Many Sides to Racing

Since the Oklahoma Track opened for training in the spring I have been watching Carlos Correa patiently guide Commentator through his morning drills. You can just see how the old fellow exerts his opinions and preferences and you can appreciate the consummate skill it requires to keep him both happy and contained at the same time.

Back at the barn the activity around Commentator's stall is a bit reminiscent of seeing what goes on at a SPA. There are no short-cuts in time, equipment, ice or whatever it takes to keep his body sound, supple and well-nourished. Most horses have a groom; I think Commentator has a butler, masseur and physical therapist to boot. There is an aura of respect and love for horses which radiates through the whole barn, and that Commentator thinks it's all just for him is part of the magic.

On Saturday the son of Distorted Humor will attempt to do what only two other horses in history have accomplished - win the Whitney for a third time. Alfred G. Vanderbilt's Discovery won the race named for the Whitney family in 1934, '35 and '36. Mrs. DuPont won it in 1961,'63 and '65 with the great Kelso, and now Tracy and Carol Farmer are lining their 8-year-old chestnut marvel up in hopes of becoming the third triple-winner of this race which dates back to 1928.

Back in 1981, Fio Rito came over from the Finger Lakes and captured this illustrious race. He was the first New York-bred to win a Grade 1 Stakes and few would dismiss that in so doing he added great acceleration to the New York-bred program. Commentator too was foaled in the Empire State and is by Funny Cide's sire. Like Funny Cide and Kelso, he is a gelding.

Commentator won his first Whitney in 2005, just days before his trainer Nick Zito was inducted into the Hall of Fame. The horse is a perfect testimony to how Nick earned his place in the hall across Union Avenue. The steeliness of Commentator's mind is not so strong in his body, and it's been pure mastery that has led the horse to an undefeated career among New York-breds and through extremely fast times in all of his races. Nick has been his only trainer and Carlos his main exercise rider throughout. Loyalties make victories even sweeter in this fan's book. Any of you who witnessed Carlos and Nick in the winner's circle for last year's Whitney know what it means to them too. There is much more story than room to write - The Farmers are loyal friends of Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson. There are the breeders, Fasig-Tipton and Johnny V... Everybody loves and respects Commentator.

Look on Broadway and at 454 you will see a lawn jockey clad in Farmers' black silks with the white triangle. Mr. Farmer donated this jockey to an event to benefit Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, ThoroFan and Backstretch Workers Service Team. On Saturday night people supporting those who put on the show will be gathering at 454 to celebrate the harmony of racing, loyalty and friendship. Commentator represents it all.