From Churchill Downs Trainer Helen Pitts’ turf star Einstein will go for his fourth grass victory of 2008 on Friday when he faces six rivals in the 19th running of the $200,000-added Firecracker Handicap (GII) to be run at one mile on the Matt Winn Turf Course. The Firecracker will go as the 10th race...

Everyone said my experience on Stephen Foster day at Churchill Downs would be totally different than my experiences on Derby day. Upon walking into the park it was fitting that a horse I favor, Grace Happens, won her race. The day ahead would turn out to be quite graceful indeed. ...( read more )

There is a great weekend of racing to look forward to - it's a shame it's going to be hidden away on HRTV and TVG. Check out today's Green but Game for a fantastic open letter to the NTRA on this very topic; she is spot on! Here's what anyone who does not receive those channels is missing...

With the Triple Crown over, we can finally turn our attention back to the real deal – Curlin . Despite grumblings from trainer Steve Asmussen over the high weight he has been assigned (even though that weight is lower than what he carried in the Jaguar Trophy in Dubai), it seems all systems are go for...

Curlin might not be the King of Pop but he is the King of Romp. I am determined to go to Churchill Downs Saturday to watch the ruling power of the race course. ...( read more )

It's not quite a Breeders' Cup card, but there is a lot to like on the Belmont undercard. There are some interesting betting races but I am most looking forward to seeing some of my favorite horses in action. True North Handicap Rick Dutrow's other favorite on the card, Benny the Bull , is...

Tomcito is apparently out of the Belmont with a ' reaction ' -- no specifics were given on what might be going on there, but it would seem that the ranks are thinning for the race. Given the number of unpleasant things that have come out about Big Brown's connections, it's easy to slip...

Working the red carpet, handicapping and all the sweet turf racing you can handle. Better late than never as Part 1 held my experienced with the Derby its' self. Now read of other races and experiences from Oaks and Derby days. ...( read more )

Inspired by the latest TBA polls and by a post at TheRail about Spend a Buck , I realized I should be writing much more about his remarkable son, Einstein (pictured). If you were watching ESPN's fine undercard coverage on Derby day (as opposed to the parade of meaningless, mostly unrecognizable celebrities...

...and I'm back in business (after a sojourn to DC that involved some work at Archives II , Pizzeria Paradsio , catching the Oaks on TV at a bar, Crowded House and some early trains). I'm catching up on everything happened yesterday and was obviously disturbed to hear about Chelokee's breakdown;...