Spotting a baby from regal bloodlines is like getting a sneak peek at the new model Ferrari. I'm all for Cinderella stories, but with thousands of yearlings, the best way to find future stakes winners early is to track the offspring of blue hen mares. As a My Flag fan, a note had been taped to my computer monitor since last winter: "My Flag's baby: Storm Flag Flying (f)." Attending a few Saratoga mornings, I always watch for well-bred horses. I was trackside awake and alert at the right time on Aug. 10.

A flight of Shug McGaughey-trained horses wearing black saddlecloths with a red 'OP' showed up, rare on Saratoga's main track because the Phipps barns are on the far side of the Oklahoma training track across the street. After jogging a lap, the formation walked to the gate, broke, and breezed down the backstretch and around the far turn, easing up in the stretch. I had made my way up the rail for a closer look. Clockers were talking over the radios. They didn't recognize the Phipps horses and the "work" seemed unexpected.

As two of the horses paused at the chute back to the paddock, a track worker asked their names. Leaving the track the nearest rider answered, "This is Alchemist and that's (mumble mumble)." Clear as day for the first name but barely audible for the second. She politely but firmly asked again, and the remaining rider quietly said, "Storm Flag Flying," as they briskly departed up the chute. It's not like the Phipps stable planned a betting coup, but it was obvious they were playing it low key. The Daily Racing Form would post an unremarkable time of :49 2/5 for the half-mile work, giving no clue the 2-year-old filly could exercise for over a mile, then break from the gate and motor effortlessly for three-quarters of a lap and return nonchalantly for breakfast.

One week later, Storm Flag Flying made a much talked about winning debut full of pre-race antics and a few flighty dance steps through the stretch. Seeing my "discovery" triumph left me jubilant, and that was only the beginning. Four weeks later, a playful romp in a grade I, the Matron. A professional performance in the Frizette (gr. I) followed, and finally a show-stopping resurgence at Arlington to win the Long John Silver's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I).

Following favorite racehorses in their breeding careers gives fans the chance to identify superstar offspring early. Horse racing is one of the few sports where you can often meet your sports heroes even after retirement.

I met Tiznow a few weeks ago while visiting Kentucky, thanks to WinStar Farm, as well as Skip Away at Hopewell Farm. Some years ago, Lane's End happily fulfilled my personal sports fantasy--meeting Alysheba. The same opportunity doesn't exist for top athletes in other major sports. I could probably watch Tiger Woods play a tournament, but not shake his hand after the round.

It's that personal feeling and connection horse racing offers its fans that sets it apart as the greatest game in existence. I was a fan of Storm Flag Flying before most people even knew who she was. Following a phenom from a top outfit like the Phipps stable might not be picking a one-in-a-million-dream-come-true. But as one of her earliest fans, I could watch her preparations, bet on her, and share in the thrill of winning.

There's a new note on my monitor now: "My Flag's baby, Leading the Parade (A.P. Indy colt)."

I hope we meet at Saratoga next summer.