Hollywood and Horsepower Show, April 2, 2026

Hollywood and Horsepower Show with Mark Otto Guest, Anthony Stabile, aka: Big A Hollywood and Horsepower: Saratoga Traditions, New York Eats, and the Future of the Track Hollywood & Horsepower: The Big A Special Anthony Stabile on Saratoga traditions, New York culinary "laws," and the racing industry's pivot. Interview Abstract The Guest Legend 🎙️ Anthony "Big A" Sabile Handicapper, Broadcaster & NYC Native "Saratoga isn't just a track; it's a pilgrimage. A place where a bank president sits next to a mailman, and the racing is almost secondary to the tradition." Key Discussion Points •The Saratoga Shift: Moving from 15 years of prior engagements to hosting the Kentucky Derby 152 party at Saratoga National Golf Club. •Industry Crisis: The shutdown of FanDuel TV (2027) and the struggle to convert "phone bettors" into lifelong fans. •New Media: Launch of the "That's Life" podcast and the return of "The Big Time with the Big A." The "Big A" NYC Food Laws 1. The Slice Shop#1 RULE 2. BEC with SPKOn a Bagel 3. Dirty Water DogStreet Vendor Only *Strictly forbidden: Olive Garden, Applebee's, or any chain while traveling. The "Big A" Top Picks King Umberto Caffe On Park Da Vinci's Verona Pizza Shocking Stat $1.2 Billion Bet on Ping Pong in the US (2024) #Saratoga#NYCFood#HorseRacing Estimated Reading Time: 12 mins Introduction In this special episode, host Mark Otto sits down with horse racing legend and broadcaster Anthony "Big A" Stabile. The two discuss Anthony’s upcoming Kentucky Derby event at Saratoga, a comprehensive "insider's guide" to New York’s authentic culinary scene, and the evolving challenges facing the horse racing industry in the age of digital sports betting. Detailed Summary The Saratoga Pilgrimage and Derby 152 Anthony Stabile reveals a change in his annual tradition, announcing he will host a major Kentucky Derby party at the Saratoga National Golf Club this year. Describing Saratoga Springs as the premier horse town outside of Kentucky, the duo reflects on why the track represents more than just racing—it is an annual "pilgrimage" where traditions are passed down through generations. They emphasize that for many, the social atmosphere, the backyard picnicking, and the shared family history are just as vital as the Grade 1 races themselves. 🏇 The Saratoga Experience The Venue: Saratoga National Golf Club (less than 3 miles from the track). The Draw: A "pilgrimage" for families, bank presidents, and mailmen alike. The Food: Famous for the "Filet Mignon Tempura Roll" and world-class trackside poutine and lobster rolls. The "Big A" New York Food Manifesto A significant portion of the dialogue serves as a masterclass in authentic New York dining. Anthony provides a strict "Foodie Protocol" for visitors, warning against commercial chains in favor of local staples. His recommendations span from the "BECSPK" (Bacon, Egg, and Cheese with Salt, Pepper, and Ketchup) on a Queens bagel to the legendary Sicilian slices at Da Vinci’s in Brooklyn. He also defends the Italian-American heritage, criticizing social media "hype jobs" and establishments that caricature the culture rather than letting the quality of the food speak for itself. New Media Ventures: "That’s Life" Anthony discusses his recent health struggles and his subsequent pivot toward new content. He is launching a new podcast titled "That’s Life" with a co-host named Tara, focusing on positive messages and general life discussions rather than strictly sports. Additionally, he plans to revive his YouTube show, "The Big Time with the Big A," citing a need for a creative outlet that moves beyond the "talking head" sports betting format. 🍕 Big A’s "Must-Eat" Hierarchy The Slice: Da Vinci’s (Bensonhurst) for the best Sicilian on the planet. The Breakfast: BECSPK on a bagel (All American Bagel Barista, Queens). The Street Food: A "Dirty Water Dog" from a blue-and-yellow Sabrett’s cart. The Sit-Down: King Umberto’s (Elmont) for Fried Capellini and Potato Croquettes. Industry Outlook: A Sport at a Crossroads The conversation turns somber regarding the future of horse racing. Anthony expresses deep concern over the announced shutdown of FanDuel TV by 2027 and the industry's failure to capture the "entertainment dollar" from younger generations. Mark suggests that racetracks must stop selling "betting" and start selling "destinations"—integrating racing into a broader package of tourism, high-end dining, and social experiences to survive the competition from legal sports wagering and even niche markets like ping pong. Key Data Kentucky Derby 152: The upcoming milestone event discussed as the focus for the Saratoga party. $1,000: The ticket price for the exclusive Saratoga National Derby party. $1.2 Billion: The staggering amount bet on ping pong in the U.S. in 2024, used as a contrast to horse racing's marketing failures. 2027: The year FanDuel TV is slated to cease operations. To-Do / Next Steps Mark Otto will share the specific ticket and attendance details for the Saratoga National party with his listeners once they are finalized. Anthony Stabile is scheduled to record the pilot for his new podcast, That’s Life, next week. Anthony and Mark plan to visit Caffe On Park in Rockville Centre together to meet the owner, Lara, and sample the gelato. Anthony will relaunch The Big Time with the Big A on YouTube shortly following the pilot of his other new show. Conclusion This episode highlights the intersection of sports tradition and cultural authenticity. While the horse racing industry faces an uncertain structural future, the passion for its heritage—and the food that accompanies it—remains a powerful draw for "lifers" like Stabile and Otto. As Anthony prepares to launch his new media ventures, his message is clear: whether it's a horse race or a pizza slice, authenticity is the only thing that lasts. Guest, Anthony Stabile, aka: Big A