might have had will be said to deaf ears as the majority of Europe and the USA deliver a military operation against you.

We hold out hope that peace will exist in the future for all people, a just peace that all can live with. However, no peace will come from attacking and killing so many people. War is coming, and the terrorist's and their allies are going to pay a huge price for their actions. May g-d have mercy on your souls, you will not be on this Earth for much longer.

This web site has Never vented anger and Never spoken about anything other then Horse Racing, but we break with that tradition because we were in the path of those attacks, and people we know and love were affected and possibly killed from them. We will try over time to find peace in our hearts, but right now we are boiling with anger, and we join our fellow countrymen in asking our government for a strong, and vengeful response to those responsible for the attacks.

7/09/01 :
The Stick SALUTES Jerry Bailey
E Dubaii rolls big time in the Dwyer !

Well Stick Fans, we have had our fill of the insensative harshness the jockey's have to take, and we're not going to take it anymore !

On Wed. afternoon, Jerry Bailey told the entire simulcast audience that the jockeys give their all, and always do their best. Amen ! Jerry went on to say that the fans should lighten up.

Well, would'nt you know it, 8/5 shot Count on Willen, who had been off for a year, came up short in the feature. This was not anyone's fault, and we always tell our fans the #1 combination on Turf in NY is JD and Bill Mott. Count on Willem was just one or two races short, thats all, he should not have been bet beyond all handicapping angles to 8/5.

JD came back, and a group of really lower element fans went out of their way to howl at him in a very negative way. It was really shocking to the ears, and offensive to hear over the simulcast signal. Do us a favor guys, give up horse racing and go back to wherever you came from, your really not welcome at the track, at The Stick, and we did not appreciate hearing your ugly voices over the simulcast howling at the greatest jockey of the last decade in NY. Only Angel Cordero could be considered to have had more success, and with that said, JD was able to compete with Angel at Saratoga when Angel still rode.

To put those guys back in their place, JD went on a Great Win Run this week, he had a 16-1 in the feature on Friday, and he nailed it with E Dubaii(A Stick Best Bet) in the Dwyer.

The connections of E Dubaii really got him in shape for the Dwyer. It was a sloppy track like the one he had when he lost to 4/5 favorite Holiday Thunder. This time though, JD had E Dubaii clear on a incredible lead with 1:07 4/5 for the 6F split time, incredible for a 1 1/16 Mile race. A Big wave of the Stick to the connections of E Dubaii, they really have a solid outfit with Top quality people doing their part for one of the best stables in racing today. It makes us wish people around the World could focus on sports competition, rather then the destructive and harmful conflict that goes on in the World. Peace to All, may we find our way together as brothers and live healthy, honest lives.

4/11/01 :
MORE FRAUD ALERT-BOOTLEG SALES OF OUR SHEETS
Tom Durkin is back
WOOD MEMORIAL IS SATURDAY !
Ommadon injured, out of Wood.
5 Weeks to Belmont !

WE RECEIVED ANOTHER EMAIL INFORMING US ABOUT STICK SELECTIONS SHEETS BEING SOLD AT SANTA ANITA BY SOMEONE OUTSIDE THE GATES OR NEAR THE ENTRY. THEY ARE NOT FROM US AND WE DO NOT ENDORSE OR SUPPORT THEM.

WE ONLY SELL OUR STICK SELECTIONS SHEETS DIRECTLY TO YOU FROM THE INTERNET.
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