First Post: Saturday, August 3, 2013

Here’s To You, Anthony Dominick Benedetto

Eighty-seven years young today and still swinging. That extends beyond the music; we hear he continues to hit the tennis courts regularly. Many happy returns!

Most of these entertainers, you can sense the uncertainty in the voice, either in its timbre or its hopscotching around to get to the right note. Tony Bennett, no such issues. Cool, modest, just the best. Regardless of politics or prejudices or any other affiliations, here’s a guy we can all agree upon. Magic.

Lots of hotshots in the Bowl audience last night. Calif. U.S. Reps. Sherman & Pelosi, the last two mayors of the City of Angels, Jeopardy! $1-million celebrity champeen Michael McKean, plus one unsavory convicted criminal, a disgraced financier, who no longer wears his toupee; guess he can observe the Shabbes on his own terms. We should add him to the illegal firm of Steven Cohen, Steven Cohen, Braun, Weiner, Filner, Strauss-Kahn, Castro (token shaygetz inclusion for PC-loversz).

At any rate, Mr. Tony Bennett, happy birthday. Thank you for giving us something to appreciate and love. Best wishes!

Free ones: Rundown…

Saratoga Race Course 1, 2, 6
Calder / Gulf Crc 4, Crc 5, GP 1, GP 4, GP 7
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10

Pay-side: Today…

Arlington 4, 8
Ellis Park 9
Louisiana 2, 5, 6, 8, 10
Monmouth 7, 10
Woodbine 3, 9

Today’s Stakes Pageantry: Dmr 8 is on the free page.

Pay-side includes LaD 6 & 8.

Uh-oh. Vaunted Triple Threat Horsey status accorded to #1 Wicked Tune in Mth 11, the My Frenchman.

Likewise #6 Ruthenia in Sar 9. Also to #3 Fort Larned in the next race there, the Grade I Whitney, though the competition seems stronger in the latter.

Maybe a chance for #8 Balino in Crc 7. But in Race 9 there, it’s #4 Dreaming of Susie restoring order to the mutuels.

More chalk on offer in LaD 9, The Prelude To The Super Derby: #2 Sunbean. As well, #6 On Rainbow Bridge in WO 6. (A moment now to remember all our dear, departed pets.)

(Applause.) Another strong call at WO in Race 8, the Grade III Cup. It’s #3 Alpha Bettor.

Nonfavored duo in prospect in Cby 8: #1 Impassable Canyon, #8 Officer Alex.

Nonfavored single in prospect in FL 8: #8 Dan’s Gold.

Finally, special daytime racing at the Mountain now, and #9 Bourbon Best and #3 Soft Whisper comprise a fave-longie pairing in Race 5.

Lots of horseys. Lots.

Yesterday’s Activity: Philsz philtering down to phourth; Mets ready to rise!

WMF Report:

Early
Arlington 6f
Arapahoe 6f
Les Bois 5f
Chas. Town 4½f, 7f
Delpark 5½f, 6f
Ellis Park 6f, 1m
Emerald 1m
Evangeline 6f
Finger 6f
Fairmount 6f
Gulf 6f
Marquis 6f
Northlands 6, 6½f
PennNat 6f
Keystone 6f
Ruidoso 7½f
Suffolk 1m70y

Nocturnal Submission: Not now. If so, a freestander later on in your day.

Thank you. Best wishes. Goodbye. Take care now.