Morning Call, NYCB, Northshire author events saved
PLUS: A pro's take on Opening Saturday at the track
You are reading a sneak peek version of the Dispatch: Daily News in the Spa City.
Track and SPAC seasons are in full swing! Happy Saturday.
It takes all kinds, and you can bet on that
Yesterday was a dream of a track day — exciting races, a tear-jerker personal story in the winner’s circle I’ll share on Monday, stunning weather, great crowds.
Betting, however — true strategic and researched betting, not your kids’ birthdays or a cute name — is a wild subset I know little about. Which is why I’ve found the reports of handicapper Mark “The Gambler” DiBello fascinating. For Opening Day, he gave out three races including one winner, which paid 4-1. He was disappointed but explained why “risky,” seemingly head-scratching moves is his play. “I had a lousy day yesterday,” he told me. “But if you played my three picks — two losers and one winner at 4-1 — that's a profit.”
DiBello looks forward to getting more fine-tuned as the season moves on. “Never bet the favorites,” is a motto he swears by. “The favorite wins only 30% of the time — less in Saratoga — and pays, on average, even money…so during a 10-race card, you are assured of losing seven races, or a net loss of $4 on $10,” he says. “Play for between 2-1 and 9-1, with the occasional and predictable long-shot or bomb, and rest assured you will be virtually guaranteed to profit, day-to-day, week-to-week, and meet-to-meet, over decades at America's greatest place to race...Saratogy!”
The handicapper addressed Opening Saturday — today — in particular. “It has always been one of the most profitable days of the meet because all the ‘fish’ or ‘rookies’ show up and show out,” he says. “On average, favorites win at a clip of three in 10 races; however, we predict, there will only be one or two today.” He estimates that 90% of the media, and 90% of the public, are wrong 90% of the time. “One of the most profitable choices in horse racing or even futures betting in sports is to take the third choice in the odds,” he says. “A lot of people, deep down would rather lose and be comforted knowing others lost with them, than stand alone and be winners.”
How Northshire author events have been saved
Walking past Northshire Bookstore this week as sad children tried in vain to open its doors was devastating — and I’m sure an experience so many of us had. But while the treasured book and gift shop remains closed due to heartbreaking water damage, they have announced the next storybook-worthy chapter to help get us through. Scheduled author events — including the fabulous Clémence Michallon, whom I saw speak in the Hamptons this spring — will go on. The highly entertaining, rising star thriller writer will now take the mic Thursday, July 17 at 6 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Other events that have moved from Northshire to the library are the 250 Commission and Anne Clothier, July 19 at 2 p.m.; Jacqueline Boulden (Lies Lost and Found), July 23 at 6 p.m.; and Rep. Chris Gibson (The Spirit of Philadelphia) July 31 at 6 p.m. A sit-down with author J.R. Ward is happening today at 2 p.m. at the City Center. “We cannot wait to welcome you back [soon],” wrote the store in an update emailed to customers. We can’t wait either!
What to do tonight (or maybe today)
Story ballets such as Coppélia — New York City Ballet’s final SPAC performance is today at 2 p.m. — always make for an enjoyable evening. Opening night, Wednesday, was a real treat. Opera Saratoga president Steve Rosenblum held court on the lawn, renowned writer Pam Abrams was spotted, and I bumped into the lovely fellow performing arts stan Jessica Bauder no less than three times. The large children’s corps de ballet is the heart of this show, and there is an indescribable joy to that. But while that’s special in its own right, I do admit that I missed the wow factor moments of a professional corps lining the stage. The variations, of course, were flawless.
The company’s modern program debuted yesterday afternoon and will finish the 2025 residency with a bang this evening. Come; you can book online or walk-ins are welcome. “Robbins, Balanchine & Peck” promises to be a spectacular night. I’m most looking forward to Justin Peck’s new “Mystic Familiar,” in the vein of “Times are Racing,” last year’s hit sneaker ballet. Peck (again) took home the choreo Tony this year, for the vibrant Buena Vista Social Club. It’s very special that we get to see his ballet works performed on the SPAC stage — take advantage.
The Morning Call, Second Cup edition
We run down the day’s top local news every weekday, and now, we’re adding a Saturday Edition to complement this “Second Cup” email. Enjoy!
West Avenue Pizza helps the hungry
West Avenue Pizza owner Mario Cardenas made a special delivery of fried chicken to the Saratoga Springs school district’s food truck at the city’s recreation center. It was part of the free summer meals program, the Daily Gazette says.
Wilton development wins tax breaks
The mixed-use medical office and apartment building at 631 Maple Ave. in Wilton has won a mortgage, the Albany Business Review is reporting. The $52 million project, Maple Commons, secured about $3 million in mortgage, sales and property tax breaks from the Saratoga County Industrial Development Authority.
A.I.-generated video is attack ad at Stefanik
Democrat Blake Gendebien is running for the House of Representatives in the deep red North Country (NY-21), and he is trying something no one else has: a music video ad that pokes fun of Elise Stefanik who may or may not run for governor, while ignoring the people up here, the ad says. The Times-Union has the story.
The best of the Dispatch this week!
The editors and writers of the Dispatch write three to five stories a day — a day! — about Saratoga Springs. Here’s a sample from the week that was (features on top, news below).
