Track and SPAC seasons are in full swing! Happy Saturday.

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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.”

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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!

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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).

FEATURES

NEWS

Happy holiday weekend!

What I’m scrolling…TikTok ballet challenge (in honor of NYCB at SPAC)

In honor of New York City Ballet’s arrival in Saratoga for its yearly residency at SPAC — its performances of the classical ballet Coppélia and a “Robbins, Balanchine & Peck” modern program run Tuesday through Saturday — I thought I’d share the current hot TikTok Challenge. Because, as you might have deduced, it involves ballet.

Enter Kitri.

The female lead in Don Quixote is a coveted role around the world, but on TikTok, any ballerina can put her spin on it — mainly, her famous arabesque balance that begins her Act III variation.

@bekburkeObviously had to jump on the Kitri challenge trend 🩰 don’t come for me about my hip placement pls, I’m balancing on freakin’ bottle 😂 #ballettok #balletdancer #pointe #ballerina #enpointe #balletchallenge #spitzentanzschuhe #circus #bottlewalking #enpointebottlewalking

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Wearing jeans shorts and a cotton tee, former dancer Cassidee Edmunds did a pretty mean one as she quipped, “Proving to myself that I can still hold an arabesque balance after having 4 babies.” Professional dancer Bekah Burke (above) did hers while standing on pointe on a glass bottle. (“Don’t come for me about my hip placement [please], I’m balancing on freakin’ bottle.”) Purchase Conservatory’s Samantha Grey followed hers with a “Part 2” on a NYC city street, where she went down into a full penché (vertical split). There’s a ballerina in a bikini on a beach, a professional male dancer in pointe shoes admitting it’s harder than it looks, a dancer using a Diet Coke bottle instead of Kitri’s famous fan, and of course ballet dancers around the world sharing all kinds of moves and rejoicing — like I am — about ballet’s reaching the masses.

I’ll be at SPAC Wednesday and Saturday nights — see you there?

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What I’m doing: July 4th Racing Festival

When I was looking at dates for my mom and aunt to visit me, I was thrilled that July 4 was an option — they had never been to the track, and not only was Saratoga Race Course set to host a special July 4th Racing Festival, but it promised to be chill enough that I knew they’d have a great time. We headed over on Thursday, and it was glorious. After the National Anthem, we headed upstairs to try a “Dollar Dog” at Carnegie Deli (delicious, and the modest line moved quickly — just don’t expect a smile from the surly cashier who seemed to be bracing herself for a long day). The crowds were thick enough to make it exciting, but not too bad that we couldn’t easily save a spot at the rail for an exciting Race 1 (with the starting gates and pre-race activity in prime position just feet from spectators). We were at the paddock when Jena Antonucci’s horse Whatintheliteral took a scary tumble and scratched — and relieved when it was later announced that the filly was not only ok but thriving and as “spicy as ever.” Prime picnic tables were full, but there were plenty at the outer rim for when we wanted to sit. And on the way out? The Post was as lively as ever, but no line at Shake Shack.

We’re staring down indefinite rain in the forecast starting Monday — if you’re even considering the track, go. Today and tomorrow promise to be beautiful.

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What I’m streaming: The Bear Season 4

Sometimes one simply needs a break from the Saratoga Summer hoopla. That’s why we thank Hulu for delivering the new season of The Bear in time for track and SPAC seasons. This groundbreaking hit (at 21 Emmy wins, it beats out any other show this decade) has grown and changed season to season, and Season 4 does more of the same — down to the payoff at the end. The common thread, of course: the heart-thumping stress of running a five-star restaurant on a shoestring while dealing with (or not dealing with) sadness and grief. The fourth season picks up the dreamy, almost avant garde style of Season 3. Save the last two eps to watch together — there are some serious emotional and narrative conclusions in the penultimate episode, as well as some amazing one-liners. It was just announced that Season 5 is happening, so watch the fourth season’s finale with that in mind. For me, it clicked.

Related Links!

New dad Tyler Gaffalione is back, but will he make July 4 fest?

History comes alive for July 4 track celebration

Red, white and raceday