A Dandy Jim Dandy

I think we have a new favorite for Horse Of The Year, racing fans. Bernardini was absolutely magnificent in winning the Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga yesterday. The Preakness champion continues to improve with each successive start and in the Jim Dandy, he was simply awesome. Jockey Javier Castellano held the horse back through the first stages of the race and then barely had to move coming through the stretch. That was a perfect prep race for the "Summertime Derby", The Travers Stakes, and Bernardini will be an overwhelming favorite for that one and for almost every other start he will make this year. I know Barbaro won the Kentucky Derby on cruise control, but Bernardini might very well be the better horse.

It Is Now Summer

I know it has been hotter than Hades lately around the entire country, but there is no better sign of summer in the horse racing world than tomorrow afternoon when SARATOGA kicks off its annual summer ritual in upstate New York. The great races at the "Graveyard of Champions" will this year include the Woodward Stakes, which was moved over from Belmont Park for this year. Of course, the "Summertime Derby", the Travers Stakes is the highlight of the meeting.

As an easterner originally, Saratoga would be my summer spot over Del Mar in a photo finish, but how about Giacomo coming back last weekend at Del Mar and winning the San Diego Handicap? That is his first win since the Kentucky Derby he won at 50-1 in 2005. Next up for Giacomo is the Pacific Classic later this Del Mar meet against the likes of Lava Man.

Here's wishing the best of luck to you all.