Churchill’s Morning After and ZATT Strikes Again

Darren Rogers, the personable media director at Churchill Downs, walked into the press room this morning a little tired, but ready for another big day at the Downs. He proclaimed to me what a huge success the previous night’s Downs after Darks had been, “A big disco party at the racetrack!” and was already grinning about the big day of racing we are in store for today. My early morning hesitation was gone, and I became more pumped for the day after our one minute conversation. It’s great to be at Churchill Downs, plus I have a little announcement…. Today is the day that the ZATT family of blogs begins. Four new blogs under the ZATT umbrella. If you liked what we have done before, I urge you to take a look at the Mag, History, International, and Technical. It is pretty, pretty good (using my best Larry David voice) if I do say so myself. Renowned handicapper and author, Dr. William Quirin writes about racing for the first time in a long time, and he does it for ZATT Mag. Ciarán De Barra, my European correspondent, gushes about the recent winners of the Epsom and French Derbies, and rightly so, on ZATT International. The man who knows more about a horse’s gray matter than just about anyone in the world, Kerry Thomas, unveils his next article, Behavioral Overcompensation, for ZATT Technical. And yours truly, celebrates the life and times of a recently passed superstar, Chinook Pass, kicking off ZATT History. Thank you all for your continued support as ZATT continues to bring you quality stories for the love of Thoroughbred horse racing!

To Rachel or not to Rachel

That is the question.  I am heading down to Churchill Downs this Saturday for two somewhat disproportionate reasons; to see what should be a strong edition of the Stephen Foster Handicap, and to get my first glimpse of Rachel Alexandra this year. Sure the Foster is a big race, but truth be told, this is a Rachel trip. But will I see her?  Trying to get info out of Jess Jackson can be tougher than hitting a two-iron to an island green. The Foster, the Fleur de Lis, (both at Churchill on Saturday) the Ogden Phipps, and the Obeah Stakes, have all been mentioned as possible starts for my heroine. Secretive to a fault, Jackson leaves us with four races, three tracks, and two regions of the nation where she may appear in five days. Come on Jess, tell me, will I see her? ***The remainder of today's column can be found on Youbet.com*** Click Here