Scaredy Cat Films Home Page

'Best Of' Cat Gallery Up
November 9TH, 2008

Tracy has been asking me to get a gallery of the best of our kitties up so she can look at them as a break from work, or whenever. Its a great idea, and I finally got around to doing it. Here's the best of cat gallery.


Tigger asleep Photographed: 02-04-2006 Camera: Canon SD700 IS	Monkey washing Photographed: 03-25-2006 Camera: Canon SD700 IS	Monkey in the sun again Photographed: 03-29-2006 Camera: Canon SD700 IS

Coincidence?
November 8TH, 2008

I was going through my cat photos recently and stumbled across this weird coincidence. Roll over the image of our cat Tigger below to see a very similar image of a mural that I took on Park Avenue 2 years ago. Eeerily similar... no?

Wind Farm
November 8TH, 2008

While heading out towards East Aurora, NY I happened to drive by what will become a new Wind Farm south of Darien Lake NY. It spans Rte 20A just west of where it meets up with Rte 77 South. There are around 20 of them right now, with more being installed. The farm is not functional yet, and it appears to be built on land that is used for agriculture. The wind turbines are pretty big, and it was neat to see them. My odometer rolled over to 180,000 miles right where I took the first few photographs. View the rest of the gallery of turbine images in my Photo Gallery Page.

Wind Turbine

Portugesemano'war Races Again
November 1ST, 2008

After a few more trips to Finger Lakes to watch PortugeseManO'War race, we have the third and fourth Portugesemano'war galleries. He finished 3rd on October 18th in a race that saw the Stewards uphold a rather large bump by the second place finisher. On the race Saturday November 1st, he finished 2nd after the 2nd place horse was disqualified for bumping. However the incident didn't seem quite as bad as the previous race. Go figure. Anyway, enjoy the racing galleries.


Portugesemano'war Photographed: 10-18-2008 Camera: Canon SD850IS	Portugesemano'war Photographed: 10-18-2008 Camera: Canon SD850IS	Portugesemano'war Photographed: 10-18-2008 Camera: Canon SD850IS


Portugesemano'war Photographed: 11-01-2008 Camera: Canon SD850IS	Portugesemano'war Photographed: 11-01-2008 Camera: Canon SD850IS	Portugesemano'war Photographed: 11-01-2008 Camera: Canon SD850IS

Saratoga Gallery
October 1ST, 2008

Finally got around to posting some more of my horse photos from this summer in Saratoga. Here are photos from the King's Bihop, Bernard Baruch, and a claiming race where the winner was Slambino at 88-1! View the gallery here. See if your favorite horse is pictured!


Thorn Song Photographed: 08-23-2008 Camera: Canon SD850IS	Visionaire Photographed: 08-23-2008 Camera: Canon SD850IS	Shakis Photographed: 08-23-2008 Camera: Canon SD850IS

Busy Summer
September 13TH, 2008

Its been a really busy summer, and its tough to get everything in order with all the trips and photos I've taken. And there are even more trips coming up for the fall! But I felt, it was time for an update, even if it is just a little one. Here's some photos I like that I took this summer:

Waterfall in the Woodlawn Trustees area on the Pennsylvania Delaware Border

Butterfly Close Up

Infrared Horses, Again on the Woodlawn Trustees Area in PA

Mantis and Thistle - So happy to see one, I haven't seen a Mantis in Years!

Travers Coverage
August 24TH, 2008

Well, we went out to the Travers this year and had a great time. I am pretty devastated that Harlem Rocker didn't win, but I have to tell myself that 4th place against those top horses is actually really good. I am working on going through all my photos from the weekend (All 270 of them). For now, here is a start of the Travers Gallery.


Harlem Rocker Photographed: 08-23-2008 Camera: Canon SD850IS	Harlem Rocker Photographed: 08-23-2008 Camera: Canon SD850IS	Mambo In Seattle Photographed: 08-23-2008 Camera: Canon SD850IS

Saratoga Trip 2008
August 24TH, 2008

We had a great trip out to Saratoga, I am trying to go through my pictures. For now, here is one of my favorite photos of Ginger Punch racing down the stretch against Lemon Drop Mom. Ginger Punch would go on to win by a nose in a photo finish. It was basically a dead heat. Ginger Punch is a five year old filly out of Awsome Again and owned by Adena Springs Racing Stables. She went on to win the $400,000 Personal Ensign Handicap on August 22nd, 2008. She also won the 2008 Go For Wand Handicap on July 26th 2008. View photos of Ginger Punch in my photo gallery.


Ginger Punch Photographed: 08-22-2008 Camera: Canon SD850IS	Ginger Punch Photographed: 08-22-2008 Camera: Canon SD850IS	Ginger Punch Photographed: 08-22-2008 Camera: Canon SD850IS

Ginger Punch races Lemon Drop Mom down the stretch!

Its On! Travers 2008!
August 21ST, 2008

The Travers Stakes is set to go, and we'll be there. There are 12 horses running, the largest field since 1990. Its looking like a great race. Entries are:

1. Tale of Ekati (KY), 126, Edgar S. Prado, 20/1
2. Colonel John (KY), 126, Garrett K. Gomez, 8/1
3. Da' Tara (KY), 126, Alan Garcia, 8/1
4. Tizbig (KY), 126, Cornelio H. Velasquez, 30/1
5. Macho Again (FL), 126, Julien R. Leparoux, 6/1
6. Cool Coal Man (KY), 126, John R. Velazquez, 15/1
7. Amped (KY), 126, Jorge F. Chavez, 30/1
8. Harlem Rocker (ON), 126, Eibar Coa, 4/1
9. Mambo in Seattle (KY), 126, Robby Albarado, 5/1
10. Tres Borrachos (KY), 126, Tyler Baze, 15/1
11. Pyro (KY), 126, Shaun Bridgmohan, 7/1
12. Court Vision (KY), 126, Kent J. Desormeaux, 12/1

For the record, my Friday morning picks are: Harlem Rocker to Win, followed by Pyro, with Macho Again, Mambo in Seattle, and Tale of Ekati rounding out the trifecta. Read race details here at bloodhorse.com.

Portugesemano'war Races Again
August 16TH, 2008

We headed out to the Finger Lakes to watch our friend Andy's horse race again this Saturday. He actually ended up going off as one of the favorites, but couldn't produce the big bucks. Portugesemano'war was stalking the leaders, but when he made his move on the front stretch, didn't quite have enough to catch up to the leaders. He was beaten out by a nose for 5th. View the race photos in the second Portugesemano'war gallery.


Warm Up Photographed: 08-16-2008 Camera: Canon SD850IS	Racing! Photographed: 08-16-2008 Camera: Canon SD850IS	Trying to Catch Up Photographed: 08-16-2008 Camera: Canon SD850IS

Travers News
August 16TH, 2008

Eibar Coa Signed Adena Hat The 2008 Travers field is taking shape, and it looks like there will be a field of around 11 or 12 horses this year. Its a welcome sight, as I have gotten a little tired of the smaller fields with one horse expected to win. I think this is a really great, deep field. pretty much any horse in the field can win this race. An update from ESPN had this to say of the expected field:

"...Entries will be made and post positions assigned for the Travers on Wednesday. As of Friday, the prospective 11-horse field, with riders, looks like Acai (Cornelio Velasquez), Cool Coal Man (Velazquez), Colonel John (Garrett Gomez), Da' Tara (Alan Garcia), Harlem Rocker (Eibar Coa), Macho Again (Julien Leparoux), Mambo in Seattle (Robby Albarado), Pyro (Shaun Bridgmohan), Tale of Ekati (Edgar Prado), Tres Borrachos (Tyler Baze), and You and I Forever (Kent Desormeaux)..."

Other possible entries include: Amped, Court Vision, Tiz Now Tiz Then, and the filly Music Note.

Rochester Twilight Criterium Photos
August 10TH, 2008

We went downtown to view the bike races today in the Rochester Twilight Criterium. It was actually pretty exciting, and then when the rain came it got even more exciting as the riders tried to race without crashing. It was a very neat event, and other than getting screwed by the city of rochester civic center parking garage to the tune of $6.25 for 2 hours of parking, I plan on returning for next years event. Enjoy the Rochester Twilight Criterium Photo Gallery.


Bike Racing Photographed: 08-09-2008 Camera: Canon S700IS	Bike Racing Photographed: 08-09-2008 Camera: Canon S700IS	Bike Racing Photographed: 08-09-2008 Camera: Canon S700IS

Bike Racing in Downtown Rochester - Photo Gallery

Mount Morris Photos
August 10TH, 2008

This is a photo history of the trip I took up Mount Morris in Tupper Lake New York. My trip was meant as an enjoyable hike to see the views, fire tower, and benchmark disks on top. Having little information about the mountain, and just my GPS and Topographic Map with me, I set off to climb to the summit. Enjoy my Mount Morris Photo Gallery.


View to Tupper Lake Photographed: 07-29-2008 Camera: Canon S700IS	The Fire Tower Photographed: 07-29-2008 Camera: Canon S700IS	Butterfly Photographed: 07-29-2008 Camera: Canon S700IS

Saratoga Opening Weekend Photos
August 9TH, 2008

Finally got around to photoshoping some of my 2008 Saratoga Opening Weekend Photos. I visited the track on Saturday July 26th for the Diana, The Alfred G. Vanderbilt, The Whitney, and The Go For Wand. It was a fun weekend, and I'd like to go again. Horse lovers, maybe your favorite horse is in my gallery. Enjoy Saratoga Photo Gallery.


Notional, Jockey Edgar Prado Photographed: 07-26-2008 Camera: Canon S700IS	Rising Moon, Jockey Cornelio Velasquez Photographed: 07-26-2008 Camera: Canon S700IS	Solar Flare, Jockey G Saez Photographed: 07-26-2008 Camera: Canon S700IS

Travers News
August 7TH, 2008

While Harlem Rocker still hasn't OFFICIALLY declared he will race the Travers, all signs are starting to point that way. Who will his competition be? Well, Harlem Rocker's Half Brother, Macho Again, won the Jim Dandy on August 2nd, and is expected to race the Travers. So hopefully we'll at least see the two half Brothers Face Off in a battle of the gray 3 year olds. Others expected to race include Da'Tara, Pyro, Anak Nakal, and Colonel John. While the field lacks a big name like Big Brown (overrated), I think the field is actually one of the most diverse and strongest in years. Hopefully Harlem Rocker isn't too favored, as I'd like to make some money when he wins $$$$.

Here is an article from the Saratoga Times Union discussing the 2008 Travers.

"...Hayward said the Travers will still have a good field despite the lack of star power. He pointed to last year's race, when an unknown horse named Grasshopper battled Street Sense deep into the stretch before giving way...."

"...Trainer Dallas Stewart will saddle Jim Dandy winner Macho Again in the Travers. He said he wouldn't have minded running against the Big Brown he saw in the Haskell..."

"...His probable competition will include Jim Dandy runner-up Pyro, the Nick Zito-trained duo of Anak Nakal and Belmont Stakes winner Da' Tara, trainer Todd Pletcher's Harlem Rocker, and Santa Anita Derby winner Colonel John..."

Grasshopper

Grasshopper, Finished 2nd in the 2007 Travers, and 4th in the 2008 Whitney

Panoramic Photo Gallery Updated
August 7TH, 2008

I've been taking quite a few trips this summer, and finally got around to updating some of the panoramic photos I've taken. There's 5 of them new to the gallery. This Photograph is about a 270 degree view from the shores of Lake Millinocket. Taken from the Camp of the Mayor of the Mountain, Hubert "Frenchy" Voisine. The Mountain in the distance at Left is Baxter Peak, or Katahdin. I hiked it over the course of 8 hours 2 days previously.

Go To the Panoramic Gallery

Things Of Interest!
July 23RD, 2008

Had a few interesting pictures to share with you today. First off, we purchased a few orchids for our house as anniversary presents. Our 5 year anniversary was July 18th, so we bought orchids. Four our 4 year anniversary we bought a share in the Adena Racing Venture 2, which has fostered our great love of Harlem Rocker. Here's a few photos of the orchids, very poor photos actually. I promise to post some better ones once we get some sunlight.

Orchid 1

Orchid 2

Things Of Interest 2...

We just had a huge rainstorm come through with flash flooding that blocked many streets in the city. We got over 1.3 inches of rain today in about an hour. When I got home from work I went outside to grill us some dinner, and 2 Blue Heron's landed on my next door neighbor's roof. They were huge. I happened to have my camera just inside the door, and snapped a few photos before they quickly flew away. They are quite big birds.

2 Great Blue Heron's on the Roof

Blue Heron, Click to Enlarge

Things Of Interest 3...

After dinner I decided to turn the TV to ESPN to see what was on. It was a Mets game, but since we are in NY, the Mets game was blacked out because we need to watch it on a local sports station. Fortunately our DirectTV receiver will try and search for the program on other channels. I expected it to find the game on MSG, but instead I got this...

Fun with DirectTV

Hmmm, Channel 9323 TEST?

Harlem Rocker Headed for the Travers?
July 18TH, 2008

Grumblings are afoot on the NTRA and picked up by ESPN today that Harlem Rocker could be headed for the Travers at Saratoga this August. The $1 Million Mid Summer Derby is one of the biggest races of the summer. Quotes from Pletcher:

"Harlem Rocker, who remained undefeated on dirt with his victory in the Prince of Wales Stakes last Sunday, could make his next start in the $1 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga, trainer Todd Pletcher said Thursday. "I would say it's a possibility; I haven't had a chance to speak with the Stronachs yet, but the spacing is good," Pletcher said..."

Do dreams come true? Being a pessimist, I would usually say no. But I've been dreaming of seeing Harlem Rocker in the Travers since he won his Maiden Race. We've got our tickets already, and man, the Travers is one hell of a fun party each summer as it is. I can't imagine how awesome it would be if we had a horse running in it... and he won. Keeping all my fingers crossed...

Articles:

Pletcher eyes Travers for Harlem Rocker - From NTRA

Pletcher eyes Travers for Harlem Rocker - And some more Pletcher Horse Updates from ESPN

Racing Blog with Travers Rumors - Timesunion.com Blog

Harlem Rocker Wins 2008 Prince of Wales Stakes
July 13TH, 2008

Today Tracy and I drove the short distance (1 hour) to Fort Erie Canada to witness the running of the Prince of Wales Stakes. Harlem Rocker, the horse we own a share of through Adena Racing Venture 2 and Horse Hats Racing Club was running in the $500,000 8th race. Morning Line Odds were 2-1 but he eventually went off as the 4-5 favorite. We made some bets and were highly confident of a win. Harlem Rocker did not disappoint, and won by a length over East End Tap. It was a great race, and a great day. View a bunch of the photos I took in our Harlem Rocker Prince of Wales Stakes Photo Gallery.


Harlem Rocker - 2008 Photographed: 07-13-08 Camera: Canon S700IS	Reaching for the Finish! Photographed: 07-13-08 Camera: Canon S700IS	Dusty and a Winner! Photographed: 07-13-08 Camera: Canon S700IS

Visit the Gallery for More Images!

Katahdin Hike Gallery
July 10TH, 2008

View a collection of my photos from my hike up Mt. Katahdin in Baxter State Park, Maine. The peak is 5,267 FT High. Photo Gallery.


View Back over Knife Edge Photographed: 07-02-08 Camera: Canon S700IS	Katahdin Summit from South Peak Photographed: 07-02-08 Camera: Canon S700IS	Snow and Alternate Appalacian Trail Photographed: 07-02-08 Camera: Canon S700IS

Harlem Rocker to Race in Prince of Wales Stakes
July 9TH, 2008

Harlem Rocker is set to run Sunday, July 13th in the Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie Racetrack. Located just over the Peace Bridge near Buffalo NY, this track hosts the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown. The race is 1 3/16 mile on a dirt oval. The total purse is $500,000. 8 Horses will partake in this years running.

Harlem Rocker drew post 4, and has morning line odds of 2-1. The favorite, Queens Plate Winner Not Bourbon drew post 7 and odds of 7-5. I think harlem Rocker has had some good workouts lately, and will do well. Looks like Eibar Coa is back up top. I am planning on making the trip to the track, as I only live about a 1.5 hours away.

Infrared Gallery 2
June 22ND, 2008

View a collection of my infrared photos in my second infrared gallery.


Pfrengle Property, Chili Photographed: 05-24-2008 Camera: Canon A400	Corbett's Glen, South Entrance Photographed: 06-15-2008 Camera: Canon A400	High Falls Entertainment Area Photographed: 06-21-2008 Camera: Canon A400

Urban Spelunking
June 21ST, 2008

Some may say that I did a very foolish thing, but I also did a very neat thing and took a trip to explore Rochester's old subway tunnels this weekend. There is a lot of history, graffiti, and neat things to see down there. I didn't come across any bums or druggies, but I did see a guy on a bike in the distance, he had no flashlight though, so he did not pursue me in the tunnels. Pictures and a description of my trip are in my photo gallery and portfolio page.


Subway Entrance near South Ave Photographed: 06-21-2008 Camera: Canon A400	Looking West under Broad Street Photographed: 06-21-2008 Camera: Canon A400	View of the old Aqueduct Under Broad St. Photographed: 06-21-2008 Camera: Canon A400

There are also a few neat panoramics in the panoramic gallery.

Broad Street Aqueduct

View images of the Broad Street Aqueduct in the Panoramic Gallery

More Rally Photos
June 17TH, 2008

Got some more of my Rally Photos posted. View them in my STPR 2008 Rally Photo Gallery.


STPR Rally 2008 Wellsboro PA Photographed: 06-06-08 Camera: Canon G6	Special Stage STPR 2008, Fairgrounds Photographed: 06-06-08 Camera: Canon G6	Stage 1, STPR 2008 Wellsboro PA Photographed: 06-07-08 Camera: Canon G6

Wii Would Like To Vote...
June 17TH, 2008

How are you doing at Wii Votes? Do you vote? Well, how tuned are you?

How Tuned Are You?

Another Winner in the Group
June 16TH, 2008

Fellow Hockey Player and friend Andy LaPietra has gotten into the horse ownership fun himself by purchasing 5% of a horse from Hibiscus Stables - Portugesemano'war. We joined him on a rainy Saturday to watch his debut race at the Fingerlakes. Portugesemano'war had raced before, but didn't seem to be performing at the higher level at Aqueduct. He was purchased by Hibiscus Stables and brought to the Fingerlakes to race. He did not disappoint as he battled head to head with Phone Charger right to the line to win! View some photos of the race here.

Portugesemano'war Battles Phone Charger

It was a neat race. Read all about it in an article from Hibiscus Stables. Tracy hit the win and the trifecta, while I got the exacta. Andy placed more significant bets and will also share some of the winnings. Link to Photo Gallery.

Past Performance 136KB PDF File

Race Results 13KB PDF File

For those of keeping track, Harlem Rocker had a poor polytrack outing in his Queen's Plate trial. I was wondering how often he worked the track, and If they had an idea he may not like the polytrack or not. With such low odds 1-5, I did not make a bet on him in the trial, and he disappointed, finishing 4th. The plan was to continue training and work towards the $1,000,000 Queen's Plate on June 22nd (Is that in Canadian or American $$$$?).

Things were looking up I felt when Harlem Rocker turned in a bullet workout Saturday.

I was eagerly looking forward to seeing him race next weekend, and had plans to make the trip up to Woodbine for a day of betting and racing. Then we got this update from Dave W:

"Although Harlem Rocker's workout yesterday at Woodine was fast, he still didn't like the track. He appeared uncomfortable on the surface and Adena feels that it will probably be in his best interest to skip the Queens Plate.

The plan now is for him to reunite with Pletcher at Belmont and start looking for a race at Saratoga."

Doh! Rats, I had hoped to see him this weekend. But even more disappointing, was that he had skipped the Preakness because it was felt his best route was the Queen's Plate. I think he could have given Big Brown (who I never liked anyway, and is obviously beatable) a run for his money.

BUT... I have said all along I'd love to see this horse race Saratoga, so maybe this is a blessing in disguise. The Jim Dandy is held at the end of July and the past 3 winners (Street Sense, Bernardini, and Flower Alley) have all gone on to race and win the Travers. I love Saratoga, and I would love to see Harlem Rocker win there... and take out Big Brown in August!

Last weekend, my father and I went down to Wellsboro PA to attend the 2008 Susquehanock Trail Performance Rally (STPR 2008). We had a really good time and saw some really neat cars and drivers. I am attempting to get some of the better images photoshopped and up for everyone to see. I also have some videos posted on YouTube. Here is a sampling...

Well, we all knew that Harlem Rocker was headed towards the Plate Trial on June 1st, but official confirmation never came until Forday afternoon. I was out of town this weekend, or else I would have made the trip up there, for what prmoised to be a easy race. I had hoped to make a heft y wager on this race, and make some nice scratch, but when I saw the past perfomrances the only horse in the same league as Harem Rocker was Not Bourbon. From what I saw, Harlem Rocker would go off at very poor (betting) odds. I was not surprised when morning line odds came out a 1/1 for Harlem Rocker. There was no money to be made here on what would obviously be a Harlem Rocker / Not Bourbon Exacta.

After I saw the morning line odds, I decided not to bet. I figured he would go off around 1/5 for 1/3, and what is the point of wagering $100 to win maybe $25? When you could easily lose that $100, as anything can happen in horse racing. If Harlem Rocker had worked out on the Polytrack, I may have felt more confident in betting. How would he behave on the poly track? Well, the answer may have been poorly.

I never saw the race (link anyone?) but from Dave W. "Harlem Rocker ran 4th today in the Plate Trial at Woodbine. He seemed to struggle on the surface and this may be a case of a horse not liking polytrack. He looked to be "swimming" a bit around the final turn and failed to launch into his usual stretch run."

More info from Dave W. about Harlem Rocker's Performance "I spoke with Adena today about Harlem Rocker and he seems to have come
out of the race OK. As of now, the plan is for HR to remain at Woodbine. They have not given up on the Queen's Plate as an immediate target and want HR to have a chance to train over the Woodbine surface before making a final decision about his ability to handle that kind of track.

Coa said this after the race: "He kind of made a move and realized it wasn't his game and he decided not to run. He never made me feel that he was handling it at the beginning of the race, I wasn't worried about it. But he never picked up the bit."

Coa told Adena that the distance was not the problem, and that HR was not really acting like himself prior to the race either. He did not load easily, and never really got into the bit at all during the race. I'm sure we will get some updates on his training over the next week or so and will let you know how he is doing."

Well, I don't know what to think now. It would be easy to say, well the horse didn;t like the poly, but how do we bet him at the Queen's Plate now? Which horse will show up? I plan on trying to make the trip our for the Queen's Plate this month. I can't wait to get some photos of this fine horse. I hope he can rebound.

Why did I miss the Queen's Plate Trial of Harlem Rocker? Well, because the wife and I journeyed down to Baltimore Maryland for the Orioles game vs. the Boston Red Sox, where we saw none other than Manny Ramirez hit his 500th homerun! What a great moment. It was so fast, and the Orioles wouldn;t show a replay, so I have to go to ESPN to watch it again. It was awesome. So many Red Sox fans. A great milestone, only 24 other players in MLB history have reached this point.

So just 1 more to our list of great sporting events that we have attended, which include:

Where are the rest of the stories? Well, they are in the archives page. See the bottom section of the Menu at right. Periodically, the older stories on ScaredyCatFilms will be moved to the archive section. This move has been a long time coming, as the main page was quite filled with all the excitement of Harlem Rocker's Racing Debut.