First Stakes Race at Saratoga!

This is a diversion from the usual fare, which deals with racing economics and the big players in the game.

But we (Castle Village Farm) will be running our first-ever stakes race at Saratoga tomorrow, and I couldn't not mention it.

Our four-year-old filly Just Zip It will run in Monday's $80,000-added Union Avenue Stakes, for NY-bred fillies and mares on the dirt at six furlongs. Just Zip It sailed through her NY-bred conditions earlier this year: lifetime she's 3-3-2 from eight races, and has never been worse than second at six furlongs. Her Beyer numbers aren't as flashy as some of the other entrants', but she has a great competitive spirit.

Dick Dutrow has what will certainly be an odds-on favorite in By the Light, but we're hoping to be able to run with the rest of the field. Actually, we're happy just to be here, with a filly that legitimately deserves a shot at this level.

Our horses have won stakes before (Maryland Million Distaff at Laurel and the Hollie Hughes at Aqueduct), and we've won in Saratoga for the past five years running, but it is a special thrill to be in a stakes race up here. Wish us luck!