SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. –The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) is hosting Thoroughbred Retirement Awareness Day on Wednesday, August 18 at Saratoga Race Course, including an on-track dressage routine by ESPN’s Jeannine Edwards and donations to horse retirement and rescue organizations.

Edwards, part of the ABC broadcast team that won an Eclipse Award for the 2009 Belmont Stakes telecast, will team up with her dressage horse Ashkal Way to perform for the crowd at 12:35 p.m. EDT. They will be in the paddock at 12:20.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The connections of Acting Happy have a saying – if a horse wins, and you didn’t bet it, you’re just “acting happy.”

“Marty McGee, who works for the Daily Racing Form, it’s something his father Jimmy used to say,” said Samantha Siegel, who, with father Mace, campaigns Acting Happy under the banner of Jay Em Ess Stable. “It’s become kind of an expression in our group and I wanted to name a horse that, and have it be a good horse.”

* Lisa’s Booby Trap works on turf; Riskaverse next
* Blind Luck arrives in Saratoga for Betfair TVG Alabama start
* Terranova barn looking ahead
* Mine That Bird breezes in blinkers
* Friend Or Foe to work Saturday for Travers; field taking shape
* Wine Police breezes; Three Chimneys Hopeful next
* Baffert’s string at the Spa expands by three
* Friday’s Yaddo draws full field
* Dual Oaks winners duel in York (OK) feature

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – While attendance and handle continue to trend downward as the 2010 Saratoga Race Course meet moves into its second half, total wagering remains nearly steady since fewer races have been run compared to 2009.

· Attendance for the first three full weeks of the meet (18 days, Days 5 through 22) was 392,729, down 10.7 percent from 439,713 for the first 18 days of the 2009 meet, with a daily average of 21,818 compared to 24,429. (*See note on attendance below.)

By Tony Podlaski

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – For Anthony Bonomo Jr., assistant trainer to Dominick Schettino, Connie and Michael is more than just a talented 3-year-old filly, she’s part of the family.

Bonomo Jr. will be among the group leading the Brooklyn Boyz Stables’ trainee over for Saturday’s Grade 1, $500,000 Betfair TVG Alabama for 3-year-old fillies running 1 ¼ miles, a race in which she is expected to face the current division leaders Devil May Care and Blind Luck.

By Jon Forbes

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Kantharos, looking to open his career with three straight wins, provided another impressive performance on Monday in the Grade 2, $150,000 Saratoga Special, pulling away a 7 ¼-length victory.

Kantharos had won decisively at Churchill Downs in his prior outings, rolling to a 11 ¾-length debut score on May 13 and overcoming a stumbling start to air by 9 ½ lengths in the Grade 3 Bashford Manor on July 3.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) has released the second video in its “Time Machine” video series: a profile of Rachel Alexandra’s unprecedented victory over older males in last year’s Grade 1 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 18 – Tuesday, August 24

WHERE: Saratoga Race Course and other locations in Saratoga Springs

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18

* Acting Happy puts in final work for Betfair TVG Alabama
* Blind Luck works at Del Mar for Betfair TVG Alabama
* Betfair TVG Alabama contender Connie and Michael breezes five furlongs
* Prospect of Betfair TVG Alabama victory with Tizahit a thrill for Saratoga-based Weaver
* Position Limit in good order after Adirondack win; Life At Ten on target for Grade 1 Personal Ensign
* Ebor Festival at York this week’s showpiece in British racing

* Devil May Care breezes for Betfair TVG Alabama, Pletcher keenly anticipating matchup with Blind Luck
* Havre de Grace works at Delaware Park, ships Monday for Alabama
* Connie and Michael to gallop up to Alabama
* Weaver looks to knock out of the park in Alabama with Tizahit
* Travers Watch: A Little Warm, Super Saver, First Dude, Afleet Express emerge from works in good order
* Admiral Alex to work Friday for Travers
* Zito trio to breeze this week
* Trappe Shot set for Saturday workout