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I knew it would happen. Didn’t know when. Didn’t know why. Didn’t know how long it would last. Hoped nobody would notice.

Twenty-five days after enduring a tough-trip fourth in the Lake George, Stephanie’s Kitten appeared destined for the same fate in Sunday’s Lake Placid – stuck on the rail in the stretch, blocked by one rival in front, shut off by another to the outside.

Back in the summer, in The Saratoga Special, we were covering Point Of Entry, who recently won his fourth Grade 1 – taking down the Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap over Animal Kingdom. The Phipps Stable runner hearkens back to an earlier age in racing. Here’s the story.

Irad Ortiz looked up, paused and repeated the question. “What do I think?” Then the 20-year-old jockey smiled, eyes widening.

Steve and Al came back to Saratoga Thursday morning. They crossed Union Avenue from the Saratoga Sleigh Bed and Breakfast, went through the front gate, up to the grandstand and out to the track next to the winner’s circle.

Every year, it’s the same thing. Summer help, hired for six weeks at The Special. Where do we find them? How do they find us? Whatever became of . . . ? What will happen to . . . ?

It will be a year next week. I was interviewing jockey Jesus Castanon about Shackleford. What’s he like to ride? How does he feel? Is he different in a race vs. in a gallop? How long is that stride? Castanon talked, my recorder recorded, I jotted down some notes.

Somebody asked for a double shot of espresso, rather than the regular cup of coffee…one day a week where I vent, rant, complain and question. Here goes.

All the years, all the performances, all the heartbreaks, all the moments, all the celebrations, all the friends, all the goodbyes, all the memories . . .

Wilmer Garcia leaned forward a little in his seat, put his hands out in front of his body and talked about what it feels like to ride a racehorse.