Marylou Whitney was the gracious hostess of her traditional opening day luncheon in the far end of the Carousel Restaurant at Saratoga Race Course. You can bet the rain didn't keep away those invited to the buffet -- horse owners and trainers, politicians past and present and friends of Whitney. Jeannette Jordan will undoubtedly fill you in on the details in her column in Tuesday's Saratogian.

My betting strategy this season is to follow the Pink Sheet's Bill Taylor. I was only there for two races, so I'm 1-2 with his wins -- although it's not fair to hold the handicappers to their picks when the rain messes up the races.