Weekend #1

Commentator proved once again that when he's right, he's as fast as any we've seen the last five years. Kudos to Nick Zito who continues to showcase his ability to point a horse to a big race and win it.

Speaking of veterans who just keep winning, how about Johnathan Sheppard? You must respect everything he sends out at the Spa, whether it's on the flat or over the jumps.

Ginger Punch had to work hard for her win in the Go For Wand, but Rafael Bejarano went from goat to hero with a daring split of horses in upper stretch to get clear late.

Congratulations to Kent Desormeaux on career win number 5000; it came Sunday afternoon aboard Bella Attrice, a daughter of Tomorrow's Cat out of the great NYB racemare Irish Actress. In addition to much applause and handshaking upon returning to the winner's circle, Kent also received, courtesy of some fellow jockeys, a cake or pie aimed at his face. He deftly avoided most of the assault.

The Jim Dandy had a well-matched field, and more than lived up to expectations; it was a terrific horse race. After a too-fast early half-mile doomed the front runners, it was Macho Again, the Preakness runner-up, holding off Pyro in deep stretch. Added distance would appear to help Pyro, and perhaps hinder Macho Again. In the race before the Jim Dandy, Mambo In Seattle won in convincing fashion in a slightly faster time than Macho Again and stamped himself an improving contender for the Travers, along with runner-up You And I Forever (A.P. Indy x You).

Weekend Beyers:

Commentator- 120

Student Council- 112

Abraaj- 109

Mambo In Seattle- 104

You And I Forever- 104

Macho Again- 102

Pyro- 101