Spa Stars: Princess of Sylmar under the radar no more

Princess of Sylmar was more than 38-1 in her most recent start. She may not be favored when she steps into the starting gate for Saturday’s Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga Race Course, but if she isn’t she’ll be close.

Spa Stars: Ramsey fires warning shot

The best never rest, or at least they rarely do. Case in point Ken Ramsey, currently North America’s leading owner by a fairly comfortable margin and the proud owner of one of the best turf sires in the world.

Spa Stars: Hernandez ready for more chances

Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. has only ridden at Saratoga twice in his 11 years as a jockey. The first was in 2010, when he was aboard Millennia for a sixth-place finish in the Riskaverse Stakes. He got a bit more attention for his most recent ride at the Spa. That of course was a victory on Fort Larned in the Grade 1 Whitney Handicap, the first Grade 1 victory for horse and jockey, at last summer’s Saratoga meet.

Moquett to send small string to Saratoga

You can go ahead and add another face to the backside for the summer meeting at Saratoga Race Course, which kicks off Friday. Trainer Ron Moquett will send a string of seven to compete against the best of the best at the track celebrating its 150th year of racing this summer.

Spa Stars: Oxbow a true ‘throwback’

He’s not the prettiest horse on the grounds, or even in his own barn for that matter. No, Oxbow isn’t the fastest horse here at Saratoga either. Nor is he the most versatile or the most hyped. What he is though, is accomplished and if the Tiznow colt can execute what trainer D. Wayne Lukas has planned then he will not only be one of the most decorated at the Spa but throughout North America.

Back to reality

Paddling around in kayaks and stand-up paddleboards while talking to my new father-in-law helped bring out a realization the other afternoon.

Changing gears

It’s been a whirlwind of a week so far and Independence Day officially marks the start of the second half.

The first half was the hard half. The second should be a bit easier.

The first half involved saying goodbye, celebrating a life lived to the fullest, with sorrow and sadness.

The second half is all about reuniting with old friends, starting a life together, with joy and happiness.

Saratoga institution

The question came via text, two days after my mother passed away.

“Are you and Liz in Saratoga Sunday night? Free?”

A short break, then “Quick.”