Photos from the Big A(rctic)

Man, it was cold at Aqueduct today. I came from the East and it was probably 15 degrees warmer there. I spoke with people from the North and West and they concurred. It would have been nice to have a casino to warm up in. But that's another subject. There was some good racing in New York today despite the unexpected chill.

We now have a clear Kentucky Derby favorite and that is Eskendereya. Here he is coming to the paddock to be saddled for the Wood Memorial. He looked physically impressive in person.
Here is Jackson bend walking in. He snuck up at the last moment to get second. JB has now finished second to Esky twice in a row and has three seconds in a row since being purchased by Robert LaPenta. I guess the jockey switch to Calvin Borel didn't have the desired effect.

Eightyfiveinafifty won the Bay Shore Stakes. He didn't bolt and jump the fence this time, but he was a little awkward. Perhaps we have found this year's 7 furlong specialist like Kodiak Kowboy and Munnings.
Here is Goldsville holding off Nite Lite in the Excelsior Stakes. I could handicap this race 1,000 more times and I would never have him to win. He blew my Pick 4. Nice finish, though.
I love the Carter Handicap. Some of my favorite horses have competed in the race (Ah Day, Bustin Stones). This year, Warrior's Reward held off Musket Man for the win. I was rooting for Musket Man. I enjoy when a $15,000 purchase can become a millionaire. He is just short after the close finish.

If you were on of the 8,553 in attendance, I hope you escaped frostbite. Today was just a preview of what New York has to offer. The Met Mile and the Belmont Stakes are coming up soon. If our State can get its act together, we may even have a summer at Saratoga.