Spring Has Arrived In New York

Spring in finally here, this seasonal transition is not determined by a vernal equinox or a climate change but by the move from the Aqueduct Inner Track to the Aqueduct Main Track. While most urban dwellers are completely removed from the seasonal transitions of life the racing fan is in intimate contact with the rhythm of the earth. The racing schedule provides all the hints and cues we need to let us know what time of year it is. If a Grizzly bear could follow horse racing, they would know to terminate their yearly hibernation with the move to the Main Track. Prompted by the move to the main track, racing fans all over New York have began their spring cleaning this week and are planting their tomatoes and peppers.

The move to the Aqueduct main track signals the return of the return of the top class horses from their winter quarters down south. Legendary trainers like Allen Jerkens and Bill Mott will soon be found entering their stock in New York races. The first turf race of the year in New York is scheduled for Saturday. We can look forward to four graded stakes races on the Saturday Aqueduct card. The highlight is the Wood Memorial Stakes which sets the stage for the Kentucky Derby and the rest of the triple crown classics. As New York racing fans we are finishing the last of our winter rations and we can now start feeding on the explosions of budding life brought by the warm spring sun.