Saturday

- Bernardini seems to be the real thing. He made the Jim Dandy Stakes seem easy. It is possible that many years from now we will remember Barbaro as "that horse that won the Kentucky Derby and then broke down", while we recall 2006 as the year we discovered the great champion Bernardini. His performances may also mark the emergence of Darley as perpetual participants on the big stage. Let's hope they keep him out of the breeding shed long enough to make a lasting impact.

- An impressive day for sire AP Indy. In addition to Bernardini winning the $500k G2 Jim Dandy Stakes, his son Suave won the $300k G2 Washington Park Handicap at Arlington Park.

- But (and there always is a but) AP Indy's grandson, Corinthian, was a big disappointment in his return from being DQed in the Fountain of Youth back in March. He came in 3rd, more than 6 lengths back in a 53k allowance race while carrying the low weight. Maybe his insanity is indeed greater than his talent.

- Most think it is corny, but I think the bobblehead giveaway idea at Saratoga is great. It fits in with our doctrine of marketing the jockeys and trainers to increase fan interest. And NYRA got Pletcher's ethnicity correct unlike the Baltimore Orioles who made a caucasion player's bobblehead look African-American.