Tom Law

The calls came right away.

They always do.

Win big, run fast, earn a sparkling speed figure and the phone will ring.

Bahnah rolled in her career debut June 6 at Churchill Downs and Bret Calhoun said his mobile was “ringing off the hook” from fellow trainers, bloodstock agents and other owners, all wanting to come take a look and buy the filly by Elusive Quality who lived up to her morning works in her 4 1/2-furlong debut.

A year ago Palace Malice was a colt his connections paid $200,000 for at a 2-year-olds in training sale, were subsequently high on after he exposed his talents in the mornings at Saratoga and a veteran of exactly one race.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The wait is nearly over and it’s looking more and more likely that Groupie Doll’s return to the races will come at Saratoga Race Course.

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.