Happy Birthday Papa Lou!

- Ghostzapper starts the defense of his Horse of the Year crown in the Met Mile on Monday at Belmont. Frankel has mapped out a campaign that could include the Suburban (July 2), the Whitney (Aug. 6), and the Woodward (Sept. 10) before returning in the Breeders' Cup Classic on Oct. 29. [DRF] He’s really playing the part of the champ here, taking full advantage of his role of incumbent. If you want to knock off the champ you’ll have to do it on his terms and at his home track. Remember, the Breeders Cup is at Belmont this year, so all his races but the Whitney will be there at the one turn distances. He could certainly have his hands full with Forest Danger Monday, but a second to him would have little long term consequence for his title chance.

And how long before Horse of the Year becomes a sponsored title - like the Toyota Horse of the Year, or the Wachovia Horse of the Year? The Horse of the Year Powered By Dodge?

- Afleet Alex and Giacomo both jogged. Greeley’s Galaxy will be kept in light training before a decision is reached on his next start, Stute said. One consideration is the $400,000 Swaps Stakes at 1 1/8 miles here on July 9. [DRF]

- On a personal note, my family gathered at a restaurant in Manhattan to celebrate my grandfather's birthday. He turned 102 on Tuesday. It was my dad’s birthday too, but he tends to get overlooked, even on his 75th. Here’s the birthday boy, Papa Lou, with my mom.



P.S. His big sister couldn’t make it.