SARATOGA SPRINGS — Alpha Bella emerged victorious in the seventh race of Saratoga’s Thursday racing program, leaving racing enthusiasts wondering if Don Alberto Stable and Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher have reason to celebrate.
The 3-year-old daughter of the 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify defeated a solitary horse, leaving people asking, “What happened to the other ten entrants?” They were withdrawn from the race.
The seventh race, originally scheduled for 1 1/8 miles on the Mellon Turf Course, was moved to the main track due to safety concerns. NYRA determined that running on the dirt surface would be more prudent considering the significant amount of rain that has soaked the turf courses since the start of the 40-day meeting on July 13, accumulating 5.79 inches.
Glen Kozak, NYRA’s executive vice president for operations and capital projects, explained that the maintenance of the turf courses, unlike the main track, is limited due to unfavorable weather conditions. They have a dedicated crew of 26 individuals responsible for various tasks on the turf course, such as divot tamping, rolling, seeding, fertilizing, and relocating the rails.
Kozak emphasized that their efforts focus on post-race maintenance since preparation for rain is challenging. He outlined several factors and information sources that contribute to the decision of moving off the turf.
According to Kozak, a long-serving NYRA executive, the forecast for thunderstorms played a significant role in the decision-making process. They needed to assess the potential impact on the surface and consider the betting patrons’ ability to accurately handicap the races. The NY Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association also supports NYRA, acknowledging that weather is beyond their control and that racing is essential for the purse structure.
The variability of Saratoga’s weather presents unique challenges concerning turf conditions. Kozak revealed that 35 races have been shifted from turf to the main track this season, compared to five in the same period last year.
Kozak appreciates the nearly ideal racing surfaces that Saratoga offers, with their natural sand base providing excellent drainage. The infield pond supplies the irrigation system, capable of delivering three-tenths of an inch of water in less than 41 minutes when needed.
Horsemen, directly impacted by weather and racing surfaces, must also navigate daily changes. Entries for the New York circuit must be submitted five days in advance, aiming to have their horses at their best on the designated race day. Trainers often scratch their horses from turf races if faced with rain, unless they believe their horses can perform well on the main track. Some trainers enter their horses as “main track only,” filling out races and promoting competition.
When faced with the choice between a typical Saratoga summer squall and prolonged rainfall, Kozak expressed a preference for the former, especially after the course has been tended to. This preference indicates the likelihood of turf racing the following day.
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